You've heard of using astrology to find a romantic match. But did you know your zodiac sign can also help you find the perfect plant? It's true. 1-800-Flowers.com teamed with the astrology experts at Sanctuary, a company that offers daily personalized horoscopes, live birth chart readings, and on-demand astrologers, to guide you to what plants are the best match for each sign's traits.
"When choosing plants to bring into your space, it's a good idea to consider the needs of the plant as well as your own needs," says Haley Houseman, creative director for Sanctuary. "Choosing plants that suit your temperament is the surest way to keep both of you happy."
The experts suggest thinking about plants the way you think about people: "If you're interested in a plant whose lifestyle runs counter to yours, you might want to invest a little more energy in the surroundings of your plant, just the way you might have to invest more energy in an unconventional friendship or a romantic match," Houseman says.
But don't sweat it if you are a Libra who is obsessed with orchids, the pick for Leos. "There are no 'bad' plants or 'bad' signs — astrology gives you clues to how best accommodate every sign's unique aspects to help them thrive, just like the care instructions on your new plant," Houseman adds.
Read on for the perfect zodiac plants chosen for each sign by the astrology gurus at Sanctuary.
Guide to zodiac plants
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Attributes: Independent, secure, leader
Plant: Succulents in Glass Terrarium
Succulents are strong and unique; so, too, is Aries. There's no hidden agenda here: The see-through container holding these plants lets you see exactly what is on the inside, matching perfectly with Aries' straightforward and hardworking personality. Just like Aries is a self-starter and wants to run the show, these succulents will last and don't require a lot of work.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Attributes: Pragmatic, sensual, reliable
Plant: Peace Lily Plant
The Peace Lily Plant is gorgeous, its greens and snow-white flowers lending an air of both sturdiness and beauty. "A home-loving Taurus might look to curate a perfect setting and be ready to invest in a plant that enjoys the more luxurious side of life," Houseman says. A Taurus uses his senses more than the other signs, taking in scents and smells, and noticing the way things feel. This thriving plant will appeal to this sign since it is simultaneously hardy and beautiful.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Attributes: Brainy, articulate, persuasive
Plant: Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Just as Geminis can rebound from situations and not get affected by adversity, so, too, does the Sansevieria. A hardy, vertical-growing plant with variegated leaves, the Snake Plant is easy to keep healthy for the busy and social Gemini. "An easily distracted Gemini needs something low maintenance," Houseman says.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Attributes: Loving, caring, family-oriented, strong business acumen
Plant: Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe plants aren't just cool, they actually cool! The substance inside the plant is used as a soothing healing remedy for injures like cuts and burns. One can also take it internally for stomach issues; before you do, though, consult an expert. Since Cancers are known for being emotional and putting family first, having this plant in the sunroom is essential for this sensitive, empathetic individual.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Attributes: Generous, ambitious, loyal, comfortable being the center of attention
Plant: Simply Elegant Orchid Garden
Orchids are a special plant, just like a Leo. They require attention, and they aren't wallflowers. Need a gift? An orchid is a no-brainer option for this generous, giving sign.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Attributes: Kind, gentle, organized, reliable
Plant: Maiden Hair Fern
This pretty plant can take up to three years to grow to its full size, but to get it there, you need to make sure it is kept in a very humid environment. If anyone has the patience and traits to keep this plant healthy and growing, it's the organized and dependable Virgo. "This plant is the best pick for this sign because it brings an opportunity to find alignment in routines and tasks," says Sanctuary astrology expert Laura Beth Finley.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Attributes: Balanced, fair, tasteful, intuitive
Plant: Live Air Plant Gift Set
An air plant is a great choice for the air sign Libra. "It's the perfect pick for this sign because it brings harmonious vibes to any space," Finley says. With impeccable taste, a Libra will know just where to display these fun plants in their home. Position each plant on an end table, on either side of your bed or couch, to symbolize Libra's desire for all things in harmony.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Attributes: Mysterious, loyal, secretive
Plant: Marble Queen Pothos Plant
The Pothos plant is easy to care for, and that's great for a Scorpio who has bigger things percolating. With an attractive green and white variegated pattern, the Marble Queen clears the air in your home. Scorpio can even forget about watering it, as the plant likes its soil to go dry between waterings, but Scorpio's compassionate soul needs to remember to put it in a light-filled spot.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Attributes: Wise, adventurous, generous, optimistic
Plant: Fiddle Leaf Fig Floor Plant
The huge foliage on this impressive plant may recall travel memories — or goals — for wanderlust Sagittarius. Sag is too busy learning and philosophizing to do much more than keep these beautiful greens out of indirect sunlight. Yes, the plant needs misting, but Scorpios do so lovingly, longing to feel the humidity of a tropical destination.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Attributes: Trustworthy, practical, sensible, hardworking
Plant: Juniper Bonsai
It's tough to look at the bonsai tree without feeling zen and calm. Capricorn cares for these trees with the utmost responsibility, and benefits from the meditative state each one gives its owner. The bonsai lasts for years if well cared for, and Cap is one of the longest living signs of the zodiac. The plant is truly representative of this patient soul.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Attributes: Intellectual, leader, humanitarian
Plant: Money Tree Grove
Aquarius is busy saving the world, so a plant that stays alive with little effort from its owner is just what this socially minded sign needs. The good fortune vibes from this tree grove (there are three) equate well with Aquarius' desire to make a societal change, especially because the sign isn't motivated by fortune and fame. "The braiding of the trunks exemplifies how Aquarians can powerfully bring together a community to unite for a greater cause. We don't see a messy unification here but wise connectivity, leading to a strong foundation that would be hard for any outside influence to break apart," says Sanctuary astrology expert Julia Modorsky.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Attributes: Caring, daydreamer, intuitive, imaginative
Plant: Red Maranta Prayer Plant
The red and green leaves of the Prayer Plant fold up like praying hands at night. For the Pisces who care so much about relieving the suffering of others, a plant paying homage to spirituality is a perfect match. The creative Pisces might be dealing with enacting change in the world, so a plant that can thrive without too much work will be a good match for this selfless member of the zodiac.
For all signs
Sanctuary reminds us that plants are similar to people — you can't change them. If you aren't equipped to care for a high-maintenance plant, choose a succulent. "Meeting your plants where they are and taking their needs into consideration is the best way to ensure a compatible match between your sign and your special plant pick," Houseman says.
Sounds like good advice for our human relationships, too. Now that you've read which zodiac plants match well with your astrological sign, check out your zodiac flower.
More astrological inspiration
For more birthday gifting inspiration, check out our other zodiac gift guides:
AUTHOR
Elizabeth Craig Wells is a former senior editor at Real Simple magazine, where she focused on the life, style, and simple solutions sections. Wells holds a B.A. in French and B.M. in flute performance from Northwestern University. She lives with her three children in Connecticut, where she coaches soccer and tennis and is working on a series of contemporary novels.