Thompson's clerodendrum (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) in England has long been called the “bleeding heart vine.” This deciduous plant is an ornamental vine and belongs to the Verbenov family.
Clerodendrum originates from the African tropics; it began to be grown at home a couple of centuries ago; today there are more than four hundred species of this plant. Florists and landscape designers actively use this beautiful vine to decorate their displays, and amateur flower growers grow the flower at home. This flower was named in honor of the Scottish discoverer George Thompson., who brought clerodendrum to Europe from African countries. Some also call this plant Mrs. Thompson's clerodendrum, after the wife of the Scottish scientist.
In nature, clerodendrum is a woody plant 2 to 4 meters long with flexible branches. The leaves are quilted, oval, about 12 cm long. It is characterized by the fact that it blooms for almost six months, from early March to early October, provided that the plant receives proper care. The buds are collected in inflorescences; the number of flowers in one inflorescence can reach two dozen. The flowers are mostly white, less often beige or cream, and look like small lanterns consisting of 5 blades. And from the flashlight you can see another one of a bright red color, similar to a butterfly, in the center of which there are antennae about 2-3 cm long.
Clerodendrum bears fruit at the end of the flowering period. Small orange fruits ripen on the plant. Usually the length of the fetus does not exceed 1 cm.
Thompson's variegated clerodendrum is an equally beautiful variety of plant; it blooms with the same white flowers with red corollas in the middle, but has unusual variegated leaves of a green-light green hue.
Let's look at the care, propagation and pruning of this unusual tropical flower.
Carrying out care
Mrs. Thompson's clerodendrum can bloom beautifully and delight the eyes of its owners at home, but this requires proper care, which is the simplest for this plant. If you follow a few rules, you will always have a healthy and stunningly beautiful flower at home.
Lighting
This plant needs diffused light, so that direct sunlight does not fall on the leaves. If you keep a flower on a windowsill under the active influence of the sun, peculiar burns may appear on the foliage, which greatly spoils the appearance. At home, clerodendrum should be located on the eastern or western sides of the apartment. If you place the pot on the north side, then due to the lack of natural light the leaves turn yellow and the plant stops blooming.
Temperature
It is necessary to maintain an optimal temperature at home: in summer it should not exceed 25 degrees, and in winter – 18 degrees. If clerodendrum is kept cool in winter, the flowering period will be very long.
Many gardeners wonder why a flower completely sheds its leaves when it stops blooming? The answer is simple - this is a completely natural phenomenon for all types of vines.
Watering conditions and humidity
To provide proper care at home during the growing season, clerodendrum requires sufficient watering. If the soil in the pot is too dry, the leaves will begin to quickly wither, but excessive watering can cause the entire root system to rot. The plant should be watered with water at room temperature.
When the heating is turned on at home, the flower must be removed away from the radiator. In winter, it does not need constant spraying, and in summer, it is enough to spray the leaves once every 7 days with settled water.
Plant nutrition
The main care at home during the growing season of this tropical plant is to regularly feed it. It is necessary to feed clerodendrum every week with mineral and organic fertilizers for flowering plants, alternating them. In the fall, reduce fertilizing to once a month, and in the winter, stop it completely.
How to propagate a flower
At home, the plant is propagated by semi-lignified cuttings. They use the upper shoots, which have about two internodes, cut off the stalk and place it in a glass of boiled water in a well-lit place. After two weeks, the cut shoot begins to take root. Also, propagation of this flower can be done by placing the cuttings in a nutrient substrate; in such an environment it takes root even faster.
Propagation of clerodendrum at home using seeds is used quite rarely. Seeds are sown in early spring. For sowing, turf soil containing sand and peat is used. It must be kept in a greenhouse with average soil moisture and good lighting. The first shoots will appear in about 2 months. When 4 leaves appear, the seedlings dive into small pots 6-8 cm in diameter. When the seedlings begin to grow, they are accustomed to adult life at home.
How to prune and replant a plant
An adult clerodendrum requires regular pruning, and by removing frail shoots, the flower can be given any shape. Pruning should be done in early spring; the cuttings should be shortened by about one third of the total length, thereby starting the active growth of lateral branches. Young clerodendrum simply pinch off the ends. Proper pruning of shoots will ensure rapid growth of leaves and long flowering.
It is better to replant Clerodendrum Thompson in the Spring, before active growth begins. Young plants must be replanted annually. The diameter of the new pot should be 2 cm larger than the previous one. Adult flowers are replanted once every 2-3 years, partially replacing the soil. Place 2-4 cm high at the bottom of the pot.
