Money does not grow on trees –or do they?
Whilst it is true that “money does not grow on trees” (usually said by parents when we ask them for extra pocket money), there are certain plants that are believed to be able to enhance one's wealth. So, if you're thinking of asking your parents for extra pocket money, you might want to know more about these wealth-ushering plants. However, results are not guaranteed!
Money plant
Look around (not poke around) your mother's or your neighbours' potted plants and see if you can find money plant amongst them . Being a common household plant, you will most probably find one easily. Also known as Silver Vine and Devil's Ivy , the money plant originates from Solomon Island, Papua New Guinea. In its native country, the money plant can grow up to 20 metres tall and its stems can grow to a maximum of 4 centimetres in diameter . The leaves of a money plant can grow to a length of 100 centimetres long and 45 centimetres wide! In Singapore, as a household plant, the money plant can only reach a maximum height of two metres.
The money plant is one of the easiest plants to care for as it requires little light and water. In addition, it is widely believed that the money plant brings wealth and happiness to its gardener, and the result is most effective when the plant is shared with others. The money plant not only enables you to save resources, it brings you wealth too! Just remember to give some of your money plants away to your loved ones!
Jade plant
Originating from South Africa, this plant can thrive on poor conditions –but that does not give you any reason to deprive the plant of water and sunlight, alright?
The jade plant rarely blooms, but when it does, small, star-like pink or white flowers will come into blossom.
The jade plant is a symbol of prosperity and good luck in Asian cultures. This is no wonder, considering that the plant has round-shaped leaves which look like coins! Thus, whenever the plant grows a new set of leaves, it is believed that the owner's wealth will multiply as well! According to feng shui experts, tying a red ribbon to the jade plant's stem, burying a coin in its pot and decorating its shoots with coins can bring in more wealth to the owner –try it and see if it works!
Phoenix Tail
Originating from Tropical Asia, this plant can grow to a height of more than one metre. Its leaves are mid- green while its flowers are red and gold-yellow –the colours of good luck and success, according to the Chinese tradition. In addition, it is also named after the strong and auspicious creature in the Chinese culture –the phoenix, thus enhancing its wealth-producing qualities.
Lucky Bamboo
There are about 1000 species of bamboo plants that can be found in most parts of the world. Bamboo plants are known as the fastest-growing woody plants and each plant can grow up to 40 metres tall! Imagine that! Do you know that bamboo plants actually come under the category of grass? However, because of their tree-like appearance, they are sometimes called “bamboo trees”.
There are many culinary uses of bamboo plants, especially in Chinese and Indonesian cooking. However, the most well-known use of bamboo plants is in feng shui, of course! In Chinese culture, bamboo plants are believed to bring good fortune, and the hardiness of bamboo plants is a symbol of good health.
Although the lucky bamboo looks like a smaller version of the bamboo plant, they are not of the same species –but just as useful for feng shui! Feng shui experts believe that the number of stalks in a lucky bamboo plant reveal the meanings and type of benefits the plant can bring. For example, a three-stalked lucky bamboo can bring happiness, wealth and longevity to anyone who cares for it, while a 21-stalked lucky bamboo can bring an encircling blessing.
Wealth is not the only good thing that can be brought by these plants –they can also produce calming and healing effects that come naturally when you care for the plants. So, forget about the pocket money increment; pick a plant to care for instead!