Jade McgeeA few well-chosen houseplants can soften hard corners, lift a room’s mood, and, in classical feng shui, encourage fresh, circulating chi. Below is a clear, no-nonsense guide to the plants that work beautifully, where to put them for intention-led impact, and the care basics so they actually thrive.
First, a 30-second primer
In feng shui, living green plants embody the Wood element, which is associated with growth, flexibility and renewal. Used thoughtfully, they can support intentions like prosperity, harmony and focus. Rounded or heart-shaped leaves are considered gentler than very spiky specimens for everyday spaces.
The best feng shui plants and placements
Use the suggestions below as prompts, not pressure. Your light, airflow and routine matter as much as symbolism.
Money tree (Pachira aquatica) — prosperity with patience
Why it works: A classic “abundance” pick that symbolises steady growth. Good near an entry to “welcome” opportunities, in the south-east Wealth area, or in a work zone where you want momentum.
Care tip: Bright, indirect light; water when the top few centimetres of mix is dry. Avoid soggy trays.
Jade plant (Crassula ovata) — the “coins” of good fortune
Why it works: Evergreen, plump leaves echo the idea of stored wealth. Place in a sunny living space, home office or near the front door to set a prosperity intention. Avoid bathrooms and bedrooms if you follow traditional placement rules.
Care tip: Lots of light; allow soil to dry between thorough waterings.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) — calm and clarity
Why it works: Glossy foliage and white spathes bring a soft, harmonising presence to living areas and studies. Popular for “purifying” symbolism.
Care tip: Bright, indirect light, evenly moist soil.
Snake plant (Sansevieria) — protective boundary
Why it works: Upright, sword-like leaves can “stand guard” by a doorway or corridor where you want a firmer energetic edge. Use sparingly in bedrooms if you prefer softer shapes there.
Care tip: Tolerates low light and infrequent watering. Note for pet owners: sansevieria is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) — gentle connection
Why it works: Trailing, heart-shaped leaves cue relationship and self-care intentions. Lovely in living rooms and creative corners.
Care tip: Bright, indirect light; let the top layer of soil dry between waterings.
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) — grounded, steady growth
Why it works: Broad, glossy leaves feel substantial and stabilising in living spaces.
Care tip: Bright light, keep the compost lightly moist in growing season and a touch drier in winter.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) — easy flow
Why it works: Fast-growing trails bring a sense of movement and “plenty,” great for shelves or to soften a sharp cabinet corner.
Care tip: Forgiving of mixed light; water when slightly dry.
White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) — uplifting presence
Why it works: Tall, architectural leaves lift heavy corners and read as expansive Wood energy.
Care tip: Very bright light with some direct sun; allow soil to dry a little between waterings.
Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia) — rhythmic calm
Why it works: Decorative foliage that gently “prays” at night adds a soothing, ritual quality in snug spaces.
Care tip: Bright, indirect light; keep evenly moist with good humidity.
String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) — light-hearted touch
Why it works: A pretty nod to love and playfulness in small doses on a bookshelf or bathroom ledge.
Care tip: Bright light, lean watering.
Anthurium clarinervium — statement of affection
Why it works: Velvety, heart-shaped leaves bring a tactile “soft power” to bedrooms and lounges.
Care tip: Bright, filtered light; moderate moisture and humidity.
Bonus: a gentle no
Ultra-spiky cacti in pairs beside a bed can read as prickly in classical practice. If you love them, give them a sunny office or kitchen window instead.
Where to put plants, simply
Entry: One or two healthy plants to invite fresh chi and set the tone for the rest of the home. Snake plant for “guard” energy, money tree for welcome.
Wealth intentions: South-east zone of your home or the main room is the traditional Wealth gua; a vigorous money tree or jade plant fits here. Set a clear intention rather than over-stuffing the corner.
Focus zones: On or near a desk, choose compact forms with rounded leaves to balance screens and straight lines.
Bedrooms: Keep it soft and minimal. One calm, leafy plant is plenty.
High-traffic corridors: Use tall, upright forms to draw you through the space without clutter.
Make them thrive: the care that really matters
Light first, water second. Match the plant to the light you truly have, not the light you wish you had, then water deeply but less often, letting excess drain. Overwatering is the most common reason good intentions fail. For specific plants, the RHS care pages are gold for quick checks: money tree and rubber plant guidance are especially clear.
A quick safety note for pet parents
Some popular plants are toxic if nibbled. Snake plant is one; peace lily can also cause mouth irritation. Always cross-check new additions on the ASPCA database and site them out of reach if needed.
Common mistakes to avoid
Forcing symbolism where the plant will sulk. If your “wealth corner” is dark, pick a low-light-tolerant plant rather than dragging a sun-lover there.
Crowding. A single strong specimen can read more clearly than five struggling pots.
Skipping rotation. Quarter-turn a plant every watering for even growth.
Ignoring intention. Decide what the plant is “for” as you place it, and keep it healthy to keep that intention alive.
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