The 2 Zodiac Signs That Are Stellar Plant Parents (And 2 That Are Better Off With Cacti)

When you envision your dream home, do you see window boxes teeming with gardenias? A silvery olive tree glistening on the porch? English ivy hanging out in macrame planters?  If so, you’re probably a houseplant lover. But are you a reliable plant parent? If you’re currently googling why your succulent is slanting and how to stop overwatering your orchids, you may need some practice. We (and our yellowed peace lily) are right there with you. Here are the two zodiac signs who are pros at plant care and two who are better off tending to dried eucalyptus sprigs.

(Psst: Your astrological traits involve twelve celestial bodies, not just your sun sign. To discover your entire planetary portrait, check out your birth chart.) 

Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22): 

Nurturing Cancer adopts the plant mom persona effortlessly. The water signs are tuned into everyone’s needs—their partner who’s long overdue for a hug or their co-worker who could use some help on a project—and their plant friends are no exception. Forget strict watering schedules; Cancer operates on gut feelings. All it takes is one glance at their Pothos for Cancer to know the leafy green needs a drink. Symbolized by the crab, the protective sign needs to build a safe nest for their loved ones. You can find their plant babies nestled inside hand-painted pots, tucked between their book collection or perched on their bedside table (so they can sing their sprouts a good morning tune).

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20):

Taurus’s dream afternoon involves firing up a fresh batch of popcorn, sinking into a velvet couch and streaming Pride and Prejudice (again). For these homebodies, plants are a part of what makes their space feel like a sanctuary. Ruled by Venus, Taureans crave aesthetic beauty all around them. The earth signs are drawn to natural treasures, like crystals and homegrown veggies, that make them feel even more connected to the planet. So that lavish fig tree climbing along their desk doesn’t just look good, it makes them feel good, too. As responsible and reliable signs, Taurus enjoys the ritualistic nature of caring for their plants. They sip coffee, feed their cats and shift their plants toward the sun as part of their relaxing morning routine. Taurus moves at their own pace, and knows their aloe leaves do, too. 

Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20):

Gemini is perpetually immersed in a new project. One week, the air signs are into oil painting and the next, they’re up every morning at 6 a.m. for a birdwatching expedition (they stumbled upon a field guide at the library and read it cover to cover). Gemini is driven by a desire to learn. With Mercury as their ruling planet, Gemini is gifted at absorbing information and communicating their findings to others. So, while the cosmic twins are eager to understand how to identify herbs in the mint family or how to germinate a lemon seed, they may lack the consistency to look after a family of plants. If we can’t depend on Gem to answer a text on time, we can’t expect the erratic sign to water their monstera every week. 

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21):

The key to nourishing your plant companions is commitment: the one concept that sends Sagittarius packing. The fire signs value freedom above all else. For Sag, planning every detail of their life sucks the fun out of it. Instead, the astrological archers welcome spontaneity. Every day holds the promise of adventure, and Sag doesn’t want to waste one minute (which is why they’re the last ones out at the bar and the first to hit yoga class in the morning). As mutable signs, Sagittarians are fluid and adaptable. They might spot a lush ZZ plant in a shop window and decide to take it home, but abandon the little guy in favor of an impromptu hiking trip. Governed by Jupiter, the planet of faith and expansion, Sag is focused on personal reinvention and spiritual growth. The growth of their houseplants? Not so much.