Integrating plants into living spaces according to Vastu Shastra principles is a practice aimed at fostering a harmonious, vibrant atmosphere that supports well-being and prosperity. Green plants and trees are recognized for adding beauty and elegance to homes while aiding in the purification of the air. However, to maximize benefits and ensure positive feelings, it is essential to select the best Vastu plants for home and align them according to Vastu Shastra principles. Placing plants in the wrong direction can potentially bring bad luck to the house's occupants. The following guide explores specific plants, placement guidelines, and remedial measures derived from established Vastu wisdom to create a sanctuary where positive energies flourish.
Auspicious Plants for Home and Their Placement
Certain plants are particularly compatible with Vastu and can do wonders for a home's overall positivity. These plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also believed to attract wealth, health, and stability when placed correctly.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy Basil, or Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), is a revered and auspicious plant. It is ideal for growing in the north, east, or a combination of both—the North-East direction. This zone is associated with divine energy and clarity. In addition to being Vastu compliant, Tulsi is a medicinal plant known for its purifying properties. Its leaves are believed to remove pollutants, purifying the digestive and circulatory systems. Furthermore, it acts as a fantastic air cleaner, which contributes to its importance in Vastu Shastra. Ensuring the basil plant has adequate air and sunshine is crucial for its vitality and the flow of positive energy.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena braunii) is said to bring good fortune, peace, and attract wealth and fame. It is distinct from the common bamboo plant (Bambusa vulgaris). When selecting Lucky Bamboo, it is important to avoid shrunken plants as they are considered against nature. Bamboo bark that is yellow in color is favored over bark that is dark in color. This plant is one of the most popular fortunate houseplants used in Vastu Shastra.
Money Plant
The Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the most common plants employed in Vastu Shastra to bring wealth and success to owners. It should be positioned in the house's north or east directions. While Money Plants can be used indoors and even in bedrooms, they should never be placed near the bed's headrest or footrest. When placed on balconies, Money Plants are regarded as extremely lucky, specifically on the balcony's northeast side. It is a popular choice for those seeking financial stability.
Neem Tree
The presence of a Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) in a home is associated with happiness. The Neem tree is regarded as auspicious in home Vastu and possesses therapeutic capabilities. According to guidelines, a Neem tree should be planted in the northwest corner of the property.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is considered the finest way to attract positive energy according to Vastu. It is known to absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide and emit oxygen, aiding in the purification of the air. It can also be used for health purposes, such as in refreshing drinks or face packs. To align with Vastu principles, Aloe Vera plants should be planted in the north or east zones of the home.
Other Beneficial Plants
- Lavender: Known for improving sleep, making it suitable for bedrooms.
- Snake Plant: Purifies air at night and can be placed in the South zone to remove negativity from fire zones.
- Peace Lily: Reduces EMF effects.
- Chives: A good Vastu choice for low-care houseplants due to their minimal maintenance requirements.
- Parsley: Helps with digestion and energetic balance, ideal for kitchen areas.
- Flowering Plants: Placing flowering plants in the East or South-East zones can bring joy.
Guidelines for Indoor and Outdoor Placement
Proper placement is as essential as the selection of plants to ensure the flow of positive energy (Prana).
Indoor Plant Vastu Guidelines
To maintain a harmonious indoor environment, the following basic Vastu guidelines should be observed: * Health and Maintenance: Keep plants healthy and fresh. Regularly trim dried leaves to prevent stagnant energy. * Material of Pots: Use ceramic or earthen pots to ground the energy. * Avoid Artificial Plants: Artificial or plastic plants should be avoided as they do not generate life force. * Plant Count: It is recommended to keep the count of plants in odd numbers (3, 5, 7). * Avoid Thorny Plants: Plants with thorns should generally be avoided indoors. However, Rose is an exception under certain conditions. * Bedroom Placement: While Vastu discourages placing too many plants in the bedroom, one or two calming species are acceptable. Water plants or hanging pots should be avoided in the bedroom.
Garden and Outdoor Vastu Tips
For homes with gardens, specific guidelines help optimize outdoor energy: * Tall Trees: Plant tall trees in the South or West zones. This helps in balancing the energy and providing shade without blocking positive entry. * North-East Zone: Keep the North-East zone clear or plant a Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant here. This zone should remain open and filled with light. * Proximity to Walls: Avoid planting trees too close to the home walls to prevent structural issues and blocked energy flow. * Shadows: Do not allow tree shadows to fall on the main door, as this is considered inauspicious. * Vertical Gardens: For tiny homes that are not Vastu compliant, a vertical herb garden is a fantastic way to save space and keep things aligned. Placing the vertical herb garden on the north side of the home is recommended.
Plants to Avoid as per Vastu
Certain plants are considered inauspicious and must be avoided at home to prevent negative influences: * Cactus: Represents bad energy and attracts disputes due to its thorns. * Bonsai: Symbolizes stunted growth and lack of progress. * Cotton Plant: Linked with poverty and struggles. * Dead or Dried Plants: Harbors stagnant energy and should be removed immediately. * Tamarind and Mehendi: Believed to attract spirits and should be kept outside the home premises or avoided.
Removing such plants from the space can instantly lift the energy and bring relief from stress.
Vastu Remedies Using Plants
Plants can be utilized to correct minor Vastu defects in the home: * Entrance Defects: Place a Tulsi plant near the main door. * Financial Blockages: Place a Money plant in the South-East zone. * Relationship Issues: A Bamboo plant in the East zone can help balance relationship issues. * Negativity in Fire Zones: A Snake plant in the South removes negativity from fire zones. * Health and Healing: An Aloe vera plant in the kitchen window improves health and healing energies.
Holistic Care and Energetic Maintenance
Beyond placement, the way plants are cared for significantly impacts the energy of the home.
Daily Maintenance Practices
- Regular Cleaning: Dusting off the leaves regularly is essential to allow plants to absorb sunlight effectively. This simple act keeps plants healthy and ensures energy flow remains unobstructed.
- Watering Practices: Watering plants with love and intention enhances the connection between the individual, the plants, and the energies they represent. Visualizing the energy one wishes to attract during watering can amplify the positive effects.
- Seasonal Changes: Paying attention to seasonal shifts is vital. Some plants may require more light or less water during certain times of the year. Adjusting the care routine keeps them vibrant and healthy.
Benefits of Keeping Plants as per Vastu
When aligned with Vastu principles, plants offer several physical, mental, and spiritual benefits: * Air Purification: They boost oxygen levels and remove toxins from the environment. * Prosperity: They attract money, opportunities, and stability. * Mental Well-being: They reduce stress and anxiety. * Energy Flow: They bring vibrant and calming energy. * Cognitive Enhancement: They enhance creativity and decision-making capabilities.
Conclusion
The integration of Vastu principles into the placement and care of plants is a powerful method for creating a harmonious environment. By selecting the right plants—such as Tulsi, Lucky Bamboo, Money Plant, and Aloe Vera—and placing them in appropriate directions like the North, East, or North-East, individuals can harness the powerful energies of nature. It is equally important to avoid inauspicious plants like Cactus and Bonsai and to maintain the health of the plants through regular cleaning and mindful watering. Whether through a small indoor setup or a sprawling garden, aligning greenery with Vastu Shastra ensures that the home remains a sanctuary of positive energy, supporting the well-being and prosperity of its occupants.