Grower Facts

Iresine Purple Lady
(Iresine herbstii)

Germination
Cover the seed lightly with coarse vermiculite. Temperature: 72 to 76°F (22 to 24°C). Light is beneficial to accelerating germination.

Plug Production
Media:Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.3 and a medium initial nutrient charge (EC 0.75 mmhos/cm with a 1:2 extraction).
Sowing: Cover the seed lightly with coarse vermiculite.
Temperature
Germination: 72 to 76°F (22 to 24°C)
Cotyledon stage: 65 to 72°F (18 to 22°C)
True leaves: 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C)
Hold plugs: 62 to 65°F (16 to 18°C)

Light
Stage one: Light is beneficial to accelerating germination.
After germination: 1,000 to 2,500 f.c. (10,000 to 30,000 Lux).
Seedling maturity: Up to 5,000 f.c. (54,000 Lux) if temperature can be controlled.
Humidity: Maintain 95% relative humidity until cotyledons emerge.
Soil Moisture: Keep soil moisture high until radicle emergence, then reduce moisture levels after the radicle penetrates the medium. Do not allow the seedlings to wilt.
Fertilizer: At radicle emergence, apply 50 to 75 ppm N from 15-0-15. As cotyledons expand, increase to 100 to 150 ppm N.
Growth Regulators: Not needed.

Growing On to Finish
Media: Use a well-drained, disease-free, soilless medium with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and a medium initial nutrient charge.
Temperature:Nights: 62 to 65°F (16 to 18°C), Days: 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C)
Light: Lower light levels result in bronze-green foliage. Higher light levels result in deeper purple foliage, but may also result in puckered foliage.
Irrigation: Allow plants to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizer: Feed once a week with 150 to 200 ppm N in a complete fertilizer. Heavier feed will result in a fastgrowing plant. Red foliage is a sign that the plants are underfed.
Growth Regulators: Growth regulators are generally not needed. If necessary, withhold fertilizer, especially ammoniumform nitrogen to control stem elongation. Water management can also be used to provide some control.
Pinching: Pinching is not needed.

Common Problems
Insects: Watch for aphids.
Diseases: No serious problems.

Green Thumb Tips
Grow in full sun to part shade. Higher light results in deeper purple foliage, while deeper shade results in greener foliage, larger leaves and more upright growth habit. Use as a cascading plant in mixed containers.