Ivy Plants with Heart-Shaped Leaves – A Beautiful and Versatile Houseplant

Ivy plants with heart-shaped leaves are a popular and attractive houseplant option. With their distinctive foliage and vining growth habit, ivy plants can add charm and greenery to any indoor space. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular varieties of ivy with heart-shaped leaves their care requirements and how to use them effectively in home decor.

What is Ivy?

Ivy refers to a large group of around 15-30 species of plants in the genus Hedera. They are native mostly to temperate regions of Europe western Asia, and northern Africa. Ivies are evergreen perennial vines or groundcovers that can climb by way of aerial rootlets that cling to surfaces.

The most popular ivy for indoor growing is Hedera helix, or English ivy. Within this species, there are many different cultivars featuring different leaf shapes, sizes, and variegation. Other ivy species like Algerian ivy (Hedera algeriensis) and Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) also make good houseplants.

Ivy Varieties with Heart-Shaped Leaves

Some of the most popular ivy varieties that feature heart-shaped leaves include:

• Hedera helix ‘My Heart’: This cultivar produces medium to large sized deep green leaves distinctly shaped like a heart. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day displays.

• Hedera helix ‘Sweetheart’: A more petite variety, Hedera helix ‘Sweetheart’ has smaller, bright green heart-shaped leaves. It’s a good option for terrariums and small containers.

• Hedera algeriensis ‘Ravensholst’: This Algerian ivy selection has glossy, leathery leaves that are dark green and prominently heart-shaped.

• Hedera helix ‘Goldheart’: In addition to the signature heart shape, ‘Goldheart’ ivy has leaves variegated with yellow centers.

• Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’: The Canary Island ivy has large, heart-shaped leaves edged in creamy white.

Caring for Ivy Plants Indoors

Ivy thrives in bright, indirect light indoors. Direct sun will scorch the leaves. Water ivy whenever the top inch of soil is dry and fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Ivy prefers average room temperatures between 65-85°F. Cooler temperatures can lead to leaf drop. In dry air, mist ivy frequently or place its pot on a pebble tray for added humidity.

Repot ivy when it becomes rootbound into a container one size larger using a peat-based potting mix. Prune back overlong stems to keep growth compact and full.

Using Ivy Plants with Heart-Shaped Leaves in the Home

Thanks to their vining growth habit, ivies can be used in hanging baskets, wall planters, on trellises, in terrariums, or simply trailing from a pot. The heart-shaped leaves provide unique visual interest and texture.

Ivy combinations to try:

• Group different ivy varieties together in a mixed planter for contrasting leaf shapes and colors.

• Plant ivy in a hanging basket lined with sphagnum moss. Let the vines trail down for a romantic look.

• Grow ivy in a wall planter or up a moss pole to create a living wall of greenery.

• Pair heart-leaf ivy with pink flowers like mini roses. This echoes a Victorian garden style.

• Use heart-shaped ivy along with other houseplants like pothos, philodendron, or peperomia. The different leaf shapes complement each other.

No matter which heart-leaf ivy you choose, they make lovely and easy-to-grow houseplants. Their vining nature allows them to be grown in many creative ways, adding a touch of nature to your living space. With the right care, ivy plants can remain an attractive feature in the home for many years to come.