My Mother-In-Law Is a Crystal Healer, and She Swears These 3 Stones Help Houseplants Thrive
I was sceptical, until I saw how happy her houseplants were...
I'm married to a professional gardener, which means he's frequently the voice of reason if I start testing out unusual hacks on my plants ("No, they don't want sugar water"). When it comes to crystals, though, he's surprisingly open-minded... which likely has a lot to do with my mother-in-law.
A published author on crystal healing and the founder of a wellness college, she firmly believes that certain precious stones can influence the atmosphere around garden spaces, every bit as much as soil pH or fertilizer ratios. That crystals are brilliant for creating environments where plants, and people, feel more balanced.
And honestly? I've seen her conservatory full of happy houseplants, and I think she's absolutely onto something.
A Perfect Match
I know, I know; from a scientific perspective, there’s no evidence that crystals directly affect plant growth, nutrient uptake, or photosynthesis. Healthy houseplants rely on well-understood factors: sufficient light, appropriate watering, stable temperatures, and soil with the right balance of nutrients.
And yet our ancestors believed the lunar cycles could impact the plant growth cycle. That you should burn certain herbs to set the tone for the year ahead. That some witchy plants can transform our lives and our outdoor spaces. That talking to our plants helps them grow bigger and stronger.
Who are we, then, to assume that crystals – some of which have been used in farming since before the pyramids were built in Gaza – are any different? Especially when there are three in particular which are said to be easy wins if you fancy trying your hand at pairing your own houseplants with crystals.
1. Amethyst
First on the list of crystals to treat your houseplants to? Amethyst, of course!
“Amethyst is good for alleviating geopathic stress,” explains Shirley O'Donoghue, author of The Beginner's Guide to Crystal Healing and Crystal Alchemy and (ahem) my aforementioned mother-in-law.
“These are negative energies which arise from natural earth vibrations, underground water or geological faults that can affect the energy of your garden.”
2. Clear Quartz
Next on the crystals list? Clear quartz, which Shirley describes as “a natural purifier and energizer of energies.”
“Clear quartz is brilliant for uplifting the overall energy of your garden,” she explains. “It helps cleanse stagnant energies and encourages plants to flourish in a more vibrant, positive atmosphere.”
Whether placed alongside your houseplants or nestled directly into planters, it’s a versatile crystal that works quietly yet powerfully to support growth.
3. Rose Quartz
Finally, but by no means least, then there’s rose quartz, the stone long associated with love and compassion.
Shirley says, “I have a very large statement piece of rose quartz in my garden. It’s lovely to look at, but it also supports not just the place, but the whole garden atmosphere.”
She tells me its gentle energy works just as well for houseplants, fostering a nurturing environment for both plants and gardeners alike, making it a perfect choice for areas you want to feel warm, welcoming, and alive.
Crystals shopping list:
Something like this amethyst crystal wand could make a striking addition to your houseplant display.
If you want a twist on the trend, why not opt for a planter that's been handcrafted with crushed crystals?
Clear quartz is considered the "master healer" of all crystals, so if you're going to go down this road, it's worth investing in.
So, can crystals really help houseplants thrive? Well, I have to stress again that scientists will likely tell you it's a hard firm 'no' – but, that being said, there's no denying that ritual and attention matter more than we often admit.
Think about it: when people believe something supports their plants (and when they love and care for their plant babies enough to deck them out with crystals!) they tend to check moisture levels more often, adjust light exposure, and generally pay closer attention to plant health. That alone? That can make a noticeable difference.
If you enjoy incorporating crystals into your plant care routine, there’s no harm in doing so... as long as it doesn’t replace the basics. Pair the ritual with proven practices: choose houseplants suited to your light levels, avoid overwatering, and refresh potting mix periodically. Feel the energy, even.
Call me eccentric, but if a little crystal magic from my mother-in-law makes me check on my plants more often, I’m all in. Especially if it makes for less tension at family dinners!
