Bleeding Heart Vine

Clerodendrum thomsoniae is native to tropical West Africa, specifically the region of present-day Nigeria and Cameroon, where it grows as a climbing vine in the humid tropical forest understory.

• First collected by Scottish botanist Thomas Thomson during expeditions in West Africa in the mid-19th century
• Named in his honor by the German botanist Heinrich Wendland in 1862
• The genus name Clerodendrum comes from the Greek "kleros" (chance/fate) and "dendron" (tree) — possibly referring to the variable medicinal properties attributed to various species
• Introduced to European horticulture in the 19th century and quickly became a prized greenhouse specimen for its dramatic flowers
• The genus Clerodendrum contains approximately 400 species of trees, shrubs, and vines distributed throughout the tropics, with the greatest diversity in tropical Africa and Asia
• Recent molecular studies have reclassified many Clerodendrum species, but C. thomsoniae remains in the genus
• Has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit as a greenhouse and houseplant
• The plant has become popular worldwide as a flowering houseplant, particularly valued for winter and spring bloom in temperate climates
• In the Philippines, the plant is sometimes called "Koro-koro" and is grown as an ornamental

Bleeding Heart Vine is a moderately vigorous evergreen twining vine with opposite, oval leaves, reaching 1–3 m in cultivation, though it can grow longer in ideal tropical conditions.

Stems: Slender, wiry, green, square in cross-section (characteristic of Lamiaceae), twining around supports. Young stems are green; mature stems become somewhat woody at the base.

Leaves: Opposite, ovate to elliptic, 8–15 cm long and 5–8 cm wide, dark green, smooth, with smooth or slightly wavy margins and a pointed tip. Leaves are slightly rugose (textured) and have prominent veins.

Flowers: The spectacular feature — produced in pendulous, axillary cymes of 8–20 flowers. Each flower is 2–3 cm long and consists of two striking parts: (1) an inflated, bell-shaped calyx of pure white, papery-thin, persistent sepals, and (2) a protruding corolla of deep crimson-red petals with long, exerted stamens. The visual effect is of a bright red heart emerging from a white pocket — a perfect miniature bleeding heart. Flowers are long-lasting and produced in flushes from spring through fall. The white calyces persist after the red corolla drops, extending the ornamental display.

Fruit: Small, round, fleshy drupes, initially green ripening to black, approximately 1 cm in diameter. Each contains a single seed. Produced occasionally in cultivation.

Roots: Fibrous root system.

Bleeding Heart Vine grows naturally in the humid tropical forests of West Africa, where it climbs through the forest understory in warm, moist, shaded conditions.

• Requires warm, humid conditions — minimum 15°C, thriving at 20–30°C
• Best in bright indirect light to partial shade — direct hot sun can scorch the leaves
• In its native habitat, it receives the dappled, filtered light of the rainforest understory
• Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter
• The red and white flower coloration attracts butterflies and hummingbirds in cultivation
• Flowers are produced in flushes — a well-grown plant may bloom 3–4 times per year
• Requires good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, especially in greenhouse conditions
• Generally pest-free but can be affected by whitefly, mealybugs, and spider mites indoors
• In tropical regions, the plant can be grown outdoors year-round
• In temperate zones, it makes an excellent greenhouse, conservatory, or houseplant
• Not considered invasive in any region

Bleeding Heart Vine is a rewarding tropical plant that can be grown as a container vine, hanging basket, or greenhouse specimen.

Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade. An east-facing window or filtered bright light is ideal. Avoid hot afternoon sun. Outdoors, dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade.

Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter. Peat-based mix with perlite. pH 5.5–6.5.

Container: Use a pot with excellent drainage. Slightly root-bound conditions may promote flowering.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season — do not allow to dry out. Reduce water in winter but do not let the soil become bone-dry. Use room-temperature water.

Temperature: Warm conditions (18–27°C). Minimum 10°C. No frost tolerance. Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents.

Humidity: High humidity preferred — mist regularly or use a humidity tray.

Fertilization: Feed every 2 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce to monthly in winter.

Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and control size. Can be cut back by up to one-third. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth.

Support: Provide a small trellis, hoop, or stakes for the twining stems in the container. Alternatively, allow to trail from a hanging basket.

Winter Care: In temperate zones, bring indoors before temperatures fall below 10°C. Place in a bright, warm location.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–12. Grow as a houseplant or annual elsewhere.

Propagation: By semi-hardwood cuttings in summer (root easily in moist potting mix or water).