Common Misconceptions about Feng Shui and Plants

Guest User September 28, 2022

There is a lot of conflicting information out there about feng shui and plants. I also get a lot of questions about how to work with plants in the home, so I wanted to share my perspective and help clear up some of the confusion around three common misconceptions that I hear a lot:

MISCONCEPTION #1: It's not good to have plants in the bedroom because they release a lot of CO2 at night.

Plants do release CO2 at night, but the amount is trivial, and many plants also continue to produce oxygen at night as well. If you're worried about the air in your bedroom getting stale, try opening some windows.

MISCONCEPTION #2: Plants in the bedroom are disruptive.

Plants have a special type of qi (life force energy) that is about growth and vital energy. They encourage us to move onwards and upwards. Your bedroom represents you, so any feng shui changes you make here can have a big impact. Plants in the bedroom might be just what you need, especially if you're feeling a little stuck or lethargic. If you're worried about having plants in your bedroom, try taking them out for a few days and see how you feel. If you notice that you sleep better without the plants, honor that, but in the school of feng shui that I practice and teach (BTB feng shui) there's nothing wrong with having plants in the bedroom.

MISCONCEPTION #3: Spiky plants are always bad feng shui.

If you're going out to get a new plant for a feng shui adjustment, something with soft, rounded leaves is generally best. However, if you have a spiky or thorny plant that you love, don't throw it out! Plants are living beings, so we'd recommend treating them with love. Also, not everything in your home needs to be a feng shui adjustment.

I hope these guidelines are helpful as you consider plants for your space! Keep in mind that there are no absolute rules in BTB feng shui. My teachers taught me that the best feng shui solution for you depends on your unique circumstances…and if you're feeling confused, it's always a good idea to work one-on-one with a practitioner.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

6 Autumn Flowers You'll Fall For

Anjie Cho September 7, 2022

We did it! We survived the summer heat, and autumn has arrived. What better way to welcome the season than with a collection of flowers made just for fall? Here at Holistic Spaces, we're big fans of bringing flowers inside, no matter what the season, and these flower choices can keep bright color going in your spaces long after summer's sun fades.

Aster

These blooms are actually perennial, so when spring and summer flowers begin to droop, they'll just be getting started. Aster flowers resemble both daises (thus the alternate name Michaelmas daisies) and stars (or starworts) and are available in a variety of colors from white to red to purple to blue and many colors in between. In the language of flowers, aster blooms symbolize patience, which we can all use during this stressful season!

If you're aiming to grow these indoors, pay close attention to the type you purchase, as some can grow up to eight feet! Otherwise, just make sure to give your aster full sun, regular moisture and quick-draining soil.

Goldenrod

Actually a part of the Aster family, these little flowers have gotten a bad rap as allergens. As it turns out, ragweed is actually the hay fever culprit, which means these pretty yellow flowers are welcome in your holistic space, especially since they symbolize careful encouragement. In fact, if you're growing indoors, the Little Lemon goldenrod is a great choice! Be sure to give these beauties a decent amount of sun and plant in well-drained soil. Or just select a few stems for a pretty bouquet!

Helenium

Helenium may just be the perfect flower to bring all the brilliant colors of autumn into your home, since it blooms in bright yellow, orange and deep red. It symbolizes tears in the language of flowers, but remember that life is about balance, so it's ok to have a few sad things in your space too. Just be careful when growing this beauty indoors, as the plant itself can be irritating to the skin. Take care for the first few days to wear protective gloves, then give this plant time and regular water and watch it bloom.

Chrysanthemums

These popular blooms are a token symbol of the arrival of fall and can add a welcome splash of color to cooler months. They're also the favorite flower of Chogyam Trungpa and symbolize truth and love in the language of flowers, as well as yang energy and good luck in Chinese culture. Chrysanthemums are amazing as bouquet flowers, as they can last for up to three weeks in a vase, but you can also grow them for a few weeks indoors with good, bright light during the day and frequent watering. Just take care not to place them near a security light at night, as this can throw off their cycle!

Cyclamen

These perennials bloom during fall in vibrant colors with heart-shaped leaves and signify timid hope. Generally, cyclamen buds enjoy cooler temperatures, but if your apartment's heat is an issue, look for a tropical variety that can handle higher temps. Nourish this plant with a well-drained pot and regular watering, in a tray, only when the soil is dry to the touch, and enjoy their beauty through the fall and winter!

Dahlias

These stunning blooms are best in August and September and blossom in an incredible variety of colors, making them perfect for adding life to your indoor spaces. They also symbolize dignity in the language of flowers! Give these flowers plenty of sunlight and drainage, water them when dry and take care to water them at the base. If you're growing indoors, opt for a dwarf variety or just add a few cuttings to an autumn vase!

Fall flowers run the gauntlet, so these are just a few of your options for bringing some nature indoors during the cooler season. Let us know if you've got a favorite autumn flower we left out!

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

12 of the Best Feng Shui Plants for Positive Energy

Guest User May 18, 2022

Potted green plants on wooden chest with books and plant artwork — Photo by Prudence Earl on Unsplash

Anjie Cho was featured on Homes and Gardens

With feng shui plants you can welcome positive energy into your home, as well as enjoying the beauty of these living accessories.

We have all gone a bit mad for house plants in the past few years, especially with our homes becoming spaces to work as well as live and relax. There are many benefits to adding indoor plants to rooms in your home, not least that they can soften and enhance the look of a space. But have you also considered that through careful choice and placement of feng shui plants for specific spaces in the house, you can improve the flow of positive energy in your life?

'In feng shui we seek to improve the flow of Chi which is our vital life force energy. Living green plants represent the wood element, which is said to cultivate human hardiness, flexibility, healing and growth. So not only can you bring these qualities into your life and home by adding plants, but by bringing in the element of nature into your interior space you will have more harmony between your inner environment and outer environment,' explains Anjie Cho, New York based interior architect, feng shui advisor and author of Holistic Spaces, 108 ways to create a Mindful and Peaceful Home.

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