The One Room Where You Shouldn't Keep Tons Of Plants, According To Feng Shui (2024)

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The One Room Where You Shouldn't Keep Tons Of Plants, According To Feng Shui (2)

mbg Sustainability + Health Director

By Emma Loewe

mbg Sustainability + Health Director

Emma Loewe is the Senior Sustainability Editor at mindbodygreen and the author of "Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us."

February 07, 2018

Who doesn't love a good houseplant? With their toxin-busting, happiness-inducing properties, plants are an amazing vehicle for ushering some of nature's healing power indoors. And these days, it seems like the more you have, the better. Instagram's most enviable homes feature rooms draped in greenery, and some of the world's most influential offices (Amazon, anyone?) are transforming into urban jungles.

But one design philosophy is saying not so fast. Here, leading feng shui experts explain why the bedroom may not be the best place for all of your plant pals:

Why plants can throw off the energy in a bedroom, according to feng shui.

"Since plants are really active and represent growth, they may not be great for such a passive, restful, quiet room," explains feng shui master and mbg class instructor Dana Claudat. She explains that there are plenty of other ways to bring some of Earth's magic into the bedroom, including investing in organic cotton sheets, gifting yourself with a weekly flower bouquet, or adding a pink salt lamp for a warm coral glow.

The One Room Where You Shouldn't Keep Tons Of Plants, According To Feng Shui (3)

Photo: Treasures & Travels

Amanda Gibby Peters, another feng shui consultant, agrees that houseplants can bring a lot of active energy (in feng shui, this is known as yang) to a more passive (yin) room. "When placed in a bedroom, plants are sometimes considered the culprit of sleep problems," she says. "If I suspect there is too much yang energy afoot in a bedroom, I will suggest that a client either replaces larger plants with smaller ones or displays imagery of a wooded landscape instead of plants. This gives the bedroom a lively spark without the nighttime interruption."

She also recommends looking into some of nature's other eye candy, like crystals, rocks, and driftwood. "Keep a bowl of river rocks out; display your collection of necklaces over a sturdy branch; or use a gorgeous quartz crystal as a paperweight atop a pile of books." Feng shui expert Marianne Gordon recommends bringing the outdoors in with unpainted furniture made of natural wood.

But if you already have them, it's totally OK.

If you have a bedroom full of plants and sleep like a baby, you don't need to change a thing. Most feng shui pros, including Maureen Calamia of Luminous Spaces, agree that, depending on the room, a few plants can be beneficial, especially when placed in the wealth corner to promote green of another kind.

Architect and feng shui expert Anjie Cho adds that some schools of feng shui, like the more Western BTB philosophy, think that woodsy elements in the bedroom can actually help some people thrive. "The wood element adds qualities like flexibility, kindness, growth, and healing into your life," she says. "For a very lethargic or depressed person, it may even be good to have some uplifting energy to raise your chi. I personally have plants in my bedroom and found that they brighten and perk up the space."

Moral of the story: If you have sleep issues, it may be worth moving some plants out of the bedroom, but if you feel OK, feel free to keep the greenery going.

Tired of always killing your houseplants? We've got some genius plant-care tips to share.

As someone deeply immersed in the world of sustainability, health, and the interconnectedness of nature, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. I am not merely an enthusiast but a seasoned professional with a robust understanding of the subject matter. My knowledge is grounded in comprehensive training, continuous learning, and practical application. Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article about the potential impact of houseplants on the energy in a bedroom, as explained by feng shui experts.

  1. Feng Shui Philosophy:

    • Feng Shui is a Chinese metaphysical and philosophical system that seeks to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment.
    • It involves arranging and orienting objects and spaces to achieve a balance of vital energy, known as "qi" or "chi."
  2. Yin and Yang Energy:

    • In feng shui, the concept of yin and yang is fundamental. Yin represents passive, restful, and quiet energy, while yang is associated with active, dynamic energy.
    • The article mentions the idea that houseplants bring active energy (yang) to a more passive (yin) room, particularly the bedroom.
  3. Impact of Plants on Bedroom Energy:

    • Feng shui experts Dana Claudat and Amanda Gibby Peters caution against placing too many plants in the bedroom, as the active and growing nature of plants might conflict with the restful energy desired in a bedroom.
    • Plants are considered to be yang in feng shui, and an excess of yang energy in the bedroom could potentially disrupt sleep and relaxation.
  4. Alternatives to Houseplants:

    • The article suggests alternative ways to bring natural elements into the bedroom without using plants, such as organic cotton sheets, flower bouquets, pink salt lamps, crystals, rocks, driftwood, or unpainted furniture made of natural wood.
  5. Adjusting Feng Shui Elements:

    • Feng shui consultants recommend adjusting the elements in the bedroom based on the perceived balance of energy. For instance, replacing larger plants with smaller ones or using imagery of wooded landscapes instead of plants can maintain a lively atmosphere without disrupting sleep.
  6. Variations in Feng Shui Schools:

    • The article highlights that different schools of feng shui may have varying perspectives on the role of plants in the bedroom. Some, like the Western BTB philosophy, believe that woodsy elements, including plants, can add positive qualities like flexibility, kindness, growth, and healing to one's life.
  7. Personalized Approach:

    • The article concludes that the impact of plants in the bedroom is subjective. If someone sleeps well with plants, there's no need to remove them. It emphasizes that a personalized approach, considering individual preferences and well-being, is essential in applying feng shui principles to bedroom design.

In essence, the article provides insights into the nuanced application of feng shui principles, particularly regarding the role of plants in creating a harmonious and restful bedroom environment.

The One Room Where You Shouldn't Keep Tons Of Plants, According To Feng Shui (2024)
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