Astrology is the belief that the stars and planets have helped to create our personalities, influence our daily lives and shape our stories. And who hasn't had the experience of checking out their horoscope, only to find uncanny insights and perfectly timed advice?
This got us wondering – since each astrological sign has such a distinct personality, what might we learn when we look at our houseplant collections from an astrological perspective? Dusting off our telescopes, we have created a list of astrological plant pairings so you can discover the best houseplant for your zodiac sign.
Finding the right houseplant to fit your personality and lifestyle can make a big difference in how successful the match is. If you travel a lot you might be better suited for something with minimal care needs and if you like to be more involved in plant care you might want something a little more tender. Or perhaps the perfect pair is written in the stars.
The Best Houseplant for your Zodiac Sign
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
- Our Plant Pairing: Hoya obovata
- Ruling planet: Mars
- Element: Fire
- Symbol: Ram
- Aries tend to be energetic like the rush of spring, a tad bit impulsive, but very determined. For our headstrong friends, we chose the Hoya obovata because it embodies this energetic spirit of springtime. Hoya obovata plants flower frequently with pink star-shaped fragment blooms and their tendrils make them dramatic and diverse in how to display. Aries should do well with Hoyas because they require infrequent watering and will thrive on inconsistent but thoughtful care.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
- Our Plant Pairing: Zamioculcas zamiifolia - ZZ Plant
- Ruling Planet: Venus
- Element: Earth
- Symbol: The Bull
- Taurus is usually very good with most houseplants, being a well-grounded earth sign. People with this sign are usually reliable, down to earth, loving, and cautious. For Taurus we choose the ZZ Plant because it is slow growing but rewarding to watch its big waxy leaves fill your space after long term care. ZZ Plants require little water and little light. Much like our Taurus friends, these plants are loving and reliable creatures to keep around.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
- Our Plant Pairing: Mounted Staghorn Fern (Platycerium sp)
- Ruling Planet: Mercury
- Element: Air
- Symbol: Twins
- Geminis are very easy to love because they are often charismatic, versatile, and wildly entertaining. We'd say the perfect houseplant pairing for this twin sign would be the Mounted Staghorn Fern, because Geminis are decorative people, often collectors of specialties and oddities. These ferns hang on the wall mounted to a wooden board because they are epiphytic plants that, in their native habitats, grow on trees, creating a pocket for fallen leaves and water to collect inside. They create new fronds from the center of their shield, like to be soaked in water for 15 minutes when the board feels light and the leaves feel soft, and enjoy sunlight. Much like Geminis everyone loves Platycerium species.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
- Our Plant Paring: Hemionitis arifolia - Heart Fern
- Ruling Planet: The Moon
- Element: Water
- Symbol: Crab
- Cancer is the epitome of the water sign; ruled by the moon, they feel their emotions deeply, resulting in a personality that is sentimental, caring, and protective. For this reason, a cancer would do well with the Heart Fern. These plants need lots of water and lots of attention. The heart-shaped leaves also reflect this sign's deep and caring emotional side.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
- Our Plant Pairing: Monstera deliciosa
- Ruling Planet: The Sun
- Element: Fire
- Symbol: The Lion
- Leos feel good to be around, like the warmth of their ruling star: our sun. Leos are often very loyal, proud, and robustly confident. For this sign, we suggest a Monstera deliciosa, due to their big leaves, rapid growth, and love of being root bound. The plant seems confident and loyal because it doesn’t need a lot of care but rewards the caregiver with fenestrated leaves and rapid growth under the right conditions. Monstera are sun lovers that only need water when the first inch and a half goes dry in the soil.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
- Our Plant Pairing: Pilea peperomioides
- Ruling Planet: Mercury
- Element: Earth
- Symbol: Virgin
- Virgos are said to be practical, responsible, and organized but they are also very curious about the world around them and very helpful to the ones they love. Virgos would enjoy a Pilea for its interesting growth habits and, at times, challenging care. Pilea enjoy organized and consistent watering, indirect light, and have curious perfectly round leaves growing on a long stem.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
- Our Plant Pairing: Ceropegia Woodii - String of Hearts
- Ruling Planet: Venus
- Element: Air
- Symbol: Scale
- Libra are the peacekeeping sign which is indicative of their symbol: the scale, representing balance. Libras tend to be romantics, affectionate, and very empathic. For our love-struck Libras we decided they might be well suited with a string of hearts. These semi-succulent trailing houseplants have an aura of romance about them. Their delicate heart shaped leaves cascade in a waterfall of hearts in your home. A well-balanced care regimen is also required of these plants which Libra would be excellent in pursuing.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
- Our Plant Pairing: Sansevieria 'Samurai'
- Ruling Planet: Pluto
- Element: Water
- Symbol: Scorpion
- The fierce Scorpio requires something just as intense for their energy. This sign is passionate, secretive, and has a reputation for having a hard-outer shell and a soft inside. This means they love intensely but are very selective to who they share their gifts with. For this sign, there is nothing better than a Sansevieria 'Samurai'. This houseplant seems secretive and you can only see how far it has grown if you really pay attention. It has sharp and dramatic leaves and requires little light and little water to thrive. The perfect match of intensity for the scorpion.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
- Our Plant Pairing: Tillandsia xerographica
- Ruling Planet: Jupiter
- Element: Fire
- Symbol: Centaur
- Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, is adventurous, creative, and hopelessly optimistic. For our free-spirited fiery Sagittarius, we suggest a Tillandsia xerographica otherwise known as an air plant. Xerographicas always look happy and its even difficult to tell when they are struggling. Air plants don’t grow in soil so they are able to travel easily which is good for Sagittarius who are likely moving often. Xerographica just need indirect light and a soak in some purified water every week or so with misting in between. The philosophical plant for our archers out there.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
- Our Plant Pairing: Astophytum capricorne - Goat's Horn Cactus
- Ruling Planet: Saturn
- Element: Earth
- Symbol: Goat
- Capricorns are easy to spot with their independent and direct nature. They tend to be stable, serious, and yet very sensitive. For this sign we decided upon the Astrophytum capricorne, which grows spines that spiral like the goat’s horn. They have a serious look about them that is uniform and beautiful. This plant needs little care. They like bright light and virtually no water until their growing season. The perfect sensitive and stable cactus to feed the soft Capricorn soul.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
- Our Plant Pairing: Calathea 'Fusion White'
- Ruling Planet: Uranus
- Element: Air
- Symbol: Water bearer
- Aquarius are known for their generous, tolerant, and quiet natures. Yet behind that quiet demeanor is always something surprising. They are very good listeners and make observations that most people overlook. For this sign, a prayer plant such as the Calathea ‘Fusion White’ is a great match. Calathea move their leaves throughout the day like they are dancing or listening to the sunlight. They are quiet and yet lively presence in our homes. They enjoy lots of water and humidity which would be good for a generous Aquarius plant parent.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
- Our Plant Pairing: Davallia - Rabbit's Foot Fern
- Ruling Planet: Neptune
- Element: Water
- Symbol: Fish
- And finally, the fish! Pisces are wildly imaginative, feel emotions deeply, adapt easily, and are more-often-than-not very idealistic. Pisces pair well with a Rabbits Foot Fern because nothing soothes a soul quite like a well-watered fern. Davallia have furry rhizomes that like to explore and put out new delicate fronds. They like water just like our water sign Pisces, and the pair would no doubt be a smashing success.
Whether you believe in astrology or not, best houseplant for your zodiac sign is certainly a fun, creative way to pick out a new green best friend. Whatever you believe, finding the right houseplant for your lifestyle and personality is always a bright idea.
By: Bee Oxford