The name “bleeding heart flower” comes from the pink flowers that look like hearts and are swollen. They bloom in the spring. A white petal with a red streak sticks out from under each heart shape. This is where the idea that the heart is bleeding comes from. They dangle from long, arching stems that give the plant a cascading effect.
This plant, which is native to Asia, can reach up to three feet in maturity. It usually has about 20 small flowers on its stems during a growing season, and they stay in bloom for a few weeks in the spring. This type of plant will bloom again the following year in either fall or spring, even if the bleeding heart flower goes away.
Bleeding heart plants are in the same family as poppies and are toxic to people and pets.
The bleeding heart plant, known for its beautiful dangling heart-shaped flowers, is a popular perennial in outdoor gardens But did you know these romantic blooms can also thrive indoors? With the right care and conditions, growing bleeding hearts as houseplants is totally possible
An Overview of Bleeding Heart Plants
There are two main species of bleeding heart plants:
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Dicentra spectabilis – The common bleeding heart, this produces pink, white, or red flowers on arching stems in spring. It goes dormant after flowering.
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Dicentra formosa – The Pacific bleeding heart blooms longer with fern-like foliage. It may rebloom through summer rather than going dormant.
Both do well indoors, The Pacific bleeding heart may be better for continuous enjoyment of the blooms
Outdoors, bleeding hearts prefer partial to full shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil. They can grow 1-3 feet tall and wide, depending on variety.
Tips for Growing Bleeding Hearts Indoors
Here are some key tips to help your indoor bleeding heart thrive:
Light
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Bleeding hearts prefer bright, indirect light indoors. East or west facing windows work well.
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Avoid direct southern sun exposure which can scorch the foliage.
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If sunlight is too intense, diffuse it with a sheer curtain.
Soil
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Use a rich, organic potting mix with added perlite for drainage.
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Keep soil constantly moist but not soggy wet. Allow it to dry slightly between waterings.
Pot
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Select a pot about 2 inches wider than the root ball with drainage holes.
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Terra cotta pots help wick away moisture.
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Repot every 2-3 years as the plant grows.
Temperature
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Bleeding hearts prefer cool 60-70°F temperatures.
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Keep away from heat vents, appliances, or drafts.
Humidity
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Increase humidity around the plant by misting often or using a pebble tray.
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Bleeding hearts enjoy the same humidity as ferns and orchids.
Fertilizer
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Use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
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In winter, reduce fertilizing while the plant is dormant.
Pruning
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Remove faded flowers and any yellowing foliage to maintain vigor.
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Cut back stems after blooming to prevent self-seeding.
Getting a Bleeding Heart to Bloom Indoors
Getting bleeding heart plants to flower reliably indoors can be tricky. Here are some tips to encourage those coveted blooms:
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Provide bright, indirect light without any exposure to direct sun. Insufficient light is a main reason indoor bleeding hearts fail to bloom.
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Cool temperatures around 60-65°F will promote flowering. Keep plants away from heating vents.
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Give the plant a winter dormancy rest for 6-8 weeks with reduced watering. This mimics its natural cycle and triggers bud development.
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Fertilize regularly during the growing season for vigorous growth that leads to flowers.
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Choose Pacific bleeding heart varieties, as they are more prolific bloomers than common bleeding heart.
While not always a guarantee, following these guidelines will maximize your chances of success in getting blooms from an indoor bleeding heart plant.
Troubleshooting Issues with Indoor Bleeding Hearts
Growing bleeding hearts inside comes with some potential challenges. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Issue: Yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light
Solution: Allow soil to dry between waterings, repot in fresh mix, increase sunlight exposure
Issue: Wilting
Cause: Underwatering
Solution: Water more frequently, check for root rot
Issue: Leaf spots
Cause: Fungal disease
Solution: Prune affected leaves, apply fungicide, improve air circulation
Issue: No flowers
Cause: Inadequate light, improper dormancy, or incorrect temperature
Solution: Increase sunlight, provide winter rest period, maintain cool temps
Issue: Pests like aphids or spider mites
Cause: Low humidity, stressed plant
Solution: Mist frequently, apply insecticidal soap, prune heavily damaged parts
Caring for a Dormant Bleeding Heart Plant
After flowering in spring, bleeding heart plants enter a dormant period. The foliage dies back entirely. This is totally normal! To care for a dormant bleeding heart:
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Cut off all dead stems and leaves at the base after they turn yellow.
