Others talk to me about science, but I believe in feng shui, and I am superstitious about feng shui. Alibaba's establishment of seven branch companies was out of consideration for feng shui.

-- Jack Ma

Qi disperses when riding the wind and stops when meeting water

The ancients gathered it so it would not disperse, and guided it so it would have a stopping point

Hence it is called feng shui

It is actually a comprehensive discipline combining geography, ecology and various natural factors

with the life information of the human body.

It allows people, after understanding nature,

to conform to nature, thereby creating a good living environment

Today let's talk about the plant feng shui of the living environment

A plant itself is also what is called a life field

So how exactly should plants be chosen and placed

to make our lives flourish and thrive

Today Wang Weihua will talk about it

1

The Theory of Plant Feng Shui

If someone told you that an inconspicuous little flower beside you might be affecting your body, you would surely think they had taken the wrong medicine or lost their mind. But in fact, in feng shui theory, the idea that plants can affect the feng shui of homes and offices really does have a scientific basis.

The feng shui of plants originates from their transpiration: it promotes air flow, regulates air humidity, and helps remove bacteria from the air. Whenever people are near a plant, they often feel relaxed and happy, yet few can explain exactly why.

This brings us to plant feng shui.

2

What are feng shui plants?

Feng shui plants refer to plants whose species, properties and placement, among other things, are believed in Chinese feng shui to be able to influence a person's fate; such plants are called feng shui plants.

In the five elements theory of traditional geomancy,green plants belong to wood, and botanists have found through years of research that plants are extremely rich in variety and all-encompassing, and in fact are also divided among the five elements, producing different conditioning effects on human health. He said that the five elements classification of plants is very specialized, and those unfamiliar with plants can judge on the one hand from the color of their reproductive organs -- the flowers,white belongs to metal, green belongs to wood, blue belongs to water, red belongs to fire, yellow belongs to earth; on the other hand, they can also be distinguished by the characteristics of the plants, such ashot belongs to fire, warm belongs to earth, cool belongs to water, dry belongs to metal, and so on.

The Five Elements Theory of Plants

White and apricot-colored plants belong to "metal"

implying solemnity, and can regulate the lungs

such as gardenia, Chinese snowball viburnum, white camellia, white magnolia, southern magnolia, and so on

Green-colored plants belong to "wood"

implying health and soothing, and can regulate the liver

such as green peony, green cherry blossom, Japanese maple, Chinese tallow tree, poplar, and so on.

Blue and black plants belong to "water"

implying calmness and solemnity, and can regulate the kidneys

such as eucommia, glossy privet, Buddhist pine, Elaeocarpus, southern magnolia, Michelia maudiae, and so on.

Red and purple plants belong to "fire"

implying vitality and warmth, and can regulate the heart

such as pomegranate, kapok, red camellia, red rhododendron, and so on.

Yellow and brown plants belong to "earth"

implying wealth and auspiciousness, and regulate the spleen and stomach

such as golden osmanthus, forsythia, golden bell, daylily, and so on.

In the five elements theory, whatever is lacking should be supplemented. Excessive amounts of any one element are taboo, and elements that clash with each other are also taboo. Mutual generation and mutual restraint, complementing each other, is the best state.

3

The Scientific Basis of Plant Feng Shui

Feng shui, feng shui -- from a scientific perspective, plants really do have both

"Wind" -- transpiration, the secret that lets air flow naturally

The process by which water evaporates from plant leaves is called transpiration. Evaporation from the soil combined with transpiration from the leaves is called evapotranspiration.

Plant physiologists have discussed transpiration for many years. When transpiration is vigorous, it forms air movement; as long as the temperature difference between the leaf surface and the air is significant, convection occurs, causing air to flow even when the air is otherwise still.

The ability to generate air flow is quite important for plants to remove toxins from indoor environments, because building interiors often use air conditioning and the air is quite dry; a high transpiration rate helps move toxin-containing air toward the roots, where microorganisms at the roots break down the gases into sources of nutrients and energy.

"Water" -- transpiration, helping regulate air humidity

Plants release many different substances into the air around their leaves, and the most studied and understood substance is water vapor. Plants play an important role in controlling humidity and climate conditions, and dry air is a feature of the indoor environment in winter; it irritates the sensitive mucous membranes of the nose and throat, making people more susceptible to airborne chemicals, viruses, mold spores, dust and allergens, while plants release water vapor to balance the dry air humidity.

