Feng shui, also sometimes called Chinese geomancy, is the ancient practice of working with the space and items around you to create a more harmonious environment. Feng shui can be used to determine the placement of the furniture in a home, paint colors, and so much more. And, of course, feng shui can also help you select the best plants to grow in your home!
According to experts, certain plants are better than others for feng shui, and these plants are said to bring positive energy to homes and offices. Some plants, in particular, are associated with wealth and abundance, and these plants are believed to draw positive energy and luck when they’re worked into home designs.
In the list below, you’ll find some of the most classic feng shui plants that are associated with wealth and abundance. If you’re setting up a new business or just want to liven up your desk at home, you may want to include at least one of these plants in your environment.
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- 15 best feng shui plants for good luck and fortune
- 1. Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
- 2. Money tree (Pachira aquatica)
- 3. Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- 4. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
- 5. Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- 6. Orchids (Orchidaceae spp.)
- 7. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
- 8. Silver pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
- 9. Mint (Mentha spp.)
- 10. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii)
- 11. Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- 12. Silver dollar vine (Xerosicyos danguyi)
- 13. Dwarf citrus trees (Citrus spp.)
- 14. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- 15. Aloe (Aloe spp.)
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
15 best feng shui plants for good luck and fortune
In feng shui, plants are associated with the wood element, which represents wealth and prosperity. That means that pretty much any plant can be used in feng shui to symbolize abundance; however, some plants are more commonly used for this purpose. These plants often display certain characteristics, like leaf shape or growth habit, that can make them particularly well suited for feng shui.
Additionally, the southeast corner of homes and offices is also typically considered to be the “wealth” corner in feng shui. So this is a great place to keep your feng shui plants as long as this area receives enough light to keep plants happy!
1. Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
| Plant name: | Jade plant |
| Light requirements: | Bright light |
| Water requirements: | Low |
| Mature size: | Up to 5’ tall |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
Jade plants, also sometimes known as money plants and lucky plants, are frequently used in feng shui for a number of different reasons. While these plants are associated with luck, they are also symbolic of money, and they are said to bring prosperity to their owners, especially when they’re kept in offices, businesses, or when they’re located in the southeastern or “wealth” corner of a building. Part of the symbolism of this plant comes from its rich, green leaves, which are rounded like coins and are the color of money.
While you may want to keep jade for symbolic purposes, these plants are also super low maintenance, which only adds to their charm! Since jade plants are succulents, they have low moisture needs, and they should never be overwatered, which can cause stems to become top-heavy and break. Keep jades in bright light to support their growth and prevent stems from getting leggy.
2. Money tree (Pachira aquatica)
| Plant name: | Money tree |
| Light requirements: | Bright, indirect light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate to low |
| Mature size: | Up to 8’ tall when grown in pots |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
With a name like a money tree, it’s no surprise that this plant is often recommended by feng shui experts for prosperity and wealth. Money trees are also said to instill a feeling of calm and serenity in homes and offices.
Additionally, money trees often have braided stems, which symbolize longevity. The number of stems a money tree has is telling too. Three stems signify a new start or rebirth, while five stems can be used to represent the five elements of feng shui: water, earth, metal, fire, and wood.
Money trees can be allowed to grow naturally, or they can be pruned into bonsais or other unique forms. Full-grown money trees will grow about 8’ tall in pots, and they prefer bright, indirect light. As a slow-growing plant, money trees don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a monthly dose of a balanced, liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.
3. Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
| Plant name: | Chinese money plant |
| Light requirements: | Bright, indirect light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | 12” tall |
| Toxic to pets? | No |
Like jades, Chinese money plants have bright green, rounded leaves that look like tiny coins atop the plant’s slender stems. Money plants also reproduce rapidly, which is great symbolism because that’s exactly what you’d like the coins in your pockets to do too! As with other auspicious plants, Chinese money plants are also said to bring good fortune and luck to their owners.
