The Best Heart-Shaped Plants to Give for Valentine’s Day

Sure, you could be predictable and buy flowers or chocolates for Valentine’s Day, but there are more memorable, sustainable options—living plants that display their affection through charming heart-shaped leaves or blooms. Whether you’re sending a message of love to someone special or indulging in a little self-care, these botanical sweethearts are enduring reminders of affection that last far beyond the holiday.
Read on for a curated list of romantic, heart-shaped plants—each a living keepsake—and expert tips to help them thrive.

Why Choose Heart-Shaped Plants?

Heart-shaped plants symbolize enduring love and affection, making them a thoughtful gift for Valentine’s Day—or any day you want to express appreciation. Beyond romance, these plants enliven homes and gardens with their unique foliage and, in some cases, spectacular blooms. Many are easy to care for and suitable for a variety of light and humidity conditions.

• Symbolism: Heart-shaped leaves are natural emblems of love and compassion.
• Longevity: Unlike cut flowers, these gifts continue growing for years with proper care.
• Sustainability: Living plants are environmentally-friendly alternatives to disposable gifts.
• Aesthetics: Their unique shape adds visual interest and appeal to any setting.

Top Heart-Shaped Plants for Gifting

String of Hearts Vine (Ceropegia woodii)

The String of Hearts Vine is a trailing houseplant with delicate, petite heart-shaped leaves patterned in silver and green. It can grow up to 10 feet long, creating a cascade that looks beautiful in hanging baskets or perched on a tall shelf.

• Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light.
• Water: Prefers to dry out completely between waterings—excellent for forgetful plant owners.
• Growth Habits: Fast-growing, low-maintenance, and benefits from the occasional light pruning to encourage bushiness.
• Best for: Plant parents who love trailing plants or anyone seeking a graceful, romantic gesture.

Heartfern (Hemionitis arifolia)

This compact fern native to Southeast Asia features glossy, deep-green heart-shaped leaves held on slender black stems. Despite its exquisite appearance, Heartfern is surprisingly undemanding and adapts well to indoor life.

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates low-light settings.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—loving humidity.
• Care Tip: Avoid letting the fern dry out and mist regularly for best results.
• Best for: Fern enthusiasts, terrariums, or anyone wanting a graceful pop of green.

Flamingo Flower (Anthurium spp.)

Known for its waxy, heart-shaped leaves and vivid blooms in shades of red, pink, or white, the Flamingo Flower is a tropical showstopper that symbolizes hospitality and abundance.

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to encourage blooming.
• Water: Keep soil barely moist and provide good drainage.
• Humidity: Appreciates extra humidity; ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
• Best for: Lovers of bold color and statement houseplants.

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

A classic trailing plant with shiny, deep-green heart-shaped foliage, Heartleaf Philodendron is famously easy to grow. It’s perfect for beginner plant keepers and thrives with minimal fuss.

• Light: Adapts to a wide range—from bright, indirect to low light.
• Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• Growth: Vigorous; trim regularly if you want to keep it compact.
• Best for: Apartments, offices, or anyone looking for a resilient greenery gift.

Hoya Heart (Sweetheart Hoya, Hoya kerrii)

Native to Southeast Asia, Hoya Heart is a slow-growing vining succulent with thick, waxy heart-shaped leaves. Sold often as a single-leaf potted plant near Valentine’s Day, it makes a sweet, petite present that lasts for years.

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
• Water: Let the soil dry out between waterings; avoid overwatering.
• Unique Tip: Single-leaf Hoya hearts sold as cuttings will not grow into large plants unless the cutting includes a stem node. For a fuller plant, seek out a multi-leafed, rooted specimen.
• Best for: Succulent aficionados and lovers of miniature plants.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

The classic Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart is a woodland perennial adored for its arching stems of pendant heart-shaped flowers in pink, white, or red. Hardy and long-lived, it blooms in late spring and adds romance to any shade garden.

• Light: Prefers partial to full shade.
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season.
• Features: Ferny foliage provides lasting interest even after the blooms fade.
• Best for: Cottage gardens and shady borders, or cottage garden enthusiasts.

Caladium

Caladium leaves are a riot of color and shaped like large, vibrant hearts. Hailing from the tropics, they brighten up shaded summer gardens—and their bulbous roots can be dug up and overwintered indoors in colder climates.

• Light: Thrives in partial to full shade; some sun-tolerant varieties exist.
• Water: Likes consistently moist, well-drained soil.
• Foliage: Varieties feature combinations of red, pink, green, and white.
• Best for: Seasonal containers, shaded patio displays, or vibrant garden beds.

