Madison MoultonValentine’s Day is around the corner and with it comes the pressure of the perfect gift. Rather than sticking with the traditional red rose or any other fleeting bouquet, why not opt for a long-lasting gift that can embody the meaning of love year-round?
These 5 heart-shaped houseplants are the ideal Valentine’s Day gift for the plant lover in your life.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Sabrina Rizzo via Unsplash
Evident in the common name, string of hearts is a wonderful alternative Valentine’s Day gift. The adorable heart-shaped leaves have a mottled look, appearing on long vines that give the plant a delicate appearance. You may even find Ceropegia woodii trained around a heart-shaped trellis in a pot at your local nursery for an extra V-Day touch.
Valentine Hoya (Hoya kerrii)
Mokkie via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Valentine hoya, also known as the sweetheart plant, is impossible to miss. Often sold as a single succulent leaf planted in a small pot, Hoya kerrii foliage forms a perfect heart shape ideal for Valentine’s Day. These leaves will develop roots to sustain themselves but unfortunately won’t grow into full vines.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Karolina Grabowska via Pexels
For the supposed ‘black thumb’, Epipremnum aureum is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. This plant has been labeled almost impossible to kill, handling a wide range of growing conditions with no complaints. There are also several cultivars available with different variegation patterns, allowing you to gift your loved one the perfect choice for their home.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
VV via Unsplash
Another easy-to-grow option for houseplant beginners is Philodendron hederaceum. Commonly known as the heartleaf philodendron, and often known by the scientific synonym Philodendron scandens, this plant is one of the most popular of the Philodendron genus. They look wonderful in hanging baskets or left to trail along shelving.
Heart Leaf Fern (Hemionitis arifolia)
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
This fern also has pronounced heart-shaped leaves identifiable from miles away. The delicate foliage floats above the container on thin stems, giving the plant a unique and gentle look. Although ferns are known for being tricky to care for, this plant will be happy as long as it receives some extra humidity and medium to bright indirect light.
Featured image: Ksenia Chernaya via Pexels
