Introduction to Plants and Feng Shui

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that aims to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environments. One of the key principles is the flow of chi, or life force energy, throughout a space [1].

Plants play an important role in feng shui as they strengthen wood energy and promote vitality and new growth [2]. The wood element is associated with health, family, and nurturing energy. Bringing living plants into a home or office helps stimulate positive chi.

The green color of lush plants is also connected to rejuvenation, fresh starts, and renewal in feng shui. Surrounding yourself with living plants can give your space a boost of nourishing energy [3]. Plants breathe life into indoor environments that may otherwise feel stagnant. Their tranquil presence helps people reconnect with nature.

[1] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/what-is-feng-shui

[2] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/feng-shui-plants/

[3] https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-feng-shui-your-home-with-plants

Using Plants in the Feng Shui Bagua Areas

The feng shui bagua map is an octagonal grid containing nine areas that correspond to different aspects of life. Strategically placing plants in specific bagua areas can enhance those energies.

• Wealth Area: Located in the back left corner, the wealth area governs prosperity. Lush, healthy plants like jade, money trees, and areca palms stimulate financial flow according to feng shui.

• Fame Area: The fame area in the center boosts reputation and recognition. Bright flowering plants like orchids or bromeliads bring fame energy here.

• Love & Marriage Area: Found in the far right corner, this area influences relationships. Pairs of plants representing a couple work best here, like two flowering bush plants.

• Family Area: Located in the center-left, this space governs family and health. Lush leafy plants like ferns or ivy strengthen family energy.

• Children & Creativity Area: This middle right section boosts new beginnings and children. Use plants with round soft leaves like peperomias to enhance creativity.

By placing plants in the correlating bagua areas, they can help amplify those energies in your home.

Avoiding Spiky and Dead Plants

Plants with spiky leaves or thorns, such as cacti, can disrupt the flow of energy according to feng shui principles. The sharp, pointed shapes are said to have an “attacking” energy that should be avoided inside the home. Popular spiky plants to keep out of a feng shui-designed space include cacti, holiday cacti, and plants with thorns like roses or bougainvillea.

It’s also important to promptly remove any dead or dying plants from inside the home or garden. Plants that are wilting, shedding leaves, or turning brown introduce dying energy according to feng shui. Allowing dead plants to remain in a space is believed to negatively affect finances, health, and chi. Instead, dead plants should be promptly removed and replaced with healthy, thriving plants to support good energy flow.

High Quality Faux Plants

Faux plants can be a good option for feng shui if they look realistic and are high quality. Cheap plastic plants should be avoided, as they give off an artificial vibe that is not harmonious. High quality silk or fabric plants that closely resemble live plants are recommended for feng shui.

When opting for faux greenery, choose plants that look as close to real as possible, with realistic leaves, textures, and colors. Go for fabric plants rather than plastic, and choose high quality materials that are soft and supple to mimic live plants. Aim for a variety of faux plants in different shapes, varieties, and sizes to create a natural looking arrangement. Group the fake plants together in attractive containers or planters to give the look of a lived-in garden.

Well-chosen faux plants can provide the look and feel of living plants without the maintenance. They can be used in areas where real plants would not thrive, like bathrooms or low light rooms. Rotate faux plants seasonally to keep your decor looking fresh. High quality artificial plants let you enjoy the look of lush greenery and the positive energy it brings without worrying about care. With careful selection, faux plants can be an excellent feng shui choice.

Soft, Round Leaf Plants

Plants with soft, round leaves are considered particularly good for feng shui because their rounded shape promotes smooth, positive energy flow. Some great examples of plants with soft, rounded leaves include areca palm, Boston fern, and jade plant. The areca palm has long, arching fronds with a lush, full appearance that creates a graceful look. The Boston fern has gently arching fronds with a soft, delicate texture. Jade plants have thick, rounded, succulent leaves that create a very soothing presence. All of these plants with their soft, rounded shapes are perfect for inviting positive chi into a space according to feng shui principles. Their smooth, curved forms help energy move gently through a room rather than getting stuck in sharp corners or spiky leaves. Bringing the tranquil, good energy effects of plants with soft, rounded leaves into one’s home or office is an excellent feng shui strategy.

