Bleeding Heart Vine
Clerodendrum thomsoniae
Bleeding heart vine is a twining climber with clusters of white, lantern-like calyces from which bright red flowers emerge. It flowers in warm weather and suits trellises, pots and partly shaded verandas.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Partial sun, Bright indirect light
Watering
Moderate
Keep the soil moist in the growing season; reduce in winter.
Soil
Rich, well-drained potting mix; pH 6.0–7.0.
Temperature and humidity
12–35 °C · High humidity
Feeding
Feed every two weeks in the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings
Prune after flowering to shape; flowers form on new growth.
Not known to be toxic.
Top Cultivation Tips
Give morning sun and afternoon shade.
Train on a hoop in a pot.
Cuttings root in the monsoon.
Protect from cold below 12 °C.
Common problems
Mealybugs
White, cottony insects that hide in leaf joints and under leaves, weakening plants and spreading easily to neighbours.
How to treat it →PestSpider mites
Tiny sap-sucking mites that thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing speckled, dull leaves and fine webbing.
How to treat it →PestWhiteflies
Small white flying insects that gather under leaves, sucking sap, spreading viruses and leaving sticky honeydew.
How to treat it →
