Feng shui is a fusion of art and science which when balanced correctly can encourage prosperity and good fortune into your daily life. The first instances of the concept of Feng shui appeared in ancient China over 6,000 years ago, before being introduced as a formal practice 3,000 years later. It developed as a result of analysing the effect of the surrounding environment on human beings. People worldwide now adopt the principles of Feng shui when designing interiors such as homes, offices and outdoor spaces with the hope of bringing good luck.
Feng shui literally translates into ‘wind’ (feng) ‘water’ (shui), two natural elements which signify good health and fortune in Chinese culture. The art of Feng shui encapsulates all five natural elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. It was founded on the principle of Yin and Yang. This is the belief that by capturing a balance of the feminine (yin) and the masculine (yang) we can create a successful flow of energy in our life. By balancing opposing dualities, you can avoid discord. Yin and Yang teaches us that we need equal amounts of opposites to achieve harmony, for example hot and cold, good and bad, night and day.
Houseplants are the perfect way to introduce the basic concepts of feng shui into our homes. They make us feel closer to nature and put us in a tranquil state of mind. Caring for them gives us a sense of purpose and makes us feel grounded. Houseplants are encouraged for their benefits of absorbing environmental pollution and chemicals in the air such as benzene and formaldehyde. Many plants and flowers are also considered to be auspicious – symbolising wealth, abundance, health, longevity and career progression. In Feng shui, plants are considered to neutralise the bad energy from sharp edges and electromagnetic waves from electronics.
There is a Chinese proverb which translates into English as ‘When flowers blossom, they bring wealth, richness and prosperity’ (花开富贵, hua kai fu gui). At first, this might make you think of monetary wealth and financial stability, but wealth and prosperity can incorporate many other forms of fortune that we all hope to bring into our lives. Good health, a fulfilling love life, deep relationships with family and friends. And where better to start with attracting these elements than in your own home, with some beautiful green plants?
How to apply Feng shui to your houseplants
Most people understand that one of the fundamentals of Feng shui is the science of where things are placed. By housing your plants under the guidance of Feng shui, you will be on your first step towards harmonising the harmonies in your home.
The science behind Feng shui comes from the energy map known as the Bagua which originates from the I Ching, an ancient Chinese book of divination. Bagua literally means ‘eight areas’ and these are defined as below and associated with one natural element and a point on the compass:
Wealth and Prosperity – Wood – South East
Fame and Reputation – Fire – South
Relationships – Earth – South West
Family – Wood – East
Children and Creativity – Metal – West
Knowledge and Self-cultivation— Earth – North West
Career – Water – North
Travel and Helpful People – Metal – North West
At the centre of the bagua is good health. As we say, the bagua is a map – so you can use it as a guide to calculate how to decorate your home and put your plants in the right place. If you live in an apartment, align the bottom of your bagua map with the front door. If you live in a house, use a compass and position the career region in the north part of your house and go from there.
As a general rule of thumb, your plants should be placed in south or south east facing positions in your home as these areas nourish the wood element of plants. The north, north west, north east and south west areas of your space are not ideal for plant placement.
Twelve different Feng shui houseplants to get you started
If you are new to either Feng shui or houseplants, start with investing in some of the following plants which are easy to keep alive and will attract good Feng shui. Plants whose leaves grow upwards and remain evergreen are considered to be the most auspicious in Feng shui. Typically, feng shui advises placing a plant with round leaves in the entrance to your home – to welcome both yourself and your guests.The front door is also where chi enters your home, the flow of energy. So this is the perfect place to begin your feng shui home garden!
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
The Lucky Bamboo plant relates to all five elements upon which Feng shui is based. The bamboo, of course, represents wood. Rocks and pebbles placed in the vase symbolises the Earth, and they will ensure your bamboo grows straight and well.
Correct application of water will make your bamboo plant thrive – never under or over water your bamboo plant and use filtered water for best results. You should replace the water every fifteen days.
A metal coin tied with a red ribbon can be attached to your bamboo plant to represent the metal and fire elements respectively.
Keep your bamboo indoors and away from direct sunlight, and choose a vase which is at least two inches wider than the plant.
The east corner of your home is considered to be the best placement for a bamboo plant to attract good fortune.
Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
More commonly known as the money plant – which as you might be able to guess, this plant will attract financial prosperity into your life.
It is considered to remove any obstacles in your way and inspire multiple sources of income.
The round leaves of a jade plant hold in water, which symbolises the flow of money.
Like the bamboo tree, a money plant should be grown indoors, although it will need four hours of direct sunlight a day to grow.
It will need extra watering during the spring and summer seasons, and less during autumn and winter – but always sure the soil dries out between watering to avoid rot.
Placing a jade plant in the entrance to your home, to welcome both the flow of chi money into your home.
Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Another plant which is nicknamed the money tree, the Zanzibar Gem has huge, succulent leaves which grow upwards – resulting in a tall plant of around 60cm. Several leaves grow from each stem, which is considered lucky in feng shui. The Zanzibar Gem is also an evergreen plant, which requires minimal care. Let the soil dry out between watering and keep it away from direct sunlight for best results.
Malabar Chestnut (Pachira aquatica)
If you are fortunate to have a garden – you can plant a malabar chestnut outdoors. This is another type of money tree, and it also blocks evil spirits. You can plant it in small pots, or plant it directly in the ground and let it become a larger tree – it will survive in either full or partial sunlight but be sure to water it regularly and apply fertiliser monthly.
Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus)
The gladiolus plant symbolises honour, remembrance and integrity. It can grow to 4 feet in height, and so can raise a low ceiling for good feng shui and they come in a variety of colours to depend on what area you wish to attract prosperity – purple for nobility and dignity, yellow for happiness and uplift, or white for clarity. Gladioli require direct sunlight, so place it by a south or east-facing window if indoors and water when the surface soil feels dry. Take care to empty the drip tray on a regular basis so the soil doesn’t become saturated.
Yulan Magnolia
Whether you have been cohabiting with your partner for several years or have recently moved into your first home with your significant other, consider a Yulan Magnolia which signifies romantic harmony.
By accompanying this plant with either a wax begonia or a peony, you will attract positive career development and financial fortune too.
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Clivia Miniata
When the clivia miniata blooms its vibrant orange flowers, it will signify that good news on the horizon and enhance the ambience within your household.
Your plant will need to be placed in bright light, but not direct sunlight as this will scorch the leaves.
Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between watering the plant.
The clivia needs to rest during the winter months, so move it to a cooler, darker spot during this time and only water when the soil dries out.
Orange is considered a cheerful colour and is symbolic of socialising, so place your clivia plant in your living room for positive feng shui amongst your guests.
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Plants from the bromeliad family come in a range of different varieties and colours and are very simple to take care of.
They need to be placed in bright light, but not direct sunlight, and only require watering once a month on average.
Choose a colour to depend on what area you need to balance, and consider placing your bromeliad near your computer to absorb the radiation.
Lilies
Representing joy, plants that come from the lily family are hugely popular and beloved across the world.
However, the plant is toxic to cats, so avoid these if you have a furry little friend!
There are several species of lily which will bring good fortune, and they are popular for the bathroom as they absorb odours and do not need as much sunlight as other plants.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Cochlearispathum)
The peace lily represents tranquility, solitude and purification as well as ‘smooth-sailing’ owing to the shape of the petals.
This is a very simple plant to care for – preferring a warm environment of 20-30°C and some exposure to sunlight.
You can pot in in regular soil, but ensure you repot it every two years. You can apply fertiliser once a month during summer and spring.
Adopt the principle of Yin and Yang in your watering schedule – allow the soil to dry between watering sessions.
If your peace lily is too dry, the leaves may turn yellow or wilt.
Japanese Sacred Lily (Rohdea japonica)
The Japanese sacred lily is a typical house warming gift, as it is considered to bring good fortune and multiply the good luck of other items in its vicinity.
Keep your sacred lily in a cool area with some filtered sunlight and ensure the soil remains moist.
Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum linden)
Named for the colour of their petals, flamingo lilies will add some colour to your home.
Pink petals will enhance your lovelife, and so it is considered lucky to keep a flamingo lily in your bedroom.
Flamingo lilies are suited to low-light, humid conditions.
Night-scented lily (Alocasia odora)
For the lily enthusiast with more space, the night-scented lily can grow as tall as 8 feet in height, 3 feet in width.
It will survive in partially shaded areas with organic soil which must be kept moist, as the plant thrives in humidity.
The huge, curved leaves resemble the ears of an elephant, which is an auspicious symbol of strength, wisdom and protection in Chinese culture.
Beware of bad Feng shui
Where there is good, there is also bad, and there is such a thing as bad Feng shui which will weaken your chances of good fortune.
Ensure you give your plants the right amount of water and fertilise them as needed – keeping your houseplants alive and well if the first step towards achieving good Feng shui.
A drooping, dry, sunburned or dead plant will not attract good chi.
Spiky and thorny plants such as cacti and roses are not typically considered good feng shui. If you do opt for these types of plants or receive them as a gift, do keep them to a minimum and be mindful of where they are positioned.
Do not keep them in the centre of your living room, by your bed or at your front entrance. Ensure they are in a sunny spot with a good flow of air, to diminish the negative energy.
Apply the key concepts of Feng shui to your houseplants. Clutter is not considered good Feng shui – a cluttered home can lead to a cluttered mind.
More space enables creativity to flow more freely and you do not want to overdo the wood element as it will balance the other elements, so remember to be sparing with your houseplants.
Love your plants, and they will love you back. Feng shui expert Laura Benko says that the practice isn’t about transforming the structure of a home but about making our homes evolve with us, so keep your plants green, cherished and forever growing.