Problems when growing a flower
Beginner flower growers often wonder why their plant doesn’t bloom at home, and what kind of care is needed in this case? The main reason is that a period of rest is necessary. It must be remembered that during the dormant period this plant likes to be cool.. Watering should be conditional to maintain the life of the plant. After rest, Clerodendrum will gain strength and begin to produce new shoots. Increase watering and pruning, and your flower will bloom again. Lack of light or elevated temperature also prevents flowering.
Another common problem is leaf falling, for several reasons:
- as stated above, after the end of the flowering period, the leaves fall off, and this is a completely natural process;
- foliage may fall due to insufficient watering;
- the soil is not fertilized enough.
Sometimes brown spots appear on the plants; most likely, these are sunburn; it is better to move the pot to the shade for a while, and in the future not to place it in direct rays.
Pests can settle on a flower, the most common of which are and. To force insects to leave the vine, you need to wash the flower with warm water, covering the soil with polyethylene.
If properly cared for, this plant will become a real decoration of any room.
However, people who believe in omens should be reminded that according to popular belief, clerodendrum scares men away from a house where a single woman lives. Advice, it is better to ignore these superstitions, because you can admire this flowering plant endlessly, and it is unlikely to carry any negativity.
Many vines from the subtropics, thanks to their abundant and beautiful flowering, migrated to the windows of apartments and houses. Clerodendrum is no exception. This is a woody shrub with oval leaves of dark green color, with red petals with a red corolla. Caring for clerodendrum at home and outdoors requires compliance with certain rules and requirements.
Cleraderms attract housewives with an abundance of exotic inflorescences, giving the room a festive mood and a bright accent. The types Inerma, Ugandan and Variegate are especially common. Clerodendrum can grow and even bloom indoors if the conditions are created for it. Caring for a flower is not difficult; it is enough to create reasonable lighting, properly feed, water and do timely pruning.
In the tropics, plants are constantly illuminated by the bright rays of the sun. But they reach them through an openwork network of leaves. Therefore, the calendrum will feel good on a window facing the south side, if it is slightly shaded with a transparent curtain. The hot rays of the sun can burn tender leaves. Plants located on a north or west window sometimes lack lighting. They may not please their owners with flowers.
A guest from the subtropics should be provided with the same conditions as in her homeland. There are frequent rains and a warm climate, which creates moist soil and air. Here are some tips:
- In summer you will have to water every 3 days, and on winter days it is enough to water once every ten days;
- The liana needs to be sprayed daily, because in the wild it constantly absorbs moisture from humid air; Spraying is more important for the plant than watering;
- For irrigation, it is better to use melt or spring water. If there is none, then you can use tap water, but you just need to let it sit for a day so that the chlorine disappears;
- You cannot flood the flower. When you water more than necessary, the root system rots. It is necessary that the soil remains slightly moist;
- With the onset of cold weather, when the heating is turned on, the clerodendrum will have to be placed further from the warm radiators. They dry out the air.
Experienced housewives act wisely when they pour gravel or moss into the tray and regularly moisten it. With this watering, clerodendrum will feel comfortable.
To feed clerodendrum, it is recommended to use complex fertilizers, which are specially produced for indoor plants. Before use, you should carefully read the instructions on the package.
If leaf chlorosis appears (not enough chlorophyll), then apply fertilizer with iron, sprinkling it on the leaves in autumn or winter. It is recommended to feed the plants from mid-spring to the first days of autumn. But it must be remembered that excess nitrogen reduces the formation of flowers.
Only mature vines that no longer fit in the pot are suitable for replanting. Replanting is allowed after 3 years and into a larger container. Before transplanting the plant, the substrate is pre-moistened with water. Transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method, so the roots will be less damaged. Therefore, the vine will develop faster and bloom profusely with white, lilac or purple flowers. After transplanting, the plant should not be watered for 3 days so that the seedling can better withstand the transplant. The vine has a thin stem that requires support.
When the soil is not properly prepared, the roots of the clerodendrum rot and are affected by fungal diseases. Root rot can be identified by yellowed leaves. The plant withers and may die. Pests such as whiteflies and spider mites should be washed off with a soapy solution by spraying the plants. Ready-made preparations also help in pest control. When chlorosis, that is, spots on the leaves, appears in the summer, the vine should be shaded from bright sunlight.
A tropical plant can also grow in the garden, It’s easier to care for clerodendrum at home. On summer days, the plant will bloom well at a temperature of about 23 degrees. During the winter months, when the flower is dormant, the temperature will have to be reduced to 15 degrees.
