Lucky Bamboo
With “lucky” in its name, there’s no surprise that this houseplant brings good fortune. “One can use lucky bamboo with the intention to bring in its qualities: strength, expansiveness and quick, steady growth,” says Cho. “I like to recommend a pair in one vase to cultivate support for an existing or desired romantic relationship. They’re also typically very easy to care for.”
If you’re looking for more specifics about the symbolism behind lucky bamboo and how to care for the plant, check out our ultimate care guide.
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Pilea
Symbolizing wealth and prosperity, the Pilea (also known as the Chinese money plant) is a low-maintenance addition to any space. Plus, these plants are easy to propagate, meaning you can spread the luck to friends and family!
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Philodendron
With beautiful heart-shaped leaves, philodendrons are believed to channel love. Feng shui experts even recommend having two at once, symbolizing the balanced partnership you’d like to have in your home.
“They can be placed anywhere in your home for growth and some self-love,” says Cho. “They also do great as hanging plants.”
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Orchid
It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with orchids — their bright, colorful blooms and easy-to-maintain nature make them a go-to houseplant pick. But if that’s not good enough reason to pick one out for your windowsill, orchids have also been known to symbolize fertility, beauty and creativity. And if you want to get into the specifics, each color flower is said to represent a different form of good luck.
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Peace Lily
Another plant with positive vibes right in its name, the peace lily can bring — you guessed it! — inner peace and happiness to you and your home. Plus, this plant thrives in indirect sunlight, making it a low-maintenance pick and therefore a great choice when it comes to bringing in positive energy. “It’s never a good idea to have more plants than you can manage or ones that you have difficulty caring for,” says Cho. “This all translates to challenges that are typically the opposite of the vibe you want to bring in.”
Luckily, peace lilies don’t require much effort — just occasional watering when the top of the soil is dry.
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Olive Tree
Yes, olive trees can be grown inside your home, as long as you’re able to provide the plant with 8-10 hours of direct sunlight. If you’re living in an apartment or smaller space that doesn’t get as much light, consider going for a faux olive tree. Regardless, these plants represent friendship and peace — that’s where the phrase “extending an olive branch” comes from!
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Rubber Tree
Another feng shui plant, rubber trees bring wealth, abundance and happiness to a home. The gently curved leaves bring soft, smooth texture to harsher areas, making it a great fit for any corners throughout your home.
“Rubber trees are great as feng shui plants because they can grow to larger plants when cared for well,” says Cho. “So that means your qi, or life force energy, doesn’t stay small, but has the opportunity to flourish.”
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Eucalyptus
With a refreshing scent and medicinal properties, it’s not a surprise that eucalyptus is thought to bring positive energy into your home. This houseplant needs around six hours of direct sunlight each day, plus occasional watering when the top of the soil is dry.
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Jade Plant
In feng shui practices, the jade plant’s round leaves represent good luck and fortune. To keep this houseplant alive and thriving, simply place it in a bright indoor area and water it when the soil is completely dry.
“The jade plant, Crassula ovata, is known to help with financial prosperity,” says Steinkopf. “It is also called the coin plant as the leaves resemble coins.”
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Basil
According to feng shui practices, basil represents abundance. Regardless of the plant’s symbolic meaning, basil is the perfect addition to any kitchen — you’ll never have to buy the ingredient again! Plus, you’ll always have that delicious aroma lingering as you cook.
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Money Tree
Anything with money in the name has to bring good fortune, right? Considered to be one of the best housewarming gifts, money tree plants are seen as a sign of prosperity and good luck. Plus, they’ve been known to reduce stress, making them the perfect bedroom plant.
“The Pachira aquatica or money tree is used in feng shui, with the belief that it brings good luck,” says Steinkopf. “It should be placed by a door to invite prosperity to enter. Often it can be purchased with a braided stem and the braid is supposed to create positive energy.”
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Peony
Known to represent romance and friendship, pink peonies are perfect for weddings and other romantic occasions. Other colors carry a range of meanings — yellow stands for new beginnings, coral represents success and purple is known for nobility.
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Oxalis
Oxalis plants, also known as shamrock plants, are often associated with St. Patrick’s Day — and therefore good fortune — for their three-leaf clovers. Although some mistake them for the four-leaf clover, these plants are still believed to bring good luck, according to Steinkopf. With bright, indirect light exposure and watering every 1-2 weeks, this houseplant will bloom beautifully.
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Lavender
Used in aromatherapy, it only makes sense that lavender represents harmony and love. Whether you’re hoping to relieve your stress or just want to incorporate the gorgeous purple color into your home, lavender plants are the way to go.
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Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.
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