July 21, 2025

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Vastu vs Science: Where Should You Really Place Your Plants?

Plants bring life, color, and positive energy to any space, but have you ever wondered where exactly you should place them? In India, many people follow Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural science, to decide plant placement for prosperity and harmony. On the other hand, modern science suggests placing plants based on light, ventilation, and growth requirements.

So, what’s the ideal balance between Vastu and science? Let’s explore where you should really place your plants for the perfect blend of energy, health, and beauty.

1. The Importance of Plant Placement

Both Vastu and science agree that plants can influence the environment around you.

• Vastu Perspective: The right plant placement can attract positive energy, wealth, and health.
• Scientific Perspective: Placement affects plant growth, air purification, and indoor air quality.

For example, placing a plant in low light where it cannot photosynthesize properly is bad both for the plant and for your home aesthetics.

2. Vastu Guidelines for Plant Placement

According to Vastu Shastra, certain directions and plants bring good luck and prosperity, while others should be avoided.

North and East Directions

• Ideal for money plants, bamboo, and tulsi (holy basil).
• These directions are considered auspicious as they invite positivity and wealth.

South and West Directions

• Place flowering plants or citrus plants like jasmine and hibiscus for good vibes.
• Avoid thorny plants like cacti, as they are believed to emit negative energy.

Balcony and Entrance Plants

• Tulsi should be placed in the north-east corner of the house.
• Areca palms and money plants at the entrance are believed to welcome prosperity.

3. Scientific Guidelines for Plant Placement

From a scientific standpoint, the placement of plants depends on:

Sunlight Needs

• Low-light plants (e.g., snake plant, pothos) are suitable for indoor corners.
• High-light plants (e.g., hibiscus, bougainvillea) require direct sunlight, so they thrive on balconies or terraces.

Air Quality

Indoor plants like peace lily, spider plant, and rubber plant purify air when placed in living spaces.

Growth Requirements

Plants must be placed where they have adequate space for roots and leaves to expand.

4. Vastu Plants That Science Loves Too

Some plants are both Vastu-friendly and scientifically beneficial:

Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum):
Attracts positive energy (Vastu) and removes toxins like formaldehyde (science).

Tulsi (Holy Basil):
Sacred in Vastu and known for its medicinal properties.

Areca Palm:
Considered auspicious and is an excellent indoor air purifier.

Also Read This : Gardening Myths Indians Still Believe – And What Science Says!

5. Plants You Should Avoid (Vastu & Science)

Cacti and Thorny Plants

• Vastu says they bring negative vibes.
• Science says they need intense sunlight and aren’t great for small, dark indoor areas.

Dead or Dying Plants:

Both Vastu and science agree — remove them to avoid stagnation of energy and pests.

6. How to Balance Vastu and Science

• Place Vastu plants like money plants or bamboo in the north or east but ensure they get indirect sunlight.
• Use planters with drainage to prevent root rot, which aligns with science’s take on plant health.
• Decorate balconies with bright flowering plants (Vastu-friendly) that also attract pollinators like bees (scientific benefit).

7. Real-Life Examples of Vastu and Science

In most Indian households, tulsi (holy basil) is placed in the courtyard or balcony. This not only satisfies Vastu rules but also makes sense scientifically, as tulsi thrives in sunlight and fresh air.

Similarly, money plants are commonly placed near windows or in the east-facing living room corners. While Vastu believes this attracts wealth, science explains that money plants filter harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, improving indoor air quality.