In addition to improving the aesthetics of a space, plants invite nature’s energy into the home or office. And, according to the principles of feng shui, houseplants can nurture and heal your personal energy. But know that when it comes to the best plants for good feng shui energy, there are some guidelines to follow.
Decorating with live plants strengthens the energy of a specific element of the chinese geomancy: The wood. The element brings vital energy of growth and action into your space. It can also inspire compassion, kindness and flexibility. In addition green color – tone present in many plants – is associated with healing.
You should know that there are not necessarily good and bad feng shui plants. After all, the key to the practice is to see the interconnection between dualities. That said, there are plants that are most commonly recommended for feng shui applications, along with plants that can be more challenging in an attempt to bring good energy.
The best Feng Shui plants
In general, most plants are great for feng shui as long as you take good care of them. species with soft, rounded leaves are usually the best, as they promote smooth, nourishing energy.
Some of the best plants for feng shui are:
areca-bamboo
This is a great plant for purifying the air, as well as for feng shui. Bamboo areca can grow larger than many other plants and has beautiful fan-shaped leaves. Needs indirect light.
American fern
American ferns are easy to care for indoors as long as there is enough light. The petite versions are perfect for small spaces and for hanging.
George’s Sword
Also known as spare tongue, Saint George’s sword is a great plant for beginners. Although it may appear pointy, it also has a protective energy quality.
jade plant
Also known as the money plant, the jade plant has many rounded leaves. This gives the plant a soft, lush appearance.
lucky bamboo
Bamboo represents growth and adaptability. In feng shui usage, the number of stalks has a symbolic meaning. For example, two stalks should nourish the areas of your life associated with love, and three stalks nourish your happiness.
Boa constrictor
The boa constrictor is easy to care for and propagate. It develops lush vines with heart-shaped leaves and is excellent for cleaning indoor air.
Challenging Feng Shui Floor Plans
In feng shui, there is the concept of sha qi – or sharp energy. This occurs when attacking energy, usually from sharp objects, is directed into your body, draining your personal energy. Therefore, it is best to avoid spiky plants such as a cactus if you want to promote good feng shui energy.
In addition, a dying and neglected plant can also cultivate draining energy. So before you bring any plants into your space, make sure you have the right environment (and time) to keep them healthy. Also, remove dead parts of a plant immediately.
Finally, using fake plants to promote good feng shui energy can be a bit tricky. If that’s the case and you still want to receive the benefits of feng shui, opt for high quality ones. They should look so realistic that you’ll have to touch them to confirm they’re fake.
The plants and the Bagua
A simple way to use plants for feng shui applications is to locate them in specific areas on the Bagua, the feng shui energy map that considers your space. At Baguá, each area of the environment is connected to an aspect of your life.
Check out a quick analysis of all areas of Baguá and how a houseplant can improve energy in each of them:
Family (Zhen)
Houseplants in this area of the Baguá can promote growth and support in your family life. They can also help to wake up the energy to get things moving if you are feeling stuck in some way.
Wealth (Xun)
The wealth area can benefit from a plant if you want to grow in abundance and attract more prosperity.
Health (Tai Qi)
If your health needs some extra support, a plant in the central area of your home can encourage healing in all aspects of your life.
Helpful People (Qian)
Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help. A plant in the helpful people area can activate energies to invite support when and where you need it most.
Children (Dui)
Plants in the children’s area can stimulate the growth of any child or project. If you have trouble finishing things off, this is also a good area to add a plant.
Knowledge (Gen)
Houseplants in the knowledge area can support the expansion of self-awareness and personal growth.
Fame and Reputation (Li)
If you need to be seen and recognized, the wood element of a plant can fuel the fire element in your area of fame and increase your visibility in the world.
Career (Kan)
Blueprints in the career area can encourage growth and expansion in your occupation. They can also give your wisdom a boost.
Partnership (Kun)
Plants in the partnership area are a good idea for cultivating kindness and flexibility in relationships.
* Via The Spruce