Repotting guide

When & how to repot Glory Bower (Clerodendrum splendens)

Also called Flaming Glorybower, Scarlet Glorybower, Red Clerodendrum.

More about glory bower

About Glory Bower

Clerodendrum splendens · also called Flaming Glorybower, Scarlet Glorybower · tropical

Clerodendrum splendens is a spectacular tropical twining shrub from West Africa bearing dense clusters of brilliant scarlet flowers against glossy dark-green foliage. It blooms most freely in late winter to spring in warm, humid conditions. Treat as mildly toxic to pets, as the Clerodendrum genus contains compounds that may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Mature size: 2-4 m with support indoors; up to 6 m outdoors in tropical climates

How to tell glory bower needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For glory bower, watch for these signs:

Roots poking out of the drainage holes or coiling visibly around the inside of the pot.
You are watering far more often than you used to because the rootball dries out within a day or two.
Water runs straight through and out the bottom without soaking in.
Top growth has slowed or new glory bower leaves are noticeably smaller than older ones despite good light.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot glory bower

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast. Glory Bower's growth habit — twining or scrambling tropical shrub-vine — sets the pace. Clerodendrum splendens is a spectacular tropical twining shrub from West Africa bearing dense clusters of brilliant scarlet flowers against glossy dark-green foliage. It blooms most freely in late winter to spring in warm, humid conditions. Treat as mildly toxic to pets, as the Clerodendrum genus contains compounds that may cause gastrointestinal upset.

What size pot to step glory bower up to

Step up one pot size — about 2–3 cm (an inch) wider. Glory Bower grows fast, so it will fill that space within a season, but jumping several sizes at once still backfires: the unused soil stays soggy and rots even a vigorous root system. One size at a time, every year or so, is the rhythm.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot glory bower

Early spring, just as new growth restarts, is the ideal window for glory bower. The plant is moving into its strongest growth phase and re-roots into fresh soil quickly. Avoid repotting in winter dormancy or, for flowering plants, while it is in bud or bloom — recovery is slowest then and you risk dropping the flowers.

Step-by-step: repotting glory bower

Time it for spring. Repot glory bower in early spring as growth restarts so it re-roots quickly into the fresh soil.
Choose one size up. Pick a pot about 2–3 cm wider with drainage holes. One step only — a much bigger pot stays soggy and rots roots.
Ease the plant out. Water lightly the day before, then tip glory bower out and gently loosen any roots circling the bottom of the rootball.
Repot at the same depth. Put a layer of fresh rich, fertile, well-draining potting mix in the new pot, set the plant so its soil line is unchanged, and backfill, firming lightly.
Water and pause feeding. Water once to settle the soil. Hold off fertiliser for about a month — fresh mix already has nutrients and feeding now burns new roots.

Aftercare

Water glory bower once to settle the soil, then let the surface dry before watering again — fresh mix around the roots stays wetter than the old compacted ball, so the commonest post-repot mistake is overwatering. Keep it out of direct sun for a week or two while roots re-establish. Do not fertilise for about 4 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for glory bower

Glory Bower wants rich, fertile, well-draining potting mix. Grow in a peat-free, compost-rich potting mix blended with 20% perlite for drainage. A slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5 is preferred. Top-dress annually with fresh compost and repot into a slightly larger container every two years. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting glory bower — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot glory bower?

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast for glory bower. Repot glory bower roughly every 12–18 months, in early spring as growth restarts. It grows fast and circles its pot quickly, so step up one size (about 2–3 cm wider) into fresh rich, fertile, well-draining potting mix. Don't jump several sizes — that soggy excess soil is what rots vigorous roots.

What size pot does glory bower need?

When is the best time of year to repot glory bower?

Can you put glory bower straight into a much bigger pot?

No. Even a fast-growing glory bower should only go up one pot size at a time. A vastly oversized pot holds a reservoir of wet soil the roots cannot reach, which stays cold and soggy and rots the roots — the opposite of what you wanted.

Should you fertilise glory bower after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 4 weeks after repotting glory bower. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.