Suzanne Roynon of Interiors Therapy, speaks exclusively to Gardener’s Dream about the use of plants in Feng Shui to maximise health, prosperity and happiness.
Houseplants create stability and growth in the home
Suzanne explains why plants play an important role in Feng Shui: “In traditional Feng Shui, houseplants represent wood energy, a strong, versatile and uplifting element that creates stability and growth in the right place in a home.
They are also incredibly supportive of ‘fire energy’, which symbolises passion, creativity and transformation. All homes will benefit from tapping into and encouraging the areas of fire energy in their homes during the next 20 years, as we are entering a new period in Feng Shui where this energy is the most dominant, maximising the potential for growth and success.”
This common plant placement is keeping you stuck in life!
Suzanne says, “In Feng Shui terms, having too many houseplants, or keeping them in an inauspicious place, can cause their owners to feel stuck, entangled and struggle to move forward positively in life. This can be especially challenging if there are a number of quite large plants in one particular area of the home or if the plants have taken over.
Downward dangling growth plants and those with claws or barbs under the leaves are not regarded as helpful to Feng Shui, so limit those where possible and instead focus on upright, strong and flexible options to get the best from the energy they exude.”
Craig says, “Striking the right balance is key. Consider grouping plants of various heights and textures for visual interest whilst avoiding overcrowding. Grouping large plants such as monsteras with smaller plants like snake plants can even help with their individual growth and of course acts as a positive contribution to your space. Some plants worth avoiding for Feng Shui purposes include cactuses for their thorny appearances, and pothos’ for their drooping leaves.”
These houseplants are considered the luckiest
Suzanne explains, “The most renowned feng shui plants are jade plants – also known as ‘money plants’, which you will often see in oriental businesses – and bamboo. Bamboo is highly regarded for its upward growth, and around Chinese New Year, you’ll often find ‘lucky bamboo’ available in stores.
In general, Feng Shui recommends using plants with soft, rounded leaves which grow up rather than down. Fleshy leaves are considered to represent increasing wealth, and of course, if you forget to water the plant and the leaves shrivel, this has the opposite impact on your wallet.”
When it comes to caring for your lucky plants, Craig says, “To ensure your plants thrive, consider their individual care needs. For example, Money Plants prefer bright, indirect light and minimal watering, whilst Bamboo thrives in water or soil with consistent moisture and filtered sunlight.”
According to Feng Shui, these areas of your home would benefit from houseplants the most
Suzanne says, “One of the wonderful uses of larger plants is to slow down chi, or lifeforce energy. In many circumstances, chi rushes through a home, leaving the occupants tired, irritable and frustrated. This frequently happens where there is a clear view from the front door through the home or office to the back door or a large window.
Positioning plants to deflect the flow of chi into other parts of the property takes the pressure off the occupants and allows them to relax and enjoy their space.
A money plant is often a welcome addition in the wealth area – the southeast section of the home. While ferns and other houseplants can support bathrooms and wet areas provided sufficient light allows them to thrive.”
Craig adds, “When placing plants in bathrooms or areas with high humidity, ensure you choose the types that thrive in wet environments, like ferns or peace lilies. Not only do these plants enhance energy, but they also have additional benefits such as improving the air quality in damp spaces.”
These are the no-go areas for houseplants in Feng Shui
Suzanne summarises, “In 2025, there will be some particularly challenging energy sitting in the Northeast of properties that won’t support the wellbeing of plants. Additionally, this can increase stress and fatigue, leaving you feeling drained at home, as having plants in this area of your home can unintentionally influence emotions and mental clarity.
If you have an interest in traditional Feng Shui, I’d encourage you not to have plants in that location during this year.
We also recommend avoiding plants in the bedroom as they can contradict the energy in your room and negatively affect the quality of your sleep.”