Plants with heart-shaped leaves possess a unique charm, a kind of charm that adds a touch of whimsy and stylishness to an interior or outdoor space. Their characteristic foliage not only arrests the eye but also brings a sense of warmth and natural beauty to the surroundings.
With their qualities, certainly, both outdoor plants and indoor houseplants with heart-shaped leaves can create idealistic and appealing atmospheres in your home. They are not only astounding but also simply beautiful to gaze at thus thoughtfully incorporating them not only creates visually captivating displays that elevate the mood but also uplift the aesthetics of your spaces. Here’s how.
Ways Through Which These Plants Enhance Decors
The distinctive shape of heart-shaped leaves adds a visually captivating element to any space. It breaks away from the ordinary and adds a whimsical touch that grabs attention and creates visual interest. Such plants are also often associated with love, affection, and emotions, hence including them in your decor can stimulate feelings of warmth, tenderness, and care, in turn creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere.
Plants with heart-shaped leaves could create focal points in a room or outdoor area. Their unique foliage stands out and draws the eye, creating a central point of interest that anchors the decor and adds a touch of drama. Plus, the texture of their leaves can vary from smooth and glossy to textured and veined. This variety of textures is sure to add depth to the decor and create an appealing contrast when paired with other plant species or decor elements. Heart-shaped leaves also come in a range of colors and patterns, from deep green to variegated or marbled designs. These colors and patterns can complement or contrast with the surrounding decor, adding visual richness and depth to the space.
Moreover, plants with heart-shaped leaves are versatile in terms of placement and arrangement. They can be used as hanging plants, potted plants on shelves or tabletops, or incorporated into vertical gardens. This versatility allows for creative and diverse arrangements that suit various interior and exterior styles. Furthermore, incorporating plants with heart-shaped leaves also brings a touch of nature indoors or into outdoor spaces. This connection with the natural world adds a sense of quietude, freshness, and nature’s vitality to the décor. This creates a more harmonious and balanced environment.
Plus, the vast majority of these plants generally contribute to improved air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. By having plants with heart-shaped leaves in your decor, you not only enhance the aesthetics but also promote a healthier and more enjoyable living or working environment.
Seven Plants With Heart-Shaped Leaves for You to Try
There is an array of these plants from which you can pick those that you can invest in for an enriched interior or outdoor decor in your home. However, here are seven such plants that are sure to intrigue your senses.
Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerrii)
The Sweetheart Hoya, also known as the heart leaf plant or Valentine hoya, is a popular tropical succulent with heart-shaped leaves. Its fleshy, succulent leaves have a waxy texture and a deep green color.
The Sweetheart Hoya can be grown in hanging baskets or as a trailing plant, making it an excellent choice for indoor decor.
With its romantic symbolism and charming foliage, the sweetheart hoya definitely adds a touch of love and devotion to any interior space.
Philodendron Heartleaf (Philodendron hederaceum)
This classic stunning and attractive houseplant is one of the most popular ornamental indoor plants. It has a substantial structure and is easy to maintain.
The Philodendron heartleaf is loved for its heart-shaped, glossy leaves that range in color from deep green to variegated patterns. This plant is an excellent choice for beginners, as it is easy to care for and adapts well to different light conditions.
It can be used as a hanging plant, a climbing vine, or potted on shelves or tabletops. With its lush and vibrant foliage, the Philodendron heartleaf brings a sense of freshness and natural beauty to interior spaces. It definitely is a lush and versatile beauty that you can try.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.)
These plants are known for their delicate elegance which is enhanced by their dainty, heart-shaped leaves that emerge from tubers. The plants produce charming flowers in various shades of pink, red, or white, which further enhance their elegance.
They can be grown indoors as potted plants or incorporated into outdoor garden beds. And with their delicate leaves and stunning blooms, cyclamen plants definitely add a touch of grace and sophistication to any decor. Without a doubt a subtle sophistication worth checking out!
Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Also known by other names like the flamingo flower, tail flower, painter’s palette, tale flower, or laceleaf - which are all lovely names given the desirability of this indoor plant- anthurium is quite a beauty that you can invest in.
The exotic allure of anthurium is definitely what these plants are prized for. They possess heart-shaped, glossy leaves and striking, brightly colored spathes. These tropical plants thrive in warm and humid environments, making them ideal for indoor cultivation.
