How to Grow Red Peacock

iNaturalist

Red Peacock

Iresine herbstii

flower

Red Peacock is a tropical foliage plant prized for its striking deep red to burgundy heart-shaped leaves with contrasting lighter veins. It is a tender perennial typically grown as a houseplant or annual in cooler climates, valued more for ornamental foliage than flowers. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers but is grown primarily for the vivid coloring of its leaves.

When should you plant Red Peacock in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Red Peacock timeline →

Example Red Peacock timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Red Peacock
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Red Peacock blooms
Around May 17

≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Peacock dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade but colors intensify with 4-6 hours of bright light daily. Avoid harsh direct afternoon sun indoors.

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter. High humidity is beneficial.

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 30-45 days to reach ornamental size

🌱

Planting depth: Do not cover seeds; press gently into soil surface for light germination. Transplants should be planted at same depth as growing container.

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or sand for drainage Compost

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Best outdoors in zones 10b-11; grown as a houseplant or annual in cooler zones

10b 11

Get my Red Peacock timeline →

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small emerging plants with pale leaves beginning to develop true leaf shape

Maintain high humidity and warm temperatures (70-75°F). Provide bright indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

Vegetative Growth

3-6 weeks

Rapid leaf development with colors deepening from green to burgundy-red; plant grows taller and bushier

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Maintain consistently moist soil. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Ensure bright light for color development.

Established Plant

Ongoing (months to years indoors)

Mature foliage at full color intensity with dense branching and characteristic red heart-shaped leaves with prominent veining

Continue regular pinching to maintain compact shape. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growing season. Rotate for even light exposure.

Flowering

Variable throughout growing season

Small, insignificant pale flowers appear on delicate spikes; foliage remains the main attraction

Flowers can be removed to redirect energy to foliage development. Not typically a focus of cultivation. Continue standard care.

Decline/Dormancy

2-4 months in winter

Plant slows growth in winter with reduced leaf color intensity and leaf drop possible

Reduce watering frequency but maintain humidity. Provide cooler temperatures (60-65°F) if possible. Reduce fertilizing. Prune back in early spring before new growth.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Caladiums Coleus Begonias Impatiens Ferns Creeping Fig Polka Dot Plant

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring very dry conditions Succulents Mediterranean herbs

Common Pests

Increase humidity, mist leaves regularly, spray with water or insecticidal soap if infestation occurs
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, or neem oil for severe infestations
Scrape off manually, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap

Uses

🏠

Interior Décor & Houseplant

Household

The brilliant red foliage makes it a striking ornamental houseplant for brightening indoor spaces. Used in living rooms, offices, and decorative containers to add vibrant color year-round. [source]

🎨

Floral Arrangements & Design

Craft

Red Peacock foliage is used by florists and designers in cut arrangements and living displays for its dramatic color contrast. The distinctive leaves add texture and visual interest to mixed plantings. [source]

🏠

Container Gardening

Household

Ideal for tropical-style container gardens, hanging baskets, and combination planters where height and foliage color are desired. Works well in mixed containers with complementary plants. [source]

🦋

Hummingbird & Pollinator Garden

Wildlife

While grown primarily for foliage, the flowers attract hummingbirds and small insects. Provides food sources and ornamental interest in tropical or warm-climate gardens. [source]

Harvest Tips

Red Peacock is not harvested for crop but is pruned for shape and appearance. Pinch off growing tips regularly to encourage bushiness and maintain compact form. Remove any damaged or discolored leaves. Can be propagated by cuttings (4-6 inches long) placed in water or moist soil.

Fun Facts

🌱 Red Peacock is native to South America and thrives in warm, humid tropical conditions, making it perfect for bathrooms with bright windows.
🌱 The plant's vibrant red color intensifies with exposure to bright light; lower light conditions will produce duller, more greenish foliage.
🌱 Red Peacock is easy to propagate from cuttings—simply place a 4-6 inch stem cutting in water and roots will develop in 1-2 weeks, making it simple to share with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Partial Shade Perennial Pinch Back

Shop Red Peacock plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Red Peacock planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Red Peacock seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Red Peacock timeline →