Introduction
Indoor plants are a wonderful way to bring life, beauty, and clean air into your home. They’re often associated with wellness, positivity, and natural balance. However, not all plants are created equal when it comes to the energy they bring. In many cultures—especially in Feng Shui, Vastu Shastra, and traditional beliefs—some plants are thought to attract negative energy, misfortune, or bad luck.
While this doesn’t mean these plants are inherently bad, it’s believed that certain varieties may disturb the energetic balance of your home, especially when placed in the wrong location or not maintained properly.
If you’re aiming to create a peaceful, prosperous environment, it’s important to choose your indoor greenery wisely. In this article, we’ll uncover 7 unlucky plants to remove from your home and provide you with tips for choices that bring harmony, positivity, and good fortune.
1. Cactus plant
Unlucky:
Cactus plants are popular due to their unique appearance and low maintenance needs. However, in Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, they are believed to emit sharp, aggressive energy due to their spines.
The spikes symbolize:
- Hostility
- Protection from others (closed-off energy)
- Conflict and misunderstandings in relationships
Especially when placed in living rooms or bedrooms, cacti are said to cause tension and block emotional connection.
Safe:
If you still love your cactus, place it outside the home, like on the balcony or in the garden. It’s also sometimes considered beneficial near windows to “protect” from negative external energies—but never in shared or emotional spaces.
Better Alternative:
Jade Plant – Known for attracting wealth and good fortune. It has soft, rounded leaves and symbolizes prosperity in Feng Shui.
2. Bonsai Tree
Unlucky:
Bonsai trees are admired for their artistic, miniature appearance. However, their very nature—restricted growth—symbolizes limitation, stagnation, and lack of progress.
It is believed that:
- Bonsai may symbolize financial stagnation
- It may limit career or personal growth
- It represents the suppression of natural expansion
According to Feng Shui, keeping a bonsai tree inside the house may subtly manifest limited development in the household members’ lives.
Safe:
If you must keep a bonsai, ensure it is placed in study areas or patios but not near main entrances or in business areas of your home.
Better Alternative:
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) – Symbolizes wealth, growth, and abundance. Its large, healthy leaves are a sign of continuous progress and success.
3. Tamarind Plant
Unlucky:
The tamarind plant is generally not recommended for planting inside or near homes in Indian Vastu traditions. It’s believed to:
- Attract evil spirits or negative energies
- Create family discord
- Bring bad luck in business and finances
This belief stems from centuries-old cultural symbolism, particularly in Indian and South Asian communities.
Safe:
It’s advised not to grow tamarind trees at all within residential premises. If already planted, keep it trimmed and away from main entrances.
Better Alternative:
Neem Tree – Highly respected in Ayurveda and Vastu. Known for purifying air, protecting health, and attracting positive energy.
4. Cotton Plant
Unlucky:
While cotton plants look soft and aesthetic, especially in dry floral arrangements, traditional Indian Vastu and Feng Shui suggest they represent:
- Loss
- Poverty
- Spiritual decline
Cotton symbolizes emptiness and lack of wealth, which can reflect negatively on household prosperity.
Many people use cotton stems for minimalist décor, but prolonged use inside the home is discouraged in energy-based philosophies.
Safe:
Cotton décor can be used temporarily in displays or event decorations, but should not be left long-term in bedrooms or wealth corners.
Better Alternative:
Money Plant (Pothos) – Extremely popular in homes for attracting wealth, reducing stress, and purifying air. It’s one of the most recommended plants for positive energy.
5. Mehndi or Henna Plant
Unlucky:
The mehndi plant, also known as the henna plant, is rich in cultural value, especially in weddings and festivals. However, folklore and Vastu suggest that the scent and presence of this plant:
- May attract wandering spirits
- It is associated with mourning and sorrow
- Can bring emotional instability
These beliefs are deeply rooted in mythological and spiritual contexts across many Indian communities.
Safe:
Henna plants are best grown in open gardens rather than indoor spaces. Avoid placing them near windows, bedrooms, or puja areas.
Better Alternative:
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Revered in Indian culture, Tulsi brings spiritual protection, health benefits, and positive vibrations. It’s one of the most powerful Vastu-friendly plants.
