Plants not only beautify our homes but also have the potential to bring good luck. However, there are certain plants that are believed to bring bad luck. In this article, we will explore 10 plants that are considered bad luck and provide you with 12 lucky alternatives to consider. Whether you follow Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra, or simply want to avoid unnecessary worry, this guide will help you make informed choices when it comes to choosing the right plants for your home.
How to Tell if a Plant Is Lucky
Determining whether a plant is lucky or not depends on the belief system you follow. Feng Shui, originating in mainland China, focuses on the flow of energy, or qi, to promote prosperity. According to Feng Shui, heart-shaped foliage, round leaves resembling coins, and plants that grow upwards are considered lucky. Vastu Shastra, on the other hand, aligns buildings with nature and also considers certain plants lucky. Folk beliefs across different cultures also contribute to the idea of lucky and unlucky plants.
Image: A woman sitting in a Feng Shui room near a Monstera plant.
1. Dead Plants
It's no surprise that dead plants are considered bad luck in every tradition. Not only do they symbolize failure in life, but they also attract negative energy. In some beliefs, dead plants can even invite malicious spirits. Therefore, it's best to avoid keeping dead plants in your home for the sake of your well-being and interior design.
Image: Dead sunflower plants in a garden under a blue cloudy sky, considered bad luck plants.
2. Fake Plants
Fake plants, especially those made of plastic or other artificial materials, are considered to invite deception. They also tend to collect dust and fade over time, causing stagnant energy to build up. In Feng Shui, cleanliness plays a significant role in promoting good energy, so it's best to avoid having dust collectors like artificial plants in your home.
Image: Artificial fern plants in black plastic pots on a hanging wood plank.
3. Bonsai
Bonsai trees, although admired for their artistry, are considered bad luck plants. These stunted trees are meant to suppress growth, which goes against the principles of promoting prosperity. Bonsai trees are best suited for greenhouses rather than living spaces.
Image: Bonsai tree growing in a shallow dish with moss on it.
4. Cotton Plants
Cotton plants, whether real or fake, are considered bad luck. The fluffy cotton bolls quickly become dusty and discolored, and cleaning them can be challenging. Additionally, the sharp edges that form around the cotton tufts are associated with negative energy in Feng Shui.
Image: Cotton plants with bloomed cotton bolls and cotton leaves under a blue sky.
5. Tamarind Plants
According to Vastu Shastra, tamarind trees harbor evil spirits, so it is discouraged to have them indoors or near homes. If you want to enjoy the beauty of tamarind trees, it's best to plant them in your garden where they can thrive and produce beautiful blossoms and delicious fruits.
Image: Tamarind plants with bunches of green leaves and pod fruits.
6. Mehendi Plant
The Mehendi plant, also known as henna tree or Egyptian privet, is believed to host bad spirits. Although it may resemble a myrtle tree, it's important to note that they are different plants. Just like tamarind plants, it's best to keep Mehendi plants away from indoor spaces.
7. Gum Arabic Tree
The Gum Arabic tree, also known as Thorn Mimosa or Egyptian acacia, is considered a cursed tree. The sharp thorns on its stems and branches are believed to attract arguments and strife, making it an all-around bad luck plant. According to Feng Shui, plants with sharp thorns are best left outdoors.
Image: Gum Arabic tree with thin woody branches, green leaves, and yellow round flowers.
8. Weeping Fig
Weeping figs are popular indoor plants due to their elegant leaves and easy care. However, they are believed to encourage negative energy and low vibrations. Additionally, weeping figs can irritate allergy sufferers and trigger latex allergies in some individuals. It's best to keep them outdoors.
Image: Weeping fig tree with smooth green leaves in bright sunlight.
9. Crown of Thorns
Crown of Thorns, a type of cactus plant, is discouraged in Feng Shui. As the plant matures, its stem becomes covered in formidable spikes. Its puncturing energy is considered undesirable in a home. It's best to avoid having plants with sharp spikes like the Crown of Thorns.
Image: Crown of thorns plant with green leaves, pink flowers, and spiny stem.
10. Philodendrons
Philodendron plants are popular among green thumb enthusiasts. However, they are considered unlucky due to their toxicity. The calcium oxalate crystals present in Philodendrons can be harmful when ingested by humans and animals. To avoid bad energy indoors, it is recommended to keep Philodendrons strictly outdoors.
Image: Philodendron plant indoors with green and white variegation.
12 Lucky Alternatives to Bad Luck Plants
If you want to invite good fortune into your home, consider these lucky alternatives to bad luck plants:
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Water Chestnut: Also known as the Chinese Money Tree, the Water Chestnut is considered a lucky plant due to its large, glossy green leaves and cluster of five leaves, symbolizing wealth.
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Chinese Money Plant: The Chinese Money Plant, with its coin-shaped leaves, is a vigorous grower associated with good fortune and abundance.
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Jade Plant: Jade plants are considered the luckiest of succulents. Their thick, round leaves resemble coins, promoting good fortune for years to come.
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Aloe Vera Plants: Aloe vera not only promotes good energy but also has healing properties that draw nourishing energy to your home.
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Golden Pothos: With its heart-shaped leaves and vigorous growth, Golden Pothos attracts prosperous energy and improves the health of your home.
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Lucky Bamboo: Symbolizing good fortune, lucky bamboo is a popular choice for promoting prosperity and enduring growth.
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Rubber Tree: The rubber tree's thick, glossy leaves are believed to attract good things to your home. Burgundy varieties are especially lucky.
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Peace Lily: Peace lilies promote calm and stress-free living. Their enduring white flowers symbolize long-lasting fortune.
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Spider Plant: Spider plants grow upwards, attracting positive energy. Their prolific growth and air-purifying abilities make them lucky plants.
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Rosemary: Rosemary is associated with love, beauty, tranquility, and personal relationships. Its upright growth draws positive energy to the home.
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Basil: Basil is considered a holy plant and is associated with protection against evil. It also has numerous health benefits when used as a herb.
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Citrus Trees: Lemon trees, in particular, are believed to ward off evil and are considered lucky in many traditions. Dwarf varieties are recommended for indoor planting.
Image: A woman watering an indoor potted plant.
How to Use Plants for Good Luck
No matter which plants you choose, here are some tips to maintain their good vibrations:
- Position them appropriately according to the principles of Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra, considering the energy flow throughout your home.
- Keep your plants clean by removing dust and dead leaves regularly.
- Water your plants appropriately, ensuring they are neither dehydrated nor overwatered.
- Discard dead or dying plants to avoid attracting negative energy.
By following these guidelines, you can create a harmonious and fortunate environment in your home using the power of plants.
I hope this guide helps you make informed choices when it comes to selecting plants for your home. May good luck and positive energy always be with you!
