These 6 Yin and Yang Houseplants Could Transform the Energy in Your Home, Say Plant Experts
Choosing the right indoor plants can change the energy within your home
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Indoor plants not only pep up the look and feel of our homes, but according to the principals of Feng Shui, they can shape the flow of energy within the interior space too. But did you know that houseplants carry both yin and yang energy?
In Feng Shui, yin refers to a soft and calming energy, while yang relates to more active, vibrant energy. Familiarizing yourself with the concept of Feng Shui, discovering the placement of key characteristics within your environment and learning more about feng shui plants can reap considerable health and wellbeing rewards. Not just practically, in terms of purifying the air and reducing stress and cortisol levels, but by balancing out negative spaces and improving the flow of light, air and energy within the home.
The Roles of Yin and Yang in Plants
Fundamental to the principal of Feng Shui, yin and yang represent two interconnected and interdependent forces.
As represented in the Taiji symbol of a black and white pair of interlaced teardrops with contrasting spots, neither can exist without the other, their contrasting qualities defining and carefully balancing the other.
Pictured together the completed circle represents the universe and everything within it is entirely made up of yin and yang.
It is thought that the friction or push and pull between the two forces creates life, as neither one can exist or be active without the other. To live in harmony, peace and clarity, it is crucial to balance these opposing yet interconnected energies.
3 Easy Plants With Yin Qualities
Yin is seen as a feminine and yielding energy, often associated with the cool, calm, dark environments.
Gentle, receptive and tranquil, this soothing and dependable life force often quietly recedes into the background, amplifying the showier yang attributes.
Indoor plants with strong yin qualities tend to have smooth surfaces, graceful trailing lines and rounded forms.
Think of the finely cut maidenhair fern, cascading strings of hearts and the elegant peace lily.
Spider Plant
With its weeping habit and trailing plantlets, spider plant or Chlorophytum epitomises yin energy.
Graceful and easy-going, this popular and undemanding foliage plant will brighten any windowsill, mantelpiece or hanging container in a bright or semi shady position.
Needing little attention other than regular watering, this plant will happily produce baby plants on slender stalks, which can be easily snipped off and potted up, increasing your plant collection.
Avoid positioning in strong, direct sunlight or too near a radiator or fireplace as the leaves will brown and scorch.
There are a few different types of spider plants to choose from. Chlorophytum capense ‘Variegatum’ is the classic choice with its striped leaves, while the curly leaved C. comosum ‘Bonnie’ is a gentle head turner with added movement. You can find curly spider plants at Lowes.
String of turtles
With its mass of tiny, flat round leaves that sit either side of a trailing stem, it should be no surprise that Peperomia prostrata is associated with patience, longevity and steady growth.
Slow growing but undemanding, the cascading stems can reach lengths of 12 inches (30cm) and thrive in bright conditions avoiding direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Stems are surprisingly delicate so position on a high shelf or hanging container away from high traffic areas. Susceptible to root rot, only water when the compost is every completely dry.
Hailing from the Brazilian rainforest, these beautiful plants love humidity, so keep them out of cold draughts in temperatures of between 65-75F (20-24C).
A digital hygrometer such as the TempPro TP50 from Walmart helps you to keep track of temperature fluctuations. Find live Peperomia prostrata plants at Amazon.
Pothos
The lush, glossy foliage and sprawling stems of a pothos are adored by plant lovers and novices alike, but perhaps its not just their good looks that are winning us over. It could be their quiet yet positive energy too.
‘Pothos embodies Yin energy through its soft, trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves,’ explains plant expert Nikki Bruner.
‘The flowing movement adds softness and a calming green presence to any indoor space. Adaptable and forgiving, they can thrive in most growing environments with ease. They prefer indirect light, and the soil should dry out between watering.’
You can find cheery golden pothos at The Sill and 'Marble Queen' pothos also at The Sill.
