Variegated Houseplants Promote 'Harmony and Balance' in the Home, Says a Feng Shui Expert – Here Are 3 of the Best and What They Represent

It's well-known that in the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, plants hold a lot of power in promoting positive energy in the home. What you may not realize, however, is that variegated foliage often deepens the meaning of particular houseplants.

Many Feng Shui plants have variegation, i.e. a multitude of colors and patterns on their leaves, which enhances their energy-boosting qualities. In fact, many of the best variegated indoor plants are popular in Feng Shui, so you may even have one in your home already.

While different Feng Shui variegated houseplants have slightly different meanings, variegation in general tends to represent balance and harmony, with the different colors effortlessly coming together. Here, a Feng Shui plant expert shares three of the best variegated plants to bring positive energy to your interiors.

3 Feng Shui Variegated Houseplants

Before adding these Feng Shui variegated houseplants to your home, read up on Feng Shui houseplant mistakes to ensure success in your efforts.

1. 'Thai Constellation' Monstera

'Thai Constellation' is one of the most beautiful monsteras you can choose. It has a beautiful mix of cream and green variegation, with splatters that are reminiscent of star constellations.

'Variegated foliage is often a representation of the movement of 'chi energy' flowing through the plant rather than feeling static or heavy,' explains Feng Shui plant expert and interior plant designer, Shane Pliska.

Chi energy is at the core of Feng Shui principles. It's an energy force that runs through the home to promote harmony and positive wellbeing.

'Thai Constellation' is thought to represent this, radiating balance in the home, as well as prosperity.

As for growing this Feng Shui variegated houseplant, it's much the same as monstera care. Most importantly, you should provide it with bright light to maintain its variegation, as too little light could see new leaves emerge as solid green.

Don't forget to also train your monstera (with this moss pole from Amazon) to grow upwards and support it as it gets bigger.

You can find a 'Thai Constellation' monstera at Walmart.

Shane Pliska

Shane Pliska is the president and CEO of Planterra - a national leader in interior landscaping. Shane's team include Feng Shui specialists who use ancient principles to enhance interiors with living plants.

2. 'Tricolor' Aglonema

Another of the Feng Shui variegation houseplants Shane recommends is 'Tricolor' aglaonema, a Chinese evergreen with a mottled pattern on its foliage.

'It has gentle structure with visual movement, making it especially effective in spaces meant to feel grounded, calm, and intentional,' explains Shane.

It's also a plant thought to bring good luck, making it a good plant for the southeast 'wealth' corner of the home (according to the 'bagua' or Feng Shui energy map).

As for care, follow the same advice as Chinese evergreen care. Most notably, don't allow your 'Tricolor' aglaonema to dry out, maintaining consistent moisture.

You can use a soil moisture meter (from Amazon) to check the water level in your soil and then top up when the top two inches have dried out.

'Tricolor' aglaonema is available at Walmart.

3. 'Tineke' Rubber Plant

The last of the Feng Shui variegated houseplants on our list is 'Tineke' rubber plant, a gorgeous variegated rubber plant with cream, pink, and green foliage.

In Feng Shui, these plants are thought to align with happiness, good fortune, and abundance. The colors blending together once again offer a visual representation of balance and yin-yang energy.

Its ability to radiate harmony makes it good for the central square on the bagua. Placing it in places where loved ones gather, like a living room, is particularly beneficial.

To ensure your variegated rubber plant thrives, make sure to provide bright light. This will encourage new growth and keep the variegation vivid.

If your variegated rubber plant starts dropping leaves, it might be that it's experiencing oversaturated soil and cold temperatures. You may find a seedling heat mat (from Amazon) is useful in keeping your rubber plant warm during the coldest seasons.

Find 'Tineke' rubber plant for sale at The Sill.

FAQs

What Does it Mean in Feng Shui if Houseplants Lose Their Variegation?

Variegated houseplants represent harmony and movement in Feng Shui. So, when they lose their variegation it can indicate a stagnant, heavy energy in the home. The best way to improve this is by repositioning your houseplant to somewhere bright, encouraging brighter variegation and healthier growth.

If you're interested in optimizing the effects of Feng Shui plants, you will also want to read up on houseplants you should never place in your bedroom that can disturb the energy there and make it a less peaceful space.

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