Chinese money plants are very beginner-friendly houseplants that will grow best in bright, indirect light. Avoid growing these plants in full sun, as they can be sensitive to sun damage. Additionally, you may want to fertilize them with a bit of extra calcium to prevent leaves from becoming deformed or wavy.
4. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
| Plant name: | Lucky bamboo |
| Light requirements: | Bright light to medium light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | 3 to 5’ tall |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
Like other plants, lucky bamboo is associated with the wood element of feng shui, which is tied to growth, energy, and wealth. Additionally, since lucky bamboo grows quickly and can adapt to a range of changing conditions, it can be used to symbolize adaptability and plenty.
Often, lucky bamboo plants are sold with colorful ribbons that have symbolic meanings as well. For instance, red ribbons are said to amplify energy, and they are very auspicious. White ribbons, on the other hand, can symbolize productivity, while green ribbons represent rebirth and renewal.
The number of lucky bamboo plants that grow in a single pot is also meaningful. A single plant represents new beginnings, while eight plants growing together are symbolic of wealth.
Lucky bamboos are very low-maintenance plants that don’t require a lot of extra care, so they’re a perfect addition to busy offices and workplaces. These plants can be kept in pots of soil, or they can grow in vases of water. You can also find lucky bamboo with either straight or curled stems, or you can grow the two types together for lots of plant texture.
5. Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
| Plant name: | Golden pothos |
| Light requirements: | Bright, indirect light to low light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | Up to 40’ long |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
Pothos are said to draw money and good fortune, and golden pothos, in particular, is associated with prosperity. These vining plants are often kept on top of tall cabinets and shelving where, according to feng shui experts, energy can get trapped in the shadows. Placing plants in these areas is said to enliven energy and cause it to flow properly.
Golden pothos are very low-maintenance plants that grow in lower-light areas, so they will do just fine when placed on top of cabinets or in other shadier spots. These plants can also be kept in hanging baskets, which will allow their vines and leaves to show fully. For even more options, golden pothos is one of the few plants that can grow in water, which means you can keep these plants on your desk in a vase of water too!
6. Orchids (Orchidaceae spp.)
| Plant name: | Orchids |
| Light requirements: | Depends on species |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | Depends on species |
| Toxic to pets? | No |
According to feng shui practitioners, orchids are mostly associated with love and beauty, but different orchid colors can mean different things. If your goal is to draw wealth to you, purple orchids are the variety of choice, as the color purple is traditionally associated with prosperity. The color black is also symbolic of careers, so if you can find orchids with dark flowers, they may be a good choice, too!*
Many houseplant keepers avoid growing orchids because they assume these tropical plants are difficult to grow. While that may be true of some rare orchid species, common moth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) have similar care requirements to most other tropical plants and are quite beginner friendly. One way to keep orchids happy is to add a pebble tray beneath your plant’s pot to boost ambient humidity levels and prevent leaves from splitting.
*Note: There are no truly black orchid flowers, but you can find plants with flowers that are so dark they appear black in most lighting.
7. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
| Plant name: | Rubber plant |
| Light requirements: | Bright, indirect light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | Up to 10’ tall when grown in pots |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
Another plant that is often used in feng shui designs is the rubber plant, which is associated with wealth, as well as happiness, and luck. Part of this has to do with how hardy rubber plants are, as they can thrive in a range of growing conditions. Additionally, the sturdy, straight stem of rubber plants is associated with strength and stability.
Rubber plants are named for the white latex sap that is produced when stems and leaves are damaged, and it is best to avoid this sap because it can cause some skin irritation. Rubber plants are commonly kept in offices and business lobbies, but they also grow beautifully in homes. These plants look quite striking, with oversized and tropical leaves that come in either a dark, glossy green or variegated green and white.
8. Silver pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
| Plant name: | Silver pothos |
| Light requirements: | Bright, indirect light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | Up to 10’ long |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
Like golden pothos, silver pothos is associated with money in part because of its name. Silver is, after all, the color of many coins, and if you’re trying to bring money into your workplace, using plants that symbolize money is always a good idea! Like golden pothos, silver pothos also grows rapidly, and they can spread, just like the wealth you hope to attract.
