A 'sick' tree: the famous plant you shouldn't place inside your home.

There are certain beliefs that associate certain plants with negative energies, bad luck, or spiritual imbalance, especially when placed in inappropriate locations. This plant continues to maintain this reputation , and therefore, it is recommended not to have it in homes. Which one is it, and why is it considered a "sick tree"?

Such is the case of the bonsai, originating from ancient Chinese practices and refined by Japanese tradition . According to feng shui, an ancient discipline that seeks to harmonize the energy of spaces, it is not a recommended plant for indoors, as it represents limited growth and pent-up energy.

Although its small size and elegant appearance make it an ideal object for your home's decoration, Architectural Digest magazine mentions that the fact that it is a tree intentionally restricted in its development can generate a feeling of stagnation, especially in areas where expansion, prosperity or vital flow is sought, such as the living room, dining room or main entrance.

Furthermore, as a miniature representation of nature, bonsai needs to be in contact with the outside environment to maintain its energetic balance. For this reason, this ancient Chinese discipline suggests placing it in gardens, balconies, or terraces, where it can harmonize with natural elements without blocking the chi within the home.

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Can you put a bonsai inside a house?

Similarly, according to the precepts of Vastu Shastra, a traditional Hindu belief, it is not advisable to have bonsai trees inside the home, as it could hinder prosperity and development.

According to this school of thought, because they are grown to be small and have a specific shape, bonsai are associated with a sick tree, with stunted growth and a lack of vitality.

According to Vastu, this lack of natural growth can block the flow of positive energy in the home and affect the progress of its inhabitants, so it is recommended to place them in outdoor spaces where they can grow freely.

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What types of bonsai are there?

Bonsai trees are classified primarily by size and style, with variations depending on the species used. Here are the main categories:

Shito/Keshitsubu : Less than 5 cm tall, the smallest and most technically complex.

Mame: Between 5-15 cm, they fit in the palm of your hand.

Shohin: Up to 25 cm, ideal for beginners due to their easy handling.

Komono: 15-31 cm, common and versatile for styles such as forests or waterfalls.

Chumono/Omono: 40-90 cm and more than 90 cm, respectively; require more experience.

Hachi-Uye: Over 130 cm, exceptional due to its rarity and difficulty of maintenance.