Plants aren't just beautiful to look at, but, according to Feng Shui, they can also have a profound impact on our home. If you're not already familiar with it, this ancient Chinese practice is all about enhancing the positive energy of our surroundings. It's certainly stood the test of time, as its concepts are still used today, by interior designers, architects, and home-makers all over the world.
Fiddle leaf figs are an excellent choice for height and drama, and can also work beautifully as part of a Feng Shui design. However, placement is important when working with Feng Shui plants, so it's worth taking a few tips on board to maximize your fiddle leaf fig's potential.
I turned to professional experts in the field for their advice on finding the right spot for these plants. Below, they share their insights, including tips on choosing the perfect container.
Are fiddle leaf figs good Feng Shui plants?
According to Elizabeth Aley, an interior designer specializing in Feng Shui, fiddle leaf figs are considered auspicious. 'These large, leafy plants lift up the energy in a space, while also providing a grounding presence,' she says, adding how the correct placement of any soft leaf plant (such as those with rounded leaves) enhances a room. This is perhaps to be expected, since spiky ones, in contrast, are thought to be bad for Feng Shui.
Angie Cho, co-founder of the Mindful Design Feng Shui School, agrees that they make for a good Feng Shui plant due to their soft and smooth edges. That is, if the owner has some plant experience – they're 'not recommended for beginners,' she adds.
That's not all; these plants also carry a traditional symbolism of fertility and abundance, as highlights house therapist Amy Babish.
The best locations for fiddle leaf figs, according to Feng Shui
To place your fiddle leaf fig with intention, consider turning to the Feng Shui energy map, also known as the bagua. Amy says this overlays everything under the roof line to show how different areas correspond to different aspects of life, such as career and relationships.
'If you’re in an apartment or condo, it is everything within your unit.' She explains that, by understanding these connections, we can design our spaces to support our goals.
Keeping the bagua in mind, Elizabeth recommends determining which area of your life needs a boost to help decide where to put your fiddle leaf fig. 'If you want some help in the wealth and abundance sector of life, for example, then see if you can place the plant in the southeast gua (section) of your home.'
As another example, if you want support with your family, Amy recommends adding the fiddle leaf fig to the family and new beginnings gua (which is traditionally located in the east).
There are particular rooms that fiddle leaf figs work well in, too, as explained below.
In the bathroom
'If you have a bathroom large enough to accommodate a fiddle leaf fig, this will bring a dramatic yet calming effect on the space,' says Elizabeth.
'Plants in the bathroom are a good idea because of the tendency of bathrooms to have "heavy water" energy,' she adds. 'The plants thus bring balance to the space by "absorbing" the excessive water energy.' What's more, the high humidity in these rooms can also help them thrive.
In an entryway
'The front door is known as the "Chi Mouth" of the home and is a very important point of entry for Chi (energy) in Feng Shui,' says Elizabeth.
'Having a fiddle leaf fig in the entry is a grand and spectacular way of enhancing the energy of the home. It will be the first thing to greet you (and guests) and sets the tone for the entire house.'
In the living room
Elizabeth shares that she has a fiddle leaf fig in her living room, which does a 'wonderful job of uplifting the energy.'
So why not consider this placement for your own living room Feng Shui? A living room corner could be just the right spot – 'They instantly soften weird little nooks that lack "usable" space or harsh corners that jut into a room,' Elizabeth says.
Where to place a fiddle leaf fig to help it thrive
'The goal is to provide a healthy environment so the plant can thrive – this is important for the magic to work,' says Elizabeth. It must receive a good amount of natural light, she adds.
Providing adequate humidity and warmth are also key in helping these beauties stay healthy. And remember to water your fiddle leaf fig properly, too – overdoing it is a big mistake as it can lead to root rot.
Get the environment just right for your fiddle leaf fig with this well-rated thermometer, which measures humidity levels, too.
FAQs
What type of container should you put your fiddle leaf fig in?
'In Feng Shui, we have some foundational principles, such as the five elements,' says Anjie. 'They are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
'It's not required, but one can enhance their fiddle leaf plants by selecting a container made of a material that aligns with their intention,' she continues. For instance, ceramic relates to the earth element, which is associated with grounding, self-care and stability, while metal and the metal element relate to precision, beauty, and joy.
What color pot should you put your fiddle leaf fig in?
Anjie notes how the the color of your plant's container is also important from a Feng Shui perspective. For instance, black is associated with the water element, as well as wisdom, communication, and intuition.
Red and fiery orange are related to the fire element, which relates to inspiration and recognition. Meanwhile, green, blue, and teal are 'wood' colors, and relate to growth and healing.
Intrigued to know more about Feng Shui and indoor plants? Our guides on where to place a monstera and where to place a spider plant have more expert advice.
