Key Takeaways
- Good luck plants can boost your home’s appeal and value.
- Some plants like money trees and jade plants are believed to attract prosperity.
- Many good luck plants are easy to care for and suitable for beginners.
- Adding greenery can improve air quality and create a more relaxing home environment.
Article Summary
Good luck plants are decorative houseplants believed to bring positive energy and fortune, popular during celebrations like the Chinese Spring Festival. Research shows plants can reduce stress and improve indoor air quality. As you budget for your new home and decorating, use our [home affordability calculator](/tools/home-affordability-calculator) to ensure you can comfortably afford your dream home.
Plants offer a variety of benefits and have been appreciated for centuries. Horticulture therapy can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. In addition, NASA studies suggest that some plants can improve indoor air quality.
Along with health and wellness benefits, some plants are believed to bring good fortune. These plants are especially popular during the Chinese Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, where they symbolize prosperity and wealth. Different plants are thought to offer different types of luck.
And there’s a practical side, too: studies show that greenery can boost a home’s appeal and even raise resale value. Homes with well-placed plants and landscaping can sell for thousands more, which makes “good luck plants” feel lucky in more ways than one.
Whether you're looking for a housewarming gift or hoping for good fortune during your house-hunting process,, these lucky plants can enhance your home's atmosphere.
1. Ginseng Ficus
- Scientific name: Ficus retusa
- Good Luck Benefit: Air purification and luck
The ginseng ficus, originating from Southeast Asia, is a popular choice for bonsai. It features thick roots that grow above the soil, topped with dark green, oval leaves.
Ginseng ficus plants are easy to care for and are well-suited for those who may not have much gardening experience. They are considered lucky in feng shui and are noted for their air-purifying qualities.
Ginseng plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Their unique root structure makes them excellent conversation pieces, and they're often placed in living rooms or entryways to welcome good energy into the home.
Caring for Ginseng Ficus
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Entryways, Living Rooms |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Bright Indirect |
| Water | Moderate |
2. Money Tree
- Scientific name: Pachira aquatica
- Good Luck Benefit: Financial fortune
The money tree is said to bring financial fortune, particularly when placed in the "wealth corner" of your home, which is typically the southeast corner according to feng shui. Placing it in areas like an office is also believed to attract prosperity.
This tropical plant is easy to grow indoors and is thought to promote positive financial energy at home.
Money trees prefer bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. They're often sold with braided trunks, which some believe enhances their luck-bringing properties. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages new growth, symbolizing increasing wealth and opportunity.
Caring for Money Tree
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast Corner, Office |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Bright Indirect |
| Water | Moderate |
3. Rubber Plant
- Scientific name: Ficus elastica
- Good Luck Benefit: Abundance and happiness
Rubber plants are believed to represent abundance, happiness, and wealth. They are another popular choice for a home's wealth corner according to feng shui.
This plant has round, dark green leaves that can fit well with many home decor styles. Rubber plants are natural air purifiers and are relatively easy to care for, although their leaves can cause skin irritation if touched directly.
Rubber plants grow well in bright, indirect light and can tolerate lower light conditions. They prefer to dry out between waterings and benefit from occasional leaf cleaning to keep them looking their best. Their large, glossy leaves make them excellent statement pieces in living rooms or home offices.
Caring for Rubber Plant
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Living Rooms, Home Offices |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Bright Indirect |
| Water | Moderate |
4. Adenium
- Scientific name: Adenium obesum
- Good Luck Benefit: Wealth and fertility
Adeniums, commonly known as "wealth plants," are considered lucky during the Chinese Spring Festival. Their swollen roots are thought to symbolize abundance and fertility.
Adeniums produce beautiful flowers, often called desert roses. Red and pink varieties are considered especially lucky. This warm-climate plant is hardy but may struggle in cold weather or shaded conditions.
These plants love bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil. They're perfect for sunny windowsills or bright patios. During winter, they may go dormant, but this is normal. Their striking flowers and unique trunk shape make them excellent focal points in any room, symbolizing growing wealth and prosperity.
