The ancient science of Vastu Shastra emphasizes the profound connection between human well-being and the natural environment. Plants are not merely decorative elements; they are living entities that influence the subtle energy fields of a space. According to Vastu principles, the strategic placement of specific flora can cleanse the atmosphere, attract prosperity, and balance the elemental energies (Pancha Bhutas) within a home or workplace. By selecting the right plants and positioning them in alignment with directional energies, individuals can create a harmonious sanctuary that supports physical health, mental peace, and spiritual growth.
This guide explores the essential Vastu guidelines for plant selection and placement, drawing upon established wisdom to help homeowners and spiritual seekers cultivate positive energy. It covers auspicious plants that invite prosperity, plants to avoid or use with caution, and specific remedies for correcting Vastu doshas (defects).
The Energetic Qualities of Auspicious Plants
Vastu Shastra recognizes that different plants emit distinct vibrations. Plants with rounded, heart-shaped, or oval leaves are particularly valued as they help collect and distribute positive energy throughout the space. These shapes are believed to be gentle and soothing to the human psyche.
Air-Purifying and Health-Enhancing Plants
Plants that possess strong air-purifying qualities are highly recommended in Vastu, as they cleanse both the physical atmosphere and the subtle energy field. NASA-recognized air-purifying plants are excellent choices for Vastu-compliant homes. * Snake Plant (Sansevieria): This plant is a powerful Vastu-compliant choice that helps cleanse the air and promotes calm. When grown upright and facing east, it balances energy and drives out poisons. For optimal health benefits, snake plants can be placed in the east. * Spider Plant: Known for its minimum maintenance requirements and ability to filter the air, the spider plant is an excellent choice for the north zone, which governs health. Placing them in the north promotes vitality. * Aloe Vera: This medicinal plant is excellent for dispelling negative energy. Placing aloe vera plants toward the east helps absorb negative vibrations and eliminate negative energy. * Peace Lily: This plant looks beautiful when placed in an east-facing window where it can thrive in gentle sunlight. Its ability to cleanse the air and its compatibility with the water elements of the Northeast make it an excellent Vastu-approved plant for living rooms.
Plants for Prosperity and Wealth
Certain plants are traditionally associated with attracting wealth and success. * Money Plant: A symbol of expansion, money plants are believed to bring wealth and prosperity when they grow on strong vines. To incorporate Vastu principles for climbing and creeping plants, money plants can be trained on walls or trellises facing north or east to provide a touch of optimism. In the living room, placing money plants in the northeast or northwestern corners can cultivate harmony and prosperity. For rented apartments, keeping them in movable pots allows for Vastu compliance without compromise. * Jade Plant: This plant is associated with reviving energy. Placing jade plants facing north is recommended to stimulate positive energy flow. * Areca Palm: With its vibrant and robust glossy foliage, the areca palm adds life and vitality to indoor areas. Like the money plant, it is beneficial when placed in the northeast or northwestern corners of a living room.
Sacred and Fragrant Plants
Plants with spiritual significance or pleasant fragrances hold a special place in Vastu. * Tulsi (Holy Basil): Considered the most auspicious plant in Vastu, Tulsi is a sacred plant that every living place must plant. It is potent and purifies the atmosphere while attracting divine energy. It must be planted in the North, North-east, or East direction of the home. * Jasmine, Rose, Marigold, and Champa: Flowering plants with pleasant fragrances attract positive energy and prosperity. Jasmine, in particular, when placed facing eastward, attracts positive energy and thrives in the morning sun. For seasonal flowering, roses can be rotated to the east for optimal health and beauty. * Neem: A powerful medicinal plant, neem is recommended for the northern regions of a property to promote optimal health.
Plants to Avoid or Use Cautiously
Not all plants are conducive to a harmonious Vastu environment. Certain characteristics can generate disruptive or negative energy.
Thorny Plants
Plants with thorns or spikes are generally discouraged in Vastu as they create sharp, disruptive energy. * Cacti and Bougainvillea: These should be used sparingly and kept away from central areas of the home. If used, they are best placed in external gardens facing south. * Thorny Roses: While beautiful, thorny roses should be handled with caution. They should not be placed in the southeast corner, as they will negate any financial benefits. Furthermore, they should be kept away from the northeast, as thorny vegetation can impede purity.
Plants with Excessive Water Needs
Plants that require excessive water can create imbalanced energy in certain directions. It is important to maintain a balance and not let water stagnate in ways that disrupt the elemental harmony.
