Judging by many of our traditions, Southerners are always willing to take chances for a happy and successful life. From eating a big bowl of Hoppin' John on New Year's Day to filling up a bottle of bourbon before our wedding, we don't mind making an effort to bring good news into the future. We're superstitious, but if it's relatively hassle-free, why take the risk?
To prepare yourself to try even the simplest tasks that promise karmic rewards, it helps to know that even plants can potentially make a difference. Lucky houseplants and flower varieties in particular are known to bring luck, wealth, and prosperity to your home. You don't need any gardening skills to test this theory, but remember that these plants need proper care; you don't want the bad energy that dead plants bring.
Here are 13 lucky plants that can bring success and good fortune to your home or give to others as gifts.
Money tree
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Plant Name: Pachira aquatica Sunlight: Partial Soil Type: Well-drained loamy soil pH: Neutral, acidic (6.0-7.5)
This plant is known as a symbol of Asian culture and is said to bring good luck, financial success and prosperity. It is also said to bring positive energy into the home, known as “chi” in Feng Shui. Grow it in a humid, bright, indirect light environment. Plant it in a pot with drainage holes in well-aerated soil and water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. It does not require frequent watering.
Sedum
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Botanical name: Crassula ovataSunlight: Full to partialSoil type: Well-drained, rocky, loose soilpH: Slightly acidic (6.0)
This hardy succulent is always a joy to have around and easy to grow at home. Its small coin-shaped leaves are associated with money and good fortune. Make sure the plant is in a location where it gets at least six hours of bright, indirect natural light per day. Morning or evening sunlight will prevent the leaves from burning from too much direct sunlight. Too little sun will cause the plant to become spindly. Sedums are succulents that store moisture in their leaves, so watering them once every 2-3 weeks when the top 2 inches of soil is dry is sufficient.
Orchid
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Botanical Name: Various. Phalaenopsis is common. Sunlight: Partial. Soil Type: Well-drained. Soil pH: Neutral to acidic (5.0-7.0)
Orchids are notoriously more difficult to grow than other houseplants, and it takes work to earn their approval. It is said that the effort will pay off in future good fortune. Some species prefer dappled or indirect light. Others prefer full sun, so check your species and its requirements. Plant in loose, airy potting soil made for orchids. Sphagnum moss and bark will help with ventilation and drainage.
eucalyptus
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Plant name: Eucalyptus Sunlight: Full Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-6.5)
Eucalyptus has the nickname Silver Dollar Tree because its young leaves are shaped like silver coins, a sign of good fortune to come. Plus, eucalyptus has therapeutic properties, making it the perfect plant to hang over your shower head for added health benefits. Keep it in direct sunlight for six hours a day, water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, and prune it to maintain its size indoors.
Citrus Tree
Getty Images Plant Name: Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus x meyeri, Citrus mitus Sunlight: Full Soil Type: Well-drained Soil pH: Neutral, acidic (6.0-7.0)
Yes, citrus trees can be grown indoors. In the South, indoors are often better suited than outdoors. Citrus trees have long been known to measure their fruitfulness by the amount of fruit they produce each year. It is said that the more fruit a tree has, the better its fortunes. To fulfill its growth cycle, trees should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and darkness at night. Water when the first 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
Holy Basil
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Plant name: Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum Sunlight: Full Soil type: Moist, well-drained, loamy soil pH: Slightly acidic, neutral (6.0-7.5)
Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil root is known to purify yourself and your surroundings, warding off negative energy. Even better, have a small plant around your home and use it in your cooking. It's not picky about soil, but make sure it gets plenty of sun. It will thrive in the shade, but it may wilt if it doesn't get enough light.
lavender
anskuw/Getty Images Plant Name: Lavendula spp. Sunlight: Full Soil Type: Well-drained soil pH: Alkaline (6.7-7.3)
It's no surprise that this calming, healing plant can improve your life. A clear and relaxed mind is key to success. Grow lavender in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist at all times.
Sansevieria
Getty Images Plant Name: Dracaena trifasciata Sunlight: Shade to partial shade Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, loamy Soil pH: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (5.5-7.5)
A popular houseplant, Sansevieria, also known as St. George's Sword, Mother-in-law's Tongue, and Viper's Bowstring, is actually a good luck charm because it absorbs toxic gases from the air and expels toxins. Plant it in cactus or succulent potting soil and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Sansevieria thrive in a variety of light conditions, but do best in bright, indirect light.
peony
Getty/Roberto Machado Noa/Contributor Plant Name: Peony Sunlight: Full Soil Type: Well-drained loam Soil pH: Acidic (6.5-7.0)
These stunning flowers symbolize many things, including compassion, romance, wealth, and good fortune. Choose deep pink or red peonies for extra fertility and good luck. Plant them in a well-drained pot near a window where they can get plenty of light.
White Clover
De Agostini Picture Library/Getty Images Plant Name: Trifolium repens Sunlight: Full, partial Soil Type: Well-drained, moist Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline (5.0-8.0)
White clover is well known as a plant that brings good luck and good health, which is why it's a great plant to have in your home or give as a gift. Make sure to place it on a sunny windowsill, otherwise the stems may grow too long and affect flowering. Water frequently to keep the soil evenly moist.
Echinacea
Joseph De Ciocet
Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea Sunlight: Full, partial Soil type: Well-drained, clay, loamy, sandy soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Echinacea is a flower that symbolizes strength and health, so whether you have it displayed as a bouquet on your counter or planted in your garden, it will make you feel good about yourself and the future of your endeavors. Outdoors, make sure it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Echinacea grows in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-drained.
Rubber tree
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Plant name: Ficus elastica Sunlight: Partial Soil type: Well-drained, loose soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-7.0)
This houseplant's broad, glossy, dark green leaves are rounded and coin-shaped and are said to symbolize abundance, happiness and wealth. Place your rubber plant in a location that receives indirect light. Provide it with well-draining soil and add a bit of orchid bark to the soil for better drainage.
Hollyhock
Photo: Ralph Lee Anderson Plant Name: Alcea rosea Sunlight: Full, partial Soil Type: Well-drained, moist Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline (6.0-8.0)
Though the frilly appearance of this beautiful flower might fool you, hollyhock actually means “ambition” and brings success in many ways. Plant it near the front entrance of your home to bring protection and good luck. Grown outdoors, it makes beautiful cut bouquets. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil and keep it constantly moist.