Many changes in environmental factors affect the opening and closing of stomata. The stomata of most plants open at sunrise and close at night, while some plants do the opposite (including most succulents and some orchid and bromeliad species), opening their stomata at night. The main reason these plants open and close their stomata at opposite times is to conserve water in hot, sunny climates.

"Qi" -- leaves, opening the door to absorption and transport

Plant leaves not only produce the oxygen needed to sustain life, but also play a major role in maintaining the health of the plant and its root microorganisms. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide and transport various chemicals from one part of the plant to another, which is quite important for plant function.

Research shows that some organic substances in leaves are transported not only to the roots but also into the surrounding soil. Systemic pesticides take advantage of this plant ability to absorb and transport chemicals.

Organic chemicals transmitted from the atmosphere to the root zone do indeed affect the type and number of microorganisms in the soil around the plant. This effect is significant, indicating that plants can absorb volatile organic substances from indoor air and transport these chemicals to the root zone, where microorganisms there break them down. The plant's own biological processes can break down certain chemicals absorbed from the air without the involvement of soil microorganisms.

"Spirit" -- how plants affect the human mind

Plants not only make a room more beautiful but also make the environment more suitable for living or working; for most people, they also have a calming effect on the mind, which may explain why plants play an important role on some important occasions in our lives (such as weddings, funerals, celebrations, hospital visits, and birthdays). When near a living plant, people often feel relaxed; adding green scenery to an office also effectively improves work efficiency and reduces absenteeism; upscale hotels, restaurants and some commercial venues frequently use plants to help attract customers.

So the idea that plants affect home and office feng shui really does have a scientific basis

4

Courtyard Plant Feng Shui

I. Plants suitable for planting in the courtyard -- "plants regarded as auspicious"

Generally speaking, plants planted in the courtyard are best mainly fruit trees, because they have both flowers and fruit, representing having a beginning and an end. Also, planting some plants that bear fruit at different times of the four seasons is conducive to family picking and promotes family harmony.

1. Kumquat tree: homophonous with "ji" (auspicious), symbolizing good fortune; its fruit is red and yellow, extremely festive.

2. Pomegranate: symbolizes many sons and much blessing.

3. Longan (guiyuan): also means early birth of a precious son, and completeness and perfection.

4. Lychee: before fruiting it looks much like longan; after fruiting, the branches are heavy with bright red fruit, also quite festive.

5. Jujube tree: planting a jujube tree in the courtyard implies early success at the eastern fence viewing the garden and bearing a precious son, being one step ahead in everything.

6. Bamboo: bamboo is also a fairly good feng shui item; while blocking sha qi, it does not completely block it, slowing the speed of sha qi so that you receive its beneficial aspects.

7. Palm: in feng shui it has the function of generating and protecting wealth

8. Rubber tree: Indian rubber tree, with a straight and upright trunk, thick and glossy leaves, strong reproductive capacity and easy to grow, suitable for planting both outdoors and indoors.

9. Camphor tree: in Hangzhou, camphor is also called the "daughter tree." In ancient times there was a custom -- Wang Weihua tells you -- that if a family had a daughter, they would plant a camphor tree, and before she married they would use camphor wood to make a pair of chests to hold the dowry.

10. Pagoda tree: the pagoda tree is considered to represent "lu" (official salary/status). In ancient times the imperial court planted three pagoda trees and nine thorn trees; the dukes, ministers and senior officials sat beneath them, and those facing the three pagoda trees were the three highest officials. Later, ordinary people planted pagoda trees in their courtyards.

11. Money tree: scientific name Yanzi, with round, thick and full leaves, easy to grow, with strong vitality, absorbing the metal qi of the outside world, extremely beneficial for bringing wealth to the home.

12. Osmanthus tree: osmanthus is also called muxi; once autumn arrives its fragrance spreads all around, and it is a natural air freshener. Legend says osmanthus came from the moon palace. In ancient times the imperial examinations coincided with osmanthus season, so people used "plucking osmanthus in the toad palace" to describe success in the examinations. At that time people planted osmanthus in their courtyards, with the implication of wishing the younger generation to study well.

13. Broadleaf lady palm: named because its trunk resembles a palm and its leaves resemble bamboo. Planting broadleaf lady palm on the balcony can keep the residence safe.

14. Sago palm: also called dragon blood tree; the most popular on the market is the mud-planted Ba sago palm. The sago palm has long, narrow leaves with yellow spots in the center. The sago palm implies strength, supplements the qi and blood of the residence, and is one of the important plants that generate prosperity.

