Wood also represents new beginnings, as it fuels the fire element and helps us confront change, according to Amanda Gibby Peters, founder of Simple Shui. “Wood subtly influences us to reach out and stretch ourselves in new ways.” Even the smell of soil, as Peters pointed out, can release oxytocin1 (the “love hormone”). And other research has shown plants can boost productivity and learning. For help deciding where to place your plants, consider consulting a bagua map—an easy-to-use tool that splits your space into nine categories such as love, health, life path, etc. You can put your plant in an area associated with what you’re trying to cultivate. For example, place peonies or jasmine into the love and marriage zone of your home, which is in the back right corner as you walk into the front door. In this area, you’d want to avoid any harsh or spiky plants, like the snake plant. Or, if your wealth gua is obstructed or has a back door in that area, Peters adds, “place a plant near the missing space to serve as a guardian.” That being said, don’t feel like you need to place a plant somewhere where it has no chance of surviving. Factor in the sunlight and airflow it needs too. When in doubt, Peters also recommends grouping plants together in fours, the number associated with the wealth gua. Doing so is also healthy for your plants, as grouping can increase humidity and create a more suitable growing environment. Now that you know what certain plants symbolize and how they fit into a bagua map, you’re ready to put your newest plant pal in a spot where it can really thrive—and help you do the same.
