Why Feng Shui Says To Keep Your Houseplants Out Of Your Bedroom

Who doesn't want a little zen and R&R in their home these days, especially in their bedroom? Feng shui, a long-honored design tradition that artfully combines elements of nature and minimalism to create a positive place where the chi (energy) can flow effortlessly, has become a favorite decorating style with modern twists. Adopting a clutter-free and simplistic scheme throughout your home offers many benefits for your physical and mental health.

As a highly personal place of rejuvenation, the bedroom is the perfect place to strategize energy pathways by using feng shui to embrace calmness and serenity. In this Japanese tradition, five elements represent different types of energy: fire, water, metal, earth, and wood. While satisfying to gaze upon, plants are in the element family of wood. And according to Petal Republic, their energy, while very uplifting and jubilant, is not conducive to restorative slumber. But that's not the only reason plants are an unwelcome addition to the bedroom per feng shui guidelines and principles.

While a vase of fresh-cut flowers can be a warm welcome and soft touch in the bedroom, pots of plants are thought to dampen a healthy libido vibe because they are alive and require our attention to sustain their livelihood. When the focus is directed towards the greenery in your bedroom, it takes the attention away from your partner and love life.

Furthermore, My Domaine explains that water features in the bedroom, such as fish tanks and fountains, are also not a good idea because they can dull the spiciness of romance. And plants require routine watering, which introduces the water element as a regular fixture in the space. However, overwatering also leads to moldy soil, warns Plant Legend, which can lead to health issues, especially for people with respiratory sensitivities.

Resist the temptation to decorate your personal haven with fake botanicals as well, feng shui experts advise. As faux plants are non-living, they are believed to bring about disharmony and undesirable intimate liaisons, says Feng Shui Beginner.

Plants are a positive addition to your home because they help detoxify the environment and are healthy focal points that help reduce stress. Science actually backs up the feng shui tradition of keeping them out of the bedroom. Feng Shui Nexus explains that plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis during the day and then carbon dioxide at nighttime. Therefore, too much greenery in a small, enclosed space can create unhealthy amounts of carbon dioxide over time, so, if you choose to have them in your bedroom, it's best to limit the quantity.

Feng Shui Nexus also points out that expert opinions on this conviction are changing as additional benefits of plants are recognized. With the understanding that florae energy can have both beneficial and negative impacts on sleep, it stands to reason that they can be used respectively in feng shui design. However, keep it simple and choose your plants wisely. 

HousePlants Pro recommends keeping in mind specific lighting needs and picking ones that have no scent or are lightly fragrant. Some ideal greenery includes aloe, camellia, laurel, and spider plants. Finally, whatever plant you choose, remember that bedroom feng shui guidelines follow the rule of symmetry, so, you'll probably want to get two to balance things out.