Plants That Are Not Good for Your Home According to Vastu

Are you a homeowner looking for ways to bring positive energy into your home? Learn about the plants that Vastu experts advise against having in the home and why it is important to follow their advice.No matter how aesthetically pleasing and vibrant it may be, it is important to be aware of the plants that are not recommended to be kept at home as per vastu. Some of the common plants to avoid according to vastu include cactus, thorny plants, bamboo and any plants with thorns. Additionally, plants with bitter leaves or fruits should also be avoided, such as neem, bitter gourd and drumstick. Finally, plants that grow rapidly, such as banana and money plant, should also be avoided. Keeping these plants in your home can lead to negative energy and create a chaotic, unbalanced atmosphere.

Cactus

Cacti can be a great addition to your home, as long as you take the necessary precautions. According to vastu, cacti should be placed in a particular location in order to prevent the negative energy from entering your home. The terrace or a window are great locations for cacti, as the cacti will fight the negative energy that's trying to enter. However, it's important to note that the cacti should never be placed inside the house, as this could cause stress and anxiety.

Despite the fact that Vastu doesn't recommend keeping cacti indoors, they can still be beneficial when placed in the right location.

Bonsai

When it comes to bonsai and Vastu, unfortunately, it is not ideal to place them in the home. Although they are beautiful and often add to the aesthetic of the home, they could symbolise slow or stunted growth and could interfere with the lifecycle of the inhabitants. Therefore, it is best to avoid placing bonsai plants in the home and instead opt for more open spaces such as the garden or verandah.

Vastu experts suggest that these plants can be kept in the open, where they will be able to thrive and bring positive vibes to the house.

Ricinus Communis

Castor bean is an important plant to be aware of, as it is highly toxic to animals. Despite its toxicity, castor bean is frequently used in home gardens, due to its fast-growing nature. However, it is important to be aware of the plant's toxicity and take measures to ensure that it does not take over your garden. Castor oil is extracted from the plant's beans, and is used in a variety of products, ranging from medicines to cosmetics. Although castor bean can be a useful plant in certain circumstances, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of having it in your garden.

English Ivy

English Ivy is a beautiful plant to have in your home, but it is important to remember that it is toxic and can cause skin irritation if touched. It is also toxic if eaten, so it is best to keep it away from children and pets. If you do want to add it to your home, keep it in hanging pots that are out of reach or use a trellis to keep it contained. With these precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of English Ivy without risking the health of your family.

Lilies

Cats are very sensitive to toxins and lilies are one of the deadliest plants for them. It is especially important that you check the species of lily before buying it for your home. While some lilies are safe for cats, others can be highly toxic and even deadly for your pet. From the leaves to the flower, every part of the lily plant can be poisonous for cats. So, it is important to know the varieties of lilies that are safe for cats. Some of the varieties to be aware of are Tiger lilies, Asiatic lilies, Rubrum lilies, and Daylilies.

Amaranthus

The Amaranthus is a beautiful plant and can make a stunning centerpiece in any home. Unfortunately, its pollen production is very high, which can be a problem for those with allergies. During dry seasons like summer, the pollen production can get worse, so it is best to avoid this plant if you have allergies. However, if allergies are not a concern, this plant can make a great addition to any home.

Poinsettia

Poinsettia is a beautiful and iconic holiday plant, but it is important to remember that it is also potentially dangerous. The leaves of the plant are generally harmless, but the milky sap contains toxins that can cause severe health complications if ingested. In fact, two people have supposedly died from consuming Poinsettia sap. It is important to be aware of this potential danger and to keep the plant away from small children and pets. Despite the risk, Poinsettia remains a popular holiday decoration, and with proper care and handling, it can be a beautiful and vibrant addition to your home during the Christmas season.

Oleander

The Oleander is a plant that can be found growing in many parts of the world. It is a beautiful plant with white, pink, or red flowers. However, it is also known to be a highly toxic plant when ingested. It can cause serious side effects, including arrhythmia, dizziness, and tremors. In extreme cases, it can even cause death. Because of this, it is important to keep oleander plants away from children and pets, as the effects can be deadly.

Dieffenbachia

This plant, which is often confused with Devil's Ivy, is best left out of your garden due to its calcium oxalate content. The milky sap can cause swelling in your mouth, tongue, and airways and render you unable to talk after contact. While this makes it one of the plants not to grow in your garden, it is still a great way to add some color to any room as it has beautiful green, yellow, and white leaves. It doesn't require much care or attention and is easy to grow, so if you don't mind taking the risk, this is a great plant for you. However, if you want to stick to the Vastu rules, you should opt for a money plant instead and place it in the southeast direction.

Cotton Plant

Cotton and silky cotton plants are actually not the best choice for indoors, according to vastu. They might be beautiful and attractive to look at, but they bring bad luck when placed inside the home. It is better to replace cotton with other vastu plants like Tulsi, Pothos, or Lucky Bamboo. These plants bring positive energy and prosperity to the home.