Caring for Adenium
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sunny Windowsills, Bright Patios |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Bright Direct |
| Water | Low |
5. Eucalyptus
- Scientific name: Eucalyptus globulus
- Good Luck Benefit: Cleanliness and new beginnings
Eucalyptus is known for its refreshing and energizing scent. This soothing fragrance is often associated with cleanliness and new beginnings.
Eucalyptus plants thrive in warm and humid environments, making them well-suited for bathrooms or kitchens.
Eucalyptus plants need bright light and regular watering to maintain their aromatic leaves. They're excellent for bathrooms where the steam helps release their refreshing scent. You can also harvest small branches to create natural air fresheners or add to floral arrangements, bringing their cleansing energy throughout your home.
Caring for Eucalyptus
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bathrooms, Kitchens |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Bright |
| Water | Regular |
6. Golden Pothos
- Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum
- Good Luck Benefit: Positive energy
Golden pothos is another plant associated with attracting wealth and reducing stress. According to feng shui, golden pothos vines can protect your home and minimize negative energy, especially when placed in bathrooms.
Pothos plants are beginner-friendly and can be trained to grow vertically to enhance home decor.
Golden Pothos are versatile and adapt well to various light conditions, from bright indirect light to lower light areas. They're perfect for hanging baskets or climbing up moss poles. Golden pothos plants are also excellent for purifying indoor air, making them practical as well as lucky additions to any room.
Caring for Golden Pothos
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Any Room, Hanging Baskets |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Low to Bright |
| Water | Moderate |
7. Jade Plant
- Scientific name: Crassula ovata
- Good Luck Benefit: Wealth and good fortune
The small, round, and vibrant leaves of the jade plant resemble jade coins, symbolizing growth and wealth. Jade plants are believed to attract financial prosperity when placed on the east side of the home or in offices.
Jade plants are easy to care for, but they require specific watering needs. Adequate water and sunlight are essential for the health and longevity of these plants.
Jade plants prefer bright light and well-draining soil. They store water in their thick leaves, so they can handle occasional neglect. Many people place them near their front door or in home offices to welcome prosperity. As they mature, jade plants can develop thick, tree-like trunks, symbolizing growing wealth and stability.
Caring for Jade Plant
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Front Door, Home Offices |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Bright Indirect |
| Water | Low |
8. Lucky Bamboo
- Scientific name: Dracaena sanderiana
- Good Luck Benefit: Luck and positive energy
Lucky bamboo is a common gift, symbolizing well wishes and prosperity. The number of stalks in a lucky bamboo arrangement determines the type of blessing it offers to the recipient.
Lucky bamboo grows well in water but can thrive in soil as well. It is relatively easy to grow, but it is toxic to dogs and cats, so it's not ideal for pet-friendly homes.
Lucky bamboo prefers bright, indirect light and clean water if grown hydroponically. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh and healthy. These plants are often arranged in decorative containers and make excellent gifts for housewarmings, new businesses, or anyone starting a new chapter in life.
Caring for Lucky Bamboo
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Any Room, Decorative Containers |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Low to Bright |
| Water | High |
9. Snake Plant
- Scientific name: Sansevieria trifasciata
- Good Luck Benefit: Protection and air purification
Snake plants are known for their ability to absorb toxins and reduce allergens in the air, making them a great addition to any home for improving air quality. They also produce humidity, making them a good companion plant for tropical plants.
Snake plants are hardy and can survive in a variety of conditions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive watering and exposure to freezing temperatures. Learn more about how to care for snake plants to ensure they thrive.
Snake plants are incredibly low-maintenance and can thrive in low light conditions, making them perfect for bedrooms or darker corners. Snake plants prefer to dry out between waterings and can go weeks without attention. Their tall, sword-like leaves create a striking vertical element in any room while purifying the air and protecting your home's energy.
Caring for Snake Plant
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bedrooms, Dark Corners |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Low |
| Water | Low |
10. Citrus Trees
- Scientific name: Citrus spp.
- Good Luck Benefit: Wealth and prosperity
Citrus trees are fragrant, beautiful, and provide delicious fruit. Many varieties of citrus are associated with luck, especially because some citrus fruits are round and gold-colored, symbolizing wealth.
Citrus trees are popular gifts for the Chinese Spring Festival, and it is believed that the more fruit a tree bears, the luckier it is. However, these trees require specific care, so research how to care for them.
