Clerodendrum thomsoniae Care Guide<br>(Bleeding heart vine)
The white and scarlet Bleeding Heart is one of the little flowering vines that is good for beginners and works well as a houseplant. A species of flowering plant in the genus Clerodendrum of the family Verbenaceae, the tropical bleeding heart vine is indigenous to tropical west Africa, stretching from Cameroon to Senegal. Its scientific name is Clerodendrum thomsoniae. It is an evergreen liana or forest vine with ovate to oblong, 8–17 centimeter–long leaves that reaches a height of around 4 metres. Each flower has a pure white to pale purple five-lobed calyx that is about 2.5 cm in diameter and a red five-lobed corolla that is 2 cm long and in diameter. The flowers are produced in cymes of 8 to 20 blooms overall. This lovely red and white
Clerodendrum thomsoniae Care Guide<br>(Bleeding heart vine)
This plant is also known as the glory-bower or bleeding glory-bower. The plant is so simple to grow that in certain areas it has escaped cultivation and adapted to its new environment. The plant is non-invasive and simple to care for. In honour of Rev. William Cooper Thomson’s late first wife, who was a missionary and physician in Nigeria in the 1870s, the plant was given that name.
For its attractive two-color flowers, the Bleeding Heart is grown as an ornamental plant. It does best in environments with temperatures between 10 and 30 °C. It requires protection from frost in temperate climates. The Royal Horticultural Society awarded this plant the Award of Garden Merit for its beauty.
light : The Bleeding Heart Vine loves full sun and needs this condition in order to bloom profusely. The plant needs to be trimmed regularly, especially the dried flowers, leaves and branches, for new flower spikes to come out. Pruning will also make the plant neat and compact.
watering :Regularly water the plant—typically every day or every other day. Keep the soil moist; if it becomes too dry, the plants will quickly wilt.
Clerodendrum thomsoniae Care Guide<br>(Bleeding heart vine)
Basic care: Being a woody twining vine, this plant requires a wire support or a tiny trellis to climb and extend its branches so that it can produce a lot of flowers. To maintain the plant, constant trimming is required to keep it at the proper size and to stop it from spreading out of control.
Soil :On healthy, well-drained soil, bleeding heart vines flourish. Use potting soil that is a mixture of loamy garden soil, river sand, and leaf compost in an equal ratio. Use a pot with a diameter of 6 to 8 inches. Choose a bright location for the plant and sow 3–5 seeds directly on the pot or rooted stem cuttings (typically in 2 weeks). Over a period of roughly a week, seeds begin to sprout. Every two years, repot the plants and replace the soil. Apply an inch of mulch made of decomposing leaf litter for additional nutrients for the greatest results.
Fertilizer : Once the plant is actively growing, use a teaspoon of complete fertiliser, such as 14-14-14, or a controlled release fertiliser, and fertilise once every three months.
Propagation : The Bleeding Heart spreads easily. Stem cuttings or seeds can be used to multiply the plant. Flowers that are pollinated give birth to fruits with black seeds.
Pests and deseases :
Although bleeding hearts are comparatively pest-resistant, mealybugs and spider mites can still harm them. Spraying insecticidal soap is usually enough to keep pests under control. Spray again every seven to ten days, or as necessary, to get rid of the insects.
This plant rewards its grower with a consistent cascade of flowers even for beginners and is not particularly difficult to grow. Additionally, it works well in settings like a condominium or a tiny apartment.