How to Grow Ace of Hearts
Wikimedia Commons
Ace of Hearts
Iresine herbstii 'Ace of Hearts'
flowerAce of Hearts is a striking ornamental foliage plant prized for its deep burgundy to crimson heart-shaped leaves with contrasting bright red or pink veining. This compact cultivar is primarily grown as a houseplant or tender annual for vibrant color in containers and garden beds. It thrives in warm conditions and adds dramatic visual interest through foliage rather than flowers.
When should you plant Ace of Hearts in your zone?
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Example Ace of Hearts timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ace of Hearts
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Ace of Hearts blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ace of Hearts dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives outdoors year-round in zones 10b-11; grown as annual or houseplant in cooler zones
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Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with pale green first leaves; very delicate and require consistent moisture and warmth
Keep soil moist, maintain temperature around 70-75°F, provide bright indirect light, use a humidity dome if available, thin seedlings to prevent damping off
Early Growth
2-3 weeksTrue leaves develop and plant begins establishing a bushy form; leaf color gradually deepens from green to burgundy
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F), provide bright light to encourage color development, pinch tips regularly to promote bushiness, begin gentle fertilizing
Color Development
3-4 weeksDistinctive heart-shaped leaves fully form with rich burgundy coloring and prominent red veining; plant reaches compact mounding habit
Increase light exposure to intensify color, continue pinching tips for dense growth, fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced or slightly high-nitrogen fertilizer, maintain consistent moisture
Mature Foliage
Ongoing (several months to years indoors)Plant reaches full size with dense foliage displaying deep crimson coloring and vibrant veining throughout; may produce small insignificant flowers
Pinch tips occasionally to maintain shape, deadhead any flowers to focus energy on foliage, maintain humidity around 50-60%, fertilize monthly, monitor for pests
Propagation Ready
Ongoing opportunityMature plant produces woody stems suitable for propagation; cuttings root readily in water or moist soil
Take 3-4 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, place in water or moist propagation medium, maintain warmth and humidity until roots develop (2-3 weeks)
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water mist regularly, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation occurs
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol, isolate plant, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce ladybugs if outdoors
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, increase air circulation
Uses
Container and houseplant display
HouseholdAce of Hearts is excellent for adding bold color to interior spaces and container arrangements. Its vibrant foliage provides year-round visual interest indoors when grown as a houseplant with proper light and humidity. [source]
Ornamental garden design
CraftWidely used in decorative garden beds, mixed containers, and tropical-style landscaping to create dramatic color contrasts. Perfect for borders, centerpiece plantings, and themed garden designs. [source]
Interior decoration and arrangements
HouseholdThe striking heart-shaped leaves make Ace of Hearts a popular choice for floral arrangements and decorative foliage displays. Stems can be cut for use in bouquets and artistic compositions. [source]
Shade garden accent plant
CraftWhile preferring bright light, Ace of Hearts tolerates partial shade better than many foliage plants, making it useful for adding color to partially shaded areas and tropical garden schemes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Ace of Hearts is grown for foliage display rather than harvest. Pinch or trim stems regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Propagate by taking 3-4 inch cuttings from healthy stems during growing season; root in water or moist soil for new plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ace of Hearts is part of the Iresine genus, whose name comes from the Greek word 'iresinē' meaning 'woolen thread,' referencing the distinctive vein patterns on the leaves.
- 🌱 The plant's common name 'Ace of Hearts' refers to its distinctive heart-shaped leaves that resemble the suit symbol on playing cards, making it a favorite for themed or decorative plantings.
- 🌱 Ace of Hearts is exceptionally easy to propagate—cuttings placed in a glass of water will develop roots in as little as 1-2 weeks, making it an excellent plant for sharing with other gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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