The Iresine genus includes about 30 species, all of them native to South America, especially in the rainforests of Brazil. They range from small to medium-sized plants, and most are perennial. The flowers are unremarkable, consisting of small greenish or white flowers on small stems, but instead are grown for the leaves. Indoors or out, iresine requires plenty of heat and humidity.

In its native habitat or when grown outdoors in the right conditions, the plant can grow to be 5 feet tall with a 3-foot spread. However, indoors, it's more likely to stay between 12 and 18 inches tall, with red leaves that are up to 4 inches long.