There’s something magical about heart-shaped leaves that makes a plant feel special the moment you see it. These natural beauties can bring a sense of warmth and romance to any space, indoors or out.
Some are graceful climbers, while others sit neatly in pots, adding a soft touch to your living room or garden. You might choose them as thoughtful gifts or as long-lasting décor that stays beautiful season after season.
They need only simple care, yet they offer so much in return with their lush foliage and unique shapes. With just a little attention, these plants can grow into lasting reminders of affection and beauty.
#1 Jack Frost (Brunnera)
Jack Frost is loved for its shimmering silver leaves, each perfectly heart-shaped and lightly patterned with green. In spring, it also sends up clusters of delicate blue blooms that resemble forget-me-nots.
This perennial thrives in partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist to help it flourish. Mulching in summer can protect its roots and keep its leaves looking fresh.
#2 Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla)
Dutchman’s Pipe is a fast-growing vine that produces huge, dramatic heart-shaped leaves, creating a dense green curtain. It blooms in late spring with unusual green flowers that blend into the foliage.
Give it a sturdy trellis or fence to climb and plenty of space to spread. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once settled, it will reward you with lush coverage year after year.
#3 ‘Gold Heart’ Bleeding Heart
The ‘Gold Heart’ Bleeding Heart combines golden foliage with dainty, pendant flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Its heart-shaped blooms dangle gracefully on arching stems in spring.
Plant it in a partly shaded spot with moist, fertile soil. Trim back old stems once flowering ends to encourage fresh growth. It naturally goes dormant in summer, so don’t worry if it disappears until next spring.
#4 Redbud Hazel (Disanthus cercidifolius)
Redbud Hazel offers deep green heart-shaped leaves that take on a plum blush as summer turns to fall. With time, the foliage shifts into rich autumn tones, adding seasonal interest.
It prefers partial sunlight and well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist during dry spells for the best color. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain its shape and size.
#5 Hostas (Hosta hybrids)
Hostas are known for their large, textured leaves, many of which take on a soft heart shape. They thrive in shady garden corners, adding lush greenery and sometimes sending up tall spikes of lavender or white flowers.
Plant them in rich, moist soil and water during dry weather. Divide clumps every few years to keep them healthy and full. Their foliage also helps create a calming, layered garden look.
#6 Grandpa Ott’s Purple Morning Glory
Grandpa Ott’s Morning Glory offers rich purple trumpet-shaped flowers against a backdrop of bright green heart-shaped leaves. It grows quickly, twining its way up trellises or fences.
Give it full sun and regular watering to keep the blooms coming. Train young vines early for a tidy display. It will often self-seed, so remove pods if you want to control where it grows.
#7 Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
The Katsura Tree greets spring with bronze-tinted heart-shaped leaves that turn bluish-green as they mature. In autumn, they shift to golden yellow and apricot-orange, sometimes releasing a sweet, candy-like scent.
Plant it in well-drained soil with full sun to light shade. Water regularly during its early years to establish a strong root system. Prune lightly in winter to shape young trees.
#8 String of Hearts
The String of Hearts trails gracefully with delicate vines dotted with small, patterned heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn’t need much water.
Let the soil dry between waterings to avoid root rot. For a fuller look, loop the vines back into the pot as they grow. You can easily propagate it by placing cuttings in water until roots form.
#9 Devil’s Ivy
Devil’s Ivy has glossy, heart-shaped leaves that brighten up indoor spaces and help purify the air. It grows well in low to bright light, making it easy to place anywhere in the home.
Keep the soil slightly moist but allow the top layer to dry before watering again. Trim long vines to encourage bushier growth. It also grows happily in water-filled containers for a clean, decorative touch.
#10 Sweetheart Plant
The Sweetheart Plant is often sold as a single, rooted heart-shaped leaf in a small pot, making it a perfect gift. It grows slowly but steadily in bright, indirect light.
Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Over time, it may develop more leaves and become a small climbing plant. Keep it in a warm spot to help it thrive.
#11 Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant produces large, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive splits and holes as it matures. It grows best in bright, indirect light and enjoys slightly moist soil.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and glossy. Train the stems onto a moss pole for upright growth. With good care, it can become a stunning focal point indoors.
#12 Arrowhead Plant
Arrowhead Plant has leaves that start out heart-shaped and gradually become more arrow-like as they age. It adapts well to low light but grows faster in bright, indirect light.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season. Pinch back the tips to encourage fuller growth. It also looks beautiful in hanging baskets where the vines can cascade.
#13 Heart Leaf Fern
Heart Leaf Fern is a small, lush plant with soft, rounded, heart-shaped leaves. It loves moist soil and a sheltered, sunny position indoors.
Mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity. Remove any yellowing fronds to keep the plant tidy. Place it near a bathroom window for the extra moisture it enjoys.
#14 Flamingo Flower or Anthurium
Flamingo Flower has glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves paired with bright, waxy blooms. It likes bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season for more blooms. Remove faded flowers to keep it looking fresh. Its tropical look adds elegance to any indoor setting.
#15 Cyclamen
Cyclamen offers patterned heart-shaped leaves and delicate, butterfly-like flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. It grows best in cool temperatures with bright, indirect light.
Keep the soil lightly moist and avoid watering the crown of the plant. Allow it to rest after flowering by reducing water. It will return with fresh growth and blooms the following season.
#16 Philodendron Gloriosum
Philodendron Gloriosum has large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves with striking white veins. It grows horizontally along the soil rather than climbing.
Give it bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Repot when it outgrows its container to keep it healthy.
#17 Lemon Lime or Heartleaf Philodendron
Lemon Lime Philodendron brightens a room with its cheerful yellow-green heart-shaped leaves. It is easy to care for, thriving in partial sunlight and well-drained soil.
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Trim trailing stems to keep it full and bushy. It’s a great choice for shelves, hanging baskets, or tabletop displays.