Here are the most popular (and hard working) plants for any space

There are many feng shui decorating cures for you to choose from when you decide to create good energy. Some are easier to introduce to your home than others, and some might look really strange and out of place. There is one popular feng shui cure though, that most people love and have no problem bringing into their personal or working spaces.

The appropriateness of plants in any space  – as opposed to such feng shui symbols as Fu Dogs, for example, or even the Laughing Buddha – is indisputable. The lush and vibrantly beautiful energy of plants is loved, welcomed and accepted, often without knowing that it also serves as a potent cure. Not only plants are an excellent feng shui cure for any indoor space, be it home or office, there are also specific plants that are considered to be the best. Is this true, though?

What makes them more special than other plants? Are all plants equal when it comes to creating good energy? More importantly, which plants are the best feng shui plants for your home?

Before I answer these questions, note I am not including the Lucky Bamboo and the Money Plant here, even though these are very popular feng shui plants. My approach to feng shui is very practical, so in recommending plants as good energy cures, I first go for the ones with most benefits.

Are all plants equal in feng shui?

In terms of good feng shui energy, any plant that is vibrant, lush and healthy will bring good energy, there is no question about it. Of course, each plant has its own personality, so some will be more suited for a specific space than others. While the lush Areca palm brings a flowing, soft, and gently vibrant energy to any space, the Snake plant (also called the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) will bring a very different quality of energy and will require a careful placement in your home.

Compare the energy and the look of the stunning Peace Lily that brings soft grace and peaceful beauty to any space with the Cactus plant, for example. These plants are all beautiful and unique but very different in the energy they create.

While the Areca Palm and the Peace Lily can be freely placed in any space that will support their well-being (and ultimately yours, too); the Snake plant and the Cactus are best used as protective feng shui cures and placed either by the front door or by a big window (and most definitely not in any bedroom, be it yours, your children’s or your guest bedroom.) So, in this respect, no plant is better than the other, it is about the difference in the energetic function they fulfill.

Which plants are most popular in feng shui?

In addition to the specific energy of each plant, which can be easily defined by its overall shape, look and feel, there are two plants that are considered popular cures according to the classical school of feng shui: the Lucky Bamboo and the Money Plant mentioned above.

The Lucky Bamboo plant is very popular and well known, its sophisticated language of the number of stalks and their meaning, and specific items as expressions of feng shui elements, can be easy to understand. When it comes to the Money plant, there is quite a bit of confusion, because there are three Money plants in feng shui, not just one (read about the several plants considered the Money plant here).

Which feng shui plants are best for my home?

Choosing plants for your space should be a joyful process that is guided by your own likes and dislikes. You know your home better than anyone else – and it is your home – so bring the plants that you like and want to see and care for. Research specific needs of the plants you like is an obvious step in this process. Part of this research — and the one I always highly recommend — is to see if any of the air purifying plants are to your liking because they are really great energy helpers.

There are many air-purifying plants you can choose from, some clear more pollutants than others. Here are 8 most popular plants that will not only clear the air of most pollutants, but also create good feng shui in any space.

1.

The Areca Palm

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

It removes the majority of indoor toxins and it is a gracious beauty to behold. This plant is usually widely available (IKEA often has it in stock), it is inexpensive and easy to care for.

2.

The Lady Palm

Rhapis excelsa

Really easy to care for, this palm plant also removes most indoor toxins, but it might take a bit of time to locate it.

3.

The Bamboo Palm 

Chamaedorea seifrizii

This palm is very similar to Areca palm, shares the same gorgeous look and strong air purifying powers: it removes the top three toxins found in most spaces (benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde).

4.

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica

This plant has become quite popular in recent years because of its attractive look, ease of care (it can tolerate low levels of light) and the job it does (it is excellent at removing most indoor toxins).

5.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

The unique grace of Peace Lily is unsurpassed among all feng shui plants in creating a peaceful feeling in any space. This beauty is not only easy to care for, it also does a great job of clearing out most toxins.

6.

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

This cheerful beauty not only compliments most home decor styles, it also does a great job of cleaning indoor air. It can be a bit of high maintenance, so be ready to put more consistent care to help it thrive.

7.

English Ivy

Hedera helix

Found in many public spaces (and considered invasive in the forest near where I live),  this hardy plant is really easy to please. If you like its look, this is a keeper; it will stand by you even if you neglect it for a while.

8.

Dracaena Jenny Craig

Dracaena fragrans

Very easy to take care of, tolerant of low levels of light, and a hero in cleaning the indoor air of a variety of pollutants. I had one in my bathroom many years ago, and we loved it there; it was thriving.

As you can see, there are many choices you can look at when choosing plants for your home. There are many more that I did not include here with air purifying talents close to our top 8 plants. You can also look into the spider plant, the snake plant, golden pothos, the corn plant, and the multitasking medicine genius aloe vera.

I encourage you to visit a good gardening store and just hang out with these plants for a bit. As with people, you will get a sense who you want to develop a relationship with, and who you better leave for others to enjoy.

Feature image via shopterrain.com; areca palm via pinterest; lady palm via leonandgeorge.com; bamboo palm via bloomspace.co; rubber plant via prickleplants.co.uk; peace lily via pinterest; boston fern via pinterest; english ivy via happyhouseplants.co.uk; dracaena jenny craig via oldbrandnew.com