Buzz
Image Credit: Firn / Getty ImagesWhen you're eager for a new beginning filled with optimism, integrating symbols of good fortune into your home is a popular choice. Houseplants are one of the simplest ways to achieve this, as they are widely regarded across cultures to draw in positive energy and prosperity. To embrace all the good vibes, here are five expert-recommended lucky plants, along with practical care advice.
1. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/good-luck-plants-GettyImages-1345463550-d88a0fec5cf0447b85c4a74945ae9e7e.jpg)
Polina Sergeyeva/Getty ImagesWhile the old saying goes, "Money doesn't grow on trees," adding a money tree to your space might just bring a touch of prosperity. "Known for attracting wealth and positive vibes, it's a timeless pick for welcoming the New Year," explains Chad Massura, founder and CEO of Rosy Soil.
Amy Enfield, horticulturist and senior content editor at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, recommends positioning this plant in bright, indirect sunlight and watering it once the top inch of soil dries out.
"Use well-draining soil and turn the plant periodically to maintain its symmetry," she suggests. "For money trees with braided stems (comprising three intertwined plants), keep braiding as they grow. This should be done while the stems are still young and pliable."
2. Pilea (Pilea peperomioides)
Dmitrii Marchenko/Getty ImagesOften referred to as the Chinese money plant, Enfield explains that the pilea is thought to represent prosperity due to its coin-shaped leaves. "Gifting someone a pilea is akin to wishing them wealth and good luck," she notes.
Be aware that these plants thrive in bright, indirect light, making them unsuitable for certain spaces. "They prefer consistently moist soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil dries out," Enfield advises. "Pilea is sensitive to fluorides, so use rain, distilled, or filtered water for watering."
3. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lokibaho/Getty Images"When 'lucky' is part of the name, you know it's a good choice," Enfield remarks. Lucky bamboo—not actually bamboo—is closely tied to Feng Shui and is believed to promote balance, harmony, and prosperity. "The number of stalks carries significance—three for joy, five for well-being, and eight for abundance," she explains.
While most lucky bamboo plants thrive in water, they can also be cultivated in potting soil. However, they do need some regular care to stay healthy.
"Place your lucky bamboo in bright, indirect light, and ensure the roots of water-grown plants are always covered with clean, fresh water," Enfield advises. Change the water weekly and opt for rain, distilled, or filtered water to prevent chlorine or fluoride accumulation, which is typical in tap water.
4. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Andrey Nikitin/Getty ImagesThe jade plant represents growth and wealth. "It's a popular housewarming gift, believed to bring good luck to a new residence," Enfield states.
This stunning succulent flourishes in bright light, so Enfield recommends placing it near a sunny window. "Use a well-draining potting mix designed for cacti and succulents when planting your jade," she advises. "To promote robust and healthy growth, fertilize it every two weeks with plant food." With proper care, jade plants can thrive for many years.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Elvira Kashapova/Getty ImagesThe peace lily symbolizes not only peace but also purity and prosperity. To encourage blooming, Enfield suggests positioning them in areas with indirect light and maintaining slightly moist soil without overwatering.
"Gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth from time to time to eliminate accumulated dust," she mentions.
