Artificial Vegetation and Feng Shui: Generally Not Harmful, Yet Avoid Placing Them in Specific Locations
In the world of Feng Shui, the emphasis on living energy, or 'sheng qi', makes real plants a preferred choice for promoting vitality and positivity. However, the use of fake plants is not entirely off-limits, and their acceptance depends on the intention and purpose behind their use.
Dee Oujiri, the style-savvy founder of Homes That Heal, blending Feng Shui strategy with biophilic design, advises that fake plants should be used in spaces that thrive off wood element energy. For instance, they can be suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. Dee Oujiri is a certified Feng Shui Red Ribbon Professional and biophilic design practitioner, transforming luxury properties into sanctuaries of wellness and prosperity.
One such favourite indoor succulent is the zebra plant, priced at £13 and 11 cm in size. Another low-maintenance option is the schefflera, priced at £29 and ranging from 70 to 80 cm in size. The satin pothos, a low-maintenance plant recommended for indoor gardening, is priced at £24 and comes in a 1-litre pot that is 25 cm in size.
However, it's important to note that fake plants do not carry living energy, which can sometimes trap stagnant energy, potentially disrupting the flow of beneficial Chi in your home. This is why some experts caution that fake plants might negatively affect your home's energy and mood, so the choice should be mindful and purposeful.
Nathalie Khouri, creative director and Feng Shui expert at Ralee, and a member of the International Feng Shui Guild association, confirms that decorating with fake plants is acceptable and can be great for homes not suitable for living plants. She advises against leaving ornamental fake plants or flowers in still water.
Anjie Cho, an architect and Feng Shui educator from New York, and co-founder of the Mindful Design Feng Shui School, agrees that fake plants are acceptable in homes with no natural light or for those who cannot care for live plants. She emphasises that if a living plant is specifically brought into a home for the purpose of enhancing Feng Shui, it is ideal to adopt a living plant instead of a fake one.
In summary, while real plants are preferred for Feng Shui because of their living energy, fake plants can be used selectively with thoughtful intention and placement to avoid disrupting energy flow. When decorating with faux plants, they should be placed in spaces that could nourish living plants or areas that need a touch of balance. As always, remember that the key to successful Feng Shui lies in mindfulness, intention, and understanding the unique energy dynamics of your space.
Fake plants, while not possessing living energy, can be used in spaces that thrive off energy associated with the wood element, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, as suggested by Dee Oujiri, the founder of Homes That Heal. However, it's crucial to be mindful about their use, as they may trap stagnant energy and potentially disrupt the flow of beneficial Chi in a home, as noted by Nathalie Khouri, creative director and Feng Shui expert at Ralee. Anjie Cho, a Feng Shui educator from New York, supports the use of fake plants in homes with no natural light or for those who cannot care for live plants, but emphasizes that a living plant, when specifically brought in for Feng Shui purposes, is ideal over a fake one. In decorating with faux plants, careful intention and placement should be considered to avoid disruptions in energy flow, and they can be used to bring a touch of balance to spaces that may struggle to support living plants.
