The integration of plants into residential spaces is a significant aspect of Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture. According to the provided source material, plants are not merely decorative elements but living entities that contribute to the energy balance of a home. They primarily represent the earth and air elements and are deeply connected to the well-being of the inhabitants. When selected and placed correctly, plants can purify the air, attract positive energy, improve family health, support financial stability, and remove negativity. Conversely, incorrect placement or the selection of unsuitable plants can disturb the energy balance. The core principle of Vastu regarding plants is to align them with nature’s flow and the specific directional energies of the home.
The sources emphasize that plant Vastu is about tuning the space with nature’s rhythm. It is a practice that goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on the vibrational impact of greenery. The following sections detail the best plants for home environments, the crucial role of directional placement, specific recommendations for different areas of the house, and remedies for correcting minor Vastu defects using plants.
Best Plants for Home as per Vastu
Certain plants are considered especially auspicious in Vastu Shastra due to their inherent energy and spiritual significance. The selection of these plants is the first step toward harmonizing a home’s environment.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi is regarded as one of the most powerful Vastu plants. It is considered pure and auspicious, possessing strong spiritual energy that emits positivity. Its benefits include spiritual protection, air purification, and the promotion of health. It is also believed to attract peace, wealth, happiness, and good luck. According to Vastu principles, Tulsi should be planted in the North, East, or North-East direction of the home. It must be avoided in the South and South-West directions and should not be placed near toilets.
Money Plant: The Money plant is renowned for its ability to bring wealth and abundance to a household. To harness its financial benefits, it is best planted in the Southeast direction of a home.
Lucky Bamboo: Lucky Bamboo is another plant associated with attracting money and financial success. When placed correctly, it is believed to bring prosperity. It is also recommended for balancing relationship issues when placed in the East direction.
Jade Plant: Similar to the Money plant and Lucky Bamboo, the Jade plant is believed to attract wealth and financial success when placed in the appropriate location within the home.
Coconut, Pine, and Lemon Trees: These trees are considered beneficial for health as they brighten their surroundings. Among them, the Lemon tree is particularly regarded as the best for curing Vastu dosha (defects). A Sandalwood tree is also considered auspicious.
Snake Plant: The Snake Plant is valued for its air-purifying properties, particularly at night. It is also used as a remedy to remove negativity from the fire zones (South direction) of a home.
Lavender: Lavender is recommended for bedrooms because it improves sleep quality.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is known to calm and cool a space. It is also recommended for the kitchen window to improve health and healing.
Peace Lily: The Peace Lily is beneficial in bedrooms as it helps reduce the effects of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation.
Other Beneficial Plants: * Areca Palm: Suitable for the North direction. * Bamboo: Ideal for the East direction. * Flowering Plants: Can be placed in the West direction. * ZZ and Spider Plants: Hardy air-purifying plants that can be used in bathrooms if necessary, though live plants are generally discouraged there.
Direction-Specific Plant Recommendations
The direction where a plant is placed has a profound impact on its energetic function. Vastu Shastra provides a detailed guide on which plants are suitable for each cardinal direction and what should be avoided.
East Direction: The East represents the rising sun, new beginnings, and vitality. Plants in this direction should enhance these qualities. Ideal plant types for the East include those with rounded, medium-sized leaves, which balance the water element associated with this direction. Specific recommendations are Bamboo and Aloe Vera. Bonsai plants should be avoided in the East.
North Direction: The North is associated with prosperity and opportunities. Suitable plants for this direction include Tulsi and Areca Palm. It is important to avoid placing heavy pots in the North, as this is discouraged. Cactus and dead plants should also be kept out of this zone.
North-East Direction: The North-East is a highly sensitive and auspicious zone, often associated with spiritual energy and clarity. Plants in this area should be small and light. Tulsi and small flowering plants are ideal. However, heavy pots, cacti, and large trees must be strictly avoided in the North-East to prevent the obstruction of positive energy.
South Direction: The South is governed by the fire element. The Snake Plant is recommended for this direction as it can help remove negativity. However, auspicious plants like Tulsi and the Peepal tree should not be placed in the South.
South-East Direction: The South-East is the zone of fire and wealth. This is the most favorable direction for the Money Plant and Bamboo, as they are believed to attract financial abundance. Thorny plants should be avoided here.