The land in the tropics is distinguished by its fertility. It is quite loose and rich in nutrients. It is necessary that the soil in a pot with a tropical liana matches the tropical soil as closely as possible. To prepare the substrate, you will have to mix 30% peat and leaf soil. Add the remaining 20% of crushed clay and sifted sand. It is good if the soil contains a little vermiculite.
However, many people buy ready-made soil in the store. It is well suited for growing clerodendrums at home, you just need to add about a fifth of sifted sand. Any soil must be disinfected to prevent fungal diseases and protect against pest attacks.
For abundant and long flowering, clerodendrum will have to be pruned, as a rule, this is done at the end of winter or early spring. It is necessary to remove faded flowers and weak shoots. Pruning one-third of old branches enhances the growth of buds on young side shoots.
The remaining shoots need to be cut back to the first bud. Fans keep the main stem, shortening it to 60-70 cm. Pinch all side shoots until they form a spherical shape. New shoots growing from the root should also be cut off. A young vine should be pinched frequently so that more sprouts are formed.
The clerodendrum houseplant is easier to propagate using cuttings. The shoots are cut to about 7 cm long and planted in a moistened substrate., consisting of peat and sand. The container with cuttings is covered with sand or film, creating greenhouse conditions. The container is transferred to a warm room with a temperature of 22 to 25 degrees. The substrate must be moistened and ventilated daily. The cuttings take root in a month or a little longer. After the roots appear, the young seedlings dive into individual cups.
Lianas can be propagated by seeds; they should be sown in March. For seeds, make up soil consisting of an equal amount of sifted sand, peat and turf soil. Seedlings dive when they grow 4 leaves into small pots. Expanded clay, small pebbles or brick chips 2-3 cm thick are poured onto the bottom of the pot to drain excess moisture. Propagation by cuttings is not difficult, but you can purchase ready-made clerodendrum at a gardening store.
Clerodendrum flower spray champagne is also called indicum. The plant has white inflorescences that resemble fluttering butterflies, blooming on long flower stalks. They look like sparkling splashes of champagne. Observant flower lovers noticed this feature and therefore named this type of tropical vine. The plants generally develop into a single trunk with the lower leaves falling off. To prevent such disgrace, it is necessary to shorten the flower to the upper bud. This will allow the lower buds to wake up and develop. The liana becomes thicker and more lush.
Of course, before boarding an exotic guest, the hostess reviews the literature on his care. However, some tips may be useful to her:
Conflicting signs and superstitions about clerodendrum were born. According to one version, the plant drives men away from single women, preventing them from starting a family. Another version states the opposite: clerodendrum, on the contrary, brings love and happiness to a woman. It is unknown where such opinions come from. Obviously, clerodendrum brings joy to any housewife, regardless of whether she believes omens or not.
Growing clerodendrum is an interesting activity, and the plant will definitely bring a piece of tropical summer indoors.
Clerodendrum is one of the most colorful indoor plants. Only some people still consider it street. They cannot achieve flowering, so they prefer not to grow it. It’s worth asking for professional advice so that you can safely grow an amazing flower on your own windowsill.
There are many different opinions, so the housewife cannot always immediately figure out what to do. The greenhouse plant is capricious, so it is necessary to find the optimal approach to achieve the desired result. There are a few simple tips that will give an unprecedented effect:
- In summer, it is worth spraying the plant additionally, as it will lack moisture.
- In winter, the flower enters a dormant period lasting 2-3 weeks.
- In winter, it is better to keep clerodendrum at a temperature of 10-12 degrees.
- If you want to grow a tall plant, you should pinch the shoots.
- Cutting off the foliage before the dormant period gives additional strength for the appearance of buds.
Using a few tips will guarantee great results. Even a capricious houseplant can be made to bloom with a minimum of time. In practice, the process does not require special skills and knowledge, so achieving brightness and beauty is not difficult.
Various questions constantly arise regarding the need to maintain clerodendrum in the house. Initially, this plant remained a garden plant, so it was moved into rooms only in rare cases. How to properly care for it to maintain the attractiveness of the flower?
- Abundant watering in summer;
- Small pot;
- Cupping of shoots to create a crown;
- No transfer.
A capricious houseplant requires constant attention. To do this, the hostess will have to spend time, but the brilliant flowers are worth it. Experienced gardeners freely achieved the same result on their own plot, and at home they will have to choose a small pot and a permanent place in advance in order to forget about rearranging and replanting. After that, all that remains is to cut off the shoots in the summer in order to gradually form a beautiful crown.
Experts advise choosing clerodendrum to decorate rooms. You just have to think about serious care, without which the plant will never reveal its true beauty. To do this, you need to carefully think through every action, performing it at the right time and not trying to save green shoots once again, because they will only harm the lush growth.