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Reduce watering, but don’t let soil dry out completely.
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Store dormant pot in a cool, dark place like a basement or closet.
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Check monthly and water just enough to moisten the soil.
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In late winter, return the pot to normal conditions. New growth will emerge!
The plant is not dead, merely taking a rest period before vigorous new growth appears. With proper care while dormant, bleeding hearts will reawaken in spring.
How to Propagate Bleeding Heart Plants
Want more bleeding hearts for indoor enjoyment or to share with fellow gardeners? Propagating these charismatic plants at home is simple. Here are a few methods:
Division
- Divide crowns from dormant roots in fall and replant sections in pots.
Stem cuttings
- Take 3-4 inch cuttings in spring and root in water or potting mix.
Seeds
- Sow seeds indoors in late winter. Transplant seedlings after several leaves appear.
Storage tubers
- After flowering, pot up some of the pea-sized underground tubers to sprout new plants.
Through division, cuttings, seeds, or tubers, propagating bleeding heart brings free new plants with the same genetics as the parent. It’s an easy way to expand your indoor bleeding heart collection!
Enjoying Bleeding Hearts as Houseplants
With their graceful, dangling blooms in shades of red, pink, or white, it’s easy to see why bleeding heart plants are so admired. Though mainly grown outdoors, their beauty and old-fashioned charm can certainly be appreciated inside the home as well.
By providing bright, indirect light, plenty of humidity, rich soil, and ideal temperatures, your indoor bleeding heart will thrive. Troubleshoot issues quickly by adjusting care. With the proper conditions, these woodland jewels will flourish indoors!
So don’t reserve bleeding hearts just for the outdoor garden. Bring their elegance and romantic vibe inside your home with some simple indoor growing tips. In return, they’ll reward you with their stunning blooms!
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Bleeding Hearts Indoors
What type of bleeding heart works best as a houseplant?
The Pacific bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) is a better choice than the common bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) for indoor growing. It blooms longer, doesn’t go dormant, and tolerates warmer temperatures better.
Should I cut back my indoor bleeding heart after flowering?
Yes, it’s best to trim off all faded flower stems after your indoor bleeding heart is done blooming for the season. This helps direct the plant’s energy into new growth rather than seed production.
How can I revive a leggy, spindly indoor bleeding heart?
If your indoor bleeding heart is growing tall and leggy, prune it back by half its size in early spring. This will encourage bushier, more compact growth. Also increase sunlight exposure.
Why won’t my indoor bleeding heart bloom?
Insufficient sunlight is the most common cause of an indoor bleeding heart failing to flower. These plants need bright, indirect light to bloom well indoors. Cool temperatures around 60°F also encourage flowering.
Should I let my indoor bleeding heart go dormant?
Yes, it’s best to allow an indoor bleeding heart to go through a short winter dormancy rest period if possible. This mimics its natural cycle and will promote better growth and flowering.
With the right care strategies, indoor gardeners can absolutely cultivate these woodland classics for their gorgeous, heart-shaped blooms. Follow the guidelines covered here, and your bleeding heart houseplant will thrive indoors!
Planting
Plant a bleeding heart in partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. Plant the bleeding hearts bare roots so the crown is about 1 to 2 inches below the soil. If its planted too deeply, the crown may rot. Put a bleeding heart somewhere with some shade and wind protection to keep these delicate flowers safe from strong winds. A woodland garden is ideal for a bleeding heart plant.
Potting and Repotting Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart plants do well in pots, and they can also be grown inside, but the conditions need to be right. Opt for a large container thats at least a 12-inch pot with drainage holes. Unglazed clay is best to allow excess moisture to evaporate through its walls. Use a quality, well-draining potting mix.
In a large pot, a bleeding heart plant can live for four to five years before its roots get too big and it needs to be moved to a new pot. Decide whether to split your plant or move it to a bigger pot that has room for its root ball plus a few inches on all sides. Move the plant out of its old pot slowly, and then put it in the new pot at the same depth. Fill around it with potting mix, and water well.