Buzz
1. Citrus Family - Citrus limon
In feng shui, citrus trees with round, full leaves and heavy, fruit-laden branches symbolize wealth and prosperity. The more fruit these trees bear, the greater the luck and benefits they bring. Planting citrus trees in the Southeast direction can further attract wealth and good fortune. Surprisingly, citrus trees are also ideal indoor plants. Their fragrant flowers spread a pleasant aroma throughout the space. Not only do they enhance the scenery, but they also have excellent moisture-absorbing properties.
The leaves of citrus trees have medicinal properties, fight bacteria, and create a fresh atmosphere in your home. Place these plants in well-lit areas. The fruit can be used to make juice, and the leaves are great for steaming during a cold. Many people also use the leaves for cooking. The citrus family, such as Doan Hung grapefruit, Phu Dien pomelo, Nam Roi grapefruit, Bo Ha orange, and Canh orange, are common in Vietnam and are known for their dual purpose as both ornamental and medicinal plants. Additionally, these trees are low-maintenance, requiring only sunlight and regular watering to thrive, providing you with a clean and fragrant home.
2. Cedar - Chamaecyparis
Furthermore, it is believed that the cedar tree can alleviate symptoms of migraines and headaches. The Japanese consider this tree to hold the spirits of gods, which is why it occupies a significant place in Japanese culture. Cedar trees are often grown indoors as small bonsai plants, but their benefits far outweigh their small size. As one of the first flowering trees, it represents longevity, and its flowers are often used for decoration in ceremonies. Ancient beliefs suggest that dreaming of a cedar tree signifies new ideas and success in your career.
3. Snake Plant - Sansevieria
In both Western and Eastern cultures, the snake plant is believed to ward off evil spirits, break curses, and bring good fortune and wealth to its owner. It is also a meaningful gift, symbolizing wishes of prosperity for friends, loved ones, or business partners. The snake plant is often given as a gift to celebrate new beginnings, successful business ventures, or housewarming celebrations. Feng shui teachings suggest that it can even drive away malicious spirits. Its sword-like leaves are seen as the strength of a lion, which is why it is believed to protect the family by pushing away bad energy and misfortune. This is why you often see snake plants used as hedges in front of homes or placed in rows at the entrances of buildings.
You can place snake plants anywhere in your home. This popular houseplant is common in many Vietnamese households, known for its beautiful leaves that add aesthetic value. Additionally, Eastern beliefs consider the snake plant to bring prosperity. The snake plant provides a large amount of oxygen, keeping the air fresh and clean. It's an easy-to-care-for plant that doesn't require much time or effort. It thrives in almost any position, and all it needs is a moderate amount of water each day.
4. Fig Tree Family - Ficus
These trees are often planted indoors or in garden corners. They are excellent for air purification, releasing oxygen and improving air quality by neutralizing harmful gases and viruses. Their broad foliage efficiently clears dust and provides shade for the garden. Due to their large size, they require plenty of space to spread their branches. In feng shui, the Four Noble Trees (Ficus - Banyan - Ficus species) are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to homes and offices. The tall trunk symbolizes abundant wealth, and the lush, dense leaves represent vitality and vigor.
Among these, the Benjamin Fig is the most commonly planted, known as a symbol of Bangkok, Thailand. It’s low-maintenance, grows quickly, and requires minimal water. Not many know that fig trees like the ornamental banyan and fig are excellent air purifiers. Typically placed in garden corners, they contribute to a clean atmosphere in your home. Fig trees are highly resilient, growing fast and remaining healthy with minimal care. They need very little water daily and thrive in both shade and sunlight, with various varieties created by gardeners for decorating gardens and homes.
5. Life Plant
The Life Plant, commonly referred to as the "Living Forever" plant or "Pennywort", is a popular choice for households due to its many unexpected benefits. Native to Madagascar, this plant is particularly favored during the Lunar New Year for its vigorous growth, symbolizing longevity and offering a wish for abundant health to family members. It also represents fertility, unity, and happiness. Its thick stems and leaves store water, making it a great air purifier while producing beautiful flowers. It thrives in dry, well-ventilated spaces, so be cautious not to overwater it and ensure it receives ample sunlight.
The Life Plant is a simple yet striking addition to any room during the winter. It blooms from October to May. The plant features thick, fleshy leaves and stems. While it is not suited for humid environments, the Life Plant is easy to grow and quite resilient. The flowers bloom in clusters at the top and come in various sizes and types. Its strength and low-maintenance nature remind us that happiness can be found in the simplest things. Happiness is a choice, and the Life Plant chooses to display its beauty proudly. Its resilience mirrors our own ability to withstand pressure at work, encouraging us to let go of worries and focus on our tasks.
