The Heart of the Matter

by Evin Morrison, Extension Master Gardener

February is all about the heart. From craft paper hearts to chocolate treats, they are basically everywhere. For houseplant collectors, heart-shaped leaves are highly desirable. Some people collect plants of a specific color, or species, but the four plants described below are perfect for a heart-obsessed houseplant lover:

String of Hearts

A trailing plant covered in tiny hearts, the Ceropegia woodi is relatively easy to care for and usually available at local plant shops. The string of hearts should be treated like a succulent for the best results. Plant them in a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. If you don’t have a premixed version, you can easily create your own by combining fifty percent standard potting mix with 50 percent perlite or vermiculite. When it comes to watering, let the soil dry out between waterings. Making sure your string of hearts isn’t sitting in heavy or soggy soil. Doing so will benefit its growth and prevent root rot. 

While the standard version of this plant is green with a purple underside, you can also find variegated types that boast white and pink leaves. As the plant grows, you can expect to see tiny flowers appear, especially if the plant is happy in its environment. Keeping this type of plant in a place with bright indirect light will make it the happiest. 

One challenge associated  with string of hearts is that the vines can get tangled, particularly when you transfer them from the store to your home. If you have the patience, you can untangle them and place them in an area where they won’t get agitated again. If you have a particularly tangled plant, giving  it a haircut will not only detangle your existing plant, but also enable you to grow more, as it is easy to propagate. Cut stems at the nodes and place the vine pieces in water. They will quickly grow roots. You might also notice woody nodules or “balls” appearing along the vines. These are tubers and when the tubers come in contact with soil, they can sprout roots and grow even more vines. Cutting right above the tubers and placing them directly in the soil of your plant is a great way to fill it in and make fuller draping plants in your home.

Hoya kerrii

Hoyas are highly desired and collected for their beautiful and fragrant blooms. The Hoya kerrii is even more interesting because of its distinct, chubby, heart-shaped leaves. Another vining plant, this species pops up all over shops around Valentines Day. When you are out shopping, often you will find a single heart in a small pot. Keep in mind that these are individual leaf cuttings and rarely will they grow into anything more. This succulent leaf can live for a long time, but as a small cutting can be prone to rotting in too much moisture. If you’re looking for a larger plant, you’ll need to find a fully rooted plant with multiple vines and many hearts.

Most hoyas will benefit from a little support and can be attached to a mini trellis or moss pole. Having the outermost growth point pointed upwards will encourage it to grow more. These plants likewise benefit from bright indirect light, rather than direct sun, which may cause sunburn on the leaves. 

Like all succulent plants, it’s important to only water when the top few inches of soil are dry. When it is time to water, water the plant thoroughly until the water drains through the drainage holes. Fully watering the plant and then letting it mostly dry out is better for the root system, even though fully watering a succulent can seem like you’re drowning it. 

Hoya blooms are beautiful but can be hard to achieve in our homes. For your best chances of getting the elusive flowers, ensure your plant is getting enough light, warmth, and nutrients. And keep in mind it might take a few years to establish blooms since your chances improve on more mature plants.

Heart Leaf Fern

If you are looking for a moisture loving plant, the Hemionitis arifolia (heart leaf fern) boasts cute dark green hearts at the end of a slim black stem. The leaves are stiff and hold their shape, so they don’t look like your typical fern. Despite this difference, the care requirements for the heart leaf fern is like most other ferns. Ferns thrive in high humidity and should be kept evenly moist. Aim for 70% humidity and plant them in a substrate that will retain moisture. Adding moss can help keep your plant in ideal conditions. 

If you can’t keep your household humidity that high, Hemionitis arifolia does quite well in a terrarium setting. Make sure you don’t over water the terrarium. Keep your closed system evenly moist without water pooling in the base of your container. Keep your glass containers out of direct sunlight as the convex shape of the terrarium can intensify the light and heat in the container that may kill the plants inside.

Ferns are woodland plants and are often found on the rainforest floor. Knowing where your plants grow in the wild can help you mimic the environment that they need to thrive. Dappled light and warm temperatures like those found in the forest will help you grow a happy plant. If you manage to grow a full plant, the best way to propagate a heart leaf fern is through division. Remove the plant from its pot and with a sharp spade or knife cut the root ball in half. Plant each side in its own pot and add lots of fresh soil. For a more forest-like finish, top dress your new plants with orchid bark. 

Ace of Hearts Anthurium

The Ace of Hearts Anthurium is known for its bright red heart-shaped spathes (or bracts that cover the interior flowers) and shiny green heart-shaped leaves. It’s a “two for one,” if you’re looking to add that coveted heart-look to your houseplant collection. Note, however, that while  most anthuriums have a heart-shaped leaf, not all of them will have the striking “blooms”, so be sure to research prior to purchase. 

Anthuriums need bright, indirect light to thrive. Too much sun and being too close to bright windows might lead to crispy leaves. Watering your anthurium falls somewhere between succulents and ferns. Keeping the substrate moderately moist is important as you don’t want to drown your plant, but you also don’t want it to get too dry like a cactus. Using a rich houseplant potting soil with orchid bark, horticultural charcoal and perlite will maintain moisture, while still being chunky enough to keep the substrate from becoming stodgy. 

Humidity-loving plants like anthuriums prefer to be kept in moist conditions, but don’t need to be in a closed system like a terrarium. The glossy leaves benefit from  being misted every once in a while, and being kept  dust free. Don’t over mist, though, as that can lead to a fungal problem on the plant or on the soil surface. 

The colorful spathes that we often mistake for blooms are long lasting and can stay vibrant on the plant for months or more. However, once they fade you should trim them away from the plant. Cut the base of the stem as close to the spathe as you can. It can be very difficult to get these plants to rebloom outside of a commercial greenhouse setting where every aspect of care is highly regulated. However, a rebloom is possible, so don’t give up on your anthurium once the colors fade. Make sure it gets plenty of diffused light, is watered routinely, and receives a high-grade fertilizer. 

Final Thoughts

Those who want to decorate their home with a heart-shaped plant have many options. In making your choice, pick the right plant for the right place.  Consider whether you have, or can create and maintain, the right conditions at home to make one of these lovely heart-shaped beauties thrive. If you do, you’ll enjoy the companionship of one or more of these plants for years to come!