The Bacteria I was Growing on an Agar Plate Showed Uncharacteristic Growth?

Question

I had been growing bacteria on Mueller Hinton Agar Plates, and after 5 days, when it had already been through the stationary phase, and had only begun to grow very little everyday. It grew significantly over the last 36 hours, ever since hemolysis had occurred in the agar plates. Could you explain if there is a link between the hemolysis and the growth?

Answer 1

Does the bacteria species have a high requirement for iron?  

Once hemolysis starts to occur, the amount of iron available would dramatically increase.  If this was the only limiting nutrient, the growth rate would also increase.