For feng shui and plant expert Clara Leung, plants carry meaning far beyond a cute decoration on a window sill. Leung's passion for plants was passed down to her from her mother, and using this insight, Leung has transformed her love of plants into a full-fledged business — Clara's Green House — which has not only allowed her to combine her knowledge of plants with her feng shui expertise, but to share the joy of it with others by selling houseplants and offering feng shui consultations.
"At the beginning, I helped one client with her wish by giving her a free feng shui recommendation, and she messaged to thank me for giving her mom one more year to live. That's when [feng shui with houseplants] started to inspire me," she tells POPSUGAR via email. "Not only this, I have witnessed myself having a dramatically better life."
An ancient traditional Chinese practice, feng shui involves arranging certain items or pieces within a living area in a way that promotes balance and free-flowing energy (or chi) between someone and their environment. As Leung writes on her website, "With feng shui houseplants, you'll transform your home so that positive energy flows throughout every corner." Just as you can arrange furniture in a way that harnesses good energy, you can introduce and arrange houseplants in your space to accomplish the same thing.
Of course, feng shui is a philosophy and its principles have been carefully studied over the years. Knowing this, learning to feng shui with houseplants isn't as simple as picking up a cactus, setting it on a table, and calling it a day. In fact, Leung says cacti and harsh, spiky plants aren't recommended in feng shui. "Snake plants, any pothos except golden pothos, and varieties of dracaena are well-known, good plants for feng shui," she says.
Ultimately, Leung recommends researching Old Chinese feng shui or consulting with an expert like her for advice: "Keep in mind, Old Chinese feng shui is what I have used and believed, not modernized or western feng shui."
Because feng shui highlights the relationship between the individual and their space, choosing a houseplant based on some aspect of your personality, like your zodiac sign, can ensure the plant you choose fosters an energy that meshes well with your own. Ahead, Leung shares her thoughts and recommendations on the best feng shui houseplant for you, according to your zodiac sign.
For a sign as bold, determined, and somewhat impulsive as Aries, Leung recommends an aloe vera plant for its symbolism of strength and bravery.
Taureans tend to be stable and hardworking and are best suited with a Money Tree, according to Leung, which represents finances and loyalty.
Optimistic, chatty Gemini deserves a plant that complements their kind and thoughtful nature. Leung recommends a split leaf plant to introduce feelings of positivity and happiness.
Leung says intuitive, caring, and sensitive Cancers would do well with a Jade plant, symbolic of honesty, carefulness, and protection.
Full of immense pride and unadulterated joy, a Leo's best feng shui houseplant is the Ponytail Palm, which Leung says embodies happiness, imagination, and overall good energy.
Steadfast and reliable, Virgo is a sign that rarely ever falters. Because of this, Leung suggests introducing a Rubber Tree to your space for its positive energy over responsibilities and finances.
Harmony-seeking, romantic Libras will benefit from the pleasure and happiness represented by a Monstera plant, according to Leung.
With characteristics like determination and approaching life with passion, a Scorpio's best option for a feng shui houseplant is the Dracaena, which Leung says symbolizes protection and general happiness.
Leung says an Alocasia plant, symbolizing protection and carefulness, is a good pick for independent, idealistic Sagittarius.
Known for their responsible, traditional, pragmatic nature, Capricorns are well-suited to care for a Bonsai tree, which can introduce financial prosperity and seriousness to a home, says Leung.
A sign as charming, creative, and quirky as Aquarius deserves a plant with the same characteristics. Leung says a Marble Queen Pothos plant will harness happiness, good energy, and elegance for Aquarians.
Finally, Leung says a beautiful Benjamina Ficus Tree, representing art and motivation, would complement compassionate, artistic Pisces.