Citrus trees work well in sunny windowsills or bright rooms. They prefer well-draining soil and regular watering, but don't like to sit in water. When cared for properly, they can produce fruit year-round, bringing both beauty and good fortune to your home.
Caring for Citrus Trees
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sunny Windowsills, Bright Rooms |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Bright Direct |
| Water | Regular |
| Good Luck Benefits | Wealth, prosperity |
11. Peepal Bonsai
- Scientific name: Ficus religiosa
- Good Luck Benefit: Spiritual wisdom
The peepal bonsai is revered in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is said that Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment under a peepal tree, and the plant symbolizes good fortune, happiness, and long life.
These fig trees can grow tall with aerial roots, but they are also well-suited to pots and bonsai care. Before purchasing, it's helpful to understand the care requirements for this plant.
Peepal bonsai trees need bright, filtered light and consistent moisture. Their distinctive heart-shaped leaves and spiritual significance make them meaningful additions to meditation spaces or areas where you seek peace and wisdom. They're also excellent gifts for those on spiritual journeys.
Caring for Peepal Bonsai
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Meditation Spaces, Spiritual Areas |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Bright Filtered |
| Water | Consistent |
12. Lavender
- Scientific name: Lavandula
- Good Luck Benefit: Relaxation and peace
Lavender is renowned in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties. It can be used to make scented sachets, syrups, and teas, and is considered lucky by many, including the character Sally Owens from Practical Magic, is hardy but may struggle in cold weather or shaded conditions.
While lavender is typically grown outdoors, it can thrive in pots. It requires dry conditions, good drainage, and plenty of air circulation to grow well.
Lavender plants need bright sunlight and well-draining soil to flourish indoors. They're perfect for sunny windowsills or bright balconies. The calming scent can help reduce stress and promote better sleep when placed in bedrooms. You can also harvest the flowers to create natural sleep aids or add to bath products for a relaxing experience.
Caring for Lavender
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sunny Windowsills, Bedrooms |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Bright |
| Water | Moderate |
13. Peony
- Scientific name: Paeonia
- Good Luck Benefit: Love and good fortune
Peonies are associated with romance, good fortune, and honor. They bloom in various colors, with red peonies believed to bring extra luck.
Peonies are a wonderful addition to any garden, thriving in sunny locations with good drainage. The plants can be divided to propagate new plants or to share as a gift.
While peonies are primarily outdoor plants, you can enjoy their beauty indoors by cutting the flowers and arranging them in vases. Their lush, fragrant blooms are perfect for creating romantic atmospheres in dining rooms or living spaces. Many people plant peonies near their front door to welcome love and good fortune into their home.
Caring for Peony
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Front Door, Outdoor Gardens |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Bright Outdoor |
| Water | Regular |
14. Orchid
- Scientific name: Orchidaceae
- Good Luck Benefit: Prosperity and elegance
Orchids are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity when given as a gift. They can also symbolize a happy marriage, career success, beauty, and strength.
Orchids are known for being difficult to grow, but with proper care, they can thrive.
Most orchids prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity. They're perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels are higher. Orchids typically bloom once a year, and their elegant flowers can last for months, making them a beautiful and meaningful addition to any room where you want to attract positive energy and success.
Caring for Orchid
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bathrooms, Kitchens |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Light | Bright Indirect |
| Water | Moderate |
15. Pitcher Plant
- Scientific name: Nepenthes
- Good Luck Benefit: Wealth accumulation
The pitcher plant is often referred to as "袋袋平安," meaning "bags of safety or peace" in Chinese. These plants are popular gifts during the Chinese Spring Festival, symbolizing long-term wealth. The plant's large, pitcher-shaped leaves resemble money bags, and the more "bags" the plant has, the luckier it is thought to be.
Pitcher plants are carnivorous and come in a variety of species, with varying levels of difficulty to care for. Know your variety's specific sunlight requirements to ensure it gets enough insects to thrive.
Pitcher plants need bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive indoors. They're perfect for terrariums or humid bathrooms where they can catch small insects naturally. Pitcher plants are excellent conversation starters and make unique additions to any plant collection, symbolizing the accumulation of wealth and protection in your home.
