For a good reason, houseplants are becoming more popular- they give any space a natural, organic feel and can even enhance the air quality in your house. But could houseplants be giving off bad vibes?
We rounded up expert advice to see which feng shui plants you should avoid and those that bring positive energy.
The Goal: Creating an Inviting & Harmonious Environment
For those new to feng shui, let’s start with some background.
According to Katie Rodgers, who runs Wind Horse School of Feng Shui, the goal is: “In Feng Shui, the name of the game is a harmonious and inviting environment.
“There are some textures and colors and shapes that feel good and others that can create a jarring or uncomfortable effect. Sometimes this is subtle, but it becomes obvious if you know some basic rules around the Feng Shui principles.”
We’ll go further into what Katia alludes to with each of the plants below.
Now that we know the goal of feng shui, how do plants fit into it? Eddie Tee provides the answer: “While plants are not necessary for a homeowner to practice feng shui, they can play a prominent role when used right.
“They bring life force into living spaces, add the wood element that can balance the energy make up of certain areas, and can also be used to counteract hostile energy present in a living area, etc.
“But of course, there are good and bad plants to have in the house. Saying that, take note this is a generalization. Even bad plants can be good, depending on the circumstances of the residence. For example, a bad plant might not be so bad after all if it can defuse hostile energy in the living room.”
Two Popular Houseplants: Bad Feng Shui
If you’re into feng shui and want to avoid bad vibes in your home, avoid these two common houseplants.
1.) Cactus
Eddie explains why the spikey cactus should be avoided: “The cactus is generally frowned upon by feng shui practitioners because it’s covered with many spikes. And it is a plant that is known for its thorns. This is unlike the rose, which also has thorns but is known for its beauty.
The cactus has so many thorns that it can emit negative energy that disrupts the energy flow of the living space.
If for instance, it is placed in the corner of the house associated with relationship luck, then relationships and romance can suffer.”
Katie also explains why one should avoid spikes indoors and out: “there are plants that have what is known as shars, which can create an imbalance in the space.
“Anything with sharp points falls under this category. These plants represent being too guarded or having an edge and are the opposite of welcoming.
“This includes indoor plants and outdoor, as you want to create an inviting energy on the entire property.”
So, although you should avoid cactus indoors, they can work to your advantage outdoors.
Patricia Lohan, the Founder of PowerHouse Feng Shui and author, states: “I’ve recommended using cacti to clients outside their homes that have neighbors who are noisy or whom they have issues with the energy of the cacti has worked time & time again to distance the neighbors away; also the issues, hence why I don’t recommend inside.”
2.) Bonsai Tree
After seeing TV shows, or movies of spiritual munks trimming bonsai, you would think they would give off good vibes. But, unfortunately, that is not the case.
Eddie provides more guidance: “The bonsai is not exactly a term that represents a plant, but rather a description of how it is grown. It is trendy as they can look absolutely gorgeous with proper care.
“But because it is a stunted plant, it represents adversity in growth and progression.
“This is why it is not ideal to place one in the living room, home office, and study.”
Other Houseplants That Bring Bad Feng Shui
There are other bad feng shui houseplants to avoid, including:
- Prickly pear cacti. (Opuntia spp. and cvs.)
- Agaves. (Agave spp. and cvs.)
- New Zealand flaxes. (Phormium spp. and cvs.)
- Sea hollies. (Eryngium spp. and cvs.)
- Sotols. (Dasylirion spp.)
- Hesperaloes. (Hesperaloe spp. and cvs.)
- Yuccas. (Yucca spp. and cvs.)
Johanna Augusta also explains the popular Umbrella tree and Weeping fig tree plant should be avoided: “One popular house plant that is believed to bring bad Feng Shui is the Schefflera, also known as an umbrella tree.
“This is due to the shape of its leaves, which resemble swords or knives. Some people feel that having this plant in your home can cause arguments and disharmony within your family.
“Another common house plant that is believed to bring bad Feng Shui is the Ficus Benjamina, also known as the weeping fig. This is because it can be difficult to care for and often gives off negative energy due to its low maintenance requirements.”
Fake Plants: Dead Dust Collectors
Patricia also points out that fake plants are bad feng shui: “Artificial plants are also not advised in feng shui. Because Feng Shui is about Qi-flow, everything is moving, and you want to ensure that the energy is flowing and not getting stuck, so we don’t advise artificial plants.
“Artificial plants, in my opinion, function almost like dust collectors. When they gather dust, they also gather Qi, which eventually becomes stagnant because it isn’t moving or breathing. Conversely, plants move, breathe, and grow at their own pace, albeit very slowly.”
2 Popular House Plants Bring Good Feng Shui
After reading about the plants that can harm feng shui, you might wonder what will bring you good vibes instead of bad.
The first thing to mention is you want your plants to be healthy. As Katie explains: “Healthy plants, in general, bring life into a space, which is good Feng Shui. There is a vibrant chi, which loosely translates to life force to most plants, and some are even considered lucky.”
Two main plants will bring good feng shui.
1.) Orchids
Eddie explains why orchids are good plants: “The orchid is one of the favorites among homeowners who want to decorate their interiors with flowers.
“They come in a multitude of colors, small sizes suitable for table displays, and symbolize love and perfection.
“If a homeowner wants flowers at home but is unable to decide which, orchids are a safe bet.”
2.) Jade Plant
The Jade plant could be an excellent choice if you’re hoping to bring good luck into your life. Again, Eddie provides more detail: “The jade plants a symbol for attracting good luck in business and career. This is partly because of its thick succulent leaves in proportion to the size of the plant.”
You can use them indoors and out: “They are not just suitable outdoors but also come in small sizes that only take up a little table space.
“A very nice and appropriate plant for coffee tables, home offices, living rooms, etc.”
Other Good Feng Shui Plants
Other plants than the two listed above can bring good vibes. Katie explains that one essential aspect is low-maintenance: “Plants that are considered the luckiest are the ones that are the easiest to care for. In Feng Shui, symbolism is important, so plants with round leaves that look like coins are thought to bring abundance.”
Other potential plants include:
- Money trees (Pachira aquatica)
- Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
- Philodendron
- Jade plant
- Swiss-cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Katie lists other examples: “One popular example is the Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Sansevieria trifasciata. This plant is said to promote a strong sense of determination and help you achieve your goals in life.
“Another house plant that is believed to bring good Feng Shui is the Peace Lily, also known as Spathiphyllum. This plant has been shown to remove harmful toxins from the air and help reduce stress levels in your home or office.”
Patricia states that money trees symbolize upward growth, and that’s something we want to draw more into our life.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.