by Amanda Rose Newton
Summer is officially here and that means Cancers reign supreme. Gifts from the garden are the best way to reflect individual tastes, preferences, and personalities through plants.
Just like all the signs discussed in this series, Cancer individuals have unique traits that mirror specific plants.
Cancer Characteristics
Cancer is a water sign, and given the crab is the official symbol for the sign it shouldn’t come as a shock. As a result, any plant that has an association with water is probably going to be a safe bet for Cancers.
Plants containing high water content have long been associated with luck in a variety of cultural contexts, and this makes its way to the world of astrology as well.
To help narrow down your search for water-loving lucky plants, here are our picks for the best edibles, flowers, fruit trees, and more.
Edibles
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm can handle more water than most herbs and has a welcoming, sunny fragrance. Try combining this with another herb or two in a container garden to make an ideal medicinal or tea garden for any size home.
Peppermint (Metha piperita): Nothing closes down peppermint, for better or for worse! Use caution when planting this one in the ground as water, drought, and even certain herbicides cannot stop peppermint from taking over the garden bed.
Broccoli (Brassica oleraceae): Believe it or not, the time to start sowing fall and winter vegetable seeds is just around the corner. Picking up some seed packets featuring water-rich veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach makes a great gift with a future focus.
Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora): If you are not familiar with this water-thirsty fruit tree, it’s a fun one.
The dark-skinned musky fruits grow directly on the stems and branches of the tree, known as cauliflory. While it is slow growing, the unique attributes of this Brazilian native more than make up for it.
Flowers and Indoor Plants For Cancer
Cancers are also known for being caring and protective individuals. Nurturing is natural for them, and as such indoor plants are right at home in their care.
Aloe (Aloe vera): Aloe is an easy choice, especially if your Cancer friend loves to travel– it also offers protection back to the protector.
It is also beautiful in its understated simplicity and can literally go with any room decor.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): Since Cancers are lucky, they should probably have a money tree to keep the good luck rolling. Long-prized for their lucky vibes and money-shaped leaves, this is another great choice for anyone looking for something low-maintenance.
Daisy (Asteraceae sp.): Whether Shasta or Gerber or dune, daisies are easy to care for, cheerful, and easy to dote on.
Water Lilies (Nymphaeaceae sp.): What would a water sign be without a water lily? It’s a misconception you need to have a fancy pond or a huge amount of space to grow these. Check out our water garden for inspiration.
Iris (Iris virginica): Understated and elegant, iris can grow in water-logged soil and ditches, and can grow happily in your garden with ease. Our native iris is a lovely light blue, but they can be purchased in an array of shades to suit every taste.
Cancer individuals are associated with protection, care, and water, so consider adding garden tools, water gauges, and decorations to your gift.
As a final note, if you are trying to gift a Cancer friend something from the garden, choose something that will nurture them as much as they nurture everyone else. Or, if you find this trait missed in your Cancer friend, you can always get a cactus to reflect their prickly crab nature!