Silver pothos can be kept in pots or hanging baskets, and they can grow in low light, although bright, indirect light is preferred. These plants propagate easily in water too, so if you want to create a fuller-looking plant, try potting up a few vines together in a single pot. Silver pothos is sometimes also known as satin pothos and is famous for its speckled leaves that have a bright, silvery tone.
9. Mint (Mentha spp.)
| Plant name: | Mint |
| Light requirements: | Bright light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | 1 to 2’ tall |
| Toxic to pets? | Depends on species |
As anyone who’s ever grown a mint plant can tell you, these plants can spread … and spread! While the vigorous growth of mint can cause problems in garden beds, if you’re looking for a plant that will symbolize massive growth, mint may be just the plant you’re looking for. Mint is also associated with money due to its bright green leaf color, and these plants are also said to bring positive energy to homes too!
While mint is commonly kept as an outdoor plant, it will also grow very well indoors in pots as long as it’s provided with enough bright light. Even better, mint is edible, and if you keep it near your kitchen sink, you’ll always have fresh herbs on hand for recipes and tea-making. There are lots of mint varieties to choose from, too, including: spearmint, peppermint, and other lesser-known plants in the mint family, like catnip and lemon balm.
10. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii)
| Plant name: | Swiss cheese plant |
| Light requirements: | Bright, indirect light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | Up to 8’ tall when grown in pots |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
Swiss cheese plants grow and twine over everything, forming sturdy vines that can crawl over any obstacle in their path. If that isn’t symbolic enough, these plants also have holes in their leaves, which are said to allow energy to pass through them. In feng shui, energy movement can be a great thing since it prevents stagnation!
Swiss cheese plants can make lovely tabletop specimens, but they can also be kept in hanging baskets or trained to grow up miniature trellises. When fully grown, vines can stretch 10’ long or more, but they can be kept smaller with pruning. These plants are also very easy to propagate in soil or water, and you can plant a few vines in a single pot for a fuller look.
11. Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
| Plant name: | Parlor palm |
| Light requirements: | Bright, indirect light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | 10 to 12’ |
| Toxic to pets? | No |
Elegant and graceful, parlor palms are also symbolic of money and wealth. Additionally, their finely proportioned leaves can be used to signify balance and harmony, and the bright green color of this plant is representative of money too! Fully grown parlor palms will reach about 12’ tall, which is a good size for offices and lobbies, but these plants will look stately in homes too.
Unlike some other palms, parlor palms are well-adapted to indoor environments, but they will grow best in bright, indirect light. These plants also appreciated humidity levels between 40 to 70%, so you may want to place a humidifier near your plant. If the humidity drops too low, parlor palms can develop unsightly brown tips on the edges of their leaves, which you definitely don’t want!
12. Silver dollar vine (Xerosicyos danguyi)
| Plant name: | Silver dollar vine |
| Light requirements: | Bright light |
| Water requirements: | Low |
| Mature size: | 12’ long |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
Silver dollar vines are less common plants, but they are a good choice if you want to experiment with feng shui. These plants vine and spread, which signifies growth and abundance. And, of course, their round leaves are reminiscent of coins!
As a succulent plant, silver dollar vines don’t need a lot of water, and you can usually get by only watering them once a month. They are light lovers, though, which means you will need to locate them in a bright window or add a grow light to keep them looking their best. When fully mature, these plants can grow up to 12’ long, and they will add vertical interest when planted in hanging pots or when placed atop a tall shelf.
13. Dwarf citrus trees (Citrus spp.)
| Plant name: | Dwarf citrus trees |
| Light requirements: | Bright light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | Depends on species |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
From yellow Meyer lemons to golden-orange kumquats, the colorful fruit of citrus trees are also symbolic of wealth. Part of this has to do with color symbolism, but part of it has to do with the fact that these plants can grow a prolific harvest of edible fruit. Either way, if you like the idea of keeping indoor citrus trees, these plants should be placed in the southeast corner of your home or office according to the principles of feng shui.
