What Are the Good (and Bad) Feng Shui Plants?

Besides improving the aesthetics of a space, plants invite the energy of nature into your home or office. And according to feng shui principles, houseplants can be nourishing and healing for your personal energy. But when it comes to the best plants for good feng shui energy, there are certain guidelines to follow.

Decorating with living houseplants strengthens the energy of one particular feng shui element: wood. The wood element brings vital energy of growth and action into your space. It can also inspire compassion, kindness, and flexibility. Moreover, the color green—the shade of many plants—is associated with healing.

The Best Feng Shui Plants

In general, most plants are great for feng shui, as long as you care for them well. Plants with soft and rounded leaves are typically best, as they promote a gentle, nourishing energy.

Areca Palm

This is a great plant for air-purifying, as well as feng shui. The areca palm can grow larger than many other houseplants, and it has lovely, fan-like leaves. It needs bright, indirect light.

Boston ferns are easy to care for indoors, as long as you have enough light. The petite versions are perfect for small spaces and for hanging.

Mother-in-Law’s Tongue

Also known as the snake plant, mother-in-law’s tongue is a great plant for beginners. Although it might appear sharp, it also has a quality of protective energy.

Jade

Also referred to as a money plant, the jade succulent features many rounded leaves. This gives the plant a soft, lush appearance.

Lucky Bamboo

Bamboo represents growth and adaptability. In feng shui use, the number of stalks has a symbolic meaning. For instance, two stalks are supposed to nourish areas of your life associated with love, and three stalks nourish your happiness.

The golden pothos is easy to care for and propagate. It grows lush, trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves and is excellent for cleaning indoor air.

Challenging Feng Shui Plants

In feng shui, there’s a concept of sha qi, or sharp energy. This is when attacking energy, often from sharp objects, is directed at your body, draining you of your personal energy. Thus, it’s best to avoid pointy and spiky plants, such as a cactus, if you want to promote good feng shui energy.

Furthermore, a dying and neglected plant also can cultivate draining energy. So before bringing any plants into your space, make sure you have the right environment (and the time) to keep them healthy. Also, remove any dying portions of a plant promptly.

Finally, using fake plants to promote good feng shui energy can be a bit tricky. You must find high-quality fake plants to receive any benefits. They should look so realistic that you have to touch them to confirm they are fake.

credits to Anjie Cho, TheSpruce