Ashanti Blood Plant Care

Ashanti Blood (Mussaenda erythrophylla) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Mussaenda genus. Ashanti Blood is also known as Red Mussaenda, Tropical Mussaenda.

Ashanti Blood displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Ashanti Blood produces showy, colorful bracts surrounding small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ashanti Blood every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Ashanti Blood thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Ashanti Blood in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Mussaenda erythrophylla tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Ashanti Blood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Ashanti Blood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ashanti Blood every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ashanti Blood is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Ashanti Blood can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Ashanti Blood while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Ashanti Blood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ashanti Blood can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tropical dogwood plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Ashanti Blood is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Ashanti Blood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Ashanti Blood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.