yucca plant feng shui（Bad luck plants in Feng Shui）

People have long assigned symbolic meanings to plants. Roses represent love, hyacinths stand for faith, and kalanchoes symbolize health and longevity. But not all plants carry positive connotations. Some are believed to bring bad luck or even misfortune—largely based on their names or folklore. While these beliefs are rooted in tradition rather than science, it’s still worth knowing which plants are considered “inauspicious,” especially if you’re into feng shui or spiritual home décor.

Top 10 Flowers Traditionally Seen as “Unlucky”

Here are ten flowers that, according to folklore and feng shui, are best avoided if you’re looking to bring peace and prosperity into your home.

1. Hydrangeas

While undeniably beautiful, hydrangeas are often linked with mystery and melancholy. They thrive in shade and bloom profusely, which in feng shui suggests excessive yin energy. Some believe that placing them in your living room can attract negative vibes and misfortune. Many feng shui enthusiasts recommend against keeping hydrangeas indoors.

2. Lotus (Specifically Bowl Lotus)

Despite their serene beauty, bowl lotuses are sometimes seen as bad omens due to their name’s unfortunate phonetic resemblance to “funeral wreath” in some dialects. They’re thought to amplify negative energy in the home, especially when grown indoors.

3. Black Roses

Red roses symbolize passion and love, but black roses evoke a much darker meaning. They’re often associated with death, mystery, and curses. Gifting black roses or growing them at home is generally considered bad luck and culturally inappropriate in many settings.

4. Red Spider Lilies (a.k.a. Lycoris)

Known in mythology as the flowers that bloom along the path to the afterlife, red spider lilies are deeply symbolic in East Asian culture—but not in a good way. Their meaning is tied to separation and death. Plus, their sap is toxic and can be harmful if ingested or touched.

5. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

While often admired for its tropical beauty, the hibiscus is sometimes viewed as a symbol of misfortune. The pronunciation of its Chinese name resembles the word for “mourning,” leading to beliefs that it may bring setbacks or bad news.

6. Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)

This fragrant flower releases a powerful scent at night that can be overwhelming in enclosed spaces. While it smells divine to some, it may disrupt sleep, making it a poor choice for bedrooms or small apartments.

7. Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)

This plant is known for closing its leaves when touched, which is charming—but in feng shui, it’s thought to lower financial luck and cause household tensions. It may subtly foster conflict and disharmony within the home.

8. Cactus

Although trendy in modern décor, cacti are full of sharp spines, and feng shui experts warn that they can create a hostile or tense atmosphere. Especially when placed in shared spaces like living rooms, they might increase irritability and emotional sensitivity among family members.

9. Plum Blossom

Due to a linguistic similarity between “plum” and the word “bad luck” in Mandarin, some people believe that displaying plum blossoms at home can attract negative energy or financial hardship. While it’s a favorite during traditional festivals, use caution when placing it indoors long-term.

10. Chrysanthemum

Though popular in Western floral arrangements, chrysanthemums are traditionally linked to funerals in many East Asian cultures. For this reason, many elders avoid keeping them inside the home, believing they might attract misfortune or sorrow.

What You Should Grow at Home: Auspicious Plants That Bring Health and Harmony

Luckily, not all plants come with warnings. Many are considered highly beneficial for your home’s energy, air quality, and aesthetic. These are perfect for both feng shui purposes and everyday wellness.

1. Aloe Vera, Spider Plant, Snake Plant, Cast Iron Plant, and Monstera

These are known as nature’s air purifiers. Snake plants and spider plants, in particular, can remove up to 80% of indoor air pollutants, especially formaldehyde. Aloe vera is also excellent at purifying the air—capable of absorbing 90% of formaldehyde in just one cubic meter.

2. Orchids, Osmanthus (Sweet Olive), Caladium, and Red-Backed Bayleaf

These plants act like living dust filters. Their microfibers can trap airborne particles and pollutants, leaving your home cleaner and fresher. However, it’s best to avoid overly fragrant varieties in the bedroom to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

3. Other Air-Cleansing Favorites

Plants like snake plants, agave, and other succulents continue to purify the air even at night, making them great companions in your living space. Again, just remember: strong scents in the bedroom might interfere with sleep, so choose neutral or low-fragrance options for nighttime areas.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know which plants to avoid—and which to embrace—you can create a home environment that’s not only stylish but also supports wellness, harmony, and peace of mind. Whether you believe in feng shui or simply love a good houseplant, these insights can help you make better choices for a healthy and lucky home. Don’t miss out—green your space with care!