15. Yulan magnolia: the shape of the yulan magnolia flower is very much like a lotus; when in full bloom, the petals spread out in all directions, very beautiful, and it is a precious ornamental tree. It symbolizes a pioneering spirit and a striving, upward spirit.

16. Crabapple: its flowers are bright and vivid, and when in bloom it brings wealth and honor to the hall; it has long enjoyed the reputation of "immortal among flowers." "Shi Jing - Xiao Ya - Chang Di" is a poem stating that brothers should love one another; later generations planted crabapple at home to pray for brotherly affection and family harmony.

17. Mulberry: it bears much fruit, and is homophonous with "sang" (mourning), so it cannot be planted in front of the door. There is a taboo against "opening the door to admit mourning."

18. Crabapple: its flowers are bright and vivid, bringing wealth and honor to the hall, and the blossoms of the cherry apple symbolize brotherly harmony and joyful family life.

19. Plum: a peerless thing under heaven, the one that dominates the world. Its flower has five petals, symbolizing the five blessings: happiness, fortune, longevity, smoothness, and peace (or fu, lu, shou, xi, kang -- fortune, status, longevity, joy, health). There is a longevity couplet: "The plum opens five blessings, the bamboo reports three abundances."

20. Chinese rose: folk custom regards it as auspicious, with the meaning of "peace in all four seasons." It also has the reputation of queen of flowers.

21. Peony: commonly called the king of flowers. It is planted together with herbaceous peony. Folk custom praises it as the flower of wealth and honor. In wood carvings it is combined with a longevity stone, implying "long life and wealth and honor."

II. Plants believed to have the effect of suppressing demons and warding off evil

22. Peach tree: said to be the essence of the five elements, able to control all ghosts, so at New Year peachwood charms were hung on the door. "In a thousand doors and ten thousand households on the bright bright day, they always swap the new peach charms for the old."

23. Willow tree: its function is the same as the peach tree; willow branches are inserted at doors to ward off evil.

23. Please follow the WeChat platforms China Feng Shui Research Association and Yijing Tianxia.

24. Gourd: many-seeded, originally from India. In feng shui, the gourd is a plant that can ward off evil, and it also carries the meaning of many sons and much blessing.

25. Dogwood: an auspicious plant, with a strong fragrance, and it can be used as medicine. In ancient custom, on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, wearing a dogwood pouch could ward off evil and repel misfortune.

26. Soapberry: especially revered. Commonly called "ghost's sorrow," in Buddhism it is called bodhi seed, used to string together prayer beads; with it there is "no misfortune."

27. Ginkgo: its lifespan reaches over a thousand years; because it blooms at night and people cannot see it, it hides a mysterious power, so many talismans for protecting the home must be carved from ginkgo wood.

III. What taboos are there for courtyard plants?

Taboo one: there should not be trees in front of the window

The dancing tree shadows and mottled light and shadow outside the window bring residents a refreshing mood, but note that trees should not be too close to the window, otherwise they will attract damp yin qi, which is not good for the residents' health. Generally speaking, trees in front of the window should be more than 2 m away. The ancients said: "A tree facing the house is auspicious, a tree with its back to the house is inauspicious."

Taboo two: there should not be leaning trees in front of the house

If there is a leaning tree in front of the house, it indicates that the sunlight the house receives comes from a specific angle, and the tree's growth center of gravity is always in a fixed direction. Over time, the trunk may be unable to support the branches, creating a safety hazard.

Taboo three: there should not be dead trees in front of the main gate

If all the trees are withered and decayed, it may mean there is a problem with the earth qi of this place. If people live here, their luck will also rise and fall according to its prosperity or decline. On the other hand, a dead tree in front of the gate forms a shadow both visually and psychologically, affecting the family's mood when going out, and over time it will have an adverse effect on the residents. If there is a dead tree in front of the residence, it should be cut down immediately and new trees and new lawn planted, or another solution such as moving should be considered.

Taboo four: trees should not be planted in the center of the courtyard; tree roots will damage the flat courtyard.

A large tree in the center easily blocks the sunlight from the house, which is not good for lighting. In addition, if it is a deciduous tree that constantly drops leaves, it is difficult to clean and also harms appearance and hygiene. Furthermore, the position directly facing one's own main gate is also unsuitable.

