Caring for a bleeding heart plant indoors is fairly easy; however, it’s important to keep the specifics of the plant’s needs in mind. Bleeding hearts need bright, indirect light and thrive in temperatures close to 65-70°F (18-21°C).
They prefer slightly moist soil, so regularly check soil moisture level and water when the top 1-2 inches of soil start to feel dry. To help with water consistency, stem rot, and disease, avoid overhead watering and water directly into the soil instead.
Additionally, fertilize with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
During colder months, stop fertilizing and reduce watering significantly; allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between each watering. Also, keep the leaves dry, as moisture and prolonged indoor temperatures can cause mold-like growths.
Pay attention to signs of pests as well, and prune away dead or damaged foliage to maintain desired shape and size of the plant. Lastly, mist regularly to increase humidity, but try to do it in the morning to prevent fungal problems.
With the right balance of light, temperature, moisture, and care, your bleeding heart will stay healthy and thrive indoors.
Can bleeding hearts be kept indoors?
Yes, bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) can be kept indoors. In order to successfully grow these flowers indoors, it is important to provide them with the right environment. Place them in a sunny spot, such as near a south-facing window, and keep the soil moist.
Make sure the room has good air circulation and some humidity. If necessary, group plants together or use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air. Bleeding hearts also enjoy a cool environment and should be kept away from direct heat.
When the flowers wilt, cut them off and fertilize the soil with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. With the right care, these plants can create a striking display in any sunny room.
Does a bleeding heart plant come back every year?
Yes, the bleeding heart plant (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly Dicentra spectabilis) is a surprisingly hardy perennial that comes back every year. The plants are native to Japan, China and Siberia, but can now be found around the world in gardens and flower beds.
The plant does need some basic protection in winter, however, as heavy frosts and excessive winds can damage the foliage. It’s best to cover the plants with a thick layer of mulch in fall, to make sure they survive the winter.
In spring, the following year, the plants will usually begin to put out new leaves and growth. If they don’t, it can be worth adding some fertiliser in spring to help them along.
Once established, the plants are surprisingly hardy and can usually survive through all but the harshest winters.
Should you cut back bleeding heart after it blooms?
Yes, you should cut back bleeding hearts after they bloom. Bleeding hearts go through a blooming cycle each year, with their blooms lasting for up to a month. After the blooms have faded, it’s important to trim them back to promote new growth.
Removing the flower stalks and dead leaves can help keep the plant healthy and looking its best. When cutting, use sharp scissors or pruners and cut the stems just above the growing bud. Do not cut too closely to the base of the plant, as this could damage the remaining foliage and flowers.
Trimming also encourages thicker foliage, which many gardeners find attractive in their garden.
Are bleeding hearts annuals or perennials?
Bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are perennial plants, meaning they live for more than two years. This is particularly beneficial for gardeners looking to fill a space in their garden for many years to come, as once planted, the plant can bloom for years with minimal maintenance.
Additionally, as native to Asia, these plants can be hardy in climates around the rest of the world, requiring little help to survive cold winters and hot summers.
When in bloom, bleeding hearts have a characteristic heart shape with a pink bloom in the center. The bloom appears in early or mid-spring and can last until late spring or early summer. These plants begin to go dormant in mid to late summer and will remain dormant until the spring.
While not in bloom, the plant can maintain interest with its unique fern-like leaves.
These plants thrive in partial shade, but can also withstand full shade or full sun locations. When considering planting, it is important to note that bleeding hearts require an acidic soil consisting of loam or sandy loam.
Additionally, when planting, these plants should be grown in a soil with good drainage to avoid root rot. Bleeding hearts are also said to attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators, creating an attractive focal point in any garden.
Do bleeding heart plants spread?
Yes, bleeding heart plants can spread. Most species will grow either through seed or underground rhizomes, which are networks of small roots that can spread a significant distance from the original plant.
Seeds should be planted in autumn, while the rhizome of a bleeding heart plant should be planted in the spring. These plants can spread quite rapidly under the right conditions, so care should be taken to maintain their growth.
It is also recommended to divide the plant every 3-4 years to keep it under control. Additionally, pruning and thinning during the summer months can help to keep it from spreading outside of the desired area.
How many hours of sun do Bleeding hearts need?
Bleeding hearts need about 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight for optimal growth, although they can tolerate partly shady conditions. The best way to ensure your Bleeding hearts get the amount of sunlight they need is to place them in a location near a window facing east, west or south where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight.
Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause leaf burn and cause the plant to become stressed. Additionally, placing the plant in a spot that does not receive enough sunlight can lead to poor flowering and growth.
How often should you water bleeding hearts?
The frequency of watering bleeding hearts will depend on the poising of the plant, the climate, and the season. In general, during the growing season, you should water established plants every one to two weeks.
In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently. In the wintertime, allow the soil to become completely dry to a depth of two inches before watering. However, avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
You can test the moisture level of your soil before watering by inserting your finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
Are Bleeding Hearts sun or shade plants?
Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis) are shade loving plants, preferring filtered, dappled, or partial shade. Too much direct sunlight causes the foliage to yellow and sunburn, while low light levels reduce flowering.
Bleeding Hearts perform best in a location sheltered from afternoon sun. They should also be planted in well-drained, rich soil and placed in an environment with high humidity. If planted in too much sun, consider providing dappled shade with other trees or plants in the vicinity to help protect them.
While Bleeding Hearts can tolerate some sun, they perform best in, and are better suited for, shade gardens.
Where is the place to plant a bleeding heart plant?
The best place to plant a bleeding heart plant is in an area with partial shade—a spot that gets bright indirect light or part sun and part shade. Also, the soil should be well-drained, loamy and slightly acidic.
Bleeding heart plants grow best when planted directly in the ground or in large containers with a soil-based compost and added water-retaining agent. It’s best to keep the plants well watered during their active growth period, but be careful not to overwater—allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.
Bleeding heart plants are fairly hardy and do not require much maintenance, although they benefit from a feed of a general-purpose fertilizer in spring. Lastly, make sure the area is kept weed-free to ensure the bleeding heart plants get enough nutrients and water.
What time of year do you plant bleeding hearts?
The best time of year to plant bleeding hearts depends on where you live and your climate. In areas with a mild winter, such as the Pacific Northwest, you can plant the roots of the bleeding hearts in fall, when the ground is still warm and the cooler weather is coming.
In cooler climates with hard frosts, it is best to wait until early spring or late winter when the ground can be worked.
When planting, it is important to allow for plenty of space between plants as bleeding hearts can spread quickly. The ideal soil should be moist, with a pH that is slightly acidic or neutral. When ready to plant, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil.
Be sure to water thoroughly, and the bleeding hearts will sprout in the spring for a beautiful display of blooms.