Many popular houseplants have come to symbolize different thoughts, feelings, and deeds. Flowers, plants, and vegetation can also serve as symbols for important life events and milestones.
Knowing plant symbolism can help you choose decor and gifts that are more meaningful and personalized. Understanding plant symbolism is also significant when picking plants for one of life’s treasured moments, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or other ceremonies.
Another thing to remember when choosing popular houseplant plants or floral gifts is that different colors also have meanings. Surrounding yourself with plants that symbolize what you desire or value can create a positive environment.
The Symbol of Your Favorite Plant
Plant and flower symbolism have been used throughout history in religious texts like the Bible, art, and literature during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including Shakespearean plays and modern culture. There is evidence of plant symbolism in literature, art, and folklore dating back to the Ancient Greeks and probably other comparable civilizations.
1. Popular Houseplants: Bonsai
The bonsai plant is among the most treasured of popular houseplants. These lovely plants symbolize calm, harmony, and wisdom. A bonsai is perfect for those who need balance in their lives.
Bonsai plants require weekly watering and misting of the leaves to prevent clogged pores and lots of direct sunlight. Pruning is necessary for bonsai tree care, but it gets easier with practice.
2. Air Plant
An air plant symbolizes freedom and creativity. That makes an air plant a great choice for someone who wants to change everything in his or her life!
An air plant doesn’t need to be planted in soil. It prefers indirect sunshine and temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But keep these plants clear of drafts that could dry them out. To hydrate an air plant, soak it in water for 10–15 minutes once every two weeks.
3. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
The ZZ plant flower represents eternity and fortune. This makes a ZZ plant ideal for newlyweds because it will bring good luck and wealth to their new family.
A Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant for short) plant is drought-tolerant. It doesn’t need frequent waterings. It prefers bright light but not direct sunlight.
4. Golden Pothos are Popular Houseplants
A golden pothos is one of the most popular houseplants for many reasons. These lovely plants symbolize longing and perseverance. A golden pothos is a good choice for someone who continuously follows their dreams and reaches a new milestone in life.
Medium indoor light and a temperature range of 55-90 °F are ideal for pothos plants. In the cooler months, let the soil dry out between waterings. In the warmer months, keep the soil moist.
5. Bamboo
A bamboo plant symbolizes persistence and good fortune. This is perfect for someone who is entering a new chapter of their life.
When it comes to plant care, do not overwater a plant if the roots are growing in potting soil. Bamboo plants can also be grown in a vase filled with water. Fill the vase every 7 to 10 days to submerge the roots. Bamboo enjoys temperatures between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and mild to indirect sunshine.
6. Popular Houseplants: Cactus
A cactus plant is one of the most popular houseplants because cacti (the plural of cactus) are easy-care plants. A cactus symbolizes endurance and protection. That makes cacti a perfect choice for those who are experiencing tough times in life.
Most cactus plants appreciate bright light. But make sure you research the demands of your cactus, as different species have varying care requirements. Most cacti thrive when watered once a week. However, they can survive with less.
7. Money Tree
A money tree symbolizes good fortune and wealth. It is the perfect choice for those who want to start a new business or for career-oriented people.
Money trees thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. But it can also endure temperatures up to 10 degrees higher or lower. In the summer, they prefer direct and indirect sunshine and moist soil. But in the winter, let the soil dry out between waterings.
Editor’s Note: Sometimes a houseplant outgrows its pot. When it’s time to repot a favorite houseplant, read How to Repot a Houseplant.
8. Monstera
A monstera plant is a popular houseplant that symbolize persistence, respect, and honor. That’s why a monstera is a great choice those who are family-oriented and honor their family background.
When the top few inches of the soil on a monstera plant gets dry, it needs to be watered. Keep them between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit in indirect sunshine.
9. Lily: Popular Houseplants and Landscape Plants
Lily flowers represent peace and sympathy. A lily gift plant is ideal for someone who is grieving and wants to be reminded of the peace they have in their lives.
Lily plants thrive in consistently wet soil. They prefer bright light and prefer temperatures higher than 55 degrees F.
10. Philodendron
Philodendrons are one of the most popular houseplants. These plants symbolize growth and love of nature. They are perfect for someone experiencing personal growth and adjustments.
Philodendrons thrive in indirect light and can endure temperatures between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. When the soil is halfway dry, the plants should be watered.
Final Thoughts on Popular Houseplants and What They Symbolize
By giving a plant that has a rich history of symbolism, we can help a friend experience a new chapter in their lives. Choosing the right plant and the right time can be a wonderful affirmation. It is a special way to honor and encourage a friend or a family member.