The 12 signs of the zodiac all have unique traits. Houseplants do as well. Whether or not you believe in astrology, choosing a plant based on your zodiac sign could help you find the perfect green companion to share your home or office with. If you're into the idea behind it, the right plant could balance the positive and negative sides of your personality and create a healthier, more serene living space where you can let go of the stresses of the day.
Competitive, courageous, determined, and fearless, it’s no surprise that Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Challenges are no big thing for this fire sign. Just point them in the right direction, and they’ll take it on. The hardy aloe vera plant shares some of the same characteristics. It complements Aries’ strong nature, but also adds calming, healthy energy to their living space.
Earth signs like Taurus appreciate the importance of being grounded and patient. As the artists of the zodiac, Taureans also thrive on inspiration, sensuality, and stability. They’re loyal but aren’t above flirting a bit here and there. The alluring African violet, available in a huge array of colors and leaf types, appeals to Taurus’ artistic and frisky side and is also a rewarding, persistent grower, year-round.
Those born under the sign of the twins are true socializers. They charge into new environments with passion and intellectual curiosity. The Gemini’s duality guides them away from day-in, day-out routines and repetition. The Calathea roseopicta, with its dual-colored green pattern on top and pinkish-purple undersides and stems, displays its own take on duality. These tropical plants sometimes produce tiny white and purple blooms in the summer.
This water sign knows how to successfully straddle both the material and emotional realms in life. They’re highly intuitive and thrive on self-care, comfort, and coziness. The bamboo palm provides a perfect fit for Cancer’s need to be surrounded by a homey vibe. This elegant houseplant not only scrubs pollutants from the air, but its long, wispy leaves add color and warmth to living spaces.
Passionate, regal, yet playful, Leos always see themselves as the celebrities in any crowd. These determined and ambitious optimists don’t accept failure. The sun rules this sign, so everything about them encompasses life and vitality. Like Leo, the brightly colored croton plant demands attention. It’s bold, opulent, and thrives under bright sunlight.
This earth sign is famous for being intensely-aware of every detail of their surroundings. Virgos tend to be tightly wound, yet, they are the zodiac’s helpers — highly dependable, intelligent, and driven to repair anything that’s broken or out of sync. Because they’re in love with details, houseplants with lots of branches that require intricate care and attention, like the bonsai, suit their personality perfectly.
With air signs, it’s all about balance, harmony, and symmetry. Physical appearance is everything for Libras and they love to surround themselves with beauty. It’s no surprise that many Libras seek out careers as decorators, designers, and stylists. The eye-catching anthurium is a match for Libra. With its long-lasting, bright red blooms, this houseplant is so exquisitely beautiful, it doesn’t look real when viewed from a distance.
Observant Scorpios know what they want and go for it. For them, life is an infinite game of strategies. At the same time, they seek passionate, emotional, and spiritual connections through intimacy. Phalaenopsis orchids are not only exotic and provocative in their appearance, but they bloom in magnificent colors that last for months. Varieties such as the cinnamon-like violacea or the rose-scented schilleriana add enticing aromas to indoor spaces.
Don’t try to fence in this fire sign. Just hop aboard and enjoy the journey. These astrological archers are blessed with an innate sense of humor and the ability to weave a story like no other zodiac sign. The string of pearls plant is a perfect match for Sagittarius. This lovely-yet-unusual succulent attracts attention and no-doubt has its own story. It grows best in a hanging basket, producing bead-like leaves that cascade over its sides.
Dedication and discipline are important to this earth sign. Capricorns tend to be workaholics. As they get older, they often devote more time to playful deeds. That’s probably because they have had their fair share of difficulties. Balancing work and pleasure is key to a happy life. English ivy was sacred to Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and merrymaking and it fits well with Capricorn’s philosophy of life. This houseplant tends to be a bit finicky, but it’s nothing the sea-goat can’t handle.
The water bearer and mystical healer of the zodiac, Aquarius, is also an independent rebel. They avoid the conventional, opting for the unusual, eccentric, and free-spirited side of life. The bird of paradise plant evokes many of the same qualities. It’s hardy, yet also elegant, graceful, beautiful, and independent. The bird of paradise requires little care outside of regular watering to keep it healthy.
Kind and gentle Pisces tends to be more of a dreamer than a doer. These clairvoyant, compassionate souls connect with others spiritually, constantly moving between fantasy and reality. The goldfish plant, Columnea gloriosa, is a great companion houseplant for Pisces. Its bright orange blooms resemble leaping goldfish and spur the imagination. Pisces finds inspiration in fantasy and the imagination. Similarly, the goldfish plant isn’t dependent on its roots for moisture and nutrients. It gets them from the air.