9 Plant Superstitions People Still Believe Around the World and Their Surprising Origins

Plants have always played a part in human stories and beliefs. Across cultures, a lot of folks think certain plants bring luck—good or bad. These ideas pass down through families and still shape daily life in unexpected ways.

It’s kind of wild how many plant superstitions still stick around in different corners of the world. Learning about these beliefs gives you a peek at how plants have shaped not only nature but also our cultures and traditions.

1) Avoid gifting the unlucky black catnip plant, said to bring bad luck in some cultures.

Thinking of giving a plant as a gift? Maybe skip black catnip.

Some cultures connect it with bad luck, believing it can bring trouble or negative energy into a home.

This idea comes from old beliefs that link black plants and dark colors to misfortune. Not everyone buys into it, but some folks still avoid black catnip just in case.

If you want to play it safe, go for plants tied to good luck instead. You’ll probably make your friend happier—and show you care about their traditions.

2) Keep a sprig of rosemary in the home to ward off evil spirits and promote remembrance.

Hang a sprig of rosemary in your home, and people say it’ll keep bad spirits away. It’s a simple tradition that many believe blocks negative energy.

Rosemary also gets linked to memory and remembrance. Keeping some nearby might help you focus or recall important things.

A little rosemary in the house just feels calming. It’s such an easy way to add a bit of peace to your space.

3) Never thank someone who gives you a plant, believed to bring the plant bad fortune.

If someone hands you a plant or cutting, you might hear you shouldn’t say thank you. Some believe thanking the giver curses the plant with bad luck—or even causes it to wilt.

This superstition is pretty common in places like Appalachia. It’s been around for generations.

It might feel odd not to say thanks, but some folks take it seriously and avoid it to keep the plant safe.

Others see it as just a quirky gardening tradition. If you want to follow it, maybe just give a nod or smile instead.

4) Planting a yew tree near your house is thought to protect from death and misfortune.

Plant a yew tree near your home, and people say it’ll keep bad things away. In parts of Europe, yews stand as guardians against death and harm.

You’ll spot yew trees in old churchyards, symbolizing both life and death. That’s probably why people trust them to block misfortune.

Yews live a long time and regrow after being cut, which makes them symbols of strength and renewal. Some folks still plant them for that extra sense of protection.

So, if you see a yew by a house, it might just be there for luck—at least according to old beliefs.

5) Bamboo plants are kept indoors for good luck and prosperity, especially in East Asia.

Walk into homes or offices in East Asia, and you’ll probably spot bamboo plants. People believe bamboo brings luck, prosperity, and good vibes.

Bamboo stands for strength and growth. Folks often place it near doors or in the east or north parts of the house to boost health, family harmony, or career luck.

Caring for your bamboo plant honors the tradition and brings a bit of calm into your space. Even if you’re not superstitious, bamboo just looks fresh and lively indoors.

6) Touching mistletoe in winter is said to bring health and fertility blessings.

Touching mistletoe in the winter? Some say it brings health and fertility. The plant’s green leaves and berries stay bright even when it’s freezing out.

Long ago, people noticed how mistletoe stayed alive while other plants withered. They figured it had special powers.

Druids and other cultures used mistletoe to help people and animals with fertility. Touching it was like asking for a bit of nature’s blessing.

7) Avoid bringing orchids into the house as they are linked to bad luck in some traditions.

Some say orchids bring bad luck indoors. In certain cultures, they’re tied to loneliness or failure, so people often keep them outside.

There’s even a superstition about eating orchid parts affecting pregnancy, though there’s no real evidence for that. If you want to be cautious, just skip orchids inside.

But honestly, lots of people love orchids and don’t worry about the superstition. If you’re a fan, go ahead and enjoy them—just know the old stories.

8) Burning sage while carrying a rue plant is believed to keep away negative energy.

Burning sage is supposed to clear out bad energy from your space or yourself. People call this practice smudging, and it’s all about feeling peaceful and protected.

If you carry a rue plant at the same time, you add even more protection. Rue is thought to block negative energy and keep away harmful spirits.

You might burn sage during stressful times and keep rue close for good measure. Both have long histories in different cultures for keeping bad vibes at bay and bringing calm.

9) Hanging garlic near windows protects against evil spirits and witchcraft.

You’ve probably noticed garlic dangling by windows or doors before. A lot of folks think this keeps evil spirits and witches out of the house.

People say the strong, sharp smell pushes away bad energy and anything harmful. Garlic acts like a natural barrier, stopping negative stuff from slipping inside.

This tradition goes way back, rooted in old stories and folk beliefs from all over the world. Some might be skeptical, but plenty of people still hang garlic just for a little extra peace of mind.

If you’re curious, you can just grab a few garlic bulbs and hang them by your windows. It’s about as simple as it gets—and honestly, why not give it a try?