West Direction: The West direction is suitable for flowering plants. The Money Plant, however, should be avoided in the West.
South-West Direction: The South-West is the zone of stability and should be reserved for large plants and bushy trees. These should preferably be grown in the backyard or garden, as they bring stability and success to the home.
Plants to Avoid and General Precautions
While many plants are beneficial, Vastu Shastra advises against keeping certain types of plants inside the home due to their negative or sharp energy.
Thorny Plants: Plants with thorns, such as Cacti, Bougainvillea, and thorny roses, should be used sparingly and kept away from the central areas of the home. If used at all, they are best placed in external gardens facing the South. Cactus, in particular, is considered inauspicious as it releases sharp energy that may cause disputes and stress.
Chaotic Creepers and Vines: Creepers and vines that grow in an uncontrolled or chaotic manner can create scattered energy if not properly maintained. If they are used, they must be regularly trimmed and guided to grow in harmonious patterns.
Plants with Excessive Water Needs: Very thirsty plants should be avoided in fire-dominant areas like the South and Southeast, as they can create an elemental conflict.
Trees Attracting Negative Elements: Trees that attract worms, serpents, and owls should not be planted in the vicinity of a home, as they are believed to attract evil spirits. Furthermore, the Peepal tree (sacred fig) and the Banyan tree should not be placed within the boundaries of a home; they belong near places of worship, such as a temple.
Artificial and Dried Plants: Artificial plants and dried flowers are generally discouraged in Vastu because they lack the living energy (prana) that makes plants valuable. They can accumulate negative energy. If artificial plants must be used for aesthetic reasons, they should be of high quality and kept impeccably clean.
Bedroom Plants: While some plants are beneficial for bedrooms, general care should be taken. Water plants or hanging pots should be avoided in bedrooms. The best plants for this area include Lavender, Snake Plant, Aloe Vera, and Peace Lily.
Bathroom Plants: Live plants should be avoided in bathrooms as the energy in this area is considered impure. If it is necessary to keep plants in a bathroom, hardy air-purifying plants like ZZ or spider plants are the only option, and they should be placed near a window.
Vastu Remedies Using Plants
Plants can be strategically used to correct minor Vastu defects and blockages in the home. These remedies harness the specific positive energies of plants to balance elemental imbalances.
- Entrance Defects: A Tulsi plant placed near the main door can help rectify defects related to the entrance.
- Financial Blockages: Placing a Money plant in the South-East zone can correct financial blockages and attract wealth.
- Relationship Issues: A Bamboo plant placed in the East direction can help balance relationship issues among family members.
- Negativity in Fire Zones: A Snake plant placed in the South can help remove negativity from the fire zone.
- Health and Healing: An Aloe Vera plant placed in the kitchen window is believed to improve health and promote healing.
FAQs – Vastu for Plants at Home
Can I place a cactus indoors? No, cactus is considered inauspicious for indoor placement. It contains thorns and releases sharp energy that can lead to disputes and stress within the home.
Where should I place the Tulsi plant? The Tulsi plant should always be placed in the North, East, or North-East direction. It should be avoided in the South direction and kept away from toilets.
Is it okay to keep plants in the bathroom? It is best to avoid placing live plants in bathrooms due to the impure Vastu energy of the space. If required, only hardy air-purifying plants like ZZ or spider plants should be used, and they must be placed near a window.
Can I keep artificial plants? Vastu does not favor artificial or plastic plants because they do not carry life energy. To receive the natural benefits of plants, it is preferable to use real, living plants.
Which plants attract money? Plants such as the Money plant, lucky bamboo, and jade plant are believed to bring wealth and financial success when placed in the correct direction, particularly the South-East.
Conclusion
Incorporating plants into a home according to Vastu Shastra is a deliberate act of energy management. It is a practice that transcends simple decoration, becoming a tool for aligning the living environment with the natural rhythms and energies of the universe. The selection of auspicious plants like Tulsi, Money Plant, and Lucky Bamboo, combined with their correct directional placement, can significantly enhance positivity, health, and prosperity. Conversely, avoiding inauspicious plants such as cacti and understanding the specific needs of different zones like the East, North, and South-East are crucial for maintaining harmony. By following these guidelines, homeowners can transform their plants into powerful allies for healing their homes and spirits, creating a sanctuary of peace, balance, and well-being.