6. Dead or Dried Plants
Unlucky:
Dead, decaying, or dried plants are seen as symbolic of:
- Stagnation
- Decay in relationships or finances
- Blocked energy flow
Even if your home has beautiful dried floral arrangements, they may unknowingly contribute to emotional heaviness, especially when left in personal spaces like bedrooms.
Why This Happens:
In Feng Shui, all living things have Chi (life energy). Dead or dying plants lose this energy and start to block the flow of good vibes, creating an atmosphere of sadness or failure.
What You Can Do:
- Remove withered leaves or dead plants immediately
- Clean up dried stems, fallen petals, or soil debris
- Replace dead plants with fresh, vibrant greenery
Better Alternative:
Peace Lily – Known for purifying air and promoting calmness. Peace lilies also symbolize renewal and hope—perfect for replacing dead energy with life.
7. Milkweed plant
Unlucky:
Milkweed, though beneficial for butterflies, is not considered good for indoor spaces. Here’s why:
- It attracts insects (especially pests)
- It has toxic properties, especially harmful to pets and small children
- It represents danger or harmful energy in Vastu and Feng Shui when placed inside
These reasons make it unsuitable for indoor peace and well-being.
Safe:
Milkweed is excellent for outdoor butterfly gardens, but avoid keeping it in balconies or near doors.
Better Alternative:
Areca Palm – A graceful and pet-safe plant that purifies the air and adds a tropical, calming energy to any room.
Unlucky Plants vs Lucky Alternatives
| Unlucky Plant | Lucky Alternative | Symbolizes |
| Cactus | Jade Plant | Prosperity, calm |
| Bonsai | Rubber Plant | Growth, abundance |
| Tamarind | Neem Tree | Health, protection |
| Cotton | Money Plant | Wealth, success |
| Mehndi (Henna) | Tulsi (Holy Basil) | Positivity, spiritual energy |
| Dead/Dried Plants | Peace Lily | Renewal, harmony |
| Milkweed | Areca Palm | Clean air, peaceful vibe |
Tips for Keeping Positive Plant Energy in Your Home
To ensure your home remains a sanctuary of positivity, consider the following plant-care and placement tips:
- Always keep plants healthy, trimmed, and watered
- Avoid placing plants under staircases or in dark corners
- Place round-leaved plants in living areas for harmony
- Keep flowering plants in the east or northeast direction
- Use aromatic plants like basil, lavender, or jasmine for uplifting energy
FAQ
Q1: Is it really bad luck to keep a cactus at home?
A: Not necessarily, but in Feng Shui, it may create conflict energy due to its sharp spines. Place it outdoors if you love it.
Q2: Are dried flowers unlucky?
A: Yes, in Feng Shu,i they represent death and blocked energy. It’s better to use fresh plants.
Q3: Can bonsai trees bring bad luck?
A: Bonsai symbolizes restricted growth, which may represent stagnation in life. Avoid keeping it near entryways or offices.
Q4: Which plants bring good luck indoors?
A: Money plant, tulsi, jade plant, peace lily, and areca palm are great for luck and energy.
Q5: Is Tulsi (Holy Basil) good for home energy?
A: Absolutely. Tulsi is sacred and promotes spiritual and physical well-being.
Q6: Are all spiky plants bad?
A: Mostly, yes. Spiky plants tend to create a defensive atmosphere unless placed with intention outdoors.
Q7: What if I already have a cotton plant indoors?
A: Replace it with a live green plant like a money plant or keep it temporarily as décor.
Q8: Can dead leaves affect home energy?
A: Yes, they block the natural flow of energy. Always remove them promptly.
Q9: Are snake plants unlucky?
A: Despite sharp leaves, snake plants are known to purify air and are considered protective—not unlucky.
Q10: Which plant should be in the entrance?
A: Jade plant, tulsi, or areca palm are ideal for welcoming positive energy.
Conclusion
Plants are powerful beings that not only beautify your space but also influence the energy of your environment. While many plants uplift and heal, some may unknowingly bring bad luck or block your progress due to cultural, spiritual, or symbolic reasons. By choosing your indoor greenery wisely and maintaining it with care, you can create a home that radiates peace, prosperity, and positivity.