Feng shui, which translates to “wind” and “water” in Chinese, originated in China over 6,000 years ago as a system for optimizing environments (Source). It is based on the belief that everything in an environment is connected through energy flow, known as qi or chi. Feng shui aims to promote harmony by balancing the five elements – fire, earth, metal, water and wood.
Plants play an important role in feng shui as representations of the wood element. The wood element brings energies of growth, expansion, creativity, new beginnings and nourishment (Source). Plants are believed to invite positive qi into a space. Through strategic placement, plants can be used to enhance specific areas and intentions in the home. Overall, plants are considered to bring life force energy and vitality into feng shui design. This guide will provide tips on selecting and placing plants in the home to optimize feng shui benefits.
Selecting Plants for Feng Shui
When selecting plants for feng shui, it’s important to consider factors like light needs, care requirements, size, and plant health. Look for plants with soft, lush leaves that radiate a lively energy.
Choose plants that are suited to the lighting conditions of the space – whether bright indirect light or lower light. Select plants that you can realistically care for based on your schedule. The size of the plant should fit the proportions of the room. Focus on healthy plants with vibrant leaves and avoid plants that are wilted or pest-ridden.
According to Homes & Gardens, plants with soft leaves like ferns or palms are excellent for feng shui as they promote gentle, positive energy [1]. Real Simple recommends selecting plants that feel vibrant, lush, and alive [2]. Evaluate plants for their energy and how they make you feel. Healthy, thriving plants invite prosperity and harmony.
[1] https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/feng-shui-plants
[2] https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/gardening/indoor/plant-feng-shui
Healing with Feng Shui Plants
Adding new plants throughout the home is an excellent way to promote healing energies according to feng shui principles. Plants invite positive qi (chi) and represent the wood feng shui element which brings restoration, growth and new beginnings (1).
To encourage healing energies, add 9 new healthy plants in locations spread throughout the home. Choose a variety of plants with soft leaves in different shapes and sizes. Some excellent options for healing plants include philodendrons, pothos, monstera deliciosa, peace lilies, and jade plants (2).
When placing healing plants, avoid spiky plants or cacti as they can disrupt the flow of gentle healing energy. Focus on lush, verdant plants with rounded leaves. Locate plants in bedrooms, living spaces, and entryways where their healing energy can be fully realized. With 9 new rejuvenating plants spread throughout your home, you’ll invite profound healing on a physical, mental and spiritual level according to feng shui.
Harmony from Feng Shui Plants
Plants can promote harmony within your family when placed in the family area of your home according to feng shui principles. The family area relates to relationships, especially among family members currently living in the home [1]. Adding a healthy new plant with soft leaves to this space is believed to invite positive energy and encourage bonding between family members [2].
Choose a plant that is easy to care for and not too large for the family space. Good options include peace lilies, pothos, or philodendrons. Place the plant where family members frequently gather together, such as the living room or dining area. Having a living plant in this shared part of the home symbolizes family growth and life energy. Family members may find their interactions become more peaceful, happy, and harmonious. Feng shui recommends adding one new plant to activate the energy of the family area. With the wood element influence of plants, the family area is thought to gain restoration, flexibility, and kindness [3]. A feng shui plant brings vitality to family relationships and promotes health and balance within the home.
[1] https://www.msfengshui.com/feng-shui-bagua/family
[2] https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/g38806233/feng-shui-plants/
[3] https://www.contractors.com/magic-feng-shui-plants-harness-positive-energy/
Prosperity from Feng Shui Plants
According to Feng Shui principles, certain plants can attract prosperity and wealth energies when placed in the wealth area of your home. The plants most commonly associated with prosperity are:
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Money trees – These plants are thought to bring financial luck and prosperity. Place a money tree in the farthest left corner of your home or office as you enter the front door (source).
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Lucky bamboo – Also known as friendship bamboo, this plant symbolizes thriving and flourishing. Place lucky bamboo in the wealth area of your home or give as a gift to attract prosperity (source).
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Jade plants – Known for their deep green leaves that represent growth and renewal, jade plants are also thought to attract wealth. Place a jade plant in your home office or workspace to stimulate prosperity (source).
Follow Feng Shui guidelines to identify the wealth area of your home or office. Then add a new prosperity plant like a money tree, lucky bamboo or jade plant. The wood energy from these live plants can invite prosperity qi and support your financial goals.
Inspiration from Feng Shui Plants
Placing plants in the Fame area of your home or office can encourage creative inspiration according to feng shui principles. The Fame area is associated with reputation, recognition, and success. Adding plants here brings the wood energy of growth and can help stimulate new ideas (Plantersetcetera, 2023).
