We could all use a little extra luck right about now…
Maybe money’s been really tight.
Maybe your car just can’t seem to get it together.
Maybe you’ve been waking up on the wrong side of the bed for too long.
Having a bad day every now and again is one thing. Having a bad luck streak? That’s a whole other nightmare.
If things aren’t going your way and you’re fresh out of ideas (or cares to give), it might be time to think outside the box.
Good Luck Charms
You’re not the first person to crave a little extra love from the universe!
No matter where you are in the world, or “when” you are in the world, everyone who ever lived or will live experiences problems. Things they just can’t seem to shake. Whether it’s psychology, science, an answered prayer, or just a happy coincidence, the idea of a lucky charm is as old as history itself.
There are hundreds of “lucky charms” from around the world. In the United States, you’re probably familiar with some (if not most) of these:
- Rabbit’s Foot
- Four Leaf Clover
- Horseshoes
- The Laughing Buddha (East Asia Tradition with Chinese Origins)
- Nazar (Evil Eye, a Turkish Tradition)
- Lucky Underwear or Socks
- Shooting Stars
- The Colors Green & Gold (A Western World Tradition)
- A Heads Up Penny
- The Color Red (Chinese Tradition)
- Rainbows
- Ladybugs (especially if they land on you)
- A Wishbone that Breaks in Your Favor
- The Number 7
While you’ll find good luck charms in every culture around the world, a good luck charm is ultimately what you make it! Many states, towns, sports teams, and even families or individuals have their own quirks, rituals, and superstitions you might adopt to color your life.
Living Luck
You can lose a good luck charm or forget to do your good luck dance. For luck that grows with you, with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, we’ve got some plants for you!
For “Everything” Luck: The Four Leaf Clover
Dating back to the 17th century in Ireland and an age old St. Patrick’s Day icon, the Four Leaf Clover is among the most ubiquitous symbols of luck in the western world.
While Irish children believed carrying a four leaf clover would allow them to see fairies, others picked this little plant as a religious reminder of the cross. Some lore says that the luck of the clover only works if the clover is kept out of sight and it stays with the person who found it.
Plenty of good luck charms are specific in the kind of luck they offer, but not the clover! Clovers are a great “catch-all” good luck charm… if you can find one. Finding one of these tiny friends is a 1 in 10,000 odds. As with most natural good luck charms, it’s rare, but not impossible!
Many view clover as a weed that loves to interrupt perfectly manicured lawns, but if you’re looking for luck, this is a great thing! Try growing this plant in a pot of its own to bring that “everything” flavor of luck into your home. Maybe you’ll find just what you’re looking for in the process.
For Wealth and Good (Financial) Fortune
Jade Plant - Crassula ovata
Native to South Africa and Mozambique, you’ve probably seen this plant everywhere. As a succulent, it’s as low maintenance as can be and thrives in climates where other plants might struggle. Keep an eye on this plant’s leaves, as this is where it stores water - making the leaves the best indicator of when your Jade Plant needs water.
Thanks to its round, coin-like leaves, the Jade Plant has a reputation worldwide for being a lucky money plant.
The Jade Plant also gets attention in the practice of Feng Shui, and it’s recommended that you keep this plant near your front door to usher in good luck, positivity, and wealth to your home.
Money Tree - Pachira aquatica
We can’t talk about lucky money plants without talking about the Money Tree. Really, it’s in the name and everything!
These plants are hard to mistake: with beautiful braided trunks said to ensnare luck and boasting 5 umbrella-like leaves on each stem, it’s no wonder the Money Tree is so popular. Once again, this tree is a common Feng Shui selection.
Gift this tree to a business partner, your entrepreneur friend, or someone who just got a promotion to wish them luck, stability, and success in their new endeavor!
Golden Pothos - Epipremnum aureum
There are hundreds of reasons to love the pothos family of plants, but the Golden Pothos in particular gets the spotlight today.
As one of the best plants for new gardeners, Golden Pothos is notoriously low maintenance and easy to care for. It’s also extremely emotive, so you know exactly when it needs more water or more light. People adore pothos for their long, luscious vines and heart shaped leaves. It’s a home decor must-have.
Because the Golden Pothos has both hues of green and yellow in its leaves, which are more than abundant, this plant gets a reputation for being a plant of financial abundance and prosperity. Additionally, the heart shaped leaves encourage love and harmony in the home.
If you’ve just moved into a new space or need a housewarming gift with the perfect symbolism, Golden Pothos is your best friend!
For Good Luck and Harmony
Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum wallisii
Peace lilies are the queens of indoor plant home decor. Lush, evergreen leaves that boast a deep verdant hue are the star of the show in this hollywood diva, and its white sails are among the most iconic blooms in the houseplant world.
Symbolizing abundance, love, harmony, and hope, Peace Lilies are perfect for ushering a little extra positivity into your life. Give this plant to newlyweds, nearlyweds, or as a beautiful anniversary gift.
*Note: the Peace Lily is really not pet friendly. In fact, for your furry friends, this plant is toxic and permanent bad luck.
Lucky Bamboo - Dracaena sanderiana
Last, but certainly not least on our list of home-grown luck is Lucky Bamboo. Jam-packed with meaning and symbolism, this plant is perfect if you like multitools and symbolic details.
- 1 Stalk - Commitment & truth
- 2 Stalks - Love & harmony
- 3 Stalks - Happiness
- 4 Stalks - Stability & power
- 5 Stalks - Peace, balance, & health
- 6 Stalks - Blessings
- 7 Stalks - Good luck (7 is a lucky number)
- 8 Stalks - Wealth
- 9 Stalks - Prosperity & abundance
- 21 Stalks - Good fortune in all endeavors
What plant are you growing for luck in 2025?
