The ancient Vedic science of architecture, Vastu Shastra, offers profound guidelines for harmonizing living and working environments. Among the many elements that influence the energy of a space, plants hold a significant position. They are living entities that breathe life into an environment, purify the air, and, when placed according to Vastu principles, can act as powerful catalysts for prosperity, growth, and stability. For business owners and professionals seeking to optimize their office spaces, the strategic placement of indoor plants can amplify positive energy and support commercial success. This article explores the specific Vastu guidelines for selecting and placing indoor plants in an office setting, drawing upon established principles to foster a conducive atmosphere for business growth.
The core philosophy of Vastu Shastra regarding plants is that their placement is as crucial as their presence. The energy of different directions governs various aspects of life and business. By aligning plant placement with these directional energies, one can harness specific benefits. For instance, the North direction is linked to career and financial growth, while the Northeast is associated with spiritual energy and clarity. Understanding these correlations allows for a more intentional and effective arrangement of greenery in the workplace. The following sections will detail the ideal plants and their recommended placements according to Vastu principles for business success.
The Significance of Directional Placement in Vastu
In Vastu Shastra, every direction has a unique elemental composition and planetary ruler, which influences the energy it radiates. Placing objects, including plants, in alignment with these energies is believed to enhance their beneficial effects. For an office environment, where the focus is on growth, stability, and financial gains, the correct placement of plants can be a subtle yet powerful tool for energy balancing.
North Direction: The Zone of Career and Abundance
The North direction is governed by the planet Mercury and is deeply connected to career opportunities, financial flow, and professional growth. Placing plants in this zone is highly recommended to attract success and prosperity.
- Ideal Plants: The Money Plant and the Snake Plant are considered most auspicious for the North direction.
- Benefits: According to Vastu guidelines, placing a plant with large, fast-growing leaves, such as a Money Plant or Snake Plant, in the North can attract financial gains and success. The Snake Plant is also noted for its air-purifying qualities, which enhance the overall energy of the space. Since the North governs career growth and abundance, plants in this part of the office are believed to support the growth of the business.
Northeast Direction: The Zone of Spirituality and Clarity
The Northeast is a highly revered direction in Vastu, associated with the element of water and spiritual well-being. It is the zone of clarity, intuition, and positive vibrations. Plants placed here can help purify the environment and bring a sense of tranquility.
- Ideal Plants: Tulsi (Holy Basil), Mint, and Lucky Bamboo are ideal for the Northeast.
- Benefits: Tulsi and Mint are revered for their medicinal properties and ability to purify the environment. Holy Basil planted in this direction is believed to bring tranquility and balance to the office's energy. Lucky Bamboo can provide good fortune and a positive vibe. This zone is crucial for decision-making and maintaining a calm, focused mind, which is essential for business leadership.
Recommended Vastu Plants for an Office
Based on the principles outlined in Vastu Shastra, certain plants are considered particularly beneficial for an office environment. These plants are chosen for their energy-purifying properties, low maintenance, and ability to attract positive vibrations.
Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
The Money Plant is one of the most popular Vastu-compliant plants, known for its ability to attract wealth and prosperity. Its vibrant green leaves and easy-going nature make it a favorite for office desks and corners.
- Vastu Benefits: It is said that the Money Plant supports financial growth, and the plant itself stays bright with very little attention. It is a symbol of abundance and is believed to remove financial obstacles.
- Placement: As per Vastu, the North direction is ideal for the Money Plant to foster financial growth and career opportunities.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a powerful air purifier and a potent Vastu remedy for removing negative energy.
- Vastu Benefits: The Snake Plant is known to improve the energy flow and remove negative vibes in the workplace. It is considered a center of good energy and one of the best air-cleaning plants. It gets rid of pollutants in the air and calms you down, making it an excellent choice for the office. Scientifically, it can boost productivity and concentration by increasing brain oxygenation and reducing stress.
- Placement: The North direction is suitable for the Snake Plant. It is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate low light and drought, making it perfect for busy office environments.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo is a symbol of good fortune and is widely used in both Vastu and Feng Shui to attract positive energy and success.
- Vastu Benefits: Lucky Bamboo can provide good fortune and a positive vibe to any office. It is also known for its air-purifying abilities. It is considered one of the luckiest plants and is perfect for a busy office where work stresses people out.
- Placement: The Northeast direction is the most auspicious place for Lucky Bamboo, as it aligns with the elements of water and spirituality, enhancing its fortuitous properties.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi is a sacred plant in Indian culture, revered for its spiritual and medicinal significance. Its presence is believed to purify the environment and bring peace and prosperity.
- Vastu Benefits: Tulsi is revered for its medicinal properties and can purify the environment. Placing it in the correct direction is believed to bring tranquillity and balance to the energy of the office. It is also believed to bring purity and calm.
- Placement: The Northeast direction is ideal for Tulsi. It should be placed near windows so it receives ample sunlight.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant is a succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that represent long-lasting growth and is often treated as a lucky sign for businesses.
- Vastu Benefits: The Jade Plant is often treated as a lucky sign. Its thick leaves represent long-lasting growth. It is considered one of the luckiest plants for attracting wealth and success.