Anthuriums can be grown as potted plants or used in floral arrangements, with their exotic allure and unique foliage bringing a sense of drama and vibrancy to both indoor and outdoor decors.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
This is one of the most attractive and popular houseplants you can ever find. Be it in its colorful form or any other available varieties, this plant is easy to propagate and grow making it an ideal choice for anyone enthusiastic about houseplants.
String of hearts has a trailing vine that features a purple stem and green and mottled white leaves, which are equally eye-catching.
More so, it is robust enough to thrive even when the conditions are not very ideal. The string of hearts can therefore be an important addition to your indoor collection.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
The Bleeding heart is an herbaceous perennial plant with heart-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems. Although not technically heart-shaped leaves, it is the flowers that resemble hearts and are a fascinating feature of this plant.
Bleeding hearts thrive in shaded areas and are well-suited for gardens or outdoor landscapes. Plus, with their unique and graceful flowers, these plants definitely add a touch of dreamy beauty to any outdoor decor.
Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia spp.)
Dutchman's pipe is a fascinating plant that belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family and encompasses various species, each with its own characteristics and growth habits. One of the standout features of this plant is its large heart-shaped leaves, which can grow up to several inches in size.
The leaves have a deep green color and a glossy texture, adding a lush and vibrant element to any space. Their unique shape adds visual interest and serves as a focal point in both indoor and outdoor settings.
It is also known for its intriguing flowers, which are often hidden within the heart-shaped foliage. The flowers of different Aristolochia species can vary in size, shape, and color, but they generally have a distinctive pipe-like appearance, hence the plant's name. The flowers can be quite ornate and add a touch of exotic beauty to the decor.
Due to its climbing nature and dense foliage, Dutchman's pipe can be used as a natural privacy screen in outdoor areas. By training it to grow on a trellis or fence, you can create a green barrier that shields your space from prying eyes. The heart-shaped leaves create a visually appealing and effective privacy solution.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Leafed Plants Work Perfect for You
As one who is enthusiastic about plants, you definitely will notice that plants with heart-shaped leaves offer a unique and captivating addition to both interior and outdoor decors. Their qualities, ranging from the romantic symbolism of the sweetheart hoya to the lush beauty of the Philodendron heartleaf, bring much-needed charisma and class to the table.
You can choose to cultivate these plants indoors or incorporate them into your outdoor landscapes, but still, their heart-shaped leaves will bring a touch of whimsy, grace, and natural beauty. These qualities are complemented by the plants’ unique foliage patterns, vibrant colors, and delicate elegance, all of which make them versatile accents for various decor styles.
You can even use hanging baskets, tabletop arrangements, or climbing vines, to grow them since all these plants can be creatively fashioned to enhance the outlook and feel of any space.
In view of that, for a more fulfilling experience, consider the sweetheart hoya, a symbol of love and dedication, as a centerpiece in a romantic-themed interior. Its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines create a captivating display that exudes affection and tenderness. Pair it with soft lighting and complementing decor elements to create a cozy and intimate ambiance.
If you desire a lush and versatile beauty, the Philodendron heartleaf fits the bill perfectly. Its glossy heart-shaped leaves bring a sense of freshness and vitality to any room. Place it on a shelf or hang it in a macramé planter to add a touch of greenery to your interiors. The Philodendron heartleaf also thrives in bathrooms or kitchens with high humidity levels, adding a natural element to these spaces.
Seeking a delicate elegance? Then cyclamen plants are an excellent choice. Their heart-shaped leaves and charming blooms create a graceful and sophisticated atmosphere. Place them on windowsills or use them as decorative accents on side tables to bring a touch of refinement to your decor.
For an exotic appeal, anthurium plants with their heart-shaped leaves and vibrant spathes are a perfect choice. They make a bold statement in both indoor and outdoor settings. Use them as focal points in your decor, and their unique foliage will certainly draw attention and admiration.
You can bring in peperomia plants as well since they offer a wide range of charming varieties with their heart-shaped leaves. Their compact size and diverse leaf patterns make them versatile accents for any interior decor. Create a mini plant collection by grouping different Peperomia varieties on a shelf or in a terrarium, showcasing their unique foliage and adding visual interest to your space.
In outdoor landscapes, bleeding heart plants bring a touch of romantic beauty with their heart-shaped flowers. You can have them planted in shaded areas or along garden pathways to create an enchanting and captivating atmosphere with their graceful blooms.
And with that, ingeniously adding these plants to your decor will get you watching them with glee as they change your space into one that is visually appealing and inviting.
Feature image by @t0mmj on Instagram, header image by fei wang on Pexels