The Signs as Houseplants
Find the Zodiac sign that aligns with your birthday and you’ll also find out which houseplant is right for you. Don’t be too surprised if you already own it!
Aries (March 21st- April 19th): Pothos
People born under the sign of Aries are hardworking, driven, and ambitious. Much like the vining Pothos plant, they are headed straight for the sun! Aries is the very first sign in the Zodiac calendar, so it’s no wonder the Pothos plant is good for plant parent beginners. It’s also a great plant to start your foray into propagation. Pothos plants and Aries are low-maintenance, ever growing, and determined. Display your Pothos from a home office bookshelf to encourage that tenacity.
Taurus (April 20th- May 20th): Marbled Peperomia
Most people born under the sign of Taurus are loyal, reliable and love a little luxury. They work hard but play hard too. The marbled Peperomia plant is much like a Taurus in that they grow strong and reliably with not much fuss, but produce stunning, waxy, variegated leaves. This plant, like the Taurus, will feel safe and secure with a solid routine- proper drainage and weekly watering. Display your marble Peperomia in the bathroom so the Taurus in your life can enjoy it while they relax in the bath or partake in a face mask after a long day’s work.
Gemini (May 21st- June 20th): Hypoestes “Polka Dot” Plant
Gemini’s are often mischaracterized for being two-faced and having a dark side or a split personality. In reality, they are colorful and vibrant like the Hypoestes or “Polka Dot” plant. Geminis enjoy getting creative and are constantly seeking new endeavors. Geminis enjoy conversing with loads of different types of people, and Hypoestes compliment an assortment of different types of plants. However, it’s important to note the Hypoestes is only considered a perennial in warm climates. Much like the Polka Dot plant, don’t let Geminis “grow cold” with a lack of ongoing projects.
Cancer (June 21st- July 22nd): Hoya Heart
Cancers, represented by the crab in the Zodiac, can often be seen as cold or distant. However, once you get below their shell, they are kind and emotional. The Hoya heart is a plant with a tough exterior, but if taken care of properly, will actually vine. Cancers are sometimes homebodies that love to nest and create a space of sanctuary (much like a crab’s shell), and it can take just the right environment to get them to open up. A Hoya heart is the perfect gift for the Cancer in your life as it’s not over the top but shows that you care.
Leo (July 23rd- August 22nd): Croton Petra or “Joseph’s Coat”
All eyes on Leos! Leos are known to have a flair for the theatrical, and Croton Petra or “Joseph’s Coat” are equally dramatic. Leo is ruled by the sun, and as such, Crotons love a sunny corner, preferably in the living room where everyone will see it! Crotons can also be a fussy, high maintenance bunch and need lots of light, but tons of moisture in the soil. Smaller crotons will often throw a fit over something as simple as being transported to a new place, so treat the Crotons and Leos in your life with extra care.
Virgo (August 23rd- September 22nd): Money Tree
Virgos are organized, logical and practical. In the Chinese culture, the braided Money Tree is said to have good Feng Shui and can produce positive energy in any space. It can grow up to 8 ft tall or be trained as Bonsai. Virgos are perfectionists and appreciate order in a chaotic world. They are often seen as parental figures in many people’s lives, and love having something to care for. Bring the Virgo in your life a Money Tree as the perfect host/hostess gift.
Libra (September 23rd- October 22nd): Peace Lily
People born under the sign of Libra are all about balance and harmony. As such, a Peace Lily is the perfect plant for them. This air sign naturally pairs with one of the best air purifying plants, which would look fabulous in any Libra’s bedroom. They are easy to care for and will reward you with beautiful blooms a few times each year. Libras are people pleasers and find it easy to get along with anyone, much like the neutral green and white of the Peace Lily’s leaves.
Scorpio (October 23rd- November 21st): Anthurium Red
Scorpios are vibrant and passionate, much like the vibrant Anthurium Red. Known for their seductive qualities, Scorpios and Anthurium Reds can add romance to any space. Scorpios also know how to lie low and play the long game, whether they use that for good or grudges is up to them. Anthurium Red also lays low and prefers indirect sunlight. With enough heat and moisture, they will hold their blooms year-round.
Sagittarius (November 22nd- December 21st): Lickety-Split Philodendron
Sagittarians are natural storytellers. Known for their unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, this fire sign pairs well with the uniquely shaped leaves of the Lickety-Split Philodendron. Display this plant in an entryway to greet any weary traveler and get ready for their tales of adventure. The Lickety-Split is low maintenance and its soil can completely dry out between waterings. In a similar aspect, the Sagittarians are great travelers as they can roll with the punches and adapt to change. This plant is perfect for anyone who wants to hit to road at a moment’s notice.
Capricorn (December 22nd- January 19th): Life Saver Cactus
Capricorns are often misunderstood as being cold, calculating and prickly. These are probably the workaholics in your life, though they make amazing leaders. The Life Saver Cactus makes sense as their plant pairing because this plant is low maintenance and can live easily in an office. Keep this cactus happy with plenty of drainage and light. Like Capricorns, they do have a mischevious side for anyone who gets close enough to see it and has a unique bloom that looks like a lifesaver. And be honest, there’s probably a Capricorn or two who has saved your life with a last-minute cram session before a big exam or a work mentorship that helped get you a promotion!
Aquarius (January 20th- February 18th): Air Plant
Independent, aloof and unique are all ways to define Aquarians and air plants alike. Often mistaken for a water sign because of its representation as the water bearer, Aquarians are actually air signs. Much like air plants, they don’t find roots entirely necessary, but do crave deep intense care every once in a while. Completely submerge your air plant in water for 5-10 minutes every few weeks to keep it happy. Natural born rebels, Aquarians do not want to conform to society’s standards. Walk into any Aquarians home and you just might find a collection of unique air plants displayed in artisanal, handmade planters.
Pisces (February 19th- March 20th): Maranta Red Prayer
People born under the sign of Pisces are sensitive, creative and colorful. This water sign is famous for always finding the good in everything around them, and often blur the lines between reality and fantasy. The Maranta Red Prayer plant has unique leaves striped with red, and can find the good in any dark corner, especially in the Pisces’ beloved art studio. But beware, seeing the good in everything can come at a price. Signs of damage often get missed and if the Maranta gets too much sun its leaves can burn or lose its color. Marantas love moist soil and plenty of humidity. When properly cared for, Pisces and Marantas can produce stunningly!
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I’m Ashley Catharine, and I am a writer and stylist based in Southern California. You can learn more about me here.