The humdrum, short-lived, perfume-free bouquet of a dozen red roses has had its day. Flowers might be the obvious choice when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts, but the humble houseplant can be surprisingly seductive, too. And just like the perfect relationship, with the right amount of love and care, it's the gift that keeps on giving.
From heart-shaped leaves and showy blooms to scented beauties, these plants for Valentine's Day will be admired for far longer than a box of chocolates or a standard bouquet of roses.
Why Choose Plants for Valentine's Day
With a flowering plant, this thoughtful alternative can bring sunshine into your sweetheart's life for months (or maybe even years) to come. But with so many plants to choose from, how do you find one that's also able to get your message of love across? No need to worry: the heavy lifting has already been done.
Apart from the longevity and sustainability aspects when it comes to plants, their symbolism gives you a myriad of options to pick from. Whether for luck, spirituality, love, fertility, or peace, there is a perfect plant for Valentine's Day to convey your message on this special day.
1. Mangave Mint Chocolate Chip
Instead of a box of chocolates, enjoy this Mangave Mint Chocolate Chip, a unique-looking succulent for its incredibly wavy leaves and intense spotting. Long, silvery blue-green leaves are succulent, but not as rigid as Agave. Near-black spotting is present on both fronts and the backsides of the leaves and contrasts beautifully with the lighter-colored leaves.
A very fine white margin lines the edges of the leaves with a serrated edge. Mangave mint chocolate chip is a low-maintenance succulent with a beautiful look. It's a desirable gift that will be adored by a loved one every single day.
2. Monstera Deliciosa Tauerii
Monstera deliciosa Tauerii from Evanthia is a stunning, tropical foliage plant with large, heart-shaped leaves with lots of perforations. Tauerii is a dwarf-type Monstera and particularly develops its leaf perforations early. This plant tends to set earlier than other Monstera Varieties.
Monstera deliciosa is native to South and Central America, where it grows as an evergreen perennial vine in tropical rainforests. They use their aerial roots and climbing habit to make their way up along surrounding trees, through the canopy, to reach the daylight.
Monstera deliciosa Tauerii is well-suited as a decorative houseplant and one of the perfect Valentine's Day plants to gift this year, thanks to its lovely heart-shaped leaves. This plant symbolizes growth and resilience, making it ideal for celebrating and expressing love.
3. Begonia Barkos Baladin
The red begonias from the Barkos series you find at Koppe Begonia are widely cultivated by begonia growers during the winter season because they are so hardy and last a long time in consumers' homes. The plant might grow a little slower, but it is much stronger.
In addition, the flowers are filled with many petals, creating a full and fluffy effect that exudes romance. The largest variety in the Barkos series is the Begonia Barkos Baladin. This is the most commonly grown red begonia and is therefore a great choice for Valentine's Day plants.
4. Cordyline Red Heart
Cordyline australis Red Heart from Evanthia is a frost-tender, evergreen palm-like tree, which forms an upright trunk over time. This decorative, subtropical beauty is crowned by a dense cluster of bright green, sword-like leaves with a red flushing core.
The leaves are narrow and arching and have a tough, leathery texture. Cordyline australis is native to subtropical parts of New Zealand, where it grows in coastal areas, forest edges, and high mountain forests, along river shores and swamps.
It can handle drought and cold circumstances pretty well. Cordyline australis Red Heart is low maintenance, care-free, and well-suited to use as a houseplant. It's also great for patio containers as well as for landscaping. This subtropical plant, with its sword-like leaves and vibrant red center, makes a bold, low-maintenance choice for Valentine's Day. It represents strength and passion.
5. Alocasia Yucatan Princess
The Alocasia Yucatan Princess from Ammerlaan The Green Innovator is as royal as her name suggests. As she grows taller, she demands respect with her impressive leaves, which in natural settings become so large they're said to resemble an elephant's ear.
For many animals in the Southeast Asian rainforest, the leaves, which can reach a meter wide, offer a safe hiding place. And, as you could see before... Alocasia leaves are heart-shaped. Perfect for an original Valentine's gift!
