15 Top Feng Shui Plants to Enhance Your Home’s Energy

In addition to enhancing the look of a room, plants bring the natural energy of the outdoors into your home or office. According to feng shui principles, houseplants can be beneficial to your personal energy as well. However, when it comes to choosing the best plants for positive feng shui, there are certain guidelines to follow.

Plants and Feng Shui

In feng shui, incorporating live plants strengthens the wood element, which is connected to growth, action, and vitality. The wood element also promotes compassion, kindness, and flexibility. Furthermore, the color green—common among many plants—is associated with renewal and rejuvenation.

While there aren’t necessarily “good” or “bad” feng shui plants, the practice emphasizes balance and interconnectedness. Certain plants are generally recommended to promote positive energy, while others may be less ideal for fostering harmonious vibes.

Plants and the Bagua

A great way to use plants for feng shui is by placing them in specific bagua areas, which represent various aspects of your life. Below is an overview of each of the nine bagua areas and how houseplants can enhance that space’s energy.

• Family (Zhen): Plants here can promote growth and support in family matters, while also stimulating progress if you feel stuck.
• Wealth (Xun): For attracting prosperity and abundance, a plant in this area can be beneficial.
• Health (Tai Qi): Placing plants in the center of your home can support your overall wellbeing and restore balance in all aspects of your life.
• Helpful People (Qian): A plant in this area invites support and assistance when needed.
• Children (Dui): To encourage growth in your children or projects, place a plant in this area, or if you have difficulty completing tasks, it can be a helpful energy booster.
• Knowledge (Gen): Houseplants placed in the knowledge area support personal growth and self-awareness.
• Fame and Reputation (Li): To enhance visibility and recognition, plants in the fame area can boost the fire element and amplify your presence.
• Career (Kan): Placing plants in your career area fosters professional growth and boosts wisdom.
• Partnership (Kun): Plants here help nurture kindness, understanding, and flexibility in relationships.

Challenging Feng Shui Plants

In feng shui, sharp or “sha qi” energy—often from pointy objects—can drain personal energy. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid spiky plants, such as cacti, which may not support positive energy. Similarly, a neglected or dying plant can create draining energy, so be sure to keep plants healthy and well-maintained.

Fake plants can be tricky in feng shui, as they must appear lifelike to have any positive effect. High-quality, realistic-looking fake plants are the exception, as they can offer some benefits if they replicate natural plants well.

The Best Feng Shui Plants

Most plants are great for feng shui if they’re cared for properly. Plants with soft, rounded leaves tend to promote a gentle and nourishing energy. Below are some of the top feng shui plants to incorporate into your home.

1. Jade

Known as a money plant, jade (Crassula spp.) brings calm and serene energy with its rounded leaves.

• Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Keep moist but not soggy during growing season
• Mature Size: Up to 5 feet tall

1. Snake Plant

The snake plant (Nephrolepis exaltata) offers protection and strength, even though its appearance may seem sharp.

• Soil: Sandy, well-drained, slightly acidic
• Light: Bright, indirect to low light
• Water: Water when soil is completely dry
• Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall

1. Golden Pothos

This easy-to-care-for plant (Epipremnum aureum) is known for its ability to promote prosperity and positive energy.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
• Light: Works well in most light conditions
• Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil dry out
• Mature Size: Vines can grow up to 10 feet long

1. Money Tree

A symbol of wealth and good fortune, the money tree (Pachira aquatica) has a braided trunk and is easy to maintain.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral
• Light: Bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some shade
• Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
• Mature Size: Up to 8 feet tall

1. Areca Palm

This large palm (Dypsis lutescens) encourages the flow of positive energy and thrives in bright, indirect light.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Water: Water when soil dries out
• Mature Size: Up to 7 feet tall

1. Boston Fern

A great option for smaller spaces, the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) brings balance and harmony into your home.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
• Light: Partial shade to bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil moist, water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall

1. Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is known for its symbolism of growth and adaptability, with different stalk numbers corresponding to various areas of life.

• Soil: Water or moist, well-drained soil, acidic
• Light: Moderate light
• Water: Change water frequently if kept in water, or keep soil moist but not soggy
• Mature Size: Up to 5 feet tall

1. Anthurium Clarinervium

This plant’s velvety leaves are a perfect addition to feng shui, bringing love and positive energy into your home.

• Soil: Loose, airy, well-draining, neutral to acidic
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
• Mature Size: Leaves up to 6 inches wide

1. Bird of Paradise

With its lush leaves and vibrant flowers, the bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) fosters passion and creativity.

• Soil: Loamy, slightly acidic
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil moist, water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
• Mature Size: Up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide

10. Peace Lily
Known for its beautiful white flowers and dark green leaves, the peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) attracts good luck and wealth.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
• Light: Most light conditions are fine
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: Up to 4 feet tall and wide

11. Chinese Money Plant
With its coin-shaped leaves, the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) symbolizes prosperity and is easy to propagate.

• Soil: Well-drained, neutral to acidic
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the soil is dry to the touch
• Mature Size: Up to 1 foot tall

12. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) promotes the flow of positive energy through its large oval leaves.

• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic loamy soil
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
• Mature Size: Up to 10 feet tall

13. String of Hearts
A whimsical trailing plant (Ceropegia woodii) that brings balance and harmony with its heart-shaped leaves.

• Soil: Well-draining, neutral to acidic
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade
• Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings
• Mature Size: Vines can grow up to 12 feet long

14. Peacock Plant
The peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) features beautifully painted leaves and is believed to promote abundance and prosperity.

• Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
• Light: Bright, indirect light (avoid direct sunlight)
• Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
• Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide

15. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is known for its soothing properties and also brings good luck while warding off negative energy.

• Soil: Sandy, acidic
• Light: Full or partial sun
• Water: Let soil dry out in winter, keep moist during the growing season
• Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide

FAQ

What is the best feng shui plant for luck?
The Chinese money plant is often considered the best feng shui plant for luck.

How should I place plants in my living room for the best feng shui?
Place prosperity plants in the southeast, while health and fortune plants should go in the east side of the room.