Citrus plants need lots of light to grow properly, and they may not grow well in low-light corners unless you add a grow light nearby. These plants can also be kept outdoors in spring and summer when the temperature is warm enough. While citrus can be grown in pots, make sure any pot you use is at least 5-gallons in size to give your plant plenty of room to grow.
14. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
| Plant name: | Basil |
| Light requirements: | Bright light to bright, indirect light |
| Water requirements: | Moderate |
| Mature size: | 10 to 18” tall |
| Toxic to pets? | No |
Like mint, basil is associated with wealth because it grows so quickly and it can spread. It also has a rich, green color that can brighten up homes, and it seems to exude positive energy. According to feng shui, basil is symbolic of beauty and luck as well.
Basil can be grown in pots, or it can be planted outdoors in an area of your garden that you visit often. You can also plant a small herb garden towards the southeast corner of your home and keep a few basil plants there. Basil likes a lot of light, especially when kept inside, but it may benefit from some light afternoon shade outdoors as its leaves can be sensitive to sunburn.
15. Aloe (Aloe spp.)
| Plant name: | Aloe |
| Light requirements: | Bright light |
| Water requirements: | Low |
| Mature size: | Depends on species |
| Toxic to pets? | Yes |
Aloe plants have several positive attributes in feng shui. While this plant is associated with good fortune, it is also symbolic of health, and its fleshy leaves are said to absorb stagnant or negative energy. Although there may not be any studies to prove this, science has shown that aloe is great for indoor air purification, which is a definite plus for keeping this plant!
Like other succulents, aloe has low watering needs, and some growers only water it when the plant’s leaves become soft and slightly flat. Aloe does love lots of bright light, though, and it should be potted in a well-draining soil mix that is suitable for succulents. With over 650 different species of aloe, there are lots of varieties to choose from, including aloe plants with shorter and more compact forms and larger aloes that can be kept outdoors in warmer locations.
Frequently asked questions
According to feng shui, the southeast corner of your home is associated with “wealth.” If that corner of your home has sufficient lighting, it can be the best place to keep plants. Other good locations for plants include home offices, on your desk, or near your door.
Dead or dying plants are not considered to have good energy, so it’s important to keep your plants as happy as possible for both your plant’s health and feng shui!
While it is good for feng shui to keep plants in bathrooms, bathrooms are not associated with wealth. For this reason, if you are keeping plants to draw wealth, they should not be located in the bathroom. Instead, place your plants in a home office or in the southeastern corner of your home.
According to feng shui, different numbers have different associations. Numbers 4 and 8, for instance, are often associated with wealth and abundance. That’s why you often see lucky bamboo plants potted with 4 or 8 plants per pot.
Colors also have many different meanings in feng shui, and they are said to influence luck and prosperity too. Colors that are most associated with wealth and abundance are silver, gold, red, and purple.
Summary
There are many elements of feng shui, and choosing the right plants is just a starting point. If you would like to learn more about incorporating feng shui in your home, you can find lots of useful books and resources online. Keeping the elements of feng shui in mind when decorating your home can create a more cohesive and balanced environment that is a joy to relax in.
While plants are symbolic of the wood element and are associated with wealth, you may also want to find ways to add the other elements of feng shui, like fire and water, into your workplace too. Perhaps a small desktop fountain is in order, or maybe a small, scented candle will uplift your space. However you decide to utilize feng shui in your design, incorporating plants is always a good idea!
If you’d like to learn more about the best houseplants to keep in homes and offices, these plants will all thrive in lower-light areas, and they’re beginner friendly too!
Dr. Pauline Zitolina Mawutor
This is very educative. Thank you for this clarification. I will look out to identify these plants.
This is very helpful. Thank you 🙏.