Cast iron plants are also known as bar room plants due to their low-maintenance care requirements. However, cast iron plants need the proper position to truly thrive. This also allows you to maximize their feng shui potential. In this article, I’ll explain where to position cast iron plants for optimal care and feng shui benefits.
Where to Position Cast Iron Plants – Key Takeaways
Position cast iron plants in rooms with east, southeast, or north-facing windows to provide the right amount of light. To maximize their feng shui benefits, place cast iron plants in the eastern or southeastern parts of your home. In addition, cast iron plants can also grow outside in shady areas in USDA Zones 7 to 11.
Cast Iron Plants and Feng Shui
Cast iron plants are fantastic houseplants for those who practice feng shui. Houseplants like cast iron plants can be used to fill empty spaces, which is where negative energy collects. This means that cast iron plants can quickly bring positive energy into your home.
One of the main principles of feng shui is the Five Elements Theory. Feng shui recognizes five elements: Earth, Fire, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each element has specific properties and corresponds to certain parts of the Bagua map.
Like other houseplants, cast iron plants are strongly linked to the Wood element. This element governs creativity, growth, prosperity, and renewal. As such, cast iron plants are seen as auspicious plants that help you cultivate good fortune.
Cast iron plants also have other benefits that make them excellent for feng shui. What’s more, these plants may help purify the air in your home by absorbing harmful VOCs such as benzene or formaldehyde. Cast iron plants could also help reduce stress and boost productivity.
Where to Position Cast Iron Plants for Feng Shui
The Bagua map is an important feng shui tool that helps you maximize the power of your cast iron plant. In feng shui, the Bagua map divides your home into nine zones. Eight of these zones represent the directions of the compass, with the ninth zone forming a central point.
Each zone on the Bagua map governs different aspects of our lives. Each zone is also linked with one of the five elements, amplifying the power of its corresponding element. The nine zones of the Bagua map are:
- East (Zhen) = Family (Wood)
- Southeast (Xun) = Prosperity and Wealth (Wood)
- South (Li) = Fame and Reputation (Fire)
- Southwest (Kun) = Relationships (Earth)
- West (Dui) = Children (Metal)
- Center (Tai Qi) = Health (Earth)
- Northwest (Qian) = Helpful People (Metal)
- North (Kan) = Career (Water)
- Northeast (Gen) = Knowledge (Earth)
Cast iron plants are associated with the Wood element, which corresponds to the eastern and southeastern parts of the Bagua map. These areas are linked to family and prosperity. Placing cast iron plants in these areas will boost the energy around the aspects of family and prosperity.
As the Wood element is also linked to creativity and growth, cast iron plants work well in home offices. Cast iron plants can also be placed in entryways to encourage positive energy into your home. This creates a wonderfully welcoming feel when you step through the door.
Where to Position Cast Iron Plants for Optimal Care
Cast iron plants are low-maintenance houseplants that thrive in most conditions. Cast iron plants require plenty of bright, indirect light but can also grow in shady areas. However, cast iron plants are sensitive to bright, direct sunlight.
Position cast iron plants approximately 3 feet away from east or southeast-facing windows. This provides the right amount of bright, indirect light and protects your plant from direct sunlight. You can also place cast iron plants in shady rooms with north-facing windows.
Cast iron plants require reasonably warm temperatures between 65 and 85ºF. These evergreen houseplants also need moderate humidity levels. Position cast iron plants in areas that provide these conditions.
Where NOT to Position Cast Iron Plants
According to Feng Shui
A major part of the Five Elements Theory in feng shui is the relationships between the main elements. Some elements will weaken or clash with others, reducing their impact.
The Wood element is weakened by Fire and clashes with Metal. Avoid placing cast iron plants in the southern, western, or northwestern parts of the Bagua map. These areas are linked to Fire and Metal. Placing cast iron plants in these areas may disrupt the power of the Wood element.
Cast iron plants may also disrupt the feng shui in bedrooms. The Wood element produces active, masculine yang energy. However, you want your bedroom to be a calm, relaxing space. Cast iron plants may produce too much active energy when positioned in bedrooms.
According to Care Requirements
Keep cast iron plants away from direct sunlight, especially during summer afternoons. Cast iron plants may suffer from burnt leaves if they’re exposed to too much intense, direct light. South or west-facing rooms receive too much direct sunlight for cast iron plants.
Cast iron plants suffer badly in cold temperatures or drafty areas. Keep cast iron plants away from drafts caused by air vents, open windows, heaters, and air conditioners. Cast iron plants that are too cold or dry may have curling, drooping, or yellowing leaves that fall off.
For more, see our in-depth cast iron plant watering guide.
Where to Position Cast Iron Plants Outdoors
Although usually grown as houseplants, cast iron plants can also be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 7 to 11. Cast iron plants cannot handle frost or cold temperatures below 50ºF. In colder climates, grow cast iron plants in pots and bring them inside during the winter.
Position cast iron plants somewhere that provides a few hours of full sun during the morning. The ideal location should also provide plenty of afternoon shade. This is especially important in hotter climates or during hot summers.
Positioning Cast Iron Plants FAQs
Where Do You Put Cast Iron Plants?
Position cast iron plants approximately 3 feet away from an east or southeast-facing window. You can also put cast iron plants in shady rooms with north-facing windows. Keep cast iron plants away from cold or dry drafts.
What Are the Best Conditions for Cast Iron Plants?
Cast iron plants thrive in bright, indirect light or shade. These evergreen houseplants like warm temperatures between 65 and 85ºF and moderate humidity levels. Cast iron plants can grow outdoors in Zones 7 to 11.
Where is the Best Place to Keep Aspidistra Plants?
Aspidistra plants provide the best feng shui when kept in the eastern or southeastern parts of your home. Cast iron plants are associated with the Wood element, which is strongest in these areas. According to the Bagua map, these areas are linked to family and prosperity.
Is the Cast Iron Plant Lucky?
Cast iron plants are considered to be lucky in feng shui because they’re associated with the Wood element. This element governs prosperity and good luck. The Wood element is also linked to creativity, growth, and renewal.
Can Cast Iron Plants Take Morning Sun?
Cast iron plants should receive three to four hours of full sun during the morning. They then need shade for the rest of the day to protect them from direct afternoon sunlight.
Wrapping Up
According to feng shui, cast iron plants should be positioned in the eastern or southeastern parts of your home. These areas are linked with the Wood element and govern family and prosperity. Provide plenty of bright, indirect light by placing cast iron plants near an east or southeast-facing window. You can also place cast iron plants in north-facing rooms.
For more, see our in-depth guide to whether cast iron plants are toxic to pets, how to deal with common cast iron plant pests, how to repot cast iron plants, when and how to fertilize cast iron plants, the best soil mix for cast iron plants, and ideal light requirements for cast iron plants.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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