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FSIM strives to provide educational news and information from the various schools of Feng Shui thought and related perspectives on space, design, and environment. The following articles were written by speakers at FSIM meetings or by Practitioner members. The topics are wide-ranging, from dowsing to design.
Feng Shui and Plants
From: Renata Senatore
Do you like fresh and uplifting energy in your home? Most of us would say yes indeed!
Feng Shui is an ancient art and science that uses the energy of the universe to balance individuals with their environment. What can we do to welcome such an energy into our homes? How? Hmm…get yourself a cup of coffee to uplift your own momentum and let’s see what you can do to invite positive energy into your space…and please leave a few drops of coffee on the bottom of your cup and after reading this article, you will find out why!
Say goodbye to what you don’t want and create what you aspire.
There are many options to choose from when it comes to uplifting energy in your home. Decluttering, cleaning, space clearing, and individual cleansing are just a few, and yes, they are necessary undertakings to get rid of old negative energy to make a space for new fresh uplifting energy to come.
Eliminating things that no longer serve us and the associated negative energy allows for new, uplifting energy to come along. In Feng Shui the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water are used to create a harmonious environment that supports us physically and emotionally. Which element is associated with growth, rejuvenation, and uplifting energy? Yes, you are right, it’s the wood element, element associated with the energy of growth, revival, and natural nourishment. How do you feel after taking a long nature walk submerging yourself in all the graciousness of the luscious trees? Revived, rejuvenated, young and full of energy? Most likely that’s the inner feeling you’ll get after such a walk. Why not bring this rejuvenating energy to our home? How? I am not asking you to plant a tree in the middle of your living room, but you can certainly spruce up your place by introducing living houseplants to your environment. I hear... "but I don't have a green thumb", "every plant I had did not survive", "I don't have time to water my plants", or "I travel a lot".Well, these are all valid concerns and I hear you, but there are plants that can withhold overwatering and underwatering, thrive in shaded areas or dark corners and would be quite OK if you didn't say hello to them for a couple of months. Surprised? Sure, you need to know which houseplants are the best ones that can be your new best friend.
Why plants? What can they do for us? Which one should I buy?
NASA recommends one plant every 100 square feet.1 People will most likely purchase a plant to put in the living room, dining room, office or even a bedroom (no-no). Incorporating plants into our environment will not only make our space more beautiful but will also have a major impact on our physical and emotional well-being.
What plants are low maintenance for people who travel a lot or don’t have a “green thumb”?
Overall, most plants are great, but plants with lush round leaves fostering nourishing energy are recommended for the best Feng Shui. Some require more care than others, but the Peace Lily, with its lush green leaves and white flowers, falls into the category of a low maintenance plant. This plant does well in shaded areas of the home and requires its soil to dry out between waterings.
Devil’s Ivy, or Pothos, also belongs to the category of low maintenance plants. This is a very sturdy plant that does well in low light conditions and is a great beginner plant! Excited? Just make sure the soil dries out completely between waterings, otherwise the roots will rot. This plant could last you for many years to come and is also a great gift for a college student who lives in the dorms!
What plants should I avoid at all costs? Is there such a plant?
There sure is! The plant to avoid at all costs is a Cactus, any type. This plant with its spiky nature can bring bad energy to the home and therefore is to be avoided. Afterall, we want to bring uplifting, positive energy to our space, but this plant, according to Feng Shui, can be detrimental to our well-being causing all sorts of issues including stress and anxiety. So, no-no to a cactus in our space!
Do plants like coffee?
Yes, they do! Do you remember, at the beginning of the article I asked you to save some coffee? Well, plants like coffee, which acts as a fertilizer. Composted coffee grounds are an excellent nourishment for plants too due to their high nitrogen content, calcium, and magnesium. You can either sprinkle some composted coffee grounds on to the soil of the plant or dilute black coffee with water and water your plants. Now that you know what plants can do for you, and what you can do for your plants, go out there and bring some new fresh uplifting energy to your home!