A growing global wellness trend is breathing new life into ancient traditions, with consumers increasingly seeking out specific plants that bring wealth and good luck. This phenomenon, rooted in practices like Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, intersects with modern interior design, biophilia, and a post-pandemic desire to cultivate positive home environments.
The Roots of a Green Trend
The demand for certain houseplants has surged in recent years, driven by more than just aesthetics. This interest is closely tied to the principles of biophilic design—the concept that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology reaffirmed that interacting with indoor plants can significantly reduce stress and improve cognitive function.
However, a deeper cultural current is also at play. Many consumers are specifically purchasing plants associated with prosperity in ancient belief systems. “We’re seeing a convergence of wellness, spirituality, and home decor,” said Dr. Evelyn Reed, a cultural sociologist at the University of London who studies modern lifestyle trends. “For many, it’s not just about having a plant; it’s about embedding intention and meaning into their personal space.”
These traditions, primarily Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice of arranging living spaces to create balance with the natural world, and Vastu Shastra, its Hindu counterpart from India, offer detailed guidance on which flora invite positive energy, or qi (chi), and prosperity.
An Analysis of 5 Plants That Bring Wealth and Good Luck
While dozens of plants are revered across various cultures, a select few have gained international popularity for their purported ability to attract fortune. Horticulturalists and cultural experts point to the following five as market leaders.
1. The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Often featuring a braided trunk, the Money Tree is a cornerstone of Feng Shui plants. Its five-lobed leaves are said to represent the five elements of balance: earth, water, fire, wind, and metal. “The legend is that a poor farmer in Taiwan prayed for wealth, then discovered this tree and began selling its seeds, becoming rich,” explains David Chen, a certified Feng Shui consultant in San Francisco. “Its popularity in business settings is tied to this story of entrepreneurial success.”
2. The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
With its vibrant, coin-shaped leaves, the Jade Plant is a powerful symbol of wealth and prosperity in many Asian cultures. According to Feng Shui principles, placing a Jade Plant near the entrance of a home or business is thought to welcome success. “It’s a traditional gift for new business owners,” Chen notes. “Its resilience and steady growth are seen as metaphors for a healthy and growing fortune.”
3. The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
A favorite among interior designers, the Monstera’s connection to luck comes from a different aspect of Feng Shui. Its large, perforated leaves are believed to allow for the upward flow of positive energy. According to a report from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Monstera’s rapid growth symbolizes expansion and upward mobility, making it a popular choice for those seeking career advancement.
4. The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant’s large, glossy, dark green leaves are also associated with wealth and abundance due to their shape, which resembles coins. In Vastu Shastra plants, it is considered auspicious and believed to absorb negative energy from a space. “From a practical standpoint, it’s also a robust air purifier,” states a guide from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, noting its ability to remove airborne toxins like formaldehyde. This dual benefit—cultural symbolism and scientifically verified air purification—makes it highly sought after.
5. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo is not a true bamboo but a type of dracaena. It is a highly customizable Feng Shui cure, with the number of stalks holding significant meaning. For wealth, arrangements of three, five, or eight stalks are recommended. “Each number has a purpose,” says Chen. “Eight, for example, sounds like the word for ‘wealth’ or ‘prosper’ in Cantonese, making it an extremely popular number.” The plant’s vertical growth is also said to represent a noble and upward life path.
The Psychology of Prosperity
While there is no scientific evidence that plants can directly influence financial outcomes, environmental psychologists suggest the benefits are real, albeit indirect. “The act of caring for a plant fosters discipline, mindfulness, and a sense of optimism,” Dr. Reed observes. “When you nurture something and watch it grow, it can create a positive feedback loop in your own mindset, which may in turn make you more open to opportunities and more resilient to setbacks.”
This psychological effect, combined with the proven air-quality and stress-reduction benefits, provides a tangible value that exists independently of the cultural symbolism. Whether a Money Tree can literally make someone wealthy remains a matter of belief, but its ability to create a healthier and more positive-feeling environment is well-documented.
As the global market for houseplants continues to grow—a trend accelerated by work-from-home culture the demand for these “lucky plants” is expected to remain strong. They represent a quiet, green intersection of ancient wisdom, modern science, and the universal human desire for a prosperous life.
The Dual Appeal of Plants That Bring Good Luck and Purify the Air