We know what you’re thinking. ‘IDEAL magazine, you’ve finally lost it. This isn’t an astrology publication. Go back to making food lists, pronto’. But we could all do with a little escapism right now, we think. And regardless of whether you believe that libras are well balanced and sagittarius are sociable, the science backing up the power of plants is difficult to refute.
Allow us a little fun here guys.
Indeed, the guys over at NASA have revealed that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxin within 24 hours. What’s more, nbcnews.com claim that studies have proven that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity by up to 15%, reduce stress levels and boost mood – making them perfect for not just your home but your work space too. Right now, seeing as that’s both, the addition of a few houseplants seems a very savvy move indeed.
With so many to choose from, why not let the stars decide. We’ve teamed up with FarawayFurniture.com who have decided to give everyone a helping hand by matching a houseplant to the personality traits of each zodiac sign.
With that in mind, here’s the IDEAL guide to the best houseplants to buy based on your zodiac sign.
SIGN: ARIES (MARCH 21 – APRIL 19)
Houseplant: Calathea
Bold and ambitious rams love to be number one – the centre of attention some would say – which is why Calathea (also known as “Prayer Plants”) make a great fit. The mix of rich purple, green, pink and red leaves in a Calathea plant put on a show that the eye can’t miss.
SIGN: TAURUS (APRIL 20 – MAY 20)
Houseplant: Ponytail Palm
Bulls enjoy relaxing in serene, rustic environments, which makes the Ponytail Palm the perfect houseplant for this sign. The slow-growing Ponytail Palm loves nothing more than basking in the sunlight (lockdown life is taking its toll on Taurus, for sure). Pop on the windowsill for maximum effect.
SIGN: GEMINI (MAY 21 – JUNE 20)
Houseplant: Bromeliad
Gemini is a busy sign that some say needs a clone of itself in order to get everything done. Well, the Bromeliad plant does exactly that! The long-lasting plant produces pups (or side shoots) that will replace the original plant.
SIGN: CANCER (JUNE 21 – JULY 22)
Houseplant: Asparagus Fern
Those under the Cancer sign are intuitive and sensitive, which means they effortlessly pick up on energy around the home. An Asparagus Fern is similar in that it can tolerate a lot and can adapt to both bright spots and darker corners.
SIGN: LEO (JULY 23 – AUGUST 22)
Houseplant: Yucca
This spirited fire sign is known to bask in the sunlight, with a theatrical and intense passion; much like the Yucca plant! The recipe for a happy Yucca is sun, sun, and more sun. Plus, its woody stems and spiky leaves convey vivacity – just like a Leo.
SIGN: VIRGO (AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22)
Houseplant: Begonia
This earth sign presents practical, perfectionist qualities which suit the Begonia plant. The perfectly beautiful blooms only require an occasional drink, and even less water in the winter. This makes it a great houseplant for Virgo, plus, it comes in a variety of colours and patterns so no need to worry about a clash with décor.
SIGN: LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22)
Houseplant: Peace Lily
Libras champion harmony and equilibrium, which makes them perfectly suited to the Peace Lily. Not only is the Peace Lily great for detoxifying the home, it’s beautiful to look at too. With enough light, this houseplant will produce tranquil white and off-white flowers in the early summer and continue to bloom throughout the year.
SIGN: SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21)
Houseplant: Cast-Iron Plant
Scorpio is a powerful sign that takes great strength from emotion. The Cast-Iron Plant mirrors this power. Surviving low light, poor quality soil and a wide range of temperatures, the Cast-Iron Plant is a formidable asset to the home.
SIGN: SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21)
Houseplant: African Violets
This sign is known for having a quest for knowledge, chasing after geographical, intellectual and spiritual adventures. In African Violets this sign finds a good match; African Violets are, after all, one of the most popular houseplants around the world, found in homes far flung. And what’s more adventurous than that?
SIGN: CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19)
Houseplant: Guiana Chestnut
Mythological Capricorns are skilled at navigating both the material and emotional realms, which makes them perfectly suited to Guiana Chestnut (also known as “Money Trees.”) For the material realm, many people believe the trunk braid and leaves of the money tree bring good luck and financial success. For the emotional realm, the vibrancy of this plant’s lively green leaves will soothe any soul.
SIGN: AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18)
Houseplant: Air Plant
This humanitarian sign is thought to be representative of a mystical healer who bestows water, or life, upon the land. An Air Plant makes a great fit for this sign. Air Plants are epiphytes, which means that in nature they grow on other plants – not in soil – breathing new life into everything they touch. Immerse them in water for about 2 or 3 hours every 10 days to help them thrive at home.
SIGN: PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20)
Houseplant: Jade Plant
Pisces is a water sign that reflects constant division between fantasy and reality. Step forth South African native, the Jade Plant. Dormant if they don’t get enough water and generous in growth when rehydrated, the Jade Plant echoes the divisive nature of the Pisces sign.
Check out our tips on 5 of the best air purifying plants for your home office to keep the green vibes going.