- Placement: While specific directional placement for Jade Plant is not detailed in the provided sources, its association with growth and prosperity makes it a valuable addition to an office, particularly in areas associated with wealth.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is known for its elegant white flowers and its ability to bring gentle, calming energy to a space.
- Vastu Benefits: Peace Lily brings gentle energy to the room. It is a good choice for meeting spaces or quiet zones where people need to focus. It is also considered a good indoor plant for the office.
- Placement: It suits meeting spaces or quiet zones. It can be placed in the Northeast or other areas where a calm and serene atmosphere is desired.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm is a graceful plant with feathery fronds that can grow quite tall, filling a room with a light and refreshing feel.
- Vastu Benefits: Areca Palm works well in open corners. It fills the room with a light and refreshing feel. It is known for its air-purifying qualities and ability to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Placement: It is best placed in open corners of the office, such as the North or East, to allow its positive energy to spread throughout the space.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
The Dragon Tree is a hardy plant that is well-suited for office environments due to its low light requirements and air-purifying capabilities.
- Vastu Benefits: Dragon Trees are good for the workplace as they don’t need direct sunlight. They help in keeping the air clean and fresh and contribute to a stress-free work environment.
- Placement: It can be placed in areas with indirect light, making it versatile for various office locations.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a fragrant herb known for its protective properties and numerous health benefits.
- Vastu Benefits: Rosemary is an excellent protection plant that can keep bad things away from your workspace. It is also known for having many antioxidants, which can help prevent many diseases. It adds greenery and freshness, making it one of the best Vastu plants for an office.
- Placement: It can be placed on desks or in areas where protection and a refreshing aroma are desired.
Pothos Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
The Pothos Plant, similar to the Money Plant, is easy to grow and blends well with other indoor plants.
- Vastu Benefits: Pothos is simple to grow and blends well with other indoor plants for office as per Vastu. It is a good choice for beginners and is believed to support financial growth.
- Placement: It can be placed in the North direction or on desks to attract positive energy.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a bold and neat-looking plant that can complement modern office interiors while providing Vastu benefits.
- Vastu Benefits: The Rubber Plant looks bold and neat. It matches modern office interiors and provides the room with a neat and stylish look. Its large leaves are believed to absorb positive energy.
- Placement: It can be placed in the North or East direction to enhance prosperity and growth.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is another excellent air purifier that is easy to care for and suitable for small spaces.
- Vastu Benefits: Spider plants are helpful in small desk areas. They purify the air and also work well with plants for office desk as per Vastu.
- Placement: It can be placed on desks or in hanging baskets in the North or East zones.
Plants to Avoid in an Office According to Vastu
While many plants are beneficial, some are considered inauspicious or are believed to carry negative energy. It is advisable to avoid these in an office setting to maintain a positive and harmonious environment.
- Cactus: Experts in Vastu contend that cacti, despite their beauty, can transmit negative energy inside the home. The leaves are prickly, have pointed thorns, and are thought to contain unfavorable energies. According to Vastu, having a cactus in the house can bring bad luck, stress, and anxiety to the entire family. This principle extends to an office environment, where stress can hinder productivity and team cohesion.
- Plants with Poisonous Properties: Plants like the Lily of the Valley are poisonous to humans and animals and should be avoided, especially in shared spaces. While not directly mentioned in the context of Vastu, their harmful nature makes them unsuitable for any environment where well-being is a priority.
- Tamarind Trees: The sources mention that evil spirits are believed to reside in tamarind trees, and caution should be taken when approaching or bringing them home. This caution extends to an office setting, where such beliefs could create an atmosphere of unease.
Scientific Rationale and Holistic Benefits
Beyond the ancient wisdom of Vastu Shastra, there is a scientific basis for the benefits of having plants in an office. Studies have shown that adding greenery can significantly impact employees and organizations positively.
- Improved Air Quality: Plants are natural air purifiers. They remove harmful toxins from the air, release oxygen, and increase humidity, which can reduce respiratory issues and create a healthier workspace.
- Stress Reduction and Enhanced Well-being: The presence of plants has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety. They create a calming environment that can improve mood and overall mental well-being, which is crucial in a high-pressure office setting.
- Increased Productivity and Concentration: By improving air quality and reducing stress, plants can enhance cognitive function. Increased oxygenation to the brain can boost concentration, memory, and productivity. The Snake Plant, for example, is noted for its ability to boost productivity by reducing stress and anxiety.
- Aesthetics and Morale: Plants soften the look of an office, making it more welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. A well-decorated workspace with natural elements can improve employee morale and create a positive impression on clients.
Conclusion
Incorporating Vastu-compliant indoor plants into an office is a holistic approach to enhancing the work environment. It combines the ancient wisdom of Vastu Shastra with the scientifically recognized benefits of biophilic design. By strategically placing plants like the Money Plant, Snake Plant, and Lucky Bamboo in directions such as North and Northeast, business owners can create a space that not only looks good but also fosters growth, prosperity, and stability. It is important to remember that while Vastu provides powerful guidelines, the overall energy of a space is a sum of many factors. However, the simple act of introducing living greenery, chosen and placed with intention, is a significant step toward creating a balanced, harmonious, and successful business environment.