Split Leaf Philodendrons

Split Leaf Philodendrons are an attractive and popular plant for homes. However, they contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic if ingested and can cause an itchy rash, swelling of the mouth and digestive tract, and even spasms and seizures in cats and dogs. It is important to keep this plant away from both humans and pets to avoid any potential harm. For those who choose to keep this plant, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.

Caladiums

Despite the Caladium’s beautiful colours and shapes, it is a plant to be admired from a distance. Its toxicity means that it should not be kept as a houseplant and should not be consumed in any form. When planting it in your garden, it is important to keep it away from children and pets, as it can cause burning, swelling, and difficulty breathing if ingested. It is always best to thoroughly research any plants before you bring them into your home, as even the prettiest plants can be the most dangerous.

Mehendi

Mehendi or myrtle plants are believed to be unlucky, as it is said that evil spirits dwell in them. Similarly, a tamarind tree is said to be bad for the home, and it is best to avoid building a house near this tree. The strong smell of these plants can be overpowering and has the potential to disturb the mental peace of those residing nearby.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a powerful plant that has many health benefits for humans, including skin healing and digestive aid. However, it is important to note that it is toxic for pets. If ingested, it can cause abdominal upsets and cramping. It is best to avoid having this plant in the home if you have pets, or ensure it is kept out of reach.

Dead Plants

Vastu Shastra is clear that dead plants are not suitable for indoor plants. Dead plants not only look bad but also bring a negative energy in the home. Therefore, it is important to take care of your plants and make sure they are healthy and “alive”. If the plants start to wilt or die, it is better to dispose of them and replace them with fresh and green plants that bear blooming flowers. This will help bring in positive energy in your home and make it a more pleasant environment.

Some More Tips For Plants to Keep or Avoid Based on Vastu

1. Make sure to keep plants belonging to the nightshade family away from kids and pets, as they can be toxic.
2. Additionally, it's important to keep the space around your good vastu plants free of clutter so that the positive energies can be attracted.
3. To keep positive energy flowing in your home, it is best to avoid keeping dead or fungal plants indoors.
4. Additionally, it is important to not keep dried flowers on the plant for too long. It is also advised to not grow large plants in front of your main door as it can block energy flow.
5. Trees should especially not be planted in the east or northeast direction, as this can lead to negative energy.
6. Milk excluding plants should also not be planted in the home, as they can attract illness and other health-related issues.
7. Lastly, it is best to not place any plants in the northeast corner of your home, as this is a Vastu-approved area which should remain open.

Inauspicious Trees to Avoid In Your Home

1. The tamarind tree is believed to bring bad luck and illness to the family if it is planted in the house garden. It is best to avoid planting it in your home.
2. Date palm trees, on the other hand, are generally considered to be beneficial for the family. They are easy to grow, and can bring financial good luck.
3. Bamboo is considered lucky according to Feng Shui, but in Vastu Shastra, it is seen as a symbol of death.
4. The presence of the Babul tree, also known as the Arabic gum tree, with its thorny branches, can cause fights among family members. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting it in the vicinity of your house.
5. According to Vastu, it is not recommended to plant Babul trees at home due to its thorny nature. While these trees are usually used in construction works, it is essential to take into consideration the safety of the family members and the home before planting them. Moreover, it is recommended to find alternate sources for wood construction works as these trees are not ideal for home use.

Tips to Reduce Exposure to Plant Toxins
 

1. To keep plants and animals safe, hang them up high on porches or plant stands, and use automatic plant waterers or self-watering containers.
2. Hanging bird cages can also be used to keep cats from getting to plants out of reach of kids and dogs, and can add a decorative touch to the area.
3. Plants should always be kept out of reach of children and pets, and clutter should be cleared away periodically.
4. The name of the plant and whether it is poisonous should be noted on the containers.
5.  When handling potentially irritating plants, wear gloves or wash your hands afterwards.
6. Plant trimmings should be kept out of sight and away from wildlife, and kids should be taught to avoid touching plants.
7. Trim plants to prevent kids and animals from climbing on them, while still allowing the plants to be full and air-purifying.
8. Take extra care when handling fertilisers and potting soil, and make sure they are stored in an area that is out of reach of children.
9. Inspect plants regularly for pests, and check the pots and soil for mould and mildew.
10. Replace any pots that have cracks or breaks. This is especially important for plastic pots that have been exposed to the elements.
11. Make sure that hanging baskets are strong enough to support the weight of the plants.
12. Vining plants should be placed away from areas where the tendrils can be easily accessed to prevent accidental pulling off of shelves or hooks by children or animals.
13. Ensure that plants can be adequately supported by the shelves and ceiling hooks.