Video about caring for clerodendrum at home
Clerodendrum is familiar to almost everyone. This plant with unusual flowers is often found in the foyers of various institutions. It is quite unpretentious, so it is also suitable for beginner gardeners who want to grow it at home. The variety of flowering species is a wonderful opportunity to create a collection that will simply be impossible not to notice during flowering. Read about all the features of planting and caring for this plant in our article.
What does clerodendrum look like and where does it come from?
Clerodendrum is a genus belonging to the Verbenaceae family. It has significant diversity. Among its more than 400 representatives there are trees, low shrubs, vines that shed their leaves for the winter and evergreen species.
Its homeland is tropical rainforests around the world. It is found in Southeast Asia, Oceania, Africa. Slightly less common in South and Central America.
The name of the plant is translated from Greek as “tree of fate.” This is due to the old belief that it can change your life for the better. It is not known exactly where the legend came from, but most consider the island of Java to be its homeland.
Where climate permits, clerodendrum is widely used in landscape design.
Flower growers sometimes, meaning clerodendrum, say “innocent love.” Perhaps this popular name is associated with the combined red and white flowers.
In nature, clerodendrum grows up to 3–5 m tall. But you can “shorten” it to a potted plant, up to about 1.5 m. Only regular formative pruning of the shoots will be required.
Most clerodendrums do not have a clearly defined stem. Instead, they have many shoots of approximately equal length and thickness that quickly become woody at the base. If there is still a trunk, it is most often hollow. In nature, ants will almost inevitably settle inside.
Clerodendrum leaves, depending on the type, are located opposite each other or in groups of three. Their shape is always heart-shaped, with a pointed tip. The length, depending on the type, is 7–15 cm. The surface of the leaf is dark green, uneven, and evokes associations with a quilt. “Bloats” are located between the veins. The edge can be either smooth or jagged. The leaves are thin to the touch, but dense and harsh.
Even non-flowering clerodendrum looks quite impressive
The main thing that attracts gardeners to clerodendrum is the flowers. In suitable conditions, the plant blooms very profusely, literally becoming covered with inflorescences in the form of a shield or panicle. Each inflorescence consists of 4–20 flowers. They are small (2–3 cm in diameter), but this is more than compensated by quantity.
In nature, the plant blooms from mid-spring to autumn. But at home, especially in winter gardens, greenhouses, greenhouses, you can achieve almost year-round flowering. Most species have a very special smell of flowers and leaves, characteristic only of this clerodendrum.
The fruit of the clerodendrum is similar to a berry, although from a botanical point of view it is a drupe. There are always 4 nests in it, in which 2–4 seeds ripen.
If you do not need clerodendrum seeds, cut off the faded inflorescences
A non-flowering plant can also be used in design. This is an excellent material for a trellis. It grows very quickly along guides (supports, wire), creating a continuous carpet of leaves.
The most beautiful and popular varieties grown at home
Of the many clerodendrums, 15–20 species are most often found in indoor floriculture.
Mrs. Thompson's clerodendrum (Thomsoniae)
This species is a climbing vine with shoots that quickly become woody at the base. The leaves are pubescent, with smooth edges. Sometimes the upper side of the leaf blade is covered with vague spots, darker or lighter than the main tone. Inflorescences in the form of panicles. Flowers with a white, cream or greenish calyx, similar to the “lantern” of physalis, and a scarlet corolla, which falls off before the calyx. In captivity it blooms in early spring, sometimes a second time in autumn. A variety with lime-colored leaves was developed. A superstition widespread on the islands of Oceania does not recommend growing this species for girls who want to get married. It is believed that the flower “attracts” loneliness to them.
Mrs. Thompson's clerodendrum is the only one named after a woman
Brilliant or magnificent (splendens)
Low evergreen shrub with creeping shoots. The leaves are quite small, corrugated at the edges. Inflorescences are in the form of corymbs or short racemes, each with 30–40 flowers. They are very beautiful, dark pink, greenish calyx. The stamens are bright scarlet, curved.
The color of the petals of Clerodendrum brilliantis is known to artists as scarlet
Most beautiful (speciosissimum)
Also called prickly (fallax). An evergreen upright shrub, in nature it grows up to 3 m. A characteristic feature is tetrahedral-shaped shoots and reddish petioles of leaves covered with “lint”. It is short at the bottom and looks like wool, at the bottom it looks like fluff. The bush blooms all summer. Inflorescences in the form of panicles are located at the tops of the shoots. The outer calyx is purple-violet, the corolla is deep scarlet, almost the color of blood. Unlike most species, it does not have a dormant period.
