Top 15 Symbolic Meanings of Plants and Flowers in Feng Shui

Marigold is a versatile flower that is easy to grow, requires minimal care, and blooms beautifully. In Thai, Marigold means 'shining star,' making it a symbol of Mmbai (Thailand). In Central America, it is used in funeral rituals to cleanse the deceased. In Mexico and many Western countries, Marigold is associated with the 'Day of the Dead,' celebrated annually on November 2nd.

Feng Shui Meaning:

Marigold represents grief, disappointment, and jealousy. It also symbolizes eternal longevity. In ancient Greek, its name translates to 'flower of the dead,' which is why it is commonly found in religious practices, used to decorate altars and planted in cemeteries and mausoleums. During Lunar New Year, people often display Marigolds in their homes, as the word 'vạn' represents good fortune and auspiciousness, while 'thọ' signifies longevity and the enjoyment of blessings.

Money Tree, scientifically known as Dracaena fragrans, is also called the 'lucky bamboo' or 'feng shui bamboo' in Chinese, due to its bamboo-like stalks. This plant originates from West Africa, specifically Tanzania and Zambia, with over 20 species found in Vietnam, including varieties such as Green Money Tree (symbolizing luck), Fragrant Money Tree (known for its night-time fragrance), Dragon Money Tree (also called Blood Dragon, used in traditional medicine), Narrow-leaf Money Tree (used in cooking), and Bamboo Money Tree (known for warding off bad luck). This plant is popular for decorating spaces such as offices, living rooms, and altars, with hopes of attracting good fortune and success in both work and life.

Feng Shui Meaning:

Money Tree brings luck, abundant energy, and tranquility. Its hollow stems allow for easy flow of energy, helping the owner feel free and uplifted. Interestingly, when given as a gift, the Money Tree symbolizes prosperity, growth, and a favorable destiny for the recipient. It is important to choose a healthy, vibrant plant that grows tall, as this will bring positive energy and attract good fortune to its owner.

String of Pearls, also known as 'String of Jade' or 'Trailing Jade,' scientifically named Sedum morganianum, belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This beautiful, trailing succulent plant features soft, graceful stems adorned with small, round, jade-colored leaves. The leaves, which resemble small beads, grow densely along the stems, creating a necklace-like appearance. Native to southern Mexico, this plant is commonly found in Vietnam's Central Southern regions, especially in the cool climate of Da Lat. The plant thrives in such environments and is popular for decorating homes and gardens.

Feng Shui Meaning:

The String of Pearls has a graceful, appealing shape, with its jade-colored, succulent leaves hanging down. It is often used in hanging pots to decorate homes, offices, creating a vibrant, fresh atmosphere, and promoting a clean and airy environment.

Snake Plant, also known as 'Mother-in-law's Tongue,' 'Viper's Bowstring Hemp,' and 'Tiger's Tail,' is scientifically referred to as Sansevieria trifasciata. This plant belongs to the Sansevieria family and originates from the tropical regions of West Africa, spanning from Nigeria to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, including South Africa and Tanzania. Snake Plant comes in various types such as Yellow Snake Plant, Red Snake Plant, and Striped Snake Plant. It is well-known for its air-purifying properties, as it helps produce oxygen and improve mood.

Feng Shui Significance:

The Snake Plant is often gifted to loved ones, friends, or business partners to wish for good fortune, a prosperous new home, and wealth and success. In both Eastern and Western cultures, the Snake Plant is believed to have protective powers, warding off negative energy and spirits.

Fern (scientific name: Marattiopsida) is a type of herbaceous plant found growing naturally in various regions of Vietnam. It thrives rapidly in tropical areas with high humidity and moist environments. Typically, Ferns grow to about 15–30 cm tall, with compound leaves that resemble small, fine teeth of a comb. These plants are exceptional at purifying air, helping reduce pollution. Moreover, Ferns help reduce the arsenic content in the soil by extracting it in gaseous form, thus improving the safety of drinking water. This process lowers health risks such as cancer and skin damage.

Feng Shui Significance:

Ferns are commonly grown in small pots, used as decorative pieces for desks, walkways, or cafes. Not only do they add aesthetic value, but they also cleanse the air. These plants are considered a remedy for allergies triggered by indoor furniture like sofas, beds, and curtains. Additionally, Ferns help boost energy and focus, much like the vitality they bring into your environment.

Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, Golden Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is a flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to the Solomon Islands and originally from Indonesia. It is a fast-growing, climbing vine with heart-shaped leaves that can be solid green or variegated with yellow spots. The plant thrives in cool climates and requires plenty of water. Pothos is commonly seen cascading down in hanging baskets or pots. It is known for its ability to filter harmful gases such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene, making it ideal for indoor spaces like work desks or study tables. Additionally, it can help reduce toxic emissions from electronic devices.

Feng Shui Significance:

Pothos is considered a symbol of good fortune, success, and peace. Its elegance is even more pronounced when placed in a small pot, symbolizing the effort to grow and rise.

Peace Lily, also known as White Sail, White Spath, or Spathyphillum sp., is a tropical plant characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves and white, hooded flowers that resemble sails. It grows well in both low light and direct sunlight and is an ideal choice for indoor spaces like offices, living rooms, libraries, or bedrooms. This plant can also survive in dry conditions. Peace Lily is often used as interior decor, and its leaves can be used for floral arrangements as well.

Feng Shui Significance:

The Peace Lily symbolizes encouragement, emotional support, and vitality. It is a popular gift choice, often given with the intention of providing strength and uplifting the recipient.

Aglaonema, with its vibrant green leaves and fast-growing nature, is a popular low-maintenance plant that thrives indoors. It is highly favored for office spaces, desks, and as a decorative element for home interiors. The plant carries significant Feng Shui meaning, symbolizing wealth and prosperity for the homeowner. There are approximately 24 different species of Aglaonema, which belong to the Araceae family, with a height ranging from 46cm to 61cm. Each plant typically has 5 to 6 stems, and its oval-shaped leaves are adorned with large white spots. Mature Aglaonema flowers grow in cylindrical clusters, appearing light green or white with a subtle greenish tint, mimicking the color of its leaves.

Meaning of Aglaonema:

• Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity: The name 'Ngọc Ngân' itself carries an inherent message of financial abundance. 'Ngân' represents money, while 'Kim' refers to precious metals like gold and silver. This suggests that placing this plant in the home invites wealth, good business opportunities, and prosperity.
• Symbol of Strength and Determination: The plant, though small in stature, boasts large, resilient leaves that signify growth, vitality, and an unwavering will. It is a symbol of perseverance and the desire to reach new heights.

Due to its hardiness and minimal leaf shedding, Aglaonema is adaptable to many settings. It's perfect for office desks, where it can provide fresh oxygen and a revitalizing atmosphere. It also looks stunning in mall hallways, garden planters, or parks, adding a modern, green touch to any space.

As its name suggests, the Money Tree is a symbol of good fortune and wealth, often considered the 'God of Wealth' that helps its owner prosper in business. It is a popular gift for grand openings and celebratory events.

Known scientifically as Hylocereus, the Money Tree originates from the Americas but is also found in regions like Africa, India, Japan, and the Middle East. This compact and attractive plant is especially beloved by office workers for its small size, making it an ideal desk decoration. The tree grows to a height of approximately 15-20cm, with smooth, shiny green leaves. It is often placed in decorative ceramic pots, sometimes with a layer of lush green moss, and the base of the plant usually bears 3 to 5 small, finger-sized fruits.

Feng Shui Meaning of the Money Tree:

Beyond enhancing the aesthetic of any space, the Money Tree is sought after for its positive symbolism. It represents wealth, abundance, wisdom, and good energy, making it a perfect fit for both homes and offices. The plant’s vibrant green color brings a refreshing atmosphere and helps to restore energy, perfect for people experiencing stress or fatigue. The Money Tree, combined with lucky moss, creates a harmonious combination for office desks. With its small, charming appearance, the Money Tree is a popular gift for business partners or loved ones during celebrations like new store openings.

The Lucky Bromeliad is widely admired for its unique and striking appearance, making it a popular choice in decorative arts for refreshing offices and homes. Aside from its visual appeal, this plant also carries significant Feng Shui meanings, symbolizing luck and happiness for its owner.

Scientifically known as Bromeliad, this plant belongs to the pineapple family. Its shape resembles a glowing red candle, which is why it is also referred to as the 'Candle Pineapple.' The plant typically blooms with bright red or yellow flowers at the center. The Lucky Bromeliad thrives in soft light and indoor lighting, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Each plant only blooms once before it starts to fade, but new shoots emerge around the base to begin a new blooming cycle, continuing the cycle of growth and beauty.

