Feng Shui Plants for Air Purification

Feng shui and plants go hand-in-hand. Indoor houseplants are one of the most effective ways to immediately shift the feng shui of your home. When we invite a little nature into our indoor spaces, we lift the energy and also improve the indoor air quality.

What Are the Good (and Bad) Feng Shui Plants?

There is also some science behind this connection between plants and air quality. In 1989, NASA explored and tested a selection of houseplants and measured how they purify the air. (Read the “NASA Clean Air Study” here). As humans, we have evolved together with nature and plants. It’s only very recently in our history that we have moved to spend the majority of our time indoors without connection to fresh air and nature. Luckily, houseplants can help! They help to remove toxins from the air and bring nature qi (life force energy) into our homes.

Tip

Most of these air-purifying plants require moist, well-drained soil. Keeping roots too damp can result in root-rot, shortening your plant’s life.

Here’s a round-up of our favorite house plants that purify the air and bring in good feng shui.

01. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The lovely thing about this plant is that it is easy to care for. Even with much neglect, the golden pothos can still survive. It’s quite forgiving. It has soft heart-shaped leaves, echoing self-love and kindness. The pothos is also lovely as a cascading hanging plant, which is uplifting and invites wood energy at and above eye level.

• Light: Medium to low, indirect light.
• Water: Allow it to dry out between waterings.

02. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)

Also known as an emerald palm or eternity plant, the ZZ plant has strong branches with thick and waxy leaves. This plant can hold a lot of water and survive droughts. This plant is a favorite for the Family and New beginnings (Zhen) area of your home. It will assist to support your family through difficult times.

• Light: Medium to bright, indirect light. Tolerates low light.
• Water: Allow it to dry out between waterings.

03. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata)

A super popular houseplant right now, the fiddle leaf fig tree is a little finicky, so be prepared! One of the beautiful lessons that houseplants teach us is patience, kindness and love for something outside ourselves. The fiddle leaf fig tree will require your attention, but in turn it will also teach you wisdom if you’re open to it. Just like you, it will need sun, water and T.L.C.! If you can use a little more self-care in your life, try one of these in your Knowledge (Gen) area of your home.

• Light: Filtered bright to full sun.
• Water: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.

04. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

This plant has sword-like leaves, which offers a protective energy when included in your home. In fact, snake plant fibers used to be cultivated for bowstrings which further exemplifies the idea of protection. In addition, the snake plant actually releases oxygen at night. So, the snake plant is a superb choice for the bedroom as it can provide security as well as oxygenate the air!

• Light: Medium to bright, indirect light. Tolerates low light.
• Water: Allow it to dry out between waterings.

05. Gerbera Daisy Plants (Gerbera)

Known for its friendly, wide-eyed blooms, Gerbera daisy potted plants improve indoor air quality. The cheerful quality of the flowers also brings in good feng shui. In feng shui, flowers are useful to unstick anything that’s stuck. The colors of the flowers can be selected for your feng shui aspiration. Red for passion and inspiration. Yellow for healthy and grounding. Pink for self-love. Purple for abundance. And remember, the plant is still a living being even when it’s not flowering, so take care of it.

• Light: Bright filtered light.
• Water: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.

06. Rubber Tree Plant (Ficus elastica)

Another favorite low-maintenance plant is the rubber tree. The broad leaves can soften and add wood elements to any room in your home. The wood element can support healing and growth. In addition, a rubber tree plant is a perfect feng shui add for a dark corner that needs a little more life energy.

• Light: Medium to bright, indirect light. Tolerates bright direct light.
• Water: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.

07. Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

Moth orchids are another plant that releases oxygen at night. So, it’s a good choice for the bedroom. In feng shui, we also use orchid plants (also in the bedroom) to invite an upright and noble romantic partner! If you’re single and looking, and/or not sleeping well, maybe it’s time for an orchid on your nightstand.

A reminder that even if the blooms wither, the plant is still alive. Part of the feng shui adjustment is to hang in there and take care of the plant, even when it doesn’t look as pretty as it did when it was brand new.

• Light: The bright, indirect sun.
• Water: Water sparingly; ensure good drainage.

08. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are easy to care for and easy to propagate. Before you know it, your little plant sprouts new babies all over the place. One of mother nature’s teachings is on generosity. She is abundant and always giving. The spider plant teaches us to share and connect with our friends and loved ones. You can start by gifting the baby spider plants. Because of this connection with generosity, the spider plant is helpful to place in the Wealth and Prosperity (Xun) corner of your home.

• Light: Bright indirect sunlight.
• Water: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.

09. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera)

This stunning tropical plant is a statement addition to any home. Besides its air purifying properties, it’s great for the Fame and Recognition (Li) area of your home. This living green houseplant represents a wood element that can feed the fire of the Fame area.

• Light: Medium to bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil moist at all times; provide good drainage.

10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily is a great beginner houseplant that flowers a bloom that resembles a lily. The name in itself has a good energy to it, who doesn’t want a little bit of peace in their lives? The delicate green leaves invoke a wood element, which invites growth when placed as a feng shui adjustment in any of the Bagua areas.

• Light: Moderate indirect light.
• Water: Water frequently; avoid chlorine