Photo: Sula VanderplankCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Redwing Plant Care
Harfordia macroptera (Benth.) Parry
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Harfordia macroptera, commonly known as Redwing, is a striking plant known for its vibrant red and green foliage. Originating from tropical regions, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique leaf shape and eye-catching colors. It thrives in humid environments with bright indirect light.
Every 7–10 days
Partial to full sun
65–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Redwing?
Water Redwing every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Redwing Native To?
What Is the Redwing?
Redwing (Harfordia macroptera) belongs to the Polygonaceae family within the Harfordia genus. Redwing is native to the Baja California Peninsula. Redwing is also known as Redbird.
Redwing displays a spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Redwing produces small clusters of tiny white or pink flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Redwing?
Harfordia macroptera requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Redwing Need?
Redwing thrives in partial to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Redwing Prefer?
Harfordia macroptera grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Redwing prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Redwing?
Loamy, well-draining soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Redwing to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Redwing?
Feed Redwing every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Redwing?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Redwing?
Redwing can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps, stem cuttings.
Is the Redwing Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Redwing, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Redwing?
Redwing is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Redwing Need?
Redwing grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Redwing is native to the Baja California Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Redwing as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Redwing is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Harfordia genus — compare its care with other Harfordia species on PlantoScan.
Harfordia is part of the Polygonaceae plant family — browse all Polygonaceae genera and species.
Redwing thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Harfordia macroptera (Benth.) Parry, family Polygonaceae (first published in Proc. Davenport Acad. Nat. Sci. v. 27. 1886 [27 Jul 1886]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Redwing, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sula Vanderplank, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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