Feng Shui Significance of the Lucky Bromeliad:

In addition to its aesthetic beauty, the Lucky Bromeliad is a symbol of vitality and energy, helping to restore balance and bring prosperity and good fortune to its owner. When placed on a desk or in an office, it represents success, good luck, and achievement, much like the vibrant red flowers it bears. This is why the plant is commonly chosen as a thoughtful gift for friends and family during holidays or special celebrations.

The Snow Pine, also known as the Cedar Tree, with the scientific name Cedrus sp, belongs to the Pine family. It originates from the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region.

In nature, the Snow Pine is a tree that can grow between 10 to 20 meters tall. Its needle-like leaves range from 8 to 60mm in length, arranged in a spiral pattern. The leaf color varies depending on the thickness of the protective white wax coating, ranging from light green to deep green or bluish-green. The cones of the tree are cylindrical, 6-12cm long and 4-8cm wide, initially green like the leaves but turning brown when they mature. Inside the cones are seeds, 10-15mm long, containing a resin with a sharp, unpleasant odor. When grown as a table decoration, the Snow Pine stands around 20-30cm in height, with a slender trunk and dense leaves. The tree rarely produces flowers or fruit, but it emits a subtle, pleasant fragrance.

Feng Shui Meaning of the Snow Pine:

The Snow Pine is one of the first trees used in ornamental gardening, symbolizing longevity. It is also used as a decorative flower in rituals. In ancient beliefs, if the Snow Pine appears in your dreams, it is considered a sign that new aspirations will lead you to success in your career.

The Jade Plant shines with vibrant colors, bringing a lively and refreshing atmosphere to any display. In Feng Shui, Jade Plant is a symbol of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity.

The Jade Plant is a small herbaceous plant with many branches, thriving in shady conditions. It grows slowly but steadily, reaching a height of 40-50cm. The plant has multiple stems that emerge from the base, branching out. When young, the stem is smooth and glossy, but as it matures, it becomes sturdier and turns a light brown color, with many segments. The leaves are simple, small, and oppositely arranged. They are round and fleshy, similar to the leaves of a purslane plant, measuring about 0.5cm-1cm long and wide. The leaves glisten with a jade-green hue that attracts attention. When exposed to adequate sunlight, the edges of the leaves can turn a beautiful red. The Jade Plant flowers in late autumn or early winter when the weather turns dry and cool. The flowers grow in clusters with long stems, concentrated at the tips of the branches. They have five star-shaped petals, ranging from light pink to white, and emit a faint fragrance resembling soap.

Feng Shui Meaning of the Jade Plant:

Known as the Phantom Jade or the Friendship Plant, the Jade Plant is considered a symbol of luck and wealth. Its round, coin-shaped leaves represent money, and the greener and shinier the leaves, the stronger the symbol of prosperity. The plant is particularly favorable for individuals with the Wood element, due to its vibrant green leaves and red-edged tips. To maximize its Feng Shui benefits, it should be placed in the Southeast.

The Peony, originating from Hong Kong and Tibet, is one of the earliest-known flowering plants, with a history spanning nearly 4000 years. The Peony is often associated with the feminine beauty of a woman. In Hong Kong, the Peony is regarded as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and beauty, while in Japan, it represents a happy marriage with many children. In Western flower language, the Peony is valued not only for its medical properties but also symbolizes 'modesty.'

Feng Shui Meaning:

In Feng Shui, Peonies are used to bring romantic harmony and resolve conflicts in love. Pink Peonies are especially effective in this regard. Peonies are often used as wedding bouquets, symbolizing long-lasting happiness for the newlyweds.

The Gerbera Daisy, also known as the Money Plant or the Transvaal Daisy, belongs to the Asteraceae family with the scientific name Gerbera L. This flower is a symbol of spring and is well-known for its air-purifying qualities, especially in removing toxic substances such as benzene found in paints. With hundreds of varieties in a vibrant array of colors like white, yellow, pink, red, and orange, the Gerbera Daisy represents joy and happiness.

Feng Shui Meaning:

This flower symbolizes happiness and embodies beauty and grace. It brings brightness and cheerfulness to any space and also signifies innocence, love, and admiration. During the Lunar New Year, displaying Gerbera Daisies at home is believed to attract luck, prosperity, and wealth for the family.