Large and Inappropriate Plants for Specific Zones
- Bedroom: Cacti and large, leafy plants are not suitable for a bedroom due to their potential to spook ghosts or create overly active energy that disturbs restful sleep. Instead, low-care houseplants facing east or north, such as peace lilies or snake plants, are recommended to improve air quality.
- Entrance: Huge trees should be planted in the South or West portion of the house. Trees should not be planted in the extreme front or center of the house, as they should not obstruct the entrance. Banyan and Peepal trees are sacred but are considered suitable for a temple rather than a home environment.
Strategic Placement for Directional Harmony
The direction in which a plant is placed is as crucial as the plant itself. Each direction governs a specific aspect of life and is associated with different elements.
The North Zone (Kubera)
The north is governed by the water element and is associated with wealth and health. * Ideal Plants: Spider plants, money plants (on north-facing walls or trellises), and jade plants (facing north). * Benefits: Promotes health, financial growth, and dynamic air cleansing.
The East Zone (Sunrise)
The east is governed by the element of wood and represents the rising sun, health, and family. * Ideal Plants: Snake plants (facing east), aloe vera, jasmine, and flowering plants like roses. * Benefits: Absorbs negative vibrations, dispels negative energy, attracts positive energy, and supports good health.
The Northeast Zone (Ishanya)
The northeast is the most sacred zone, representing the divine and clarity. * Ideal Plants: Tulsi (most auspicious), peace lilies, money plants, and areca palms. * Benefits: Purifies the atmosphere, attracts divine energy, and cultivates harmony and prosperity. * Precautions: Avoid thorny shrubs or vegetation that can impede purity.
The Southeast Zone (Agni)
The southeast is the corner of fire and wealth. * Ideal Plants: Money plants and lucky plants. * Precautions: Avoid thorny plants or withered plants, as they negate financial benefits. Cacti should be avoided as they obstruct purifying zones.
The South and West Zones
These zones are associated with stability and the elements of fire and earth. * South-Facing Balconies: Choose hardy plants like hibiscus, which thrive in sunshine and calm the fiery energy. * West-Facing Balconies: Scented plants like lavender can provide shade from the hot afternoon sun. * South and West Portions of the House: Suitable for planting huge trees.
Using Plants to Correct Vastu Doshas
Plants can be used as a remedial measure to offset energy imbalances and correct Vastu defects (doshas). The following steps, derived from Vastu principles, can help balance energy:
- Step 1: Plant tulsi or neem in the northeast to help balance Vastu dosha and dispel negative energy.
- Step 2: Place jade plants facing north to revive energy. It is critical to promptly replace withered plants to maintain positive energy.
- Step 3: Position aloe vera plants toward the east for maximum absorption of negative vibrations and elimination of negative energy.
For corner plants, dracaenas are recommended to help equalize energy in a space. When using plants for dosha correction, ensure they are placed in organic materials and rounded shapes for decorative pots to help ground energies. Consistent watering and trimming will keep plants healthy, and healthy plants draw excellent energy from vibrant soil, maintaining a healthy dosha balance.
Balancing Balcony and Garden Energies
For those with outdoor spaces, Vastu principles extend to balcony and garden arrangements.
- Balcony Plants: For south-facing balconies, choose hardy plants like hibiscus. For west-facing balconies, try lavender or other scented plants. For rented apartments, choose Vastu-compliant plants in easily movable pots.
- Garden Arrangements: To enhance wealth, plant lotuses in small water features in the northeast. For corner plants in the garden, dwarf palms help balance the energy. A tidy, well-planned garden with clear pathways and little clutter creates an atmosphere conducive to rest and rejuvenation.
Conclusion
Integrating Vastu-compliant plants into one's living space is a powerful yet simple method to harmonize the environment. By carefully selecting auspicious plants like Tulsi, money plants, and snake plants, and placing them in their correct directional zones, individuals can cleanse the atmosphere, attract prosperity, and support overall well-being. It is equally important to avoid plants with thorns or those that are not suitable for specific areas like the bedroom. The vitality of the plants themselves is a reflection of the energy they support; therefore, consistent care, watering, and trimming are essential to maintain a positive and rejuvenating atmosphere. Through these practices, the ancient wisdom of Vastu Shastra offers a pathway to a balanced, healthy, and prosperous life.