by Amanda Rose Newton
The history of plants is filled with mystery, lore, and intrigue. Plants can take the form of languages, saying what we can’t say by just simply existing. They can also symbolize luck, good fortune, and prosperity.
It’s important to note that there is nothing published that supports claims of lucky plants on fortunate outcomes, but the symbolism and ancient musings can grow whimsy and fun. Research does support that plants, independent of how lucky they are, can add positive qualities to your home in the form of better air quality and visual appeasement.
Below, we discuss the lore and luck of luck surrounding 8 of our favorite houseplants. Consider it a great excuse to go plant prosperity shopping.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is an easy-to-grow houseplant with a history associated with luck (it’s even in its name). Easy to propagate from a single stalk, it requires little attention and flourishes in low light.
Often when purchased at garden centers, the stalks were trained from an early age to grow in intricate spirals that added an instant quality of elegance to any home. Lucky bamboo is popular in Feng Shui designs as they represent happiness, wealth, and long life. All things we could use more of!
Snake Plant (Sansevieria sp.)
We have already sung the praises of sansevieria on the blog before, as it is a surprise air quality enhancer and easy houseplant.
The green color and tendency to “spread” means your prosperity may soon start to do the same. A note on the spreading, these beauties are best kept in pots inside and not in your Florida yard for that reason! Keep the wealth to yourself!
Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
Here is something for those in need of color! Desert Roses are a favorite for low-maintenance xeriscaping yards and it also makes a great houseplant (especially as a bonsai).
So what is lucky about a desert rose? Its swollen trunk represents prosperity, and keeping your desert rose happy will transfer some of those vibes your way. Desert roses are one of the most popular plants to cultivate, so you will never be bored with the ever-growing number of bloom color combinations!
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
The first of two plants with money right in the title, the Chinese Money Plant gets its name from the round leaves that resemble coins. The money plant is also easy to take care of and keeps on giving in the form of tiny new plants. Keep them going to keep your wealth or spread the luck onwards to new friends.
Money Tree (Pachira glabra)
The money tree, like lucky bamboo, often features elegant braided stems and is best for those with a tendency to over-water. They are naturally found in swamp-like conditions and favor life on the wet side.
The story of how the money tree earned its name is worth owning the plant alone. According to lore, an old man sold the seeds of the money tree from village to village and ended up wealthy on behalf of the tree. Honor the money tree and it just might pay you back.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
If you are a follower (or have a passing interest in) Feng Shui, the peace lily is celebrated for its ability to bring good fortune to homes.
The flower-like bracts symbolize connectivity, peace, prosperity, and sympathy. All of which are attributed to lives well lived.
Jade (Crassula ovata)
The deep green color of jade is associated with luck in a financial sense but it also has lore associated with its fortunate potential. The jade stone has a similar reputation for fortune throughout life and the jade plant owes the gem for its luck status. It’s also easy to take care of and suitable for bringing you luck parked on your office desk at work.
Good Luck Plant (Oxalis spp.)
Oxalis resemble clovers, which might be the ultimate lucky plant. Often sold around St. Patrick’s Day, this is an interesting little plant to enjoy year-round. It does shoot up interesting flowers in a variety of colors, which makes this an underrated addition to the list and a great gift to give someone down on their luck. The act of giving a thoughtful present will already start turning things around!
No matter how you feel about luck and its relationship to particular objects, we as humans love memories, stories, and good feelings. Plants certainly fit into all those categories. Growing plants, whether inside or outside or both, provides us with meaningful memories which promote good feelings. With everything plants give to us, we are pretty lucky to have them!