Nikki Bruner is the marketing manager at Perfect Plants Nursery. With a passion for plants and expertise in marketing, Nikki combines her knowledge of the nursery industry with her creative thinking to promote and highlight the exceptional offerings of Perfect Plants Nursery. She is dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction and providing valuable insights for plant lovers.
3 Stunning Plants With Yang Characteristics
Recognised as a possessing a masculine energy, Yang characteristics are associated with being fast, hot, dynamic and vibrant.
Strong vertical forms, dramatic lines and markings along with bold colors are all typical and can be clearly seen in the plants typically linked with this life force.
Prayer plant, Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (aka the ZZ plant) and aloe vera all bring bold, charismatic and positive energy to an indoor space.
Snake Plant
There’s no doubt Sansevieria is a striking plant, ‘perfect for invigorating an indoor space,’ says horticulturalist Justin Hancock. With banded or blurred zigzag leaves in green, greenish-white and yellow there’s nothing understated about the plant that is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue.
‘One of the nicknames of the snake plant is Saint George's Sword, and if that doesn't scream 'yang', I don't know what does,’ explains Plant Expert Nikki Bruner. ‘It has upright and strong, vertical sword-like leaves that add clarity and a sense of strength to interiors.’
There are more varieties of snake plant than you may realise. The tallest is Sansevieria trifasciata with its leaves reaching up to 4.9ft (1.5m) while one of the smallest Sansevieria bacularis ‘Mikado’ hits a refined 20 inches (50cm).
Originating from Kenya and Tanzania these plants like moderate temperatures of 60–75°F (15–24°C). Find a wide number of snake plant varieties at The Sill.
‘Snake plants prefer bright to moderate light and little water,’ adds Nikki.
Justin is Costa Farms Horticulturist with 25+ years in the industry. A plant enthusiast and educator, he has a degree in horticultural science and has worked in garden centers and botanical gardens, as a garden designer, and in garden publishing. He has experience gardening across the country, from Minnesota to Oregon to Miami. Hancock is also co-host of the Costa Farms podcast Plant Rx.
Money Tree
Knowing where to place a Money Tree in your home can be hugely positive according to Feng Shui expert.
'Money trees are probably one of the most popular plants to use when bringing the principles of Feng Shui within a home. The structure of Pachira aquatica is said to symbolizes wealth, positivity and balance when placed in a home. The trunk is said to represent stability and growth while the 5-leaves represent the 5 essential elements of Feng Shui, bringing balance and harmony to the space,’ says plant expert Katie Sunderlage.
‘Depending on where the plant is placed within the space, will determine what energy the Money Tree will bring to the area,’ she adds.
You can find exquisite Money Trees with braided stems at The Sill.
Operations Manager at Holland Group, managing the customer service department and purchasing. Katie has been in the green industry since 2005 in the Greater Milwaukee area, earning her degree in Horticulture in 2008. She has been able to share her love for plants working in multiple garden centers, in sales positions and most recently in an online retail platform at Holland Group.
Madagascar Dragon Tree
There's nothing shy and retiring about the Madagascar dragon tree. 'A strong, upright plant, it bears narrow green leaves banded in red or pink on top of slender stems,' explains Justin. Exuding yang energy, these dramatic house plants are surprisingly tolerant and easy to care for.
One of the best tall indoor plants, Dracaena marginata is perfect for energising any empty corner, providing privacy in front of a window or elegantly framing a sofa. Outside these plants can reach 20 ft(6m) tall but indoors, as a potted plant, expect a mature height of up to 6ft (180cm).
'Water Madagascar dragon tree when the top inch or so of the soil starts to dry,' says Justin. 'The plant holds up to dry conditions fairly well, so you don't have to worry about it dying if you miss a watering or two.' A soil water meter available from Amazon makes monitoring easy.
Deciding on the right position for indoor plants can require some thought and research, but its worth know that there are some houseplant you should keep away from each other plus some houseplants you should never place in your bedroom.