Clerodendrum most beautiful is sometimes called Javanese due to its place of origin.
Fragrant (fragrans) or Philippine (philippinum)
Low (1.5–2 m) evergreen shrub with pubescent shoots and leaves. The edge of the leaf blade is highly serrated. Shield inflorescences are formed at the tips of the shoots. The pink-white flowers have a strong scent that intensifies in the evening and at night. It resembles a mix of violet, jasmine and orange blossom.
A distinctive feature of fragrant clerodendrum is its very long stamens.
Based on it, a hybrid was developed with double flowers that appear regardless of the time of year.
The terry variety of fragrant clerodendrum looks even more impressive
Paniculatum
Also known as Pagoda. Tree up to 12 m high. Suitable only for greenhouses and winter gardens. The characteristic bulges on the leaves are almost invisible, and the petioles are dull red. Flowers in inflorescences are arranged in clear tiers, evoking associations with pagoda roofs.
Due to its size, Clerodendrum paniculata is almost never grown in apartments.
Ugandan (ugandense)
A very fast-growing evergreen shrub with creeping shoots. The maximum height is 2 m. The inflorescence does not have a specific shape. Flowers with five petals look like butterflies. The top and sides are sky blue, the bottom resembles a boat and is slightly lilac. The long, outwardly curved stamens are pale blue. Flowering continues throughout the year with short interruptions. Even direct sunlight does not harm it. An additional plus is easy reproduction.
The "blue butterflies" of Ugandan clerodendrum are worth trying to grow.
Video: description of Ugandan clerodendrum
Clerodendrum Wallichiana
Other names: Veil, Bridal Veil. The plant received its official name in honor of the Danish botanist and researcher of Indian flora Nicholas Wallich, who managed the Calcutta Botanical Garden for 25 years in the 19th century. In nature it is a bush, but with the help of pruning you can form a kind of tree about 0.5 m high. It blooms for 1.5–2 months starting from the end of summer. The calyx is greenish, the petals and stamens are snow-white. There is a breeding hybrid of it - clerodendrum Prospero, which differs from its parent in coral-orange cups.
The nickname of Clerodendrum Wallich is associated with the beautifully flowing clusters of inflorescences
Bungei
This variety is also called Bouquet of Kashmir. Under natural conditions, the shrub grows up to 3 m, at home - about half as much. The flowers are small, pastel pink.
From a distance, the spherical inflorescences of Clerodendrum Bunge are very reminiscent of hydrangea
Inerme or spineless (inerme)
An erect shrub up to 3 m high. The flowers are snow-white, with pale lilac stamens and pistil. There are 3 of them in each umbrella inflorescence.
Unlike other species, clerodendrum Inerme survives even in saline soil, for example, on the seashore
Indicum
Another name: Splash of champagne (sahelangii). In Russia it is still little known. The plant owes its unusual nickname to its small white flowers on long stalks, looking like drops scattering in different directions.
Due to its very successful nickname, the official name Clerodendrum indicum is almost never used
Clerodendrum Schmidtii (Schmidtii)
Also known as Chains of Glory. The edges of the leaves are slightly corrugated. The inflorescence is a very long (up to 50 cm), flowing raceme of small white flowers, reminiscent of a waterfall.
The flowers of Clerodendrum Schmidt, a tropical plant, persistently resemble snowflakes
Fireworks (quadriloculare)
The only one with burgundy leaves on the reverse side. The inflorescence is spherical, each flower is located on a long stalk. It blooms from the beginning of winter, for 2–3 months.
The inflorescence of Clerodendrum fireworks is a kind of hybrid of a sea urchin and a volley of fireworks
Musical notes
Another variant of the name of this variety is Morning Kiss (incisum Macrosiphon). Leaves with toothed edges. The flowers are white, with dark pink or crimson stamens. Flowering continues almost continuously.
Unopened clerodendrum buds Musical notes really look like quarter notes
Clerodendrum calamitosum
Compact low bush (0.6–0.75 m). Both petals and stamens are snow-white. It has a characteristic aroma that intensifies in the dark.
A distinctive feature of Clerodendrum calamitosum is its snow-white petals and stamens.
Video: types of clerodendrum
How to create optimal conditions?
Clerodendrum is a fairly hardy and unpretentious plant. But if you want to observe flowering regularly, take care of optimal conditions.
