14 Good Luck Plants To Bring Positive Energy To Your Home

Eucalyptus — Photo:
Getty Images/Anastasiia Krivenok

Judging by many of our traditions, 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. There are certain houseplants that are lucky and flower types that are particularly known for bringing good luck, fortune, and prosperity to the home, and you don't need to have a green thumb to test out the theory. But keep in mind that these plants do need good care. You don't want the bad energy a dying plant can bring.

Here are 14 good luck plants to hopefully bring success and serendipity to your home, or to give as a gift to others.

01 of 14

Money Tree Plant

Money Plant (Pachira aquatica) — Getty Images

Botanical Name: Pachira aquatica
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy
Soil pH: Neutral, 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, in 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.

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02 of 14

Jade Plant

Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
Sun Exposure: Full, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, rocky, loose
Soil pH: Slightly 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: Varies; Phalaenopsis is popular
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Neutral to acidic (5.0-7.0)

Known for being harder to grow than some other 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 soil made specifically for orchids. Sphagnum moss and bark provide good airflow and drainage.

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04 of 14

Eucalyptus

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus spp.
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-6.5)

The silver coin-shaped juvenile foliage of eucalyptus gives its common name, silver dollar tree. A mark of fortune to come. Plus, the therapeutic effects of eucalyptus 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 two inches of soil are dry, and prune to maintain size indoors.

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05 of 14

Citrus Trees

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus x meyeri, Citrus mitus
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Well-drained
Soil pH: Neutral, acidic, (6.0-7.0)

Yes, you can grow citrus trees indoors, which is often more ideal in the South than outdoors. 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! Make sure the tree has six hours or more of direct sunlight each day and that is has darkness overnight to satisfy the growth cycle. Water when the first 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry.

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06 of 14

Holy Basil

Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum
Sun Exposure: Full
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, loamy
Soil pH: Slightly acidic, 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 not enough 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. Keep the soil consistently moist.

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08 of 14

Snake Plant

Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Sun Exposure: Shade, partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, loose, sandy, loamy
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (5.5-7.5)

A popular house plant, snake plant—also called Saint George's sword, mother-in-law's tongue, and viper's bowstring hemp—is secretly a good luck charm, due to the fact that it absorbs poisonous gases from the air and eliminates toxins. Plant in cactus or succulent potting mix and let the soil dry out between waterings. The snake plant can grow in many light conditions but does best in bright, indirect light.

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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.

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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.

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12 of 14

Rubber Plant

Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-draining, loose
Soil pH: Slightly 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 ‘Needlepoint’
Sun Exposure: Partial
Soil Type: Well-drained, moist, loamy, loose
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-6.5)

Ivy is thought to bring happiness and good fortune, and it can be good luck to have indoors. Place it in bright, indirect light in loose, well-draining soil that’s made for houseplants. 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.

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