Feng Shui & Plants
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Plants are related to the wood element, which represents kindness, flexibility, growth, and new beginnings. Wood energy is also connected to the season of spring, and bringing plants inside during the springtime is a great way to harness the energy of the season.
Plants also allow us to connect to the cycles of nature. Even when they’re inside our homes, plants grow differently according to what is going on outside. During the colder months, their growth slows down to conserve energy. In the spring and summer, they generally grow faster, and new leaves appear.
Having plants in our homes also teaches us to care for other living beings. If you haven’t had good luck with houseplants in the past, be curious about what you can learn from those experiences. Did you not want to make a commitment to caring for something? Did you not pay attention to the conditions your plants needed to thrive?
If you’re unsure about your ability to keep a plant alive, start small, and start with something easy. One of our favorite plants for beginners is pothos. Make sure you do some research to find out what your plant needs in terms of light, water, and fertilizer so that you can set it up for success. A plant that is not getting enough light to thrive is not going to enhance your home’s feng shui. In terms of water, we’d recommend touching the soil to see how dry it is before watering, rather than sticking to a regular weekly schedule. Your plant might need more or less water in any given week depending on the current conditions.
Another thing to consider when you’re choosing a plant for a feng shui adjustment is that it’s generally recommended to add a plant with soft, round leaves. This brings soft, flowing energy into your home. Plants with pointed leaves or sharp thorns are not usually the best feng shui adjustments, but keep in mind that not everything in your home needs to be a feng shui adjustment. If you have a cactus that you love, don’t throw it out! It just wouldn’t be the best choice for a new plant that you’re planning to use as a feng shui adjustment, under most circumstances. There are situations where sharp, pointy plants can actually be supportive, and working with a feng shui consultant can help you determine when this might be appropriate for you.
If you want to learn more about feng shui and plants, be sure to check out our free plant guide. In it you’ll find room-by-room plant recommendations, a plant suggestion for each area of the bagua, and some of our favorite plants and tips!