Common bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is a spring-blooming herbaceous perennial that forms arching stems from rhizomatous roots. The plant is a fast grower that typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall within around 60 days. Although it flourishes best outdoors, you can keep a bleeding heart plant indoors as well.
Bleeding heart flowers are small and heart-shaped in pink or white. And bleeding heart leaves are typically green and grow in a basal rosette. Different types of bleeding heart plants have slightly different looks. For example, Lamprocapnos spectabilis Gold Heart has golden leaves.
If you want to grow bleeding heart indoors, you should know that the plant has isoquinoline alkaloids in it, which are poisonous to people and animals.
Bleeding hearts are one of the most whimsical and charming flowers you can grow. Their delicate, dangling blooms shaped like hearts give them an almost magical appearance While these flowers thrive when planted in gardens, you can also successfully grow bleeding hearts in pots With the right care and conditions, potted bleeding hearts can add a graceful beauty to any space.
Choosing the Right Pot
When selecting a container for bleeding hearts bigger is better. Look for a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. This will allow plenty of room for the plant’s roots to spread out. Shallow pots often restrict root growth, resulting in a smaller weaker plant.
Make sure the pot has several drainage holes in the bottom Good drainage is essential for bleeding hearts, which can easily develop root rot if left in standing water Choose a pot made of clay, plastic, ceramic, or another durable material. The material is less important than the size and drainage.
The Perfect Potting Mix
Bleeding hearts need a rich, lightweight potting mix that will hold moisture but still drain well. The ideal mix will contain:
- Peat moss or coco coir to help retain moisture
- Perlite or coarse sand to provide drainage
- Compost for nutrients
- A handful of slow-release fertilizer pellets mixed in
You can make your own mix by combining equal parts peat moss, perlite, and compost. Or use a quality potting soil blended for containers. Just be sure to add extra perlite or sand if the mix seems dense. The potting media should feel light and fluffy in your hand.
Planting with Care
When planting bleeding hearts in a pot, start by filling the container about halfway with potting soil. Carefully remove the plant from its nursery pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new container. Add more soil around the roots, firming it down gently with your hands.
Leave about 1-2 inches between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot. This space allows you to water thoroughly without overflow. Finish by giving the plant a deep watering to settle the soil.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Bleeding hearts thrive in cool, humid environments with filtered sunlight. When growing them indoors, place the pot near an east or north-facing window. A sheer curtain can help soften direct light. Daytime temps between 55-75°F are ideal. Cooler nights are fine as bleeding hearts often go dormant in winter.
To boost humidity, set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Misting the leaves now and then also helps. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, taking care not to soak the foliage. Let excess water drain out the holes before returning the saucer.
Ongoing Care
Potted bleeding hearts need relatively little care as long as you provide the right conditions. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for strong growth. In winter, reduce watering frequency and stop fertilizing until spring.
Monitor for common pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites. Wipe or spray plants to control small infestations. Repot every 2-3 years in early spring, moving the plant to a slightly larger container. Take care not to damage the fragile roots when repotting.
Enjoying the Flowers
Given proper care, potted bleeding hearts will reward you with their signature blooms in late spring. The flowers appear on arched stems and range from white to pink, red, and purple depending on variety. Most dangling blooms are pink or red with protruding white tips.
Flowers may last up to 6 weeks. When they fade, trim back the flower stems but leave the foliage intact. Bleeding hearts go dormant in summer, losing their leaves until cooler weather returns. Don’t worry – this is normal. Keep watering sparingly and they’ll return next spring.
Tips for Success with Potted Bleeding Hearts
- Choose a container at least 12 inches wide and deep
- Use a light, well-draining potting mix
- Site in partial shade or filtered sunlight
- Maintain consistently cool temps and high humidity
- Water thoroughly when top inch of soil is dry
- Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks
- Monitor for common pests like aphids and mites
- Repot every 2-3 years in early spring
- Remove spent flower stems but leave the foliage
- Reduce watering and let plants go dormant in summer
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Leggy growth: Too little light. Move to a brighter (but not direct sun) location.
Few or no flowers: Too much sun or heat. Provide more shade and cooler temps. Fertilize regularly.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or excessive heat. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings and monitor temps.
Spindly plant: Needs more light. Relocate to a brighter spot or grow under a plant light.
Blackened roots: Root rot from wet soil. Check drainage and water less frequently. Repot in fresh mix if needed.
Gorgeous Varieties for Pots
Many bleeding heart varieties grow well in containers. Here are some top picks:
Gold Heart – Pink and white blooms with golden foliage. Stunning in pots. Grows 18-24 inches tall.
Alba – A compact variety that reaches just 12 inches tall. Bears elegant white blooms.
Luxuriant – Vivid red flowers. A bit larger, reaching 2 feet tall when potted.
Cameo – Delicate white blooms tinged with pink. Grows up to 18 inches tall.
Valentine – Deep red, long-lasting flowers. Reaches 18-24 inches tall.
With their romantic, old-fashioned appeal, bleeding hearts are ideal for containers. By choosing the right pot, potting mix, and growing conditions, you can cultivate a spectacular show of heart-shaped blooms. Pay close attention to providing shade, cool temps, and humidity. Repot regularly in fresh soil and be diligent about drainage. With minimal care, bleeding hearts will flourish, adding grace and charm to your indoor or patio gardens.
How to Grow Bleeding Heart Indoors
Grow bleeding heart in partial shade to full shade. Two to six hours of sunlight a day is best, but the plant needs to be shielded from the hot afternoon sun. A window that gets bright, indirect sun indoors is typically best.
Potting and Repotting Bleeding Heart
Only add one plant per pot to allow your bleeding heart plenty of room to grow. Blood heart can grow for about four years before it needs to be repotted, as long as you start with a big pot. Roots that stick out of the soil and grow down through drainage holes are signs that a plant is root-bound.
When you repot, choose a bigger pot with two to three inches of space around the root ball for growth. Place the plant at the same depth it was growing at before and add new potting mix around the root ball.
MossMan How To: Potting a Bleeding Heart
FAQ
Do Bleeding Hearts do well in a pot?
Where is the best place to plant a bleeding heart?
Do Bleeding Hearts spread?
How to winter a potted bleeding heart?
Do bleeding hearts grow in pots?
Bleeding hearts are also popular as container plants. They can be grown in pots, with their root ball at the same depth as it was in the original pot. During their dormancy period in late spring, it’s essential to keep the pot in a cool, dry place. In addition to their enchanting heart flowers, bleeding hearts also have attractive foliage.
Does smoking marijuana have negative effects on the heart?
Yes, people who use marijuana have an increased risk of heart diseases and heart attack. The active component in marijuana known as tetrahydrocannabinol can cause inflammation of the cells forming the inner lining of the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and blockage of the vessels over time.
How do you potting a bleeding heart plant?
The first step in potting or re-potting a bleeding heart plant is to select the right container and soil. Bleeding heart plants prefer rich soil that is well-drained, so it’s recommended to use a mixture of garden soil, compost, and organic matter.
Can bleeding heart grow in a container?
Bleeding heart, which grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, is a wonderful choice for a semi-shady spot in your garden. Although bleeding heart is a woodland plant, growing bleeding heart in a container is definitely possible. In fact, container-grown bleeding heart will thrive as long as you provide the proper growing conditions.
