Houseplants bring life and warmth to any space, but heart-shaped houseplants add a touch of romance and charm. Whether you’re gifting one to a loved one, decorating for a special occasion, or simply celebrating your love for greenery, these plants are a perfect way to express affection. Their lush, heart-shaped leaves not only brighten your home but also symbolize care and connection. In this guide, we’ll explore six stunning heart-shaped houseplants, share actionable care tips, and highlight real-life ways to incorporate them into your space. Additionally, we’ll address common questions to help ensure your plants thrive.
Why Choose Heart-Shaped Houseplants?
Heart-shaped houseplants do more than just look pretty. Their unique foliage adds a personal, emotional touch to your home decor, making them ideal for gifting or creating a cozy atmosphere. Studies, like one from the Journal of Environmental Psychology (2020), show that indoor plants can reduce stress and boost mood—perfect for creating a loving environment. These plants are also low-maintenance, making them suitable for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore six heart-shaped beauties and how to care for them.
1. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Why It’s Special
The heartleaf philodendron, with its glossy, deep green, heart-shaped leaves, is a classic choice for plant lovers. Its trailing vines make it perfect for hanging baskets or draping over shelves, adding a romantic vibe to any room.
Care Tips
- Light: Thrives in low to bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every 1–2 weeks.
- Soil: Use well-draining potting mix, like one from Miracle-Gro.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but adapts to average home conditions.

Sarah, a 28-year-old teacher from Seattle, gifted a heartleaf philodendron to her partner for their anniversary. “I hung it in our living room, and it’s become a conversation starter when friends visit,” she says. Pair it with a decorative macramé hanger for a boho-chic look.
2. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Why It’s Special
This delicate plant features dainty, heart-shaped leaves on long, slender vines. Its silvery-green foliage with subtle pink undertones makes it a stunning addition to high shelves or windowsills.
Care Tips
- Light: Loves bright, indirect light. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain works well.
- Water: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings—typically every 2–3 weeks.
- Soil: Use a cactus or succulent mix for optimal drainage.
- Propagation: Snip a vine and place it in water for easy propagation.

Real-Life Application
Mark, a 35-year-old graphic designer, propagates his String of Hearts to share with friends. “I’ve gifted cuttings to five people already, and they love watching the roots grow in glass jars,” he shares. This plant is perfect for creating heartfelt, homemade gifts.
3. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Why It’s Special
Known as the “Flamingo Flower,” the Anthurium boasts glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant, heart-shaped blooms (spathes) in red, pink, or white. It’s a bold choice for expressing love.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates medium light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—water every 5–7 days.
- Humidity: Thrives in high humidity; mist leaves or use a pebble tray.
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, like Jack’s Classic.

Real-Life Application
A 2023 survey by the National Gardening Association found that anthuriums are among the top gift plants for Valentine’s Day due to their striking blooms. Place one on a coffee table as a romantic centerpiece for date nights at home.
4. Pothos ‘Marble Queen’ (Epipremnum aureum)
Why It’s Special
The ‘Marble Queen’ Pothos features heart-shaped leaves with creamy white and green variegation, offering a softer, elegant look. It’s incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for beginners.
Care Tips
- Light: Adapts to low to bright indirect light; variegation shines in brighter conditions.
- Water: Water the soil when it feels dry, about every 1–2 weeks.
- Soil: Standard potting mix works well.
- Pruning: Trim long vines to encourage bushier growth.

Real-Life Application
Emma, a 42-year-old mom from Chicago, uses her Pothos to teach her kids about plant care. “It’s so easy to maintain, and the kids love watching the vines grow,” she says. Drape it over a bookshelf for a cozy, heart-filled corner.
5. Hoya Kerrii (Sweetheart Plant)
Why It’s Special
The Hoya Kerrii, often called the “Sweetheart Plant,” has thick, succulent, heart-shaped leaves. Single-leaf cuttings are popular Valentine’s Day gifts, but a full plant is a long-term love token.
Care Tips
- Light: Needs bright, indirect light to thrive.
- Water: Water sparingly—every 2–3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out.
- Soil: Use a well-draining mix, like a cactus blend.
- Blooming: With proper care, it may produce star-shaped flowers.
Real-Life Application
Lila, a 30-year-old florist, recommends gifting a Hoya Kerrii in a ceramic pot for weddings. “It’s a symbol of enduring love, and clients adore its unique look,” she says. Pair it with a Bloomscape pot for a polished gift.

6. Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
Why It’s Special
Cyclamen’s heart-shaped leaves and delicate, upward-facing flowers in pink, white, or red make it a romantic showstopper. It’s perfect for cooler indoor spaces.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun.
- Water: Water from the bottom to avoid root rot—every 7–10 days.
- Temperature: Thrives in cooler temps (60–70°F).
- Dormancy: Don’t panic if it dies back; it may rebloom with proper care.

A 2024 Horticulture Magazine article noted cyclamen’s popularity in winter weddings due to its seasonal blooms. Place it on a windowsill to brighten a chilly room with love and color.
How to Style Heart-Shaped Houseplants in Your Home
These plants aren’t just for gifting—they can transform your space. Here are some ideas:
- Romantic Vignettes: Group a heartleaf philodendron and hoya kerrii on a side table with candles for a date-night ambiance.
- Vertical Displays: Use String of Hearts in a hanging planter to create a cascading love curtain.
- Gift Baskets: Combine an Anthurium with a handwritten note and chocolates for a heartfelt gift.
- Workspace Charm: Add a Pothos ‘Marble Queen’ to your desk for a touch of greenery that boosts productivity.

Common Questions About Heart-Shaped Houseplants
Can these plants survive in low light?
Most heart-shaped houseplants, like the heartleaf philodendron and Pothos, tolerate low light, but their growth may slow. For vibrant foliage, place them in bright, indirect light.
How long do these plants live?
With proper care, many of these plants, like Hoya Kerrii and philodendrons, can live for decades. Cyclamen may go dormant but can rebloom for years.
Are these plants safe for pets?
Heartleaf philodendron, Pothos, and Anthurium are toxic to pets if ingested, according to the ASPCA. String of Hearts, Hoya Kerrii, and Cyclamen are generally safer but should still be kept out of reach.
How do I make my plant’s leaves shinier?
Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth or use a natural leaf shine product, like Leaf Shine by Espoma.
Final Thoughts
Heart-shaped houseplants are more than just decor—they’re a living expression of love, care, and connection. Whether you’re nurturing a String of Hearts for yourself or gifting an Anthurium to someone special, these plants bring joy and beauty to any space. Start with one (or all six!) and watch your home bloom with warmth. Ready to add a heart-shaped plant to your collection? Explore Bloomscape’s plant shop for healthy, delivered-to-your-door options.