About Bleeding Heart Vine
A striking tropical vine producing clusters of dramatic bicolored flowers — white, heart-shaped calyces with crimson red corollas that dangle like jeweled pendants. The vine twines gracefully on trellises and fences, creating an eye-catching floral display during the warm months that is unmistakable in any Philippine garden. Bleeding Heart Vine belongs to the Lamiaceae family and originates from Tropical West Africa; widely cultivated throughout Southeast Asia and the Philippines..
Bleeding Heart Vine is a beloved garden plant in the Philippines, commonly seen climbing trellises and fences in older neighborhoods of Manila, Cebu, and Baguio. Filipino gardeners prize its dramatic blooms for garden arches and pergolas. It is a staple at Dangwa flower market and provincial plant fairs. The vine's romantic appearance makes it a popular choice for garden weddings and event decor in the Philippines.
Also known as: Glory Bower, Bag-Flower.
Popular Varieties
- Clerodendrum thomsoniae (classic white and red)
- Clerodendrum thomsoniae 'Delectum' (rosy-pink calyx)
- Clerodendrum thomsoniae 'Variegatum' (cream-edged leaves)
- Clerodendrum × speciosum (Java Glory Bower, larger flowers)
How to Plant Bleeding Heart Vine in the Philippines
Bleeding Heart Vine can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, seeds. The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Select 15-20 cm stems from healthy, actively growing vines.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, keeping 2-3 pairs at the tip.
- Step 3: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Step 4: Plant in moist coco peat and perlite mix.
- Step 5: Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and place in bright indirect light.
- Step 6: Roots develop in 4-6 weeks. Transplant when new leaves appear.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal). Position your bleeding heart vine where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water 3-4 times per week in dry season. Reduce during cooler months to encourage dormancy and reblooming. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-32°C (prefers warm conditions but not extreme heat). High humidity preferred — mist leaves regularly during dry months or place on a pebble tray if potted. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing bleeding heart vine outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Bloom-boosting fertilizer (10-30-20) every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Switch to balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) during non-blooming periods.
Pruning
Prune after blooming to control size and shape. Can be cut back hard in early rainy season for vigorous new growth. Train on trellis or arbor.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
No flowers despite healthy foliage
Cause: Too much nitrogen fertilizer or insufficient light
Solution: Switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer. Move to a brighter location with morning sun.
Yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
Solution: Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure pot has drainage holes.
Whiteflies under leaves
Cause: Warm, sheltered conditions attracting whiteflies
Solution: Spray underside of leaves with neem oil. Introduce parasitic wasps or use yellow sticky traps.
Leaf drop in dry season
Cause: Natural semi-deciduous behavior or underwatering
Solution: Increase watering frequency. Some leaf loss is normal — the vine typically recovers with the rains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Bleeding Heart Vine in the Philippines?
Bleeding Heart Vine needs bright indirect light to partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal). Water keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. water 3-4 times per week in dry season. reduce during cooler months to encourage dormancy and reblooming.. Feed with bloom-boosting fertilizer (10-30-20) every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. switch to balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) during non-blooming periods.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-32°C (prefers warm conditions but not extreme heat) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Bleeding Heart Vine?
The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings. Select 15-20 cm stems from healthy, actively growing vines. Remove lower leaves, keeping 2-3 pairs at the tip.
Is Bleeding Heart Vine toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Bleeding Heart Vine grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Bleeding Heart Vine grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Bleeding Heart Vine?
Common issues include: No flowers despite healthy foliage (caused by too much nitrogen fertilizer or insufficient light — switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer. move to a brighter location with morning sun); Yellowing leaves (caused by overwatering or poor drainage — allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. ensure pot has drainage holes); Whiteflies under leaves (caused by warm, sheltered conditions attracting whiteflies — spray underside of leaves with neem oil. introduce parasitic wasps or use yellow sticky traps).
Growing bleeding heart vine in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!