"Ted Shoemaker" wrote in message
om...
Hello,

For all of the following you may safely assume that I
DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING!!!
Feel free to use very basic terms.

I have a bloodleaf, potted outdoors. It looks a lot like the picture
at
http://www.calpoly.edu/~envhort/OH324/iresine.htm

It is beginning to turn yellow in some leaves. Why?

Here's the confusing part:
People tell me that the problem is:
* too much water
* too little water
* too much fertilizer
* too little fertilizer
* it's an annual and it's going to die, regardless.
* it's a perennial and can live if I bring it indoors.

Obviously, I've gotten advice from people who don't know the answers.

I live in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. So far the weather has been
cooling but it's been safely above freezing.

Of course, if you could look at the plant, you could tell me with
better certainty. But what's your guess?

All reasonable suggestions will be appreciated.

Ted Shoemaker

It's probably Iresine lindenii, a tender (subtropical) perennial grown as an
annual. Will not tolerate freezing temperatures, but you can bring it in and
grow it as a houseplant over winter, much like you can coleus. Very easy to
grow from cuttings.

Both too much water and too little water can produce similar symptoms, but
yellowing or dropping of lower leaves is generally associated with
overwatering. During the growing season, it would appreciate monthly
fertiizing with a dilute liquid fertilizer, but I'd cut back on any
fertilizing now and if you bring it indoors to overwinter, water only when
the soil appears dry.

pam - gardengal