The Perfect Valentine’s Day Plants
Philodendron – Perhaps the most popular heart-shaped-leaf plant, Philodendron are valued for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Most varieties require very little care and can happily adorn your sweetie’s office space for years. For the busy professional, consider the beloved Heartleaf Philodendron variety (Philodendron hederaceum). With its 2 to 3 inch (5 to7.6 cm.) leaves and fast-growing vines, this heart-shaped plant is ideally suited for hanging baskets and trellises. Your loved one might also enjoy one of these other Philodendron varieties:
Silver-leaf (P. Brandtianum) White Wave (P. Birkin) Silver Cloud (P. mamei)
Pothos – With its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) could easily be mistaken as a type of variegated philodendron. Both of these heart-shaped plant species share similar care requirements. When shopping for Valentine’s Day plants, look for these colorful Pothos varieties to brighten your loved one’s day:
Golden Pothos Marble Queen Pothos Njoy Pothos
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) – This succulent houseplant is also a low-maintenance favorite. Place a hanging basket containing a String of Hearts plant in a bright location and enjoy the cascade of trailing vines. Leaves can vary from greyish-green to light pink and green, depending upon variety. Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) – This delightful houseplant with heart-shaped leaves brightens winter interiors with its colorful blossoms in shades of pink, red, lavender or white. After flowering, Cyclamen becomes dormant and is often discarded. Anthurium – Choosing an Anthurium houseplant with heart shaped leaves is not difficult, but what you might not know is that its long-lasting “flowers” are actually modified leaves. Nonetheless, your recipient is sure to the love the tropical accents these easy-to-care-for plants lend to any interior. Heart-leaf Hoya (Hoya Kerrii) – These sun-loving vines have almost perfect heart-shaped leaves. So much so, rooted H. Kerrii leaves can often be purchased as “sweetheart” hoyas around Valentine’s Day. FYI, these are simply rooted leaves that won’t produce further growth, but they do make fun and long-lasting gifts. Caladium – Adorned with brightly-colored, heart-shaped leaves, Caladium make beautiful Valentine’s Day plants. They do require a bit more TLC than the typical houseplant, plus they go dormant and the leaves will die back after several months. In the meantime, your special someone can enjoy the vibrant red, pink, white snd green patterned foliage of these popular Caladium varieties:
Carolyn Whorton Caladium Sweetheart Caladium Red Ruffles Moonlight Radiance
