Even though a lot of people cannot understand why any gardener or horticultural hobbyist would want to keep cacti at home, there are also a lot of people who find the cactus plant seductively alluring.
They are easy to maintain, adds another dimension to the yard, and comes in diverse varieties and styles.
A cactus can actually refer to any species in the cactaceae family which is made up of about 1,500 of them.
And all of them have the same feng shui attributes.
The cactus is written as 仙人掌 (pronounced Xian Ren Zhang) in Mandarin, which literally translates to “Immortal’s Palm”.
With such a metaphor as a name, surely it’s not that bad right?
Like the rose, the cactus is generally frowned upon in the feng shui community due to it’s thorns.
These thorns emit sha chi that can be easily avoided in the house with the absence of the plant.
But there are certain attributes to the cactus that can be useful in feng shui.
Thus, the cactus is a plant that lies somewhere in between good and bad. Maybe a little more towards bad than good.
The cactus plant of any species is also considered unlucky in Chinese culture to women who are pregnant.
Using cactus plants in feng shui
While it is said that the cactus is scientifically capable of absorbing radiation which makes it ideal for placement beside computer screens in the office, feng shui says other wise.
In fact the presence of the plant in the office would result in competition, arrival of nemesis, and being victimized in back-stabbing.
As such, one would run into various obstacles preventing him or her from getting ahead in the career ladder.
If you must display cacti in the office, it should only take up the left side according to the space orientation. And only in open areas with ventilation.
For example, left side of desk, left side of balcony facing out, left side of door, etc.
Failing which can result in being on the wrong side of office gossip and politics.
As mentioned earlier, the cactus is generally bad for feng shui.
This is because the good things that it can do for energy in a space can replicated by other feng shui items that don’t emit sha chi.
So why keep them in the first place?
When place in the house, especially the living room and bedroom, it can lead to arguments between family members.
I want to say it again. The cactus plant is not recommended for home interiors.
Granted, that there are feng shui advantages to it as well, the disadvantages that are associated with the plant is not worth the trouble.
But my job is to inform. You have the make the decision yourself as it’s your own home.
For example, some people create negative culture in the office. But they do a good job in sales. So the boss feels that the employee’s drawbacks are worth the trouble.
So let’s talk about the good things that the cactus can do to feng shui.
The most prominent use of the cactus is for the blocking and absorption of strong sha chi from the window or balcony view.
In this case, the plant works well when placed on the ledge of the balcony for protection purposes.
Because it is also said to be associated with fire energy due to it’s pointy thorns, this blocking purpose would be even more effective if the sha chi is hitting the home from an east or southeast direction. And under expert guidance, the west and northwest.
Having fire energy also makes it a good enhancer for sectors of the home where fire energy is needed.
There is really nothing else that I can say to promote the cactus plant as a feng shui artifact.
I can understand that the sturdy plant being able to survive and thrive under very adverse conditions can make it an attractive plant at home to add a little greenery.
But is aesthetics really more important than bad feng shui?
Anyway, if minimum management and maintenance is what you are after, there are alternatives with lesser evil to choose from.
