Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate this national holiday of love than with a plant that grows along your affection? Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a thriving, vibrant, heart-shaped leaf plant.
When choosing the perfect plant for your Valentine, you should consider not only its look, but also the level of care it requires (and how much gardening experience your partner has). The last thing you want to do is gift a plant that will only thrive in very specific conditions.
In need of inspiration? Take a look at our Top 10 favourite heart-shaped leaf plants to find the best gift for your other half.
Top 10 heart-shaped leaf plants:
1. Devil’s Ivy
Epipremnum, also known as Devil’s Ivy or Pothos, is an easy-to-care-for houseplant with shiny, heart-shaped leaves, perfect for Valentine’s Day. There are many varieties of Pothos out there, and they’re all great for beginners and experienced plant parents alike. Devil’s Ivy can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and will thrive in bright indirect sunlight, or even low light. Water only when the soil feels dry, as the leaves will start turning yellow if it gets oversaturated. Devil’s Ivy is easy to care for and robust, making them an alluring and affordable option for those with time constraints.
2. Sweetheart Hoya
Hoya Kerrii an interesting small heart-shaped leaf plant that goes by many nicknames: Valentine plant, Sweetheart Wax Plant or Sweetheart Hoya… It is a succulent-type plant that can typically be propagated from a single heart-shaped leaf. They have grown in popularity in recent years due to their unusual looks, making it the perfect gift for your friend or partner. Sweetheart Hoya thrives in well-lit rooms and will hold water for a considerable amount of time, just like any other succulents. They make great gifts since they require very little attention, aside from the occasional watering, and will thrive in temperatures between 18 – 26 °C.
3. Anthurium
Anthuriums – also known as the flamingo flower – are well known for their sculptural red, pink or white heart-shaped leaves, that look like they’ve been made for Valentine’s. Given that they are given the right amount of humidity as well as bright indirect light, these tropical plants will bloom several times a year. Their flowers are also some of the longest-lasting on earth, meaning that your SO will enjoy their dazzling colours for months. And, added bonus, they can be propagated by stem cutting.
4. String of Hearts
As the name may give away, String of Hearts is a trailing succulent plant with green, purple or sometimes variegated, heart-shaped leaves. This fast growing little plant will require minimum care and will thrive by a sunny window with bright indirect light. Remember to water sparingly, once or twice a week during spring and summer, and only once every two weeks during winter. Overwatering is often the main culprit for the leaves starting to turn yellow or soggy, so if this happens to your plant, cut down on your watering routine.
5. Heart-Leaf Philodendron
Also known as the Sweetheart Plant, this plant is known for being hard to kill. As it grows, its heart-shaped, glossy leaves emerge bronze and quickly turn green. Philodendrons will be particularly suited for beginner gardeners as they are very forgiving. Just like Photos, they are fast growers and can be kept in the same pot for a couple of years with minimal care. Heart-Leaf Philodendrons prefer moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist from spring through fall and allowed to dry out between waterings during winter. Ensure the leaves are kept clean by occasionally wiping them with a damp cloth.
6. Homalomena
Homalomenas are easily identifiable by their deep green, red, burgundy, and copper tones. Their leaves resemble a semi-heart shape, hence the nickname “Queen of hearts” or “Shield plant”. This tropical plant is very easy to care for and does well in medium to low light conditions with a regular watering schedule. If the humidity level is low, it could cause the leaf edges to brown, so adding a humidity tray or humidifier to the area they live in could be beneficial.
7. Brunnera Macrophylla
Is your SO more of an outdoor gardener than an indoor grower? If so, why not considering a new addition for their flower beds. Nicknamed “Jack Frost”, Brunnera Macrophylla is a little outdoor plant with a silver grey heart-shaped foliage with pronounced dark green veins. Their lovely colours and shapes will make for an original gift for your loved one. This low maintenance plan will do best planted in drifts in a shady garden. Bright blue flowers will bloom from April to May.
8. Caladium
Caladiums are known for their ethereal heart-shaped leaves, making it an excellent Valentine’s Day present. They do best in hot, humid weather and prefer partial shade. Caladiums typically prefer to grow outside but they can be grown indoors, providing the level of humidity is sufficient and that they are kept away from direct light that risks scorching the leaves. These plants have recently become an Instagram sensation due to the lavish colours, ranging from white to pink, red or green, and their ability to grow leaves larger than the palm of your hand.
9. Syngonium Podophyllum “Red Heart”
You have probably heard of this plant without realising it! Syngonium Podophyllum, also known as “Arrowhead”, is shaped as an arrowhead, closely resembling a heart. The pink Syngoniums are particularly adapted for Valentine’s Day as the light pink hue will be sure to impress – but you can also find white, silver or purple Arrowheads. Syngoniums prefer medium to low indirect light. Soil should be partly moist during spring and summer and slightly drier – but never parched – in fall and winter.
10. Red Peperomia Caperata
This small houseplant, with dark, wrinkled purple leaves originates from the tropical forests of Brazil. As such, they do well in environment that mimics the humidity of a forest. In our apartments, this can mean pretty much any window, with the excepting of south-facing windows the sun would be too strong. They’re also known to do well under artificial lights or in terrariums. Because they’re not fussy, this make Peperomia Caperata another great fit for a beginner plant parent. Simply water these plants at the base to avoid getting the leaves wet.
The bottom line
You shouldn’t have to wait for a specific day to show your loved ones that you care, but one of these heart-shaped leaf plants on Valentine’s Day is a sure way to express your love! Their exotic and colourful nature is an original gift that will continues to grow and flourish throughout the year, instead of the traditional bundle of cut roses that will wilt within the week.