Table: optimal conditions
| Factor | Optimal conditions |
| Location | A window sill facing east or west is suitable. If it faces north, the clerodendrum will not die, but it will not bloom. When placing a flower on a south-facing window, think about how you will protect it from the hot sun. |
| Lighting | Any clerodendrum needs bright but diffuse sunlight for 8–10 hours daily. In winter, use fluorescent lamps as additional lighting. |
| Temperature | In the intensive growth phase (early spring-mid-autumn), the optimal temperature is 20–25ºС. During the rest period it is reduced to 16–18ºС. The flower will survive at 10–12ºС, but this is the limit. If there is no suitable room where you can put the plant away for the winter, place it as close to the window glass as possible. Avoid sudden changes in temperature. |
| Air humidity | Clerodendrum reacts negatively to dry air. To achieve a humidity level of 75–80%, spray the flower daily with water at room temperature (2–3 times a day in summer), remove it as far as possible from working radiators. If the indicator drops below 45–50%, place wet moss, peat, or expanded clay in the pan. |
| Availability of support | The presence or absence of support depends solely on how you want the clerodendrum to look. If you want to get a continuous carpet of greenery or a long vine, send shoots along wire or thin twine. To form a more compact plant, use a ring-shaped support and wrap the shoots around it. |
Support option for clerodendrum
Transplant procedure
The optimal time for replanting clerodendrum is early spring, when the flower “wakes up” after a dormant period. Plants under 5 years of age are replanted annually, each time increasing the diameter of the pot by 2–3 cm. For adult clerodendrums, one transplant every 3–5 years is sufficient.
Simultaneously with replanting, it is advisable to cut each shoot by a third to make the flower more decorative and bushy.
If you purchased clerodendrum in a store, give it 10–15 days to get used to the new environment, then replant. The universal soil used by indoor plant growers does not take into account the specific needs of the flower.
The pot should have a large drainage hole. Place a layer of drainage (expanded clay, pebbles, crushed stone, brick chips, ceramic shards) 3–4 cm thick at the bottom.
Ready-made soil can be purchased in specialized stores. Look for one that is designed for roses and azaleas. They need to be mixed in a 4:1 ratio.
When preparing it yourself, remember that clerodendrum prefers slightly acidic soils, light and breathable. When collecting soil from your own garden, check the acidity level. The soil mixture may look like this:
- Fertile turf, ordinary soil, dry peat, coarse river sand, humus in equal proportions.
- Leaf soil, powder clay, coarse sand, dry peat. The first component needs to be taken twice as much as the others.
The fragile roots of clerodendrum should never be disturbed during transplantation. It is strictly forbidden to shake off the soil from them and/or rinse them with running water. The entire ball of earth is removed from the pot and placed on a layer of substrate in a new pot. The prepared soil is added to the edges and compacted. The transplantation method is known as transshipment.
The support (if needed) is placed in the pot at the same time as the earthen ball, and not stuck in later. Otherwise, there is a high risk of injuring the roots.
Necessary care
Clerodendrum vitally needs only abundant watering. If you want to make the plant more decorative and tidy, annual formative pruning is necessary.
Watering
During the active growth phase, water the clerodendrum abundantly every 3-4 days and spray the leaves daily with soft water at room temperature, which has stood for at least a day. The plant is especially demanding of moisture during flowering. Ideally, you need to use rain or melt water, but not everyone has this opportunity. Tap water can be softened by adding 3-4 granules of citric acid to a 10-liter bucket and waiting for sediment to settle.
But it is also undesirable to create a swamp in a pot. After watering, wait 15–20 minutes and drain excess water from the tray. This way you will gradually decide on the norm.
Clerodendrum that lacks moisture can be easily identified by its drooping leaves.
Top dressing
Fertilizers are applied only at the active growth stage every 12–15 days. The first fertilizing is carried out immediately after transplantation, associated with pruning. After flowering, clerodendrum does not need fertilizer until next spring.
The flower accepts both organic matter and store-bought liquid fertilizers for flowering indoor plants (especially those with high concentrations of phosphorus). If possible, alternate them.
Natural organic matter is an infusion of fresh cow manure or bird droppings. It is best to cook it outside of your apartment. Even with the lid tightly closed, the smell is very specific. The selected container is filled about a third with raw materials and topped up with water. Then close tightly. After 3–4 days, after the characteristic odor appears, the contents are vigorously mixed. For irrigation, the fertilizer is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:15.
If you notice that the leaves are turning pale, becoming translucent, spray the underside with a solution of complex mineral fertilizer.
Bloom
Clerodendrum blooms profusely and almost continuously from May to October. If you want to receive flowers by a certain date, try to “deceive” the plant. Put it in the darkest corner of the room, stop fertilizing, spraying and reduce watering. After 20–25 days, the lower leaves will droop, turn yellow and fall off, but buds will form on the tops of the side shoots in the leaf axils. Wait for this moment and return the plant to its original place, providing it with optimal conditions.
