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By now, you probably know that plants can have a major impact on your space—they can make you more productive, help you breathe a little easier, and keep you feeling at ease. And some, in particular, are just the thing when you need a dose of good vibes. In an excerpt from the upcoming book Plant Tribe, authors Judith de Graaff and Igor Josifovic explain the best ones to pick for feng shui and how to arrange them in your home.
According to feng shui, any plant that is vibrant, lush, and healthy will bring good energy—so the most important principle is to keep your greenery happy. Whatever plant is dear to your heart and makes you smile is the right plant for your home. Principles and rules are one thing, but nothing beats your intuition and feelings. So go for what invigorates you!
Decorate your home with plants in a way that you like and suits your personal style. In general, the addition positively impacts our mental and physical health; they are beneficial for our creativity and help us unwind and focus.
Another rule concerns the growing conditions in your home. The levels of light, temperature, and humidity should always be considered when deciding on plant placement.
The principles of feng shui add another dimension. Plants are used to attract love, to increase learning abilities and prosperity, and to improve overall luck. The principles work based on the bagua areas of your home, defined by the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). Greenery is part of the wood element and thus ideal for the east, southeast, and south bagua areas. The north area should have only a few plants. But here again, we believe in the power of your plant-loving intuition; wherever you feel plants are thriving and making you happy, that’s where you should place them!
If you want to boost the positive energy in the space where you live, add one or a few of the following:
Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
This hardy succulent, it’s claimed, supports the luck of its owners. The fleshy, round leaves symbolize good fortune, and the plant is best placed in areas of the home connected to money and success. So how about adding one to your home office?
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
In feng shui practice, this plant is considered the most favorable when it comes to good energy.Lucky bamboo activates stagnant energy and enhances the flow of positive energy throughout the home. It can go literally anywhere in your space!
Orchids
In feng shui, orchids are connected to serenity and love. They help improve relationships, promote peace, and enhance a serene atmosphere. They are best placed in the relationship corners of your home (those areas where we tend to be closer to our significant other)—one ideal place is the bedroom but it can also be near the sofa or the tub, basically anywhere you live out your relationship. And orchids come in a huge variety. So if you’re not a big fan of the common phalaenopsis orchid (which can be found in most supermarkets), opt for a more exotic beauty like a cymbidium.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
The Boston fern is considered a welcoming plant. It is best placed in your entrance area or workspace. This lush species is also one of the greatest natural air purifiers, making it a true good-energy plant for every space!
Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica)
Like the jade plant, the money tree is believed to enhance abundance and prosperity. Add one to your living room or home office for an uplifting effect on your work and creativity.
Herbs Such as Basil, Rosemary, and Thyme
These fragrant plants will bring positivity into your space in an instant. The aroma infuses rooms and heightens our sense of smell. They are believed to bring good energy and are a perfect addition to kitchens.
Excerpt courtesy of Abrams Books. Plant Tribe: Living Happily Ever After with Plants is available March 17, 2020.
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