Yes, according to the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, the money plant is considered one of the luckiest indoor plants. It is believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and positive energy into a home, especially when placed in the correct direction (the southeast corner). While its “luck” is a matter of belief, its scientifically proven air-purifying properties are a definite benefit for any household.
Is the Money Plant Really Lucky? The Secrets of Vastu and Feng Shui Revealed
The humble money plant, with its lush, heart-shaped leaves, is one of the most common houseplants found in homes across India, including here in Hyderabad. It’s easy to grow, beautiful to look at, and famously low-maintenance. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the money plant carries a powerful reputation: it is widely believed to be a magnet for wealth and good fortune. But is there any truth to this, or is it just a superstition?
The belief that the money plant is lucky is deeply rooted in two ancient eastern philosophies: Vastu Shastra from India and Feng Shui from China. Both systems focus on harmonizing the energy within a space to bring health, wealth, and happiness. This guide will explore why this simple plant is considered so auspicious and will also delve into its scientifically proven benefits.
Why is the Money Plant Considered Lucky? The Vastu and Feng Shui Connection
The belief in the money plant’s power isn’t random; it’s based on specific principles of energy flow and symbolism. The plant’s scientific name is Epipremnum aureum, and it is also commonly known as Pothos.
According to Vastu Shastra:
Vastu is the ancient Indian science of architecture and placement. In Vastu, the money plant is considered a powerhouse of positive energy.
- Attracts Wealth and Prosperity: The primary belief is that the presence of a healthy, growing money plant in a home helps to attract financial abundance and new income opportunities.
- The Power of the Southeast Direction: This is the most crucial Vastu rule. The southeast corner of a room or home is governed by the planet Venus and the deity Lord Ganesha, who is associated with wealth and removing obstacles. Placing your money plant in this direction is believed to be the most effective way to activate its wealth-attracting energies.
- Symbolism of the Leaves: The heart-shaped leaves of the money plant are also symbolic. They represent the growth of love, happiness, and togetherness within the family. The five lobes on some leaves are believed to represent the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Metal.
- Direction to Avoid: Vastu experts strongly advise against placing the money plant in the northeast corner of the house, as this can supposedly lead to financial losses or health issues.
According to Feng Shui:
Similar to Vastu, Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of arranging spaces to create a positive flow of life energy, or “Chi.”
- The “Money Corner”: In Feng Shui, the southeast corner of your home or room is known as the “wealth” or “money” area. Placing a money plant here is believed to energize this corner and attract prosperity.
- Positive Energy Flow: The plant’s ability to thrive and grow even in less-than-ideal conditions is seen as a symbol of perseverance and upward growth, which is a desirable energy to have in one’s home and career.
- Purifies Energy: Just as it purifies the air, Feng Shui masters believe the money plant purifies the energy in a space, clearing out negativity and creating a more harmonious environment.
Beyond Luck: The Scientifically Proven Benefits of a Money Plant
Whether you believe in its luck-bringing properties or not, keeping a money plant in your home has several scientifically backed benefits that make it a fantastic addition to any space.
- A Powerful Air Purifier: This is the plant’s biggest superpower. A famous NASA Clean Air Study found that the money plant is one of the best indoor plants for filtering out harmful toxins and pollutants from the air. It is highly effective at removing common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like:
- Formaldehyde (found in carpets and furniture)
- Benzene (found in paints and plastics)
- Xylene (found in cleaning supplies). Purifying the air you breathe directly contributes to a healthier living environment.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Numerous studies have shown that the presence of indoor plants can have a calming effect on our minds. The greenery helps to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and create a more tranquil atmosphere.
- Acts as an Anti-Radiator: It is believed that money plants can absorb a significant amount of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from electronic devices like Wi-Fi routers, computers, and smartphones, though more scientific research is needed in this area.
How to Care for Your Money Plant to Maximize Its Benefits
A healthy, thriving plant is believed to generate the most positive energy. Luckily, caring for a money plant is incredibly simple.
- Light: It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low-light conditions, making it perfect for almost any room. Avoid placing it in harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- Water: This is where most people go wrong. Overwatering is the number one killer of money plants. Water it only when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel completely dry. It is better to underwater than to overwater.
- Placement: You can grow it in a pot with soil or simply in a bottle of water. If growing in water, change the water once a week. You can let its vines trail down from a shelf or give it a moss stick to climb up.
Conclusion
So, is the money plant really lucky? For millions of people who follow Vastu and Feng Shui, the answer is a firm yes. They see it as a living talisman that brings prosperity and positive vibes. For the more skeptical, the answer is also yes, but in a different way. It brings the “luck” of cleaner air, a more beautiful and calming home environment, and the simple joy of nurturing a living thing.
Whether you’re seeking to boost your fortune or just want an easy, beautiful, and healthy addition to your home decor, the money plant is a perfect choice.