The Complete Guide to Valentine's Day Plants: Giving & Receiving
Why do plants make such meaningful Valentine’s gifts? Unlike cut flowers, which are essentially on a countdown from the moment they’re snipped, a houseplant is a living thing you can continue to care for and watch grow. It represents the nurturing, patience, and growth that define a real relationship. Whether you are celebrating a new spark or years of partnership, gifting a plant says, "I want to watch this grow with you." Plus, every time your partner waters it or sees a new leaf unfurl, they’ll think of you.
When looking for Valentine's Day plants, these are our top picks!
String of Hearts
- Symbolism: Its name says it all. The delicate, heart-shaped trailing leaves represent a deep, intertwined connection.
- Care level: Easy-intermediate. Likes bright light and drying out between waters.
- Styling tip: Place it on a high shelf or in a macramé hanger so the "hearts" can cascade down.
Hoya Kerrii
- Symbolism: Known as the "Valentine Hoya," these are famous for their single, heart-shaped leaves.
- Care level: Easy. They are succulents-like, so they don't need to be watered often.
- Styling tip: A single leaf in a cute ceramic pot is the perfect "desk buddy" gift.
- Symbolism: With their waxy, heart-shaped flowers, they represent enduring love.
- Care level: Easy-moderate. They love humidity and consistent light.
- Styling tip: These look stunning in a minimalist white pot to let the red or pink blooms pop.
- Symbolism: Represents peace, harmony, and purity.
- Care level: Easy. It will "wilt" to tell you when it’s thirsty.
- Styling tip: Great for floor planters in bedrooms or quiet corners.
Succulents
- Symbolism: Endurance and timelessness. Perfect for the low-maintenance partner.
- Care level: Beginner. Just give them sun and leave them alone!
- Styling tip: Create a "mini garden" by grouping three different varieties in one shallow planter.
Picking the "best plant for a Valentine's gift" depends entirely on who is receiving it. Ask yourself these four questions:
- What is their lifestyle? If they are a busy person, maybe even travels often, a succulent or snake plant is a safe bet. If they are a homebody who loves a ritual, an anthurium or peace lily will thrive under their care.
- What is their experience level? Don't gift a finicky plant to someone who has never owned one. Stick to the "easy wins" like pothos or hoya.
- What is their aesthetic? Does their home feel like an indoor jungle or a modern minimalist vibe? Match the pot and plant structure to their decor.
- Are there pets involved? If they have a curious cat or dog, ensure you choose non-toxic options.
Elevate your gift with these ideas:
- Custom potting: Paint the terracotta pot or write a meaningful date on the bottom.
- Pairing: Bundle the plant with a watering can or a container of our soil mix.
- Note stakes: Skip the card and write your message on a wooden plant stake tucked into the soil.
- Experience gifting: Sign up for our February events and plan to pot a plant together! View our upcoming workshops and events HERE
If you were the lucky recipient of a Valentine's plant delivery in Ohio, here is how to keep it happy:
- Don’t repot immediately. Let the plant acclimate to your home’s light and temperature for at least a week or two.
- Find the light. Most plants need "bright indirect light", think near a window but not in the scorching direct sun. To learn more about what different lighting means, visit our blog, The Ultimate Houseplant Lighting Guide
- Check the moisture. Stick your finger in the soil. If it's damp, don't water it!
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