Throughout centuries and across many cultures, greenery has represented more than just nature’s beauty. According to ancient beliefs, certain green plants hold special powers that can attract prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy into our living spaces. Whether you are a devoted fan of home decor trends or a curious follower of feng shui, adding a touch of green to your home can do wonders—not just aesthetically but energetically as well. Let’s discover five enchanting plants believed to invite abundance and harmony, and why their presence is more than just a modern style statement.
Lucky Bamboo: The Ancient Symbol of Fortune
One of the most cherished plants in the world of feng shui is lucky bamboo. Despite its name, this plant isn’t true bamboo, but rather a member of the Dracaena family. Since ancient times, it has been a key element in Asian households where harmony and prosperity are valued.
Lucky bamboo is known for its hardiness and versatility. In Chinese culture, the number of stalks in a bamboo arrangement carries special significance. For example, two stalks attract love, three bring happiness, wealth, and long life, while five promote health. Traditional beliefs suggest that keeping lucky bamboo near the entrance, in the east or southeast corner of your home, will harness positive chi (energy) and amplify chances for success in career and finances. It is also said that a red ribbon tied around the stems enhances its auspicious powers.
Jade Plant: The Living Green Gem
The distinctive jade plant, with its thick, coin-shaped leaves, has charmed homeowners as a living symbol of wealth. Sometimes called the “money tree” or “friendship tree,” the jade plant traces its symbolic power to South African origins, though it’s most widely recognized through Chinese culture and business tradition.
According to ancient wisdom, placing a jade plant near your home’s entrance, kitchen, or office promotes the flow of prosperity and friendship. Its round, plump leaves are reminiscent of coins—hence, a visual metaphor for growth of assets and financial luck. Jade plants are also believed to attract lasting business partnerships and positive relationships, making them a favorite gift at openings, weddings, or housewarmings. Besides their symbolism, these plants are hardy and low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for people new to indoor gardening.
Pothos: A Climber of Fortune
If you’re seeking a robust and easy-to-care-for houseplant, the pothos, also known as devil's ivy, stands out as a top pick. This vibrant vine has earned its reputation as a bringer of prosperity, wealth, and vitality due to its rapid growth and the way it “climbs” toward light.
In ancient feng shui, pothos is praised for its ability to shield a space from negative energy and toxins—both literal and metaphorical. Its cascading vines represent continuous growth and upward mobility. By placing pothos in the southeast corner (wealth sector) or in business spaces, it is said to encourage financial prosperity and fresh opportunities. This plant is particularly valued for its air-purifying properties, which further supports household well-being and balanced energy flow.
Peace Lily: Purify and Prosper
The peace lily brings not only stunning elegance, with its smooth white blooms and glossy green leaves, but also an air of tranquility and abundance. Ancient beliefs link this plant with spiritual, physical, and material purification.
Feng shui experts recommend peace lilies for inviting peaceful, harmonious energy while clearing obstacles to prosperity. The plant symbolizes rebirth and hope, making it a lovely addition to any home that could use a boost of lightness and clarity. Peace lilies also filter pollutants from the air, further underlining their reputation for purification. Placing them in the wealth or family area, or in spaces prone to arguments or stagnation, may help revitalize both the environment and your luck.
Money Tree: Twisted Trunks for Twisting Fate
A striking plant with braided trunks and lush hand-shaped leaves, the money tree (Pachira aquatica) draws on a fascinating legend from Central and South America. It is said that a poor farmer, after praying for fortune, discovered this unique plant and sold its seedlings to amass a fortune—hence the association with prosperity.
Money trees have become darlings of feng shui gurus worldwide. Their five-leaf stems are believed to represent the five essential elements: wood, water, earth, fire, and metal. According to lore, this harmony brings luck and positive energy into one’s home or workspace. Keeping a money tree in a bright, indirect light spot, especially near the entrance or in the southeast, is a much-loved way to spark both financial and personal growth.
Creating your own prosperity corner
Selecting one or more of these magical green plants isn’t just a matter of tradition—it's also about cultivating an environment that feels alive, welcoming, and inspiring. Many cultures blend the practical with the mystical, believing that nurturing plants naturally amplifies our own health and happiness, which in turn attracts fortune.
Each of these five plants offers a unique path to prosperity, whether through symbolism, practical benefits, or the simple joy of tending to something green. When you choose the right spot, offer regular care, and infuse your intentions with hope, your home becomes not just a place to live, but a space where abundance and positivity truly thrive.