Caring for Feng Shui Plants

It’s important to keep feng shui plants healthy and vibrant to promote positive energy in the home. Proper care is key. Here are some tips:

• Water appropriately for the specific plant. Check soil frequently and water when the top inch is dry. Be careful not to overwater, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.

• Give plants adequate sunlight, whether natural or artificial. Most indoor plants do best in bright, indirect light. Rotate plants periodically so all sides get light exposure.

• Use a mild houseplant fertilizer, following label directions. Fertilizing every 2-4 weeks during the growing season will provide nutrients.

• Prune dead or dying foliage promptly. Yellow, brown leaves drain energy. Also trim back overgrown plants to encourage new growth.

• Dust large leafed plants periodically with a damp cloth to allow leaves to photosynthesize efficiently.

• Repot rootbound plants into the next size pot with fresh potting mix. This stimulates growth.

Taking good care of feng shui plants ensures they will promote vital, positive chi according to feng shui principles. Healthy, vibrant plants boost the energy in a space.

Plant Colors and Feng Shui

The colors of plants in feng shui are linked to the five elements and can enhance different areas of your home.

Green plants, which boost the wood energy, are connected with rejuvenation and new beginnings. Placing green plants in areas like the family room can promote vitality and growth.

Red and purple plants boost the fire element, which governs fame, reputation, passion, and creativity. Use these fiery colors in areas like the fame gua of your home or office to enhance those energies.

White flowers represent purity and clarity in feng shui. They can be used in meditative spaces or bedrooms to promote peace and relaxation. Some examples are white orchids, gardenias, and lilies.

When selecting plants, be mindful of their color associations to intentionally enhance different areas of your home or work environment.

Plant Shapes and Feng Shui

The shape of a plant’s leaves and overall form can impact the feng shui energy it brings into a space. Upright, tall plants with pointed leaves or vertical growth are considered more “yang” energetically, promoting active, vibrant energy according to feng shui principles. Examples of yang plants include bamboo, dracaena, and yucca.

On the other hand, plants with cascading, vining growth or rounded, heart-shaped leaves are associated with yin, receptive energy in feng shui. These types of plants can help create a soothing, peaceful ambiance. Some classic yin plants are pothos, philodendron, and peace lily.

When using plants in feng shui, choose shapes that enhance the desired energy in that area of your home or office. For example, placing upright yang plants in the Career area can stimulate productivity and success. Cascading yin plants are better for bedroom corners to promote relaxation. Combine different shapes strategically to find the right feng shui plant energy for your needs.

Feng Shui Plants to Avoid

When selecting plants for feng shui, it’s important to be mindful of plants that can have negative energy or symbolism. Some plants to avoid based on feng shui principles include:

• Prickly cacti, spiky plants: Plants with sharp points or spikes, like cacti, can represent hostility and aggression according to feng shui. The sharp protrusions are thought to direct negative sha energy. It’s best to avoid placing these plants in main living spaces or bedrooms.

• Unhealthy, dying plants: Plants that are dying, diseased or neglected represent decay and decline in feng shui. It’s important to promptly remove dead plants and foliage to prevent stagnant energy. Replace dying plants with healthy new plants to cultivate fresh chi.

• Invasive weeds: Weeds that spread uncontrollably can represent invasive or overwhelming energy according to some feng shui principles. It’s best to keep weeds controlled and remove them promptly to prevent overgrowth of negative energy.

By avoiding plants with sharp points, removing dying plants, and controlling weeds, you can optimize the feng shui of your plant selections. Choose lush, healthy plants with soft rounded leaves to nurture positive chi.

Conclusion

Plants can play an important role in feng shui design and bringing positive energy into a space. As we’ve discussed, certain plants are thought to enhance different areas of your home or life when placed properly according to feng shui principles. Overall, plants with soft, rounded leaves are considered the most auspicious plants to incorporate.

Some key takeaways:

• Plants strengthen the wood feng shui element, bringing vital energy and rejuvenation.

• Consider placing plants in specific bagua areas of your home to enhance those energies.

• Avoid spiky, prickly, or dying plants – opt for lush, healthy plants with soft leaves.

• High quality artificial plants can be used if necessary.

• Plants like jade, areca palm, Boston fern, and pothos are calm, peaceful choices.

• Properly care for plants and promptly remove dead foliage.

Incorporating the right plants into a feng shui designed space can create a serene, prosperous environment. With some planning and care, plants can become powerful feng shui decor elements.