Clerodendrum Thomsoniae is a beautiful, evergreen shrub from tropical West Africa. It is commonly known as the Bleeding-heart vine or Glorybower.
The plant’s name comes from the Greek words “kleros,” meaning chance, and “dendron,” meaning tree.
This plant is a fast grower and can reach up to 20′ feet in length. The leaves are opposite, oblong-shaped, and dark green with smooth margins.
The flowers are white with purple spots, and they bloom in clusters. Small, blue-black fruits follow the blooms.
Clerodendrum Thomsoniae is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and high humidity.
It will tolerate some shade, but it blooms best in full sun. Unfortunately, this plant is not frost-tolerant, so it should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse in cooler climates.
Some of the common household names for Clerodendrum Thomsoniae include:
- Glorybower
- Bleeding heart vine
- Bagflower
- Spongeplant
The common names for Clerodendrum Thomsoniae refer to the way the flowers look.
For example, the glory bower name comes from the fact that the flowers look like purple trumpets.
The bleeding heart vine name refers to the way the flowers look like red hearts, and the sponge plant name refers to the way the leaves look like sponges.
Quick Facts On Clerodendrum Thomsoniae
- Family: Verbenaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect sun
- Temperature: 75° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Medium Watering; keep the soil moist
- Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Common Problems: Powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites
Clerodendrum Thomsoniae Care
The Clerodendrum Thomsoniae, also known as the Bleeding-heart vine, is a beautiful and unique plant that can add a touch of elegance to any home.
Native to Africa, this climber is not difficult to grow and is relatively low maintenance.
Here are some tips on how to care for the Clerodendrum:
What Does The Bleeding Heart Vine Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Clerodendrum Thomsoniae is a woody, fast-growing, evergreen climber that can reach up to 20′ feet in length.
The plant has glossy, dark green leaves and produces small, white flowers bloom in summer.
The flowers are followed by clusters of red berries, which are loved by birds.
When Does The Bleeding Heart Vine Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Clerodendrum Thomsoniae flowers from June to August, and the flowers are not fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The lighting needs for Glorybower are not very demanding. This plant does best in bright, indirect sunlight.
If you live in a location that gets a lot of direct sunlight, it’s best to provide some protection from the harsh rays by placing your Glorybower near an east- or west-facing window.
However, if you can provide some dappled sunlight throughout the day, that would be ideal.
As for temperature, Glorybower does best in warm weather.
Unfortunately, it’s not tolerant of cold temperatures, so if you live in a climate that gets chilly in the winter, it’s best to bring your plant indoors when the temperature starts to drop.
Regarding humidity, Glorybower prefers a moderate level of moisture in the air.
However, if the air in your home is on the dry side, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Bleeding Heart Vine?
Glory bower is a relatively drought-tolerant plant, so you don’t need to worry about watering it too often.
When you water your plant, make sure to give it a good soaking until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Then, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Fertilizing is also important for keeping your Glorybower healthy. Feed your plant monthly using a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10.
During the growing season (spring and summer), you can increase the frequency to once every two weeks.
Just be sure to reduce the fertilizer you use, so you don’t burn the roots.
What Is The Best Soil For Clerodendrum And When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for Glorybower is a well-draining mix that contains some organic matter. A good potting soil or cactus mix will work fine.
If you’re unsure whether your soil is well-draining, you can test it by sticking your finger in the pot up to the first knuckle.
If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still wet, it needs to drain better.
Glorybower doesn’t need to be moved very often when it comes to transplanting. In fact, you can probably get away with transplanting your plant every 2 or 3 years.
Just be sure to do it in the springtime, so the plant has plenty of time to recover before winter.
Does Clerodendrum Thomsoniae Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Glorybower doesn’t require any special grooming or maintenance.
However, you may want to prune your plant back in the fall to encourage new growth in the spring.
You can also remove any yellow or brown leaves as they occur.
How To Over-Winter Clerodendrum Tomsoniae?
If you live in a climate that gets cold in the winter, it’s best to bring your Glorybower indoors when the temperature starts to drop.
Place your plant in a bright spot near an east- or west-facing window.
Water the plant as needed to keep the soil moist, but don’t allow the soil to get soggy.
How To Propagate Glory Bower Plant?
Clerodendrum Thomsoniae, also known as sponge plant or glory bower, is relatively easy to propagate from cuttings.
The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the weather is warm and the plant is actively growing.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a healthy stem that has not flowered yet, and cut it just below a leaf node (the point where the leaves join the stem).
- Remove the bottom leaves.
- Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant them in a pot of well-drained potting mix.
Keep the cutting moist but not wet, and you should see new growth appearing in a few weeks.
Once the new plants are well established, you can transplant them into the garden or larger pots.
You can also propagate from seeds by planting them in a pot of moistened seed-starting mix.
Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot, and keep the mix moist but not wet. The seeds should germinate within 2 weeks.
Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, you can transplant them into individual pots.
Clerodendrum Thomsoniae care is not too demanding, and as long as you provide the plant with some basic needs, it should thrive.
It prefers a sunny spot in the garden but will also do well in partial shade. Spongeplant is tolerant of different soil types but prefers rich, well-drained soil.
Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering.
Clerodendrum Thomsoniae Pests And Diseases
Spongeplant is generally a very healthy plant, but it can be affected by some pests and diseases.
These include:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Whiteflies
- Spider mites
These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or other organic pest control methods.
The main disease problem that the sponge plant is susceptible to is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or planting the plant in poorly-drained soil.
If you think your plant has root rot, remove it from the pot and check the roots. The plant will need to be destroyed if they are brown and mushy.
Here are the signs of root rot you need to look out for:
- Wilting leaves
- Yellowing leaves
- Brown or mushy roots
- Slow growth
- Plant death
To prevent root rot, ensure you plant sponge plant in well-drained soil and water it only when the top inch of soil is dry.
If you think your plant has root rot, removing it from the pot and replanting it in fresh, well-drained soil may help save it.
Suggested Uses For Sponge Plant
Spongeplant is a beautiful plant that can be used in various ways in the garden.
It makes an excellent hedge or privacy screen and can also be used as a foundation planting or in mixed borders.
The fragrant flowers make it a good choice for cutting gardens, and the colorful berries are attractive to birds. Spongeplant can also be grown in containers.
Whatever way you choose to use it, this is a plant that is sure to add interest and beauty to your garden.
When planting the Clerodendrum Thomsoniae, choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun or partial shade.
The plant does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Mix in some compost or other organic material before planting to prepare the soil.