Feng shui and houseplants: which plants and where
Houseplants are one of the easiest things to bring into feng shui. Lively green belongs to the Wood element and is said to bring growth and harmony.
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1.Why plants are good feng shui
- Living plants give off living qi (seiki), said to energise a space
- They settle stagnant qi and soften the feel of a room
- Green is a calming color
2.Leaf shapes and what they mean
| Leaf shape | Kind of qi | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Pointed leaves growing upward | Yang qi; boosts energy and drive | Entrance, workroom |
| Round, soft leaves | Yin qi; calms the mind | Bedroom, living room |
| Trailing leaves | Settles qi downward | High shelves |
3.Plants for each kind of luck
- Money: pachira (the “money tree”), jade plant (kane no naru ki, “the tree that grows money”)
- Work: sansevieria (snake plant), dracaena (such as the “happiness tree”)
- Love and relationships: pothos, the heart-leaved hoya kerrii
- Health and relaxation: ivy, schefflera
- Home and family: monstera, banyan fig (gajumaru)
The names and lore of plants vary by region and author. The best guide is how easy a plant is to grow and what suits your room.
4.Where to put them, by direction
- East and southeast: Wood directions, so they suit plants well. A bright windowsill where plants thrive.
- South: strong light and strong Fire qi. Plants are said to soften it.
- West: where the afternoon sun hits. Placing a plant to block the western sun is also said to be good.
- North: cold and dark, so choose shade-tolerant plants.
- Entrance: on either side just inside the door, for example. → Feng shui for the entrance
The meanings of the directions are also covered in feng shui by direction.
5.How to keep them alive
- Choose a plant that suits how bright the spot is
- The basic rule for water: “plenty, once the soil has dried”
- In winter, watch out for the cold by the window
- Wipe the dust off the leaves now and then
Feng shui says it matters not to leave dead plants sitting around. When a plant weakens, look after it; when it is past saving, let it go with thanks.
A ceramic pot cover (Earth qi) is said to balance well with the plant (Wood). Ceramic and craft pots are among the items being prepared for the shop.
6.FAQ
Do artificial plants work too?
Feng shui values the living energy of real plants, but some say artificial flowers and faux greenery are fine in places without daylight. Look after them so they don’t gather dust.
Shouldn’t I keep a cactus?
Spiky plants are said to sharpen the qi around them, so the advice is to keep them out of the bedroom and the middle of the living room. On the other hand, some place them outside the front door or on a windowsill to keep bad qi out.
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