6. Money Plant
The Money Plant carries many positive meanings, though its significance can vary depending on its placement and the type of work being done. Known for its strong growth and ability to climb and attach, the Money Plant symbolizes prosperity and progress. Placing it in the home can bring wealth and good fortune, especially for children. In an office or workplace, it is said to promote career advancement and minimize obstacles. For the family, the Money Plant signifies wealth, good luck, and prosperity. It is believed to bring financial gain, peace, and protection from gossip or negative energy.
The Money Plant is also an excellent air purifier, removing harmful pollutants from the environment. NASA has recommended it as one of the best plants for purifying indoor air. It is suggested to have one or two Money Plants in a 10-square-meter room to help improve air quality and provide a relaxing atmosphere. The plant absorbs toxins such as benzene and radiation from electronic devices like computers, phones, and other gadgets.
7. The Lucky Bamboo
The Lucky Bamboo symbolizes good fortune, wealth, and prosperity, which is why people often say “wealth and prosperity” or “prosperity and good luck.” It is commonly given as a gift for housewarmings, grand openings, and festive occasions. In terms of feng shui, the plant is particularly beneficial for individuals whose element is Fire, as its red-pink color is associated with the Fire element. Additionally, the plant’s green color is connected with Wood, which supports Fire, helping to reduce stress, calm fiery temperaments, and increase positive energy, prosperity, and success in life.
Aside from being a decorative piece for your home or office, the Lucky Bamboo also offers other beneficial properties for daily life. This plant is known for its excellent air-purifying qualities, removing harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene, and reducing dust in the environment, creating a cleaner, healthier space. It also helps to reduce stress and promote a more positive, energized state of mind.
8. Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum
The Peace Lily is a popular ornamental plant in Vietnam, known by several names such as White Peace Lily, Peaceful Lily, or White Flower Spathiphyllum. It symbolizes peace, positive energy for health, and helps its owner ward off misfortune. Additionally, the Peace Lily represents harmony, uniting families, friends, and colleagues. This meaning is reflected in the plant’s growth pattern, always clustering together rather than standing alone. Furthermore, the Peace Lily is believed to bring wealth and good fortune to its owner. Often regarded as a guardian angel for leaders, its upright growth and resilience symbolize perseverance, helping leaders overcome challenges and advance in their careers.
The Peace Lily has excellent moisture-absorbing properties, balancing indoor humidity levels and eliminating harmful mold spores. It thrives best at temperatures around 18°C. Speaking of its benefits, the Peace Lily is renowned for its superb air purification capabilities. It is recommended by NASA for indoor planting to absorb harmful toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. Some studies even suggest that the Peace Lily can reduce electromagnetic waves emitted by devices such as Wi-Fi routers, TVs, computers, laptops, and other electronics, as well as ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Its ability to reduce radiation exposure makes it a common plant in cancer treatment rooms, where it is used to help minimize the harmful effects of radiation therapy. Hospitals also often grow this plant to provide a cleaner, healthier environment for patients.
9. Myrtle - Myrtus
The Myrtle, scientifically known as Myrtus communis, belongs to the Myrtaceae family, commonly referred to as the myrtle tree or the bay myrtle. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is primarily cultivated for its aromatic oil. This tree, also known as the Bay Myrtle, symbolizes peace and joy. Historically, it was believed to have mystical properties, with the ability to restore youth to the elderly and provide travelers with energy and a refreshing spirit. Additionally, the Myrtle tree purifies the air in your home by releasing antibacterial substances from its leaves and flowers, helping eliminate airborne bacteria.
In the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, the Myrtle tree is often used to make an aromatic liqueur known as Mirto. Mirto is a local delicacy in Sardinia, available in two varieties: Mirto Rosso (red), made from dark purple fruits, and Mirto Bianco (white), made from yellow myrtle berries. Today, Myrtle trees are often shaped into bonsai for decorative purposes. In addition to their aesthetic value, these trees are highly effective in purifying the air, thanks to their ability to release antibacterial agents that combat harmful bacteria.
10. Laurel Tree
The Laurel Tree is a symbol of victory, glory, and prestige. Known for centuries not only as a seasoning plant but also as a decorative plant for the home, it thrives in humid, shaded environments. The Laurel grows best when watered with lukewarm water. Many people plant it hoping it will bring success in their career, wealth to their family, and ward off bad spirits, misfortune, and negativity. The tree is also believed to bring good fortune and happiness to the home.
Additionally, the Laurel tree emits a pleasant fragrance that helps soothe the mind, relieve stress, and create a peaceful atmosphere for the family. Growing a Laurel tree at home is often considered a way to seek peace and success for future generations. By planting a Laurel tree in your home, you'll experience a remarkable improvement in air quality due to its excellent moisture-absorbing ability. As a result, it is often placed in the corner of a room, watered with slightly warm water, and kept in a humid, shaded environment to thrive.
