A range of houseplants are traditionally associated with good luck, prosperity, harmony or wellbeing. The list includes low-maintenance options such as lucky bamboo and snake plants, as well as flowering plants and herbs that need brighter conditions or more specific care.
Lucky bamboo is actually a type of dracaena, not true bamboo. It tolerates low light but grows best in medium to bright indirect light. Plants grown in water need a weekly water change, while those in soil should be kept slightly moist. Pilea, also known as the Chinese money plant, has coin-shaped leaves associated with wealth and luck; give it bright indirect light and water when the soil is mostly dry.
Other easy-care choices include snake plants, which tolerate a variety of light conditions and need watering only every two to three weeks, and money trees, which prefer medium to bright indirect light. The guide recommends rotating a money tree weekly and watering it when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Jade plants are also associated with wealth and longevity, but should be watered only after the top layer of soil dries.
For those drawn to flowers, orchids are linked with fertility and abundance, while chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and good luck. Oxalis, or lucky shamrock, is said to bring good fortune and does best in bright indirect light, with the soil allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Peonies are associated with wealth and status and need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Some plants are connected with harmony and calm. Peace lilies are said to bring harmony to a home, but the guide warns that they are especially toxic to cats. Lavender is associated with serenity and grows more easily outdoors, where it needs full sun and well-draining soil. Heart-shaped hoya leaves are linked with love and harmony, while philodendrons are associated in Feng Shui with love, balance and mental calm.
The remaining plants include colorful bromeliads, citrus trees, rosemary, zebra plants, coppertone snake plants, olive trees and eucalyptus. Their traditional associations range from prosperity and protection to peace and wellbeing. Care needs vary: citrus trees require six or more hours of direct sun to produce fruit, rosemary prefers full sun and relatively dry conditions, and eucalyptus is prized for its fresh scent.
Sources: House Beautiful.