Are Snake Plants Good for Feng Shui? [ANSWERED]

Did you know snake plants can play a vital role in the discipline of Feng Shui, the flow of energy around your living spaces.

Snake plants can have both positive and negative effects in Feng Shui. Generally speaking, Feng Shui recommends avoiding sharp objects, like the sword shapes of a snake plant’s leaf, as it represents “poison arrows” that can attract negative energy. However, at the same time, these forms can help to provide protection against incoming negative energy. Therefore, it is important to understand how and when to use snake plants around the house, which is the focus of this article, so stay tuned.

Welcome to today’s feature article at the Garden Bench Top. You can expect to learn:

• a brief introduction to the world of Feng Shui,
• How snake plants effect energy flow according to the rules of Feng Shui,
• Pros and cons of snake plants, and
• How to use snake plants in Feng Shui.

So go grab a warming tea and get ready to experience some positive energy!

What is Feng Shui – A Brief Introduction.

The study of energy flows in your living space is known as an ancient art form called Feng Shui. According to the New World Encyclopedia, the art of Feng Shui has been practiced for at least 3,500 years.

When directly translated, the words Feng and Shui mean wind and water. It describes the relationships between all things, living and inanimate, which can effect how energy (wind and water) moves around you. The flow of energy can impact different areas of your life, such as health, wealth, love, mental stamina, just to name a few.

As far as this article goes, the main principle of Feng Shui you need to understand is that it involves manipulating the flow of energy in your living space for a positive outcome. This is achieved by rearranging household items (like snake plants) and activating energy in different parts (or sectors) of the house.

It is important to understand that, like religion, there are many schools of thought in Feng Shui, each teaching their own disciplines and rules. This means that even when presented with the same space, two masters practicing different schools of Feng Shui, may provide different solutions.

We could go on and on, and if you want to find out more about the fascinating world of Feng Shui, here’s a brief introduction by Julie Khuu

Snake Plant Feng Shui – Good or Bad?

Okay, let’s get into the specifics of why you are here – do snake plants and Feng Shui mix?

The answer is it depends.

We know it is probably not the answer you wanted to read – but hang in there and let us explain.

As we mentioned at the beginning, as a general rule of thumb, Feng Shui recommends avoiding any sharp objects that are sharp or pointy. This is because the point resembles “poison arrows” that encourage the formation of negative energy. This can include forms (like buildings or mountains) that are located externally and point towards your house, as well as elements within the house.

If we are trying to avoid pointy objects, a snake plant is definitely far from ideal. With elongated foliage culminating in a sharp point at the end of each leaf, in theory we should be running in the opposite direction whenever we see a mother-in-law’s tongue plant!

According to Feng Shui principles, these very points that create negative energy can protect (or counter) incoming negative energy points in the house. Sort of like a double negative – it cancels each other out.

This is why you may see some people placing snake plants on balconies (an entry point for negative energy) or at a point external to the house that is offering protective energy from a poison arrow that is pointing at the house.

Pros of Snake Plant Feng Shui

Besides the powerful benefits snake plants can deliver in protection against incoming bad energy, their leaf growth patterns and forms can be interpreted as a positive symbol.

As snake plant’s leaves grow vertically, extending upward as they mature, this movement is symbolic of positivism and personal growth, the yang wood element, or wood energy. Attributes we all strive for in life.

Some feng shui masters also consider snake plants to be a lucky plant. However, in order to activate this energy, the snake plants must be positioned correctly. We’ll look at positioning a bit further on in the article.

Cons of Snake Plant Feng Shui

Okay – let’s now look at the flip side of snake plants in feng shui and their role in bad luck.

The most obvious con of snake plants are their pointy leaves – or the poison arrows that you are introducing into your living space. This would also apply to other spiky plants, like cacti that have spikes pointing in every direction.

Usually masters recommend other types of houseplants, like jade plants, money trees or nasturtiums, that have rounded leaves (as opposed to sharp pointed leaves). This is because it encourages a nourishing energy that cultivates positivity and wealth, because the leaves are representative of coins.

However, with all that being said, the positioning of your snake plant can change the outcome of the poison arrows significantly. Let’s take a closer look at where to position your snake plant in your house.

Guide to Positioning Your Snake Plant in Feng Shui

After all the considerations we’ve listed above, if you still set on becoming a snake plant parent (we don’t blame you – they are striking plants), then follow this guide to ensure you are applying the recommended rules of feng shui.

Protect Against Negative Energy

Earlier we touched on how snake plants can be extremely effective against warding off points of negative energy into your living space. We use this technique in our home, and love the fact that we can showcase our snake plants in places around our abode.

However, in order to achieve this outcome, you will first need to identify the points of entry of negative energy. And to do this you will need the expertise of a qualified Feng Shui Master.

A master will perform a complete audit of your living space and provide recommendations for manipulating the energy flow to your benefit. It is at this point you can use snake plants to offer protection against any identified trouble areas of your home.

Home Office

Some feng shui masters recommend placing snake plants in your home office or office spaces. They believe that positioning a snake plant in a room where you perform a lot of mental activity, will offer concentration and productivity benefits.

Plus, we know that snake plants offer air purification benefits and improve indoor air quality, so why not increase both your positive qi (chi) AND your oxygen levels at the same time.

Southern, Southeastern and Eastern Sectors

Some consider placing a snake plant in the sectors of the house that are in the Southern, Southeastern and Eastern positions will help to cultivate energy that supports your creativity and motivation.

If this coincides with your home office, this represents an opportunity for double gains!

Snake Plants & Feng Shui – Final Thoughts

Snake plants are popular plants that offer an abundance of visual appeal. They have long sword-shaped leaves that reach towards the sky as they grow.

Unfortunately, it is the shape of these very leaves that can work against individuals practicing the art of Feng Shui. Many believe the pointed leaves represent poison arrows, that attract negative energy. However, when used in a particular way, the form of the leaves can be harnessed to offer positive benefits.

The growth pattern of the snake plant is also thought to represent auspicious energy, or growth.