Caring for Pitcher Plant
| Care Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Terrariums, Humid Bathrooms |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Light | Bright Indirect |
| Water | High |
Reference: How To Care For Lucky Plants
| Plant | Difficulty | Light | Water | Good Luck Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ginseng Ficus | Easy | Bright Indirect | Moderate | Air purification luck |
| Money Tree | Easy | Bright Indirect | Moderate | Financial fortune |
| Rubber Plant | Easy | Bright Indirect | Moderate | Abundance happiness |
| Adenium | Easy | Bright Direct | Low | Wealth fertility |
| Eucalyptus | Easy | Bright | Regular | Cleanliness new beginnings |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low to Bright | Moderate | Positive energy |
| Jade Plant | Easy | Bright Indirect | Low | Wealth good fortune |
| Lucky Bamboo | Easy | Low to Bright | High | Luck positive energy |
| Snake Plant | Easy | Low | Low | Protection air purification |
| Citrus Trees | Medium | Bright Direct | Regular | Wealth prosperity |
| Peepal Bonsai | Medium | Bright Filtered | Consistent | Spiritual wisdom |
| Lavender | Medium | Bright | Moderate | Relaxation peace |
| Peony | Medium | Bright Outdoor | Regular | Love good fortune |
| Orchid | Hard | Bright Indirect | Moderate | Prosperity elegance |
| Pitcher Plant | Hard | Bright Indirect | High | Wealth accumulation |
Frequently Asked Questions About Good Luck Plants
Find answers to common questions about good luck plants, how to care for them, and how to choose the right one for your home. We are not a lender.
What are good luck plants?
Good luck plants are houseplants believed to bring positive energy, wealth, prosperity, or good fortune to your home according to various cultural traditions, particularly feng shui.
Where should I place good luck plants in my home?
Place money trees in the southeast "wealth corner," jade plants near entrances, and lucky bamboo in bright, indirect light. Each plant has specific placement recommendations for maximum benefit.
Are good luck plants hard to care for?
Most good luck plants are beginner-friendly. Lucky bamboo, snake plants, and jade plants are particularly easy to care for, while orchids and citrus trees require more specific care.
Do good luck plants really work?
While the luck-bringing properties are based on cultural beliefs rather than scientific evidence, these plants do provide real benefits like air purification, stress reduction, and improved home aesthetics.
Can I grow good luck plants outdoors?
Many good luck plants can grow outdoors in appropriate climates. Citrus trees, peonies, and eucalyptus thrive outdoors, while others like lucky bamboo and snake plants are primarily indoor plants.
How often should I water good luck plants?
Watering frequency varies by plant. Snake plants and jade plants need minimal water, while lucky bamboo requires constant moisture. Most plants prefer to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Which good luck plants are best for beginners?
Start with snake plants, lucky bamboo, jade plants, or golden pothos. These are forgiving of care mistakes and adapt well to various light conditions.
Do good luck plants need special soil or fertilizer?
Most good luck plants thrive in well-draining potting soil. Fertilize during growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plants.
Can good luck plants improve my home value?
Yes, studies show that well-maintained plants and landscaping can increase home value by up to 12%. Plants also improve air quality and create a more appealing living environment.
Are good luck plants safe for pets?
Some good luck plants are toxic to pets. Lucky bamboo and snake plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Research pet-safe alternatives or keep plants out of reach if you have pets.
How do I choose the right good luck plant for my space?
Consider your light conditions, care commitment, and desired benefits. Low-light spaces work well with snake plants, bright areas suit citrus trees, and humid bathrooms are perfect for eucalyptus.
Start Your Good Luck Journey
Good luck plants can boost your home's decor and create a positive atmosphere. While they are believed to bring benefits such as wealth, relaxation, or purification, the key is to understand their care needs and how to place them in your home for maximum benefit.
Choose the right plant for your home, and enjoy a happy, healthy, and lucky living space. And remember — greenery doesn’t just bring peace of mind. Studies show it can even raise your home’s value. That’s one more reason to fill your home with plants as you build the future you’re working toward.
If you’re in the middle of buying a home, explore mortgage lenders who can help you get there. Pairing the right lender with the right home is the kind of good luck everyone deserves.