Rest period
Most varieties of clerodendrum require a dormant period. This is a necessary condition for flowering next year.
After the plant has finished flowering, stop feeding and gradually reduce watering. When the lower leaves begin to fall off, move it to a bright, cool (15–18ºС) room.
Clerodendrum cannot do without water at all, even in winter. One watering every 3-5 days is enough. The norm is approximately halved compared to summer. Do not bring the flower to such a state when the soil begins to move away from the edges of the pot. In this case, immediately water the plant outside of the schedule.
Pruning: how to shape a bush, tree and other options
Pruning is a necessary procedure for clerodendrum. Otherwise, it will look very sloppy, take up the entire window sill, and also hang down.
Long vine shoots provide gardeners with a wide range of possibilities for giving the plant a wide variety of shapes. The easiest option is to send the shoots up along guides (thin wire or twine) tied to a curtain rod or fixed to the ceiling. Soon you will have a solid green wall. An alternative option is hanging flowerpots. Then you can do without tying. Every year, the shoots need to be cut back by about a third, while at the same time getting rid of dried, broken, dead lashes. This way you stimulate the flower to form new shoots.
If you want to form a bush from clerodendrum, cut all shoots to 50 cm every year. Pinch the tops of young shoots from last year by a quarter at the same time. Ideally, the shape should be close to spherical.
You can give clerodendrum the appearance of a tree, justifying its name. Select 2–3 most developed shoots, cut them to a height of 60–70 cm. Cut the side branches on them by half. At the bottom, to a height of 10–15 cm, cut off all the greenery on the main shoots, leaving bare trunks. In the future, annually pinch out young shoots by 8–10 cm, and remove all growth at the roots.
Using pruning, you can bring any variety of clerodendrum to an acceptable size.
Perform pruning only with sharp, disinfected scissors to avoid damaging the shoots and causing infection.
Video: caring for Mrs. Thompson's clerodendrum
Common mistakes gardeners make
Clerodendrum, of course, is undemanding, but mistakes by inexperienced gardeners often negatively affect the decorativeness of the plant.
Table: frequently asked questions when growing clerodendrum
| Problem | Most likely cause |
| Individual areas of the leaves lighten, then dry out and die. | The plant was exposed to direct sunlight and suffered burns. If it is located on a south-facing window, try to water it so that the drops do not fall on the leaves. They act as lenses, focusing the rays. |
| The shoots become thinner and stretch out. The distance between the leaves increases, they become smaller. | Clerodendrum lacks light and/or nutrition. |
| The leaves wither, turn yellow, fall off, the buds dry out without blooming. | If only the lower leaves fall, and this happens in winter, the situation is normal. Otherwise, you are not watering the plant enough. |
| Light spots of irregular shape on the leaves. | The room temperature is too low and/or there are cold drafts. |
| Lack of flowering. | Clerodendrum was not provided with a period of rest of sufficient duration in compliance with all conditions. Another option is a lack or, conversely, an excess of nutrients in the soil. The latter can be determined by the increased size and darkened leaves. |
Pest Control
Inspect plants regularly for signs of damage and take appropriate action immediately.
Table: the most common pests of clerodendrum
| Pest | Symptoms | Fighting methods | Prevention |
| The pest gnaws through the leaf and sucks out the juice. The underside of the leaf blade is covered with tiny white dots. The leaves and shoots are intertwined with thin, almost transparent threads, similar to a cobweb. In particularly advanced cases, the plant is almost invisible under a dense layer of whitish mass; many pests accumulate on the tops of the shoots. |
| High humidity is detrimental to spider mites. It is useful to give the plant a warm shower every 20–25 days. First, apply a thick foam of laundry soap to the leaves and shoots for 15–20 minutes. | |
| The pest is easy to recognize by the small dirty white pellets that appear on the leaves and roots, similar to cotton wool. At the same time, cloudy drops appear on the underside of the leaves. The flower stops growing and the leaves fall off. |
| Proper care. | |
| Small flying insects suck sap from plants. Shake the flower and you will find swarms of pests rising into the air. |
| It has been noticed that whiteflies are very attracted to the yellow color. You can make your own trap from a sheet of paper and cardboard by applying glue, Vaseline, or something else sticky to it. | |
| Grayish-brown plaques appear on shoots and leaves. These are the shells of pests that suck the sap of the plant. At the same time, the presence of sticky transparent discharge is characteristic. |
| Proper care. Scale insects will not appear in high humidity and bright light. |
Many acaricides are toxic, so it is best to carry out treatment outdoors.