Redbud Tree (Cercis spp.)

The Redbud is a small ornamental tree whose leaves emerge heart-shaped and display colors ranging from green to purplish, often changing as the season progresses. The tree’s showy flowers appear before its leaves, adorning bare branches with pink, purple, or white blossoms in early spring.

• Light: Prefers full sun to light shade.
• Water: Adaptable once established; prefers well-drained soil.
• Features: Spectacular seasonal color changes and spring blooms.
• Best for: Gardens in need of a focal point with year-round interest.

Epimedium (Barrenwort)

A shade-lover, Epimedium features small, delicate heart-shaped leaves and dainty spring flowers. Its foliage often turns red or bronze as the season progresses, making it excellent for ground cover in woodland gardens.

• Light: Prefers dappled or partial shade.
• Water: Enjoys moist, well-drained soil.
• Best for: Understory planting or as a foliage accent in mixed gardens.

Colocasia (Elephant Ears)

Colocasia produces large, dramatic heart-shaped leaves and can create a lush, tropical ambiance. Some varieties grow leaves more than 2 feet across, making them a focal point for water gardens or containers.

• Light: Enjoys full sun to part shade.
• Water: Thrives in wet soil and appreciates ample watering.
• Best for: Statement containers, pond edges, or tropical-themed gardens.

Cyclamen

These winter-blooming tuberous perennials are recognized for their patterned, heart-shaped leaves and delicate upturned flowers. Cyclamen provide a pop of color on windowsills or in sheltered outdoor nooks at a time of year when most plants are dormant.

• Light: Indirect light indoors; cool, shaded spots outdoors.
• Water: Water sparingly, only when the top soil is dry—avoid wetting the tuber.
• Best for: Brightening indoor spaces during the colder months.

Comparison Table: Heart-Shaped Plants at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the easiest heart-shaped plant for beginners?

A: Heartleaf Philodendron and String of Hearts Vine are among the most forgiving and adaptable, making them ideal for those new to houseplants.

Q: Do all Hoya Heart plants grow into vines?

A: Not necessarily. Single heart-shaped Hoya leaves sold individually will usually stay as a solitary leaf unless the cutting contains a stem node. For a vining plant, select a multi-leaf specimen.

Q: Can I grow Bleeding Heart indoors?

A: Bleeding Heart generally thrives best outside in shade gardens. However, it can sometimes be grown indoors in cool, moist environments with adequate shade and humidity.

Q: Are heart-shaped plants safe for pets?

A: Some heart-shaped plants (such as Anthurium, Philodendron, and Caladium) contain compounds toxic to pets if ingested. Always check safety guidelines before bringing new plants into pet-friendly homes.

Q: What’s the best way to display a heart-shaped plant?

A: Trailing varieties (like String of Hearts and Philodendron) look lovely in hanging baskets or on shelves, while compact types (like Hoya Hearts) are perfect for desktops or giving as gifts in decorative pots.

Gift Ideas: Presenting Heart-Shaped Plants Thoughtfully

• Personalized Pot: Choose a beautiful or unique container to make your gift extra special.
• Care Card: Include a handwritten card with basic care instructions to set your recipient up for success.
• Pair with Self-Care Items: Bundle your plant with tea, a candle, or a favorite book for a thoughtful care package.
• Planting Together: For outdoor species like Redbud trees or Bleeding Hearts, offer to help plant together as a shared experience.

Tips for Success: Helping Heart-Shaped Plants Thrive

1. Research Your Species: Each heart-shaped plant has different sunlight, water, and soil needs.
2. Mind the Roots: Most houseplants dislike soggy roots—ensure pots have drainage holes.
3. Beware of Overwatering: Many—such as Hoyas and String of Hearts—prefer drying out between waterings.
4. Increase Humidity Where Needed: Ferns, Anthurium, and Caladium prefer a humid environment, particularly in winter’s dry air.
5. Prune for Shape: Light pruning can encourage bushiness or help vines trail gracefully.

Conclusion: Living Symbols of Love

Heart-shaped plants are more than just romantic gestures—they are long-lasting companions that bring joy, greenery, and a living memory to any home or garden. Whether you select a classic Bleeding Heart for the garden, a quirky Hoya Heart for a desk, or a vibrant Caladium for a shaded patio, you’re sure to make an impression that flourishes long after Valentine’s Day.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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