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 Anthuriums are an easy-to-grow, low maintenance,
long-blooming indoor plant. The red, pink or white heart shaped
flowers rise above glossy green leaves.
Pothos and philodendron with heart shaped leaves are easy-to-grow
and long time favorites. Select one of the newer variegated
varieties like Brazil philodendron with a thin line of chartreuse
down the center of the leaf or Neon pothos with bright lime green
leaves for an updated look.
Caladiums and Elephant ears are popular in the garden, but also make
great houseplants.
Perhaps your valentine would prefer a living heart sculpture. Stems
of lucky bamboo are often trained into heart shapes and are a fun,
unique gift.
Or maybe it’s a topiary of wire vine, English or another small
leafed ivy trained into a heart. All you need is a pot with drainage
holes, a couple vining type plants and a piece of heavy gauge wire
or a pre-formed heart shaped topiary frame.
When making your own, bend the wire into a heart shape with one or
two legs that will extend into the container. Select small plants
with long branches to provide immediate impact. And consider
dressing up your container with a bit of paint.
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Fill the bottom half of the container with a
well-drained potting mix. Set the topiary frame in place. Locate the
plants in the container so the stems can be trained up either side
of the heart. Cover the roots with soil and water.
Secure the stems to the wire frame and add a decorative stone mulch,
if desired.
For a simpler gift, add a few cut flowers placed in water picks to
any pot of indoor plants. They add some color and are sure to
brighten your Valentine's Day.
No matter how you decide to celebrate, enjoy a Valentine’s Day
celebration with a friend or family member that is sure to refresh
your spirit and honor those you love.
[Photo credit: Melinda Myers, LLC]
Melinda Myers is the author of numerous books, including Small
Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything”
DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV
& radio program. Myers web site is
www.MelindaMyers.com.
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