Plants and flowers are life energy in Feng Shui and connect with the Wood element of the Bagua map. I am useless with indoor plants and stick to flowers or a few outdoor annuals – more on that later. Let’s point out the obvious; no dying or spiky plants and avoid dried flowers. According to the Bagua Map, plants are best placed in the Wood, Water and Fire sectors as Water helps wood to grow and Wood feeds fire. However; even in these sections you need to be cautious. Use the colours carefully to match the areas and to enhance the energy.
Natural Materials
If, like me, you tend to kill plants, choose other materials. There are some beautiful and realistic silk and cotton flowers available and they can look great in the right vase. Peonies and orchids look particularly realistic. Avoid dried flowers or old pine cones as they symbolise death in Feng Shui. Avoid twisted pieces of wood, branches and dead bamboo. They look chic but send the same message.
I Don’t Like Lucky Bamboo!
Feng Shui enthusiasts know about recommended plants; tiny bamboo, jade and money plants. The peace lily, which I associate with funerals, is also often recommended. Don’t worry, find the plants that speak to you and that harmonise with your living space. Orchids are lovely and symbolise calm, purple is perfect for the Wealth sector and pink for the relationship corner or Inner Knowledge sector. Citrus trees such as a cumquats, symbolise wealth and a pair of them in pots can look wonderful in the Health and Wealth sectors.
Where Not To Have Plants
Logically, you would think Earth feeds Wood, however Wood drains the earth of energy. Therefore, the Earth sectors should avoid having indoor plants placed there. Metal cuts down Wood and will also drain the energy of Wood. The centre of your whole living space and each room is the heart of the area and needs to be as clear as possible. If you have a wooden floor like many of us, don’t panic, put a natural fibre, warm toned rug as a remedy.
Rooms to avoid are common sense, bedrooms – too much energy and there is a trend to put climbing ivy around the bedhead. Best to avoid this as it is too active. Kitchens – again common sense not to put large plants that could catch fire, small herbs are fine but make sure you use them and keep them alive. Bathrooms – this is such a Water area and best to get a Feng Shui expert to view the whole bathroom as a plant in a negative area could double the negativity.
And Where to Have Plants
Obviously the Wood areas where the Health/Family and Wealth sectors are will add further energy to these sectors. Remember Wood feeds Fire so placing active plants in bright reds and hot pinks can add energy. I have a mini garden where I place annuals and have enjoyed placing a range of plants in purple, red and pink – not my usual colours and they attract my attention when I work. I also love seeing the bumble bees land and the birds that they attract.
