While most of us pick out a new houseplant just because it looks decent on a bookshelf, plenty of cultures have spent centuries using specific greenery to try to change the vibe of a room.
Whether you believe in the literal flow of energy or you just think having something alive and green nearby stops you from feeling so grim, there’s a long history of people growing certain plants to invite in a bit of luck or prosperity. It isn’t just about superstition; there’s a real psychological lift that comes from nurturing a plant that’s traditionally linked to things like peace, wealth, or health.
From the classic money tree to fragrant herbs that are supposed to clear out any lingering negativity, these plants are a simple way to make your home feel like a bit more of a sanctuary. Even if the “luck” part is up for debate, you’ll still end up with a house that looks better and air that’s a lot fresher, which is a win either way.
1. Money tree plants are believed to attract financial prosperity.
The braided money tree, or Pachira aquatica, is considered lucky in feng shui traditions and is thought to bring wealth to whoever owns it. The five leaves on each stem represent the five elements of feng shui, creating balance and harmony. These plants are surprisingly easy to care for, needing moderate light and watering only when the soil dries out. Place yours in the wealth corner of your home, which is the far left corner from your front door, to maximise its supposed fortune-bringing abilities.
2. Jade plants symbolise growth and renewal in multiple cultures.
These succulent plants with thick, coin-shaped leaves are also called money plants because their leaves resemble jade coins. In Chinese culture, jade plants given as gifts bring good luck to new businesses or homes. They’re incredibly low-maintenance, requiring minimal water and thriving on neglect better than fussing. The plants can live for decades and grow quite large, with their increasing size supposedly reflecting your growing prosperity.
3. Lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo but brings fortune regardless.
Despite its name, lucky bamboo is actually a type of dracaena that’s been trained to grow in spirals or other decorative shapes. The number of stalks carries different meanings, with three stalks representing happiness, wealth and long life, while five stalks bring wealth specifically. You can grow it in just water with pebbles to hold it upright, making it perfect for people who kill everything they try to plant in soil. Keep it in indirect light and change the water weekly to prevent it from going murky.
4. Snake plants protect your home from negative energy.
Also called mother-in-law’s tongue, these striking plants with upright, sword-like leaves are believed to absorb toxins and negative energy from your environment. Feng shui practitioners recommend placing them near entrances to ward off bad energy before it enters your space. Snake plants are nearly indestructible, tolerating low light, irregular watering and general neglect while still looking architectural and impressive. They also convert carbon dioxide to oxygen at night, unlike most plants, so they’re brilliant for bedrooms.
5. Lavender attracts peace, love and positive vibrations.
Beyond its gorgeous scent and purple flowers, lavender has been used for centuries in protection rituals and to promote calm, peaceful energy. Growing lavender near your entrance supposedly welcomes positive energy while repelling negativity. The plants need full sun and well-draining soil, preferring to be slightly dry rather than overwatered. You can harvest the flowers to dry for sachets, which brings the peaceful energy into your drawers and cupboards.
6. Basil brings wealth and wards off negative spirits.
In Italian culture, basil represents love, while Indian tradition considers it sacred and protective. Growing basil near your entrance is thought to bring prosperity and positive energy into your home, while keeping negative influences away. The plants are easy to grow from seed and thrive in sunny spots with regular watering. Pinching off the tips encourages bushier growth and prevents flowering, giving you more leaves to use in cooking while maintaining the plant’s energy.
7. Aloe vera offers protection and attracts good luck.
This healing plant is believed to bring good fortune and protect against negative energy, particularly when placed in areas where you spend a lot of time. The gel inside the leaves has practical healing properties for burns and skin irritation, combining practical benefits with symbolic ones. Aloe plants need bright light and infrequent watering, making them perfect for forgetful plant owners. They produce offshoots that you can separate and pot up, spreading the good luck to friends and family.
8. Rosemary protects your home and enhances memory.
This fragrant herb has been associated with protection, fidelity, and remembrance across European cultures for centuries. Placing rosemary near entrances or windows supposedly creates a protective barrier against negative energy. The plants prefer full sun and slightly dry conditions, thriving in pots or garden beds with good drainage. You can harvest sprigs regularly for cooking, which releases the aromatic oils that are thought to cleanse and purify your space.
9. Pothos vines attract abundance and purify negative energy.
These trailing plants with heart-shaped leaves are considered lucky because they grow quickly and vigorously, symbolising thriving prosperity. Golden pothos in particular is valued in feng shui for attracting wealth and positive energy. The vines are basically impossible to kill, growing in low light, tolerating irregular watering and even thriving in just water without soil. Letting the vines grow long and lush supposedly increases the abundance of energy they bring.
10. Peace lilies bring harmony and tranquillity to your space.
The white flowers symbolise peace, purity and prosperity, while the plants themselves are believed to neutralise harmful energy and promote spiritual wellbeing. NASA studies found they’re excellent at filtering indoor air pollutants, combining practical air purification with their symbolic peaceful energy. Peace lilies tolerate low light and will actually droop dramatically when they need water, then perk right back up once watered. Place them in living spaces or bedrooms to encourage calm and harmonious energy throughout your home.
11. Orchids represent love, luxury and spiritual perfection.
These elegant flowering plants symbolise rare beauty and spiritual growth in many Asian cultures. Pink orchids specifically attract love and romance, while white ones bring purity and purple ones represent admiration and respect. Despite their reputation for being difficult, phalaenopsis orchids are actually quite forgiving if you water them weekly and keep them in bright indirect light. The long-lasting flowers bring beauty and positive energy for months, making the effort worthwhile.
12. Citrus trees bring joy, abundance, and cleanse negative energy.
Small citrus trees like lemon, lime, or kumquat are considered lucky because they produce abundant fruit and fragrant blossoms. The bright colour and fresh scent are believed to lift spirits and clear stagnant energy from your home. These trees need plenty of sunlight, ideally near a south-facing window, and consistent watering to thrive indoors. When they fruit, the edible harvest adds a practical dimension to their symbolic abundance, literally bringing the fruits of good fortune into your kitchen.