The heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is one of the best houseplants for encouraging positivity in the Feng Shui tradition. It represents love, emotional healing, and steady growth, though experts say this energy can only be unlocked by getting placement right: spaces of reflection and where loved ones gather.
The good news is caring for a philodendron is straightforward and you'll enjoy long vines of heart-shaped leaves if you grow it in a bright spot. As a Feng Shui plant, experts say it carries a 'soft, supportive energy' that will be optimized when the plant is growing healthily.
They warn, however, choosing the wrong location when deciding where to place a heartleaf philodendron will block its energy and may even bring about a negative feeling. Here's everything you need to know.
Where to Place a Heartleaf Philodendron – According to Feng Shui
The first thing to know about where to place a heartleaf philodendron is its required growing environment.
This tropical indoor plant can be found growing natively in Central and South American rainforests, as well as the Caribbean. It enjoys bright, yet indirect, sunlight, higher humidity, and consistent moisture.
Recreating this environment in the home as much as possible is key to encouraging vigorous growth.
Feng shui experts also urge you to turn to the Feng shui energy map (or Bagua) for placement insight.
'This plant embodies love, emotional healing, adaptability, and heart-centered living,' says Feng Shui practitioner Helen Plehn.
'Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves energetically open the Heart Chakra, promoting self-love, compassion, and forgiveness,' she explains.
With this in mind, here are the best spots for a heartleaf philodendron and where to avoid placing it.
This medium heartleaf philodendron measures 5-8" tall at time of delivery. It comes in a planter of your choice.
This heartleaf philodendron comes in a 6" nursery pot with a hook to immediately hang up.
This heartleaf philodendron from Walmart comes in a decorative 4" planter, available in 3 colors.
Best Places for a Heartleaf Philodendron
In reference to the Bagua, there are a few optimal spots the experts recommend for a heartleaf philodendron.
'In the Southwest of the home (the Love and Relationships corner), heartleaf philodendron enhances emotional healing and intimacy,' says Helen. 'It can also work well in the East of the home (the Family corner) to promote harmonious relationships and emotional security,' she adds.
In terms of specific rooms, consider making your heartleaf philodendron a living room plant or even a kitchen plant where loved ones gather.
'The heartleaf philodendron is a beautiful representation of connection,' says Suzanne Butler, Feng Shui expert from Harmonising Energies Feng Shui. 'Its shape and movement bring a sense of ease and flow into a space. It’s nurturing without being overpowering,' she explains.
In particular, Suzanne recommends positioning a heartleaf philodendron near the front door in an entryway to create a welcoming feeling for visitors.
'It’s perfect for people who want growth energy in their home that feels kind rather than intense,' Suzanne notes. 'It supports relationships, communication, and a sense of being held by your environment,' she adds.
Where to Place a Heartleaf Philodendron for Healthy Growth
In terms of where to place a heartleaf philodendron to keep your houseplant happy and healthy, there are a few essential requirements to meet.
As mentioned, these indoor hanging plants naturally grow in rainforests.
There, they're exposed to bright but indirect light, so you should avoid a direct sun position. This may cause leaf scorch and turn your philodendron yellow or even red from stress.
They're also humidity-lovers, so would do well as a hanging bathroom plant, soaking up steam from the shower. Or, use methods to increase humidity for indoor plants by using a pebble humidity tray (from Amazon) or placing neighboring houseplants to create a microclimate.
Worst Places for a Heartleaf Philodendron
Getting the wrong placement for your heartleaf philodendron would be a Feng Shui houseplant mistake, especially if it results in improper conditions and hinders the health of your plant.
This means anywhere with too little light that stunts growth should be avoided. Likewise, sunny, dry rooms (like a conservatory) aren't favorable, nor are those with a cold draft and temperature fluctuations.
But, the good news is, there isn't necessarily a place that can bring about negative energy with a heartleaf philodendron. As long as it is happy, it's thought to support positive 'chi' energy throughout the home.
Just make sure it isn't somewhere cluttered and hidden – a position that that blocks and limits its ability to promote a positive feeling.
Heartleaf philodendron isn't the only plant to promote positive energy in the Love and Relationships corner of the home. You can also place a string of hearts carefully to bring harmony and strengthen emotional connections.
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