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Have you ever asked yourself: “What will outlast the fireworks, the sweets, and the glitter?” Here’s a bold claim: a plant is one of the most meaningful Diwali gifts you can give or keep.
Every year, Indian households buy tonnes of decorative goods for Diwali, but what if instead of a showpiece that fades, you brought in living prosperity? In fact, research by the National Institute of Health suggests that indoor air pollution rises during festivals with smoke, soot, and incense. So, adding green plants for home decor isn’t just beautiful, it’s actually smart.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through 11 auspicious plants you can bring into your home this Diwali. Get ready to turn your home into a living Diwali legacy.
What Makes a Plant Ideal for Home Décor (and Diwali)?
Before we jump into the list, a quick word on criteria:
- It should be auspicious or symbolically meaningful (Vastu, tradition, etc.).
- It must deliver function, like purifying air or being low-maintenance.
- It should be resilient enough to handle smoke, dust, and occasional neglect.
The 11 Plants to Bring Home and How to Make Them Thrive
These real plants for home decor do more than look pretty. They clean the air, bring calm, and sustain life in your space.
1. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
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In Hinduism, tulsi is revered as one of the most sacred plants. It symbolises the goddess Lakshmi and has a powerfully uplifting effect. Traditionally, it is positioned on the house's north-eastern, eastern, or northern side.
Decor Idea: Keep it in a decorative clay pot, perhaps raised on a pedestal. During Diwali, you can light a diya beneath it.
How to Care
- Light: Needs strong, bright sunlight.
- Water: Keep soil moist but never soggy.
2. Money Plant
Also called Devil’s Ivy, the Money Plant is a classic. It symbolises wealth, abundance, and good fortune in many cultures. It’s often used in Vastu to attract positivity, especially when placed in the northeast corner. Because it's a hardy vine, it’s among the best plants for home decor in terms of versatility.
Decor Idea: Let it trail from a high shelf or let it climb a wall trellis. A glass vase with water and roots visible also looks elegant.
How to Care
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light, but growth slows.
- Water: Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil feels dry. Don’t overwater.
3. Snake Plant
Also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” the snake plant is tough and iconic. It’s believed to offer protective energy and strength. On top of that, NASA’s air-purifying studies list it as one of the potent plants that filter formaldehyde, benzene, etc, a natural plant for home decor from a wellness angle.
Decor Idea: Put it in a tall ceramic planter by your doorway, or cluster two for symmetry.
How to Care
- Light: Tolerates many light levels from low to bright indirect.
- Water: Let the soil dry completely between waterings. Overwatering is the main issue.
4. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is popular in feng shui and Indian traditions for luck, flexibility, and harmony. Though not a true bamboo, its tall, graceful stalks lend elegance. It’s often given as a symbolic gift.
Decor Idea: Grow it in water (with pebbles) in a clear tall vase. You can shape stalks into spirals or cluster multiples in a row.
How to Care
- Water: Use distilled or filtered water. Change the water every 3–5 days to prevent stagnation.
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which can burn leaves.
5. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily radiates serenity. Behind sheer curtains or near soft lighting, it becomes a quiet focal point. Its white “flowers” (spathes) symbolise purity, calm, and spiritual clarity. It also filters ammonia, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Decor Idea: Place it where its white blooms contrast against darker walls. You can accent it with a brass plate or white stones on top of the soil.
How to Care
- Light: Low to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
- Water: Keep soil moist; the plant will droop significantly if under-watered.
6. Jade Plant
Known as the “money tree,” each fleshy leaf looks like a coin. Jade Plant works as a standalone accent or in a succulent mix display. It’s a long-lived succulent that symbolises financial growth and endurance.
Decor Idea: Place it near sunny windows or in a small brass or clay pot. Pair with pebbles and small Diwali lamps for added charm.
How to Care
- Light: Prefers bright light; some direct sun is okay.
- Water: Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry deep down.
7. Areca Palm
Areca Palm is a breezy, elegant plant that symbolises tropical vitality. It’s also excellent at filtering indoor toxins like benzene or formaldehyde. It forms a beautiful backdrop in living areas, next to windows or corners.
Decor Idea: Place it in larger decorative pots; in clusters, it gives a lush “mini jungle” vibe.
How to Care
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh midday sun.
- Water: Maintain soil slightly moist, not soggy.
8. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is friendly, energetic, and easy to propagate. It’s capable of reducing formaldehyde and other common indoor toxins. It's a fast-growing, low-maintenance choice that works beautifully in hanging displays.
Decor Idea: Hang it in a basket, let “spiderettes” (baby plants) dangle. Use rustic macramé hangers or jute rope for a more natural feel.
How to Care
- Light: Bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some shade.
- Water: Water moderately; don’t let roots sit in water.
9. ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant is nearly indestructible. Its glossy leaves and ability to survive neglect make it a symbol of perseverance. It also tolerates lower light, making it perfect for indoor corners.
Decor Idea: Use it as a structural accent in a narrow vase, corner display, or paired with ferns/low plants for contrast.
How to Care
- Light: Low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Water only when the soil is fully dry.
10. Aloe Vera
Known for its medicinal benefits, Aloe Vera is a hardy succulent that also offers remarkable air-purifying abilities. Traditionally used for healing, it’s also good at filtering benzene and formaldehyde, while requiring minimal watering.
Decor Idea: Place it in a corner of your kitchen, balcony, or windowsill.
How to Care
- Light: Do well in bright, indirect to some direct sun.
- Water: Deep watering, then allow the soil to fully dry before the next watering.
11. Marigold
The Marigold Plant itself is associated with Diwali, and its vivid orange and yellow blossoms symbolise the sun and life. It is frequently used for festive garlands (torans). According to Vastu, the best way to attract good fortune is to put fresh marigolds in an Urli, a decorative vessel filled with water.
Decor Idea: Put potted marigolds at the entrance steps, in urli bowls filled with water, or in clusters near your mandap or puja area.
How to Care
- Light: Full sun or very bright light.
- Water: Water when the topsoil is dry, moderately.
Common Risks & Remedies During Diwali
Festivals are fun, but for your plants, stress comes from soot, smoke, neglect, and pest threats. This plant care guide helps your green décor survive and thrive.
1. Mosquito Larvae in Water Vases (e.g., Lucky Bamboo)
Stagnant water can serve as a mosquito breeding ground, raising the possibility of illnesses like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
- Replace the standing water every 3–5 days. Mosquito larvae need stable, stagnant water to mature, so breaking that cycle helps.
- If you see larvae, scoop them out manually and discard them immediately.
2. Soot Damage from Diyas & Oil Lamps
Burning lamps and incense may produce soot, which can settle on your plants’ leaves, clogging stomata and blocking gas exchange.
- Use cleaner-burning oils (like refined paraffin) to reduce soot output.
- Use a damp, soft cloth to wipe dust and soot off broad leaves.
Start Your Plant Collection Today
Most decorations are gone or forgotten within a week. A plant, however, is something that stays. The best part is, they aren’t high-maintenance divas. Just follow a simple plant care guide, water them, give them light, wipe away the dust or soot if present, and you’re golden.
Just don’t wait too long to decide; the best plants get snapped up fast, especially before Diwali. Secure your favourites now and make your home bloom with positivity this festive season.