Culture
Use a trellis to train this vine in the house. To grow glory-bower or bleeding heart vine indoors, a winter rest is required. This can be accomplished by moving the vine to a cooler location away from any heat source. A spot between 60-65°F during the day and 5 to 10 degrees lower at night would be ideal. Some leaf drop is a normal response to entering winter dormancy. During this period, water just enough to keep the soil from drying out and withhold fertilizer. In late winter or early spring, prune the vine before new growth emerges. Because flower buds are produced on current season’s growth, pruning at this time will encourage the production of vigorous flowering shoots. Do not be afraid to prune severely. Thin out old, overcrowded shoots and any other far-reaching growth to keep the vine in bounds. After pruning, move the plant to a warm, brightly lit location or outdoors if temperatures have warmed sufficiently. Water when the soil surface feels dry. Fertilize regularly.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Clerodendrum thomsoniae, commonly called bleeding heart vine, is a twining evergreen shrub or vine. It usually blooms during the warm months and provides showy white flowers with dark red corollas giving a striking contrast. The foliage is smooth-edged, oval and 6" long. A common houseplant in cooler locations.
Genus name comes from the Greek words kleros meaning chance and dendron meaning a tree.
Specific epithet honors Scots doctor Thomas Thomson (1817-1878) who was superintendent of the Calcutta Botanic Garden (1854-1861). Many Himalayan plants commemorate him.
Problems
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites.
Uses
Makes an excellent hanging container plant, or can be trained on a trellis.