5

Home Plant Feng Shui

I. Plants suitable for growing at home

1. Pothos: one of the best plants, a good choice for dissolving sha and boosting wealth.

2. Golden pothos: if your five elements lack metal, you can plant more of it

3. Asparagus fern: a good plant for the desk, with the meaning of rising step by step in career.

4. Lucky bamboo: mentioned many times in other articles, it is most effective for boosting Wenchang (academic and literary fortune).

5. Orchid: there are many kinds of orchids on the market, with a fragrance that is pure and far-reaching; it is also a good choice.

6. Dragon tree, also called Brazilian iron, with varieties that have golden edges, is also suitable for growing at home.

7. Monstera: with large leaves, it is also a good choice for increasing indoor oxygen content.

[Note] Monstera, like dumb cane, has toxic branches and leaves, so it must be placed somewhere children cannot reach.

8. Spider plant: easy to grow and relatively simple to plant, it is also suitable for growing at home. Please follow the WeChat platforms China Feng Shui Research Association and Yijing Tianxia.

9. Money tree: beneficial to the wealth luck of those whose heavenly stem is geng metal, or it can be planted by people whose five elements need yang wood to strengthen it.

II. What positions are suitable for indoor plants?

1. Main gate

If the main gate faces a staircase, sword-leaf anthurium, fishtail palm and broadleaf lady palm can be used to dissolve sha. Place them at the opposing position. Also, if the balcony window faces sha qi, roses and jade unicorn can be used to dissolve sha, or potted gourds can also be used to dissolve sha.

2. Bedroom

Most flowering plants consume oxygen at night, so they are not very suitable for the bedroom, but snake plants release oxygen at night and can help with sleep.

3. Living room

For plants placed in the living room, you can choose some warm-toned vases with relatively bright appearances, which can add a lot of liveliness to the living room. The bouquet you buy can be a little larger, so that people's eyes are drawn to it as soon as they enter the living room.

4. Dining room

In the dining room, besides health, cleanliness and uniformity are required. For plants, you can first choose yellow roses, yellow carnations, yellow jasmine, etc., mainly in orange-yellow, to increase appetite and promote good health.

5. Kitchen

In recent years, the beautification and embellishment of the kitchen has become increasingly important, especially floral decorations, which are deeply loved by people. Some pipes and kitchen utensils in the kitchen that are difficult to decorate can be completely concealed with floral decorations to cover up their shortcomings, thus creating a pleasing small space.

6. Study

The study should be full of a scholarly atmosphere, and plants should be placed in the owner's Wenchang position. You can choose mountain bamboo flower, asparagus fern, lucky bamboo, English ivy, etc. These plants can strengthen people's thinking ability and are beneficial to study. On the desk, you can also place a pot of sweet flag, which has the effect of calming the mind, opening the orifices, and preventing insomnia.

7. Balcony

The balcony is the place with the best light in the home, and with sufficient space, it is a good place to place plants. For plants arranged on the balcony, you can choose some colorful flowers and evergreen plants. Wang Weihua tells you that in feng shui, plants placed on the balcony can not only beautify the environment, but also produce good feng shui effects, and should not be underestimated.

Which plants grown on the balcony can protect the home?

① Cactus: The stem of the cactus is thick and fleshy, often covered with hard hairs and spines. Placing a large cactus on the balcony can dissolve external evil influences invisibly.

② Dragon bone: The dragon bone has a very unique appearance. Its dry stem grows upright and upward, shaped like an upright dragon's backbone, full of power, and has a strong resistance to external evil influences.

③ Jade qilin: Dragon bone grows upward, while jade qilin extends horizontally. Its shape resembles a stone mountain. It stabilizes and powerfully dissolves evil influences, and also has the effect of guarding the home.

④ Rose: Roses are gorgeous and varied. Although beautiful, they have thorns and are sternly inviolable. They can not only embellish and decorate the scenery of the balcony, but also have the function of dissolving evil influences. They are especially suitable for use in homes with more women.

⑤ Azalea: That is, bougainvillea. Its flower color resembles azalea, and its flowers and leaves are dense with sharp thorns. It is easy to grow and is also an excellent plant for dissolving evil influences.

Flower and grass varieties for the four seasons should be selected and matched according to sunlight conditions, such as jasmine, chrysanthemum, Dutch [plants], crabapple. Passionflower, asparagus fern, dianthus, begonia, moss rose, milan, osmanthus, crab claw orchid, etc.; when arranging various flowers, place the sun-loving ones near the sunlight and the shade-loving ones behind them, so that each gets the light it needs.