It will perhaps not grow that big in your house, but with a little love and care, it will certainly grow into a real eye-catcher! It symbolizes protection and growth, perfect for expressing love's nurturing nature.
6. Phalaenopsis Goodnight Kiss
The Phalaenopsis Goodnight Kiss from the AromorA series by Floricultura has something extra. It is an eye-catching series of Phalaenopsis varieties, all of which have a delightful fragrance. The seductive scent of this orchid entices the nose, allowing you to create a rich experience that will surprise your loved one.
Furthermore, the varieties in the AromorA series are characterized by their excellent spike performance and comparable flowering time to our other varieties. Its enchanting scent and stunning appearance make it a memorable gift.
7. Bromeliad Guzmania
The Guzmania from Bromelia Specialist predominantly grows in the northwest of South America and in the Caribbean, mostly in tropical rainforests. There, it grows on trees with stringy roots without harming them; the Guzmania extracts moisture and nutrition from the air. This tropical trumpet has a captivating effect on its entire environment.
The most striking features of the Guzmania are brightly colored bracts that grow from a beautiful rosette. Between the bracts, it has small, unique flowers. The Guzmania is available in many colors and color variations, such as yellow, red, orange, white, pink, or two-tone.
Are Roses Better Than a Rose Plant for Valentine's Day?
The debate between cut roses and rose plants for Valentine's Day depends on what message you want to convey. Cut roses offer immediate visual impact and traditional romance, but they fade within a week or two. A rose plant, however, represents enduring love and commitment, blooming year after year with proper care.
Rose plants offer several advantages:
- Longevity: They continue to bloom season after season, serving as a living reminder of your affection
- Sustainability: A more eco-friendly choice that reduces waste
- Engagement: Caring for a rose plant together can strengthen bonds
- Value: While initially more expensive, they provide blooms for years rather than days
For those seeking a meaningful, lasting gesture, a rose plant makes an exceptional choice among plants for Valentine's Day, symbolizing a love that grows stronger with time.
When to Plant Ranunculus for Valentine's Day, If You Fancy Them
If you're planning to grow ranunculus to present as Valentine's Day gifts, timing is crucial. Ranunculus corms should be planted approximately 10-12 weeks before your desired bloom time. For Valentine's Day flowers, this means planting in late November or early December in most climates.
These stunning buttercup relatives produce layers of delicate, rose-like petals in vibrant colors, making them extraordinary alternatives to traditional roses. For greenhouse or indoor growing, you have more flexibility with timing. Ranunculus prefer cool temperatures for root establishment and will bloom beautifully when given proper care, making them ideal plants for Valentine's Day celebrations.
What Are Your Favorite Plant and Flower Shops for Valentine's Day?
Finding the perfect Valentine's Day plants requires visiting quality nurseries and specialty shops that understand both botanical care and romantic presentation. Here are tips for selecting the best retailers:
Local Specialty Nurseries: These often carry unique varieties and provide expert care advice. Staff can guide you toward plants that match your loved one's lifestyle and home environment.
Online Plant Retailers: Specific retailers offer curated Valentine's Day collections with detailed care instructions and beautiful packaging.
Florist-Nursery Hybrids: Shops that combine traditional floristry with houseplant expertise offer the best of both worlds, with plants arranged in decorative containers perfect for gifting.
Farmers' Markets: During warmer months, local growers often offer seasonal blooming plants at farmers' markets, supporting local agriculture while finding unique specimens.
When shopping for Valentine's Day plants, look for:
- Healthy foliage without yellowing or brown spots
- Established root systems
- Shops that provide care cards
- Options for decorative pots or gift wrapping
- Staff knowledge about plant care requirements
Celebrate Valentine's Day With Plants
Valentine's Day plants bring beauty, symbolism, and longevity to the celebration of love. Be it a tropical Monstera or a fragrant orchid, these living gifts embody your heartfelt emotions while providing joy for years.
Maybe you can, therefore, make a little change this time round. From the fleeting beauty of a bouquet, you could try the lasting charm of these planty floral beauties this Valentine's Day.
Feature image by Koppe Begonia. Header image by @sandrabelcher.realtor
