Top 14+ good luck plants that bring positive energy into your home
These houseplants bring positive energy to your home.
Judging by many of our traditions, we Southerners will always hedge our bets for a happy and successful life. From eating a big bowl of Hoppin' John on New Year's Day to burying a bottle of bourbon before the wedding day, we don't mind putting in the effort to bring on good tidings for the future. As take-charge as we are superstitious, why risk it when it's something that is relatively no trouble to do?
In the spirit of being ready to try any easy task that promises karmic reward, it's helpful to know that even plants can make a potential difference. Certain houseplant and flower types are known for bringing good luck, fortune, and prosperity to the home. Most of them are easy to grow, so you don't need to have a green thumb to test out the theory. However, like all houseplants, they need some care, and you don't want the bad energy a dying plant can bring.
01 of 14
Money Tree Plant
- Botanical Name: Pachira aquatica
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy potting mix
- Soil pH: Neutral to acidic (6.0-7.5)
This plant is known for its symbolism in Asian culture and is said to bring good luck, financial success, and prosperity. It is also proposed to bring positive energy, or “chi” in Feng Shui, into the home. Grow in bright, indirect light with high humidity. Plant in soil that is well-aerated in a pot with drainage holes, and water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. It does not need frequent watering.
Ensure your plant thrives by maintaining the right humidity and light levels as required by each plant species. Regularly check the soil's moisture level and provide adequate drainage to avoid waterlogged roots.
02 of 14
Jade Plant
- Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Type: Succulent or cactus potting mix
- Soil pH: Acidic (6.0)
This resilient succulent is always nice to have around and easy to keep alive in the home. Due to their small, coin-shaped leaves, they are associated with money and good fortune. Set in a location where the plant will get at least six hours of bright, indirect natural light each day. Morning or evening sun will prevent scorching leaves from too much direct sun. Too little sun causes leggy plants. Since jade plants are succulents that hold water in their leaves, they only need watering every two to three weeks when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
03 of 14
Orchid
- Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis spp.
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Type: Orchid potting mix
- Soil pH: Neutral to acidic (5.0-7.0)
Orchids are known for being harder to grow than some other houseplants, but moth orchids are among the easiest orchids to grow as houseplants. Orchids make you work for their approval, and it’s said that the favor is returned in good fortune for the future. Depending on the variety, some orchids prefer a spot where they will get dappled light or indirect light. Others like more sun, so check the type of orchid you have and its requirements. Plant in loose, airy potting mix made specifically for orchids. Sphagnum moss and bark provide good airflow and drainage.
04 of 14
Eucalyptus
- Botanical Name: Eucalyptus spp.
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained potting mix
- Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)
Also called the silver dollar for the silver coin-shaped juvenile foliage of its leaves, eucalyptus is a mark of fortune to come. Plus, the therapeutic effects of the plant make it great for hanging on your shower head for health benefits. Give it six hours of direct sunlight a day, water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, and prune to maintain its size indoors.
05 of 14
Citrus Trees
- Botanical Name: Citrus spp.
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Neutral to acidic (6.0-7.0)
Citrus trees have long been known to be a measure of fruitfulness, depending on how much fruit your tree bears each year. The more fruit on the tree, the more luck you’re said to have. Dwarf citrus trees such as key lime (Citrus aurantifolia), Meyer lemon (Citrus x meyeri), and calamondin orange (Citrus mitus) are good candidates to grow indoors. Make sure the tree has six hours or more of direct sunlight each day and that it has darkness overnight to satisfy the growth cycle. Water when the first 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry.
06 of 14
Holy Basil
- Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. sanctum)
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Moist, Well-drained, loamy potting mix
- Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5)
Often used in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil root is known for helping purify yourself and your surroundings, as well as warding off negative energy. Even better, you can keep a small plant around the house and use it for cooking as well. It's not too particular about soil, but make sure it has lots of sun. It will tolerate some shade but may decline with insufficient light.
07 of 14
Lavender
- Botanical Name: Lavendula spp.
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Soil pH: Alkaline (6.7-7.3)
It should come as no surprise that this calming, therapeutic plant can certainly make life better. Having a clear, relaxed mind is key to achieving success.Grow your lavender plant in a sunny spot in well-drained soil and keep the soil consistently moist. If you plan to bring your lavender outside for the summer, select a lavender variety that thrives in the heat and humidity of the South.
08 of 14
Snake Plant
- Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Type: Succulent or cactus potting mix
- Soil pH: Acidic to alkaline (5.5-7.5)
This popular house plant has a reputation for being nearly indestructible. In Feng Shui, the plants are believed to bring prosperity, health, and protection, and in some cultures, they are also viewed as protection against negative spirits. Plant in cactus or succulent potting mix and let the soil dry out between waterings. The snake plant grows in many light conditions but does best in bright, indirect light.
09 of 14
Peony
- Botanical Name: Paeonia
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy
- Soil pH: Acidic (6.5-7.0)
These stunning blooms symbolize many different things, including compassion, romance, riches, and good fortune. Opt for hot pink or red peonies to garner extra fruitful luck. Plant in a well-draining pot and place it near a window with bright light.
10 of 14
White Clover
- Botanical Name: Trifolium repens
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Well-drained, moist
- Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline (5.0-8.0)
The white clover is often seen as a wish for good luck and great energy. Therefore, it makes a great pick to have around the house, or even to be given as a gift. Make sure to place it in your sunniest window or it may become leggy and affect flowering. Water often to keep the soil evenly moist.
11 of 14
Echinacea
- Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Well-drained, clay, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Whether on the counter in a bouquet or planted in the yard, echinacea can help you feel good about the future of yourself and your endeavors since the flower symbolizes strength and health. Outdoors, give the flowers at least six hours of full sun each day. Echinacea can grow in a variety of soil as long as it's well-drained.
12 of 14
Rubber Plant
- Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loose potting mix
- Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-7.0)
The broad, glossy, dark green leaves of this houseplant are rounded and coin-shaped, which is said to symbolize abundance, happiness, and wealth. Set your rubber plant in an area where it will get dappled indirect light. Give it well-draining soil, and add some orchid bark to the soil for good drainage.
13 of 14
Hollyhock
- Botanical Name: Alcea rosea
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Well-drained, moist
- Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline (6.0-8.0)
The frilly appearance of these pretty flowering plants might fool you, but hollyhock actually means “ambition,” which can set you up for success in many ways. Plant it near the front entrance of your home for protection and good fortune. Grown outdoors, they make a beautiful cut flower bouquet. Plant in rich, well-drained soil and keep them consistently moist.
14 of 14
Ivy
- Botanical Name: Hedera helix
- Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained potting mix
- Soil pH: Acidic (5.5-6.5)
Ivy is thought to bring happiness and good fortune, and unlike outdoors, where its rapid, rampant growth is a problem, indoors it makes a beautiful trailing plant grown in containers or hanging baskets. The foliage varies in shape and color, from dark green to silver to variegated. Let the soil dry out between waterings, about once a week during summer and less often during the winter months. An occasional mist will also keep the plant happy.
