Plant Meanings + Symbolism
With so many different plants to choose from, we put together this ultimate guide of plants and their meanings. Skip to your favorite plant or peruse the whole guide to find new favorites and add to your garden wish list!
Air Plant (Tillandsia)
- Freedom and creativity
- Great for: People who like change or live in small spaces
Air plants thrive in temperatures between 50 and 90º F, and indirect sunlight but make sure to keep them away from any cold or hot drafts that could dry them out. To water an air plant soak them in water for 10–15 minutes every 1–2 weeks.
Bonsai (Juniperus procumbens)
- Harmony, wisdom and calm
- Great for: Someone who needs more balance in their life
Bonsai trees love plenty of direct sunlight, 50–70ºF and being watered once a week. They also need misting on their leaves so their pores don’t get clogged. Bonsai tree care entails pruning which will become easier with practice.
Cactus (Cactaceae)
- Protection and endurance
- Great for: Someone who is very determined or going through a tough time
Cacti thrive when they are watered about once a week, although they can survive with less. Most cacti love bright light but make sure you look into the needs of your cactus as different species have different care requirements.
Ficus (Ficus microcarpa)
- Abundance and peace
- Great for: Someone who is a leader to symbolize unity and success
Ficus plants need indirect sunlight and to be kept in temperatures above 60º F. Ficus plants should be watered weekly, but back off of watering during the winter.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Perseverance and longing
- Great for: Someone who continually follows their dreams—try a hanging arrangement to symbolize reaching new heights
Pothos plants care includes keeping them in medium indoor light and in a temperature range of 55–90º F. Allow their soil to dry in between waterings in the cooler months and keep the soil moist in warmer parts of the year.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii)
- Good fortune and longevity
- Great for: Someone who is entering a new chapter in their life
Make sure the roots of your bamboo are always covered with water, try filling the vase every 7–10 days. Bamboo prefers moderate to indirect sunlight and temperatures of 65-95°F.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
- Wealth and good fortune
- Great for: Someone who is career-driven or starting a new business
Money Trees do best in temperatures of 65–75º F, but can survive in temperatures 10º+ F higher and lower than their optimal range. They like some direct and indirect sunlight and moist soil in the hotter months, but allow its soil to dry in between watering when it’s cold.
Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
- Honor, respect and longevity
- Great for: Someone who values their background and family history
Monstera plant care involves watering the plant when the first couple of inches of their soil is dry. Keep them in indirect sunlight and in temperatures 68–86º F.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Peace and sympathy
- Great for: Someone who went through a recent loss or needs a reminder of peace in their life
Peace lilies do best in evenly moist soil. They prefer bright light and are most comfortable in temperatures above 55º F.
Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)
- Love of nature and growth
- Great for: Someone who cares about the environment or experiencing personal growth
Philodendrons can survive in the temperature range of 55–90º F and do best in indirect light. They should be watered when their soil is half dry.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Devotion and focus
- Great for: Someone who loves to stay organized and on schedule like the changing leaves of a prayer plant
Grow prayer plants in a temperature range of 55–85º F and in medium to filtered bright light, although they can also survive in low light. Use warm water to keep their soil moist but not soggy and overwatered.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Cleanliness and tenacity
- Great for: Someone who is creative or as a housewarming gift because it naturally purifies the air
Snake plant care includes keeping them in indirect light and temperatures above 50º F. You should let their soil dry in between watering and avoid getting the leaves wet.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Mindfulness and health
- Great for: Someone moving away from home for the first time
Spider plants love bright indirect light and temperatures of 55–80º F. Water your spider plant well but be careful not to overwater. Their small size makes them a great apartment plant.
Succulent (Sedum morganianum)
- Loyalty and endurance
- Great for: Someone who’s trustworthy and always there for you
Succulents are fairly low-maintenance plants, a good rule of thumb for watering is to water them once a week and make sure the soil is wet but not soaked. Most succulents need at least six hours of sunlight and prefer temperatures no colder than 50º F.
Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
- Strength and courage
- Great for: Someone who’s adventurous or eccentric
Venus flytraps require direct sunlight, so try placing them near a sunny window. They prefer warmer climates but can survive in temperatures ranging from 32–86º F. They prefer soil that is wet but not soggy so water them as they lose moisture depending on the season.
Flowers are one of the most symbolic objects in modern and ancient times. Throughout the course of history, trees, plants and flowers have been symbols of meaning. This is often different depending on the part of the world. Whether associated with religion, folktale or mythology, flowers have long been used as emblems and meaningful tokens.
Holly
Along with other greenery such as ivy and mistletoe, holly was used long before Christianity was born to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival, ward off evil and celebrate new growth. In Christianity, the prickly leaves are symbolic of the crown of thorns in the crucifixion, while the berries are symbolic of the blood droplets; in Scandinavia, holly is known as the Christian Thorn. Holly has been a Christmas symbol since pagan times, when it was customary to deck the halls with boughs of holly – as the carol goes.
Apples
Apple trees and apples appear in many religious traditions as well as in mythology and folktales – often as a mysterious and forbidden fruit. The apple tree, according to the Celts, represents many traits including wholeness, purity and goodwill. Christianity depicts that Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. As a result, the apple became symbolic of temptation, sin and the fall of man.
Olive branch
An olive branch has long been symbolic of an offer of reconciliation, representing peace and victory. The symbol is derived from ancient Grecian customs, and is most prominent in western culture. The symbolization of peace stems from the biblical story of Noah. Noah sent a dove to find evidence of dry land – the dove returned with an olive leaf, proof that showed the flood had subsided and peace had been restored. This representation of victory is demonstrated today at the Olympics, as the victors are awarded wreaths made from olive branches.
Red rose
It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise that a red rose is primarily symbolic of romance. Universally, red roses are the most symbolic of the rose family. The modern day red rose we are now familiar with was introduced to Europe from China in the 1800s. The symbolic meaning of the flower, however, can be traced back to centuries before. Red has long been a leading symbol of deep emotion – in Greek mythology the red rose was lined with the goddess of love. Nowadays it remains a strong tradition to present red roses as gifts to special ones, as a token of affection.
Lilies
Images of lilies were first discovered in 1580 BC, in a villa in Crete – since then they have existed as a token for different occasions. In Greek mythology, Lilies are the birth flower for the month of May (see here for a full list of birth flowers), while also being the flower of the 30th wedding anniversary. Lilies are also often associated with funerals, with the flower being symbolic of the soul and spirit of the departed having had their innocence restored.
Thorns
The thorn is one of the most ancient symbols in the world. As with the rose, it represents the juxtaposition of pleasure and pain. The thorn is also most commonly associated with the crown of thorns – denoting sin, sorrow and hardship and an emblem of Christ’s passion.
Oak
The oak tree according to Celtic symbolism is representative of wisdom and strength. Its sheer size and growth was understood to be a symbol of endurance and nobility, as well as durability and constancy.
Thistle
The thistle is most well-known and widely recognized as the Scottish emblem. Native born, the thistle is a resilient weed that blooms across the Scottish landscape. A legend was told to take place in the 13th century that formed the thistle’s place in the country’s history and symbolism. Legend details how the heroic action of the plant caused it to be named the emblem of the country. During a surprise invasion by a Viking force, where the army planned to attack the Scots while they slept – their plan was destroyed when the barefoot soldiers came across the prickly Scottish thistles, waking the sleeping Scotsmen with their cries.
Shamrock
The shamrock has long been the symbol of the Irish. This symbolization originated in the 5th Century when St Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland, using the shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Today the shamrock is associated with St Patrick’s Day, which is the globally recognised day to celebrate the Irish. It is also said that if you are fortunate enough to come across a shamrock with 4 leaves (also recognised by many as a 4-leaved clover) it will bring you great luck.
Spruce, fir and pine trees
You guessed it, these trees are symbolic of Christmas. The introduction of the Christmas tree in Britain came in 1800 when King George III’s German-born wife, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, introduced one at a party for their children. It may surprise you that the UK was actually a late adopter of the Christmas tree, with the tradition originating in Germany. If you are wondering which Christmas tree to get this year, have a look at our real Christmas tree guide.
