We who garden know that plants bring good luck, in the form of beauty, joy, clean air and tranquility. Everyone needs that kind of “magic” so enjoy this fun list of the 5 best plants for luck in the new year.

5 Best Plants for Luck in the New Year

#1 Miniature Rose

Roses are known to attract passion and love. While full-size roses would be a challenge in pots all year, miniatures are excellent in containers. Miniature roses range in height from 3 inches to 18 inches. Most are continuous bloomers with little or no fragrance. Miniatures are just that: small bushes with small flowers. They come in a dizzying array of colours and white roses are believed to have healing/ purifying energy. I’m basically in love with “Snow White” from Lively Root: A delicate beauty that does have a soft fragrance and blooms in flushes. 

#2 Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo is not a bamboo at all, but rather a type of Dracaena. It is often gran indoors because it needs very little light.  It is believed that the bamboo plant helps in the movement of positive energy, in turn, generating more abundance and prosperity. In reality, Lucky Bamboo will improve the indoor air quality. According to the American Society of Horticultural Science, indoor air can be 12 times more polluted than the air outside in some areas. This is mostly because of the compounds in furnishings, paints, clothing as well as building materials. Eliminating the pollutants with dracaena will make breathing easier, remove airborne contaminants, and improve overall health. Lucky bamboo can be planted in water or soil. For instance, I enjoy stalks in an tall, modern vase fitted with river rocks and water

#3 Orchids

In China, orchids are believed to represent fertility, refinement, thoughtfulness, and innocence of children. Orchids are also believed to bring good luck and prosperity. As a cat-lover with a cat household, I love orchids as they pose (unlike SO many houseplants) no threat to my curious felines. Orchids come in all sizes, shapes and colours, require little care and are sophisticated beauties. Although they look delicate, they are quite resilient. My favourite was a Mother’s Day gift from my older son about 10 years ago. It has been “roughed up” and uprooted more than once by my Siamese kitten. I just pot it back up and it rallies every time. Best of all, orchids are pretty affordable and can be found at most grocery stores. I’m crushing on these hanging terrarium orchids from Etsy, right now. Anyone would be lucky to have one.

#4 Jade

This beauty is definitely one of the 5 best plants for luck in the new year! It represents prosperity. A popular good luck charm in Asia, Jade is believed to encourage wealth. It is a beautiful succulent plant with vibrant green leaves that are symbolic of renewal and closely resembling jade coins/stones. It is often referred to as a “Money Plant” (not to be confused with a money tree). Jade needs lots of light—at least 4 hours per day in a south-facing window. Keep soil moist but not wet during the growing season (spring and summer) and let the soil dry out during the dormant season (fall and winter). You can pick one up at most plant shops or order from Bloomscape: this jade plant comes potted in a variety of fashion colours. The indigo pot with the deep green jade plant is gorgeous.

#5 Hawaiian Ti Plant

Of the 5 Best Plants for Luck in the New Year, the last is the Ti Plant, a native to Asia and the South Pacific. It is a spiked looking, tropical plant that comes in green varieties or can be streaked with shades of red, orange, cream or pink. Pacific islanders often grow ti plants outside their doors to bestow blessings on all who enter. Elsewhere, it makes a lovely container plant. Because it is a tropical plant, Ti wants bright, indirect light. Leaves that lose their color and variegation aren’t getting enough light. Moving the plant near a window where it gets bright light is ideal. They grow from 3-8 feet indoors. Check out this boastful, hot pink varietal: Cordyline Red Sister, Terminalis Ti Plant.