Feng Shui & Money Tree Plant

Yin yang represents balance in feng shui.

The ancient Chinese art of feng shui focuses on balancing the presence of yin and yang in a space. Feng shui helps maintain the balance between the water, fire, earth, metal and wood elements. Each aspect of a room determines the balance of the five elements, including color, furniture arrangement and decorative items. The money tree plant is one of the many items used in a feng shui--centered space because it brings fortune and success.

The History of Feng Shui

Although the exact date of its creation is unknown, the Chinese practiced feng shui for thousands of years. In feng shui, the laws of heaven and earth balance to create a positive life force called qi. The words "feng shui" translate to "wind-water" and the wind and water balance to create harmony in the qi. The theory of feng shui has experienced many changes over the centuries. North America adopted the Black Hat sect teaching of feng shui in the 1970s because of its simplicity.

What the Money Tree Plant Represents

The money tree plant is a species of bonsai that comprises different plants manually intertwined around one another. Created in Taiwan in the 1980s, the money tree plant gained its name after it became popular across Asia. The plant represents wealth, good luck and prosperity to the person who owns it. The shape of the tree symbolizes the elements: the five leaves stemming from each branch represent the earth, water, wood, metal and fire elements. The presence of the money tree plant contributes to the harmony and balance in a space, along with aesthetic appeal.

Where to Plant the Money Tree

Place the money tree plant in areas associated with money. Placing this plant near items such as cash registers and deposit boxes optimizes its power to bring wealth and fortune. The money tree plant also attracts prosperity, so place it in the space that corresponds with that need. Because the plant contributes to the overall effect of feng shui, its presence helps balance all of the elements in a space.

How to Care for a Money Tree Plant

The money tree plant usually sits in a small pot with the trunk intertwined. Like other plants, it still requires consistent exposure to sun and water. Money tree plants benefit from regular watering, but overwatering causes the stems to rot and the leaves to fall off of the branches. The money tree plant grows optimally in indirect sunlight and moderate heat. In good health, it can grow to 7 feet.

Warning

According to feng shui, trees and plants have nervous systems that absorb and direct the energy in a space. They also have spirits that require careful treatment according to the type of tree. Mistreated and neglected money tree plants produce bad feng shui; allowing the plant to dry out or die attracts bad luck to the space it inhabits, as well as the owner.

References

• Feng Shui Room Design: Feng Shui History
• Feng Shui Room Design: Money Plant Tree
• FengShui: The Role of Trees and Plants in Feng Shui Theory