Some of the best plants to place in the Fame area for inspiration are:
- Orchids – These elegant blooms symbolize refinement and integrity which contributes to inspiration (Good Housekeeping, 2022).
- Palm plants – With their reaching fronds, palm plants are thought to open your mind to new possibilities (Homes & Gardens, 2022) .
- Jade plant – The jade plant represents personal growth and renewal which aids creative flow (Plantersetcetera, 2023).
Positioning a vibrant, healthy plant in your Fame area can provide the wood energy to stir imaginative thinking and inspiration in your space.
Balance from Feng Shui Plants
Placing living plants in the bathroom can promote harmony and balance according to feng shui principles. The bathroom often represents the water element, which is associated with cleansing, renewal and emotional balance. Introducing the wood element through living plants brings a stabilizing and rejuvenating energy [1].
Some excellent feng shui plants for the bathroom include pothos, ferns, orchids, peace lilies, eucalyptus, aloe vera, and begonias. These plants thrive in humid bathroom environments. Their lush greenery introduces vital energy and activates positive qi flow in this frequently used space [2].
When selecting plants, consider size and maintenance requirements. Go for plants with soft, round leaves rather than spiky or sharp foliage for a soothing presence. Place plants in bright bathroom windows or consider artificial lighting. Avoid cacti and desert plants which represent too much dryness for the water-ruled bathroom.
By bringing living plants into the bathroom, you invite soothing energy and a sense of renewal. Take time to care for these plants as part of your self-nurturing routine. Their presence promotes relaxation, cleansing and emotional equilibrium.
[1] https://peacelovefengshui.com/feng-shui-bathroom-plants/
[2] https://www.petalrepublic.com/best-feng-shui-plants-bathroom/
Caring for Feng Shui Plants
Proper care is essential for feng shui plants to thrive and invite positive energy into the home. This involves providing the right amounts of water, light, and fertilizer as well as pruning and cleaning the plants regularly.
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Water – Water feng shui plants when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater, as too much moisture can lead to root rot. Always empty any water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot to prevent soggy soil. Many feng shui plants, like jade and rubber plants, prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings.[1]
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Light – Place feng shui plants in a spot that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for that variety. Most do best in bright, indirect light. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get evenly lit. Avoid direct hot sunlight, which can scorch leaves.[2]
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Fertilizer – Feed feng shui plants according to package directions, usually every 2-4 weeks in the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. In winter, reduce fertilizing to once a month or stop completely.
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Pruning – Trim off any dead or damaged leaves and stems to encourage new growth. Prune leggy stems to reshape and compact the plant. Disinfect pruning shears between each cut to avoid spreading disease.
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Cleaning – Gently wipe feng shui plant leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and increase airflow and light exposure. Check frequently for pests like aphids or spider mites, treating any issues promptly.
With the proper care, feng shui plants can thrive for many years while promoting positive energy in the home.
Troubleshooting Feng Shui Plants
Even the best cared for feng shui plants can run into issues. Here are some solutions for common plant problems when using plants for feng shui:
Yellow or drooping leaves – This is usually a sign of overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Remove any dead or dying leaves. Consider repotting in fresh, well-draining soil. The birkin plant and jade plant are good choices if your current plant is struggling from overwatering.
Brown crispy leaves – This indicates underwatering. Check the soil before watering and water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. Add pebbles to the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. Choose plants like pothos or philodendron that tolerate occasional neglect.
Insect infestations – Isolate the plant and remove any bugs you see. Try spraying neem oil or insecticidal soap. Consider replacing with a new plant, as some like dracaena are more pest resistant.
Weak or leggy growth – Place in a spot with more sunlight. Turn the plant periodically so all sides get light. Prune back overgrown sections. Replace with a low-light variety like bamboo or ZZ plant.
Knocked over or broken – If just knocked over, stand the plant back up and give it time to recover. If broken, prune any damaged parts. If needed, propagate new plants from healthy cuttings. Choose a hardier option like a rubber plant or snake plant.
By troubleshooting issues promptly and selecting the right replacement plants, you can maintain harmony and positive energy from feng shui plants.
Conclusion
In summary, incorporating plants into your home’s feng shui can provide many benefits. The wood energy from plants promotes restoration, growth, flexibility, kindness, harmony and new beginnings (1).
Strategically placing plants in different areas of your home can enhance specific aspirations – like healing, harmony, prosperity, inspiration and balance. For example, placing 9 new plants throughout the home can promote healing, while putting a plant in the wealth area brings prosperity (2).
Overall, plants invite positive life energy and qi into the home and life. They create a living environment full of wood energy. With proper selection and care, feng shui plants can improve your home visually and energetically (3).
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