14 Best Feng Shui Plants for Your Home

We already know that plants add some life and color into our spaces—but what if they could do more than that? According to Marianne Gordon of Feng Shui With Me, they can.

"Plants have innate positive chi, clear the air of allergens, and really do wonders for us," she says. "Much like caring for animals, caring for plants and the action of planting or watering elevates our chi and makes us true or more grounded," Gordon says.

Keep reading for more hidden benefits plants might have in our homes and, most importantly, Gordon's tips about where to place them to maximize their positive effects.

What is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is an age-old Chinese belief that our homes are a reflection of ourselves. As a practice, feng shui intends to align your environment (like your home or office) with who you are and where you're going. To practice feng shui, consider the things (even people!) you bring into your home, how you arrange them, and how you maintain your rooms. In feng shui, it's believed that everything, even inanimate objects, has energy (or chi.) Arranging your home according to its principles helps balance those energies and ensure it flows freely throughout your abode.

Gordon explains that the balance of elements like water, earth, and fire are important in our homes, which, in the 21st century, are predominantly filled with the metal element. Plants—associated with the wood element—are believed to adjust that balance. "We are wired to feel at ease in the company of nature," Gordon explains.

How to Choose the Best Feng Shui Plant for Your Home

That said, Gordon warns against having too many plants at home: "When decorating with plants, be mindful that too many wood elements will also stall your thinking process. In order to think and feel clearly, we need other elements in our lives, so don't create a jungle that overrules your house."

Gordon adds that where you put your plants can have an impact on your mental clarity and suggests understanding your home's bagua map (aka feng shui's floor plan to bringing good intentions to your home). Plants that support positivity give your home a karmic boost when placed in your wealth or prosperity corner. According to traditional feng shui methods, this means the southeastern corner of your home, or by Western methods, the back left corner of your home (when facing the front door). On the other hand, consider avoiding cacti, which feng shui experts say can have "spiky" or negative energy. The good news is that there are many plants that inspire positive and abundant vibes.

Ready to bring the right intentions into your home while clearing the air and practicing your green-thumb skills? These 12 plants are Gordon's holy grail of good luck and fortune.