Plants of the Zodiac
Words by Laura Bayliss
Happy New Astrological Year! The spring equinox last weekend welcomed in the start of a brand-new zodiac calendar, leading the way with confident, optimistic Aries. Whether you’re a luxury-loving Taurus, an overly emotional Pisces or an uptight – sorry – perfectionist Virgo, there’s a perfect plant pal just waiting to make your acquaintance.
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)
Bold, determined and never one to turn down a challenge, Aries also values plenty of alone time. A rubber tree plant is a perfect match: growing up to an ambitious 15 metres tall inside, it makes an impressive entrance with an abundance of large glossy leaves. But it’s at its happiest when it’s chilling out in its favourite spot at home.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Ruled by Venus the planet of love, Taurus seeks beauty, luxury and activities that mostly involve staying in. String of hearts will spread the love, trailing down bookshelves in an appropriately elegant, understated style.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20)
Always on the go with no time for fussing, Geminis and cheese plants are kindred spirits. Filling up the space with cheerful, take-me-or-leave me leaves, cheese plants are confident in their character and don’t have the headspace for haters.
Cancer – (Jun 21-Jul 22)
Home-loving Cancers don’t like to be far from the nest. Spider plants are easy to look after, grow in a charmingly chaotic manner and produce a whole family of plant babies when happy.
Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)
The show-offs of the zodiac, Leos live for being in the spotlight. Philodendrons are perfect for growing literally under a spotlight, swinging down from the rafters.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)
Logical, practical, perfectionist and enjoys meticulous tasks – sound like the Virgo in your life? Like Virgos, asparagus ferns are a little tricky to look after, requiring everything to be just so. They also enjoy shedding their leaves, perfect for Virgos to tidy up after.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22)
The peace lily represents all that Librans strive for: symmetry, balance, simplicity and harmony between others.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)
Often misunderstood as hot-headed and power-hungry, water sign Scorpio’s emotions actually run deep as a river. Also storing up that water-based energy, succulents are pretty easy going once you understand what they like.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)
Sags are the itchy feet of the zodiac, constantly thirsty for knowledge, adventures and spiritual growth. The ZZ plant appeals to their wanderlust, growing wild-angled stems while needing little looking after, leaving plenty of time to explore those Big Ideas.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)
Motivated and highly self-disciplined, Capricorns will doggedly carry on through tough times. Much like aralia, which can survive most adverse conditions – like, maybe, forgetting being watered…
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)
Eccentric and unexpected, Aquarius will enjoy the wild and free, overly enthusiastically waving fronds of the kentia palm, which can grow up to 12 metres tall inside.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)
The most creative sign in the zodiac, Pisces often find themselves experiencing all the emotions all of the time. They need to be treated carefully but if well looked after are beacons of hope. Just like calathea: a symbol of new beginnings – they fold their leaves up at night and open them up again at dawn for a fresh new start. You can read more about them here.