Photo gallery: clerodendrum pests
Not just any insecticide can “dissolve” the durable shell of the scale insect. 
Whiteflies are easy to identify, but quite difficult to get rid of. 
Certain varieties of mealybug attack the roots. The pest is difficult to identify until it is too late 
To combat spider mites, use special preparations - acaricides
Reproduction methods
Clerodendrum, like most indoor plants, propagates by seeds (generatively) and cuttings (vegetatively).
Clerodendrum cuttings quickly take root even in plain water
The easiest way to grow a new clerodendrum is to take a cutting from an old one.
Apical cuttings 8–10 cm long with 2–3 leaves are cut off in early spring and the lower third is dipped in a solution of a root formation stimulator - Epin, Kornevin, Topaz, potassium humate. After a day, the cuttings need to be rooted into individual pots with a diameter of 7–9 cm in a mixture of sand and peat or humus in equal proportions.
It is best to root the tops of clerodendrum shoots
To create a greenhouse effect, the pots are covered with plastic bags or glass jars. Cuttings need plenty of watering and bright light. Once new leaves appear, gradually acclimate them to their environment.
After 4–5 months, transplant the clerodendrums into soil for adult plants, pinching the shoots by a quarter. Care as usual.
Young clerodendrums will bloom this year
Germination of seeds
Clerodendrum seeds are definitely among the ten most unusual indoor plants
Clerodendrum seeds ripen at the end of winter. They are planted in early spring in a mixture of fertile turf soil (or humus), dry peat and sand in equal proportions. The containers are covered with glass or film, maintaining a constant temperature of about 22ºC and high humidity. Once a day, planting is ventilated for 3–5 minutes. You will have to wait a long time for germination: 45–60 days.
Clerodendrum seeds take a long time to germinate
When 3–4 true leaves appear, the seedlings are planted in separate pots and cared for as if they were rooted cuttings. They will bloom next year.
In my house there is a flower of unprecedented beauty - Mrs. Thomson's clerodendrum - an evergreen plant, a liana, whose homeland is the tropical rainforests of Nigeria, Congo, and Guinea.
This flower pleases me every year with its lush blooms. It is no coincidence that in Ancient Rome this plant was dedicated to Venus. “Clerodendrum” is translated from Greek as “tree of fate,” but there is also a popular name for “innocent love.” There are some subtleties when growing this amazing plant. It can be either a flowering bush or a climbing vine. It all depends on the care.
Soil: a substrate consisting of peat, humus and sand in a ratio of 1:1:0.5 is best suited. At the bottom of the pot you need to make good drainage from expanded clay or broken shards.
Lighting: clerodendrum prefers bright, warm rooms with high air humidity. It is better to diffuse light rather than direct rays of the sun. Western and eastern windows are preferable; if it grows on northern windows or in the shady part of the apartment, then you may not wait for flowering. The plant will be like a vine with air layering. In winter, the brightest place for clerodendrum is best, otherwise it may shed its leaves.
Temperature: the most optimal temperature for clerodendrum from spring to autumn is 18-25 degrees Celsius, and in winter it is better to be 15-18 degrees Celsius (a cool window sill is more suitable). The temperature of the soil in the pot should be higher than the surrounding air.
Watering: In summer, clerodendrum needs abundant watering; in winter, watering is limited, since the plant sheds its leaves and is dormant. Clerodendrum does not like dry air, so the plant should not be placed near heating devices. Considering that clerodendrum is a plant of tropical rainforests, it must be frequently sprayed with soft, settled water.
Top dressing : Every two weeks (from April to August) the clerodendrum is fed with liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.
Pests: Clerodendrums are affected by spider mites, scale insects, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Fitoverm and Sunmite help.
Reproduction: Mrs. Thomson's clerodendrum is propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air layering. It is better to cut cuttings (woody twigs, second year) in the spring, then the plant gives good roots not only in the prepared substrate, but also in water. Young plants are pinched back repeatedly to create a beautiful, bushy plant. Regular (once every 5-6 years) rejuvenation of plants is necessary. It is better to replant in the spring. Plants grown from seeds bloom the following year.
In order for Mrs. Thomson’s clerodendrum to bloom every year, you need to know one secret. The point is that this plant blooms only on young shoots when they are approximately 12-15 centimeters long. Therefore, in order for your specimen to bloom, you need to do regular pruning of the plant. In the literature, it is advised to do this kind of pruning after winter rest, then water the plant abundantly, and within a day of the week shoots with buds will begin to grow. My flower is blooming after autumn pruning. If pruning is not done, the plant will simply be a climbing vine.
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