According to “the plant doctor” María Ferrarotto, believing in the existence of a link between plants and the wellbeing of people isn’t a modern notion, but an idea present in ancient traditions that understood the home as a living space and the plants as elements of protection and spiritual connection.
The expert emphasises that it isn’t just about having many plants, but choosing them consciously, caring for them with respect and placing them in ways that bring energy, well-being and emotional balance.
Plants do far more than decorate
María Ferrarotto argues that plants not only purify the air and provide oxygen, but also influence the emotional state of those who inhabit the space.
A home with well-cared-for plants is often associated with more relaxed environments, with lower anxiety and a general sense of calm.
The key is to understand that each plant offers something different and that its form, leaf and presence generate different sensations. Therefore, the choice should not be based solely on aesthetics.
Round leaves to attract abundance
One of the central tips Ferrarotto shares is prioritise plants with round leaves when the aim is to attract prosperity and material well-being. These soft shapes are symbolically linked to fluidity, continuity and expansion.
The best-known example is the jade plant (Crassula ovata), traditionally regarded as a plant associated with money and abundance.
However, María Ferrarotto makes clear that it isn’t the only option and that any succulent with rounded leaves can fulfil this symbolic function.
Avoid pointed leaves and spiny stems
Just as there are plants that contribute to wellbeing, there are also shapes that are best avoided if you seek a more harmonious energy. Very pointed leaves or spiny stems are associated with a more aggressive or cutting energy.
This doesn’t mean they should be eliminated completely, but it is preferable not to place them in areas of rest, passage, socialising or spaces dedicated to meditation, such as the living room or bedroom.
The idea that the shapes of plants, furniture or architectural design can have a subconscious effect on people is closely related to the Feng Shui tradition.
What to do when a plant withers
María Ferrarotto proposes a respectful approach even when a plant reaches the end of its life cycle. If a plant withers, for whatever reason, she recommends carrying out a small ritual of gratitude before returning it to the soil.
This symbolic gesture reinforces the idea of a connection with nature and helps to close the cycle consciously, rather than experiencing it as a failure in care.
The importance of the surroundings of plants
It’s not only the plant itself that matters, but what surrounds it. María Ferrarotto advises not placing plants next to cleaning objects, as these are symbolically linked to removing the old or dirty.
Instead, she recommends pairing them with objects, figures or elements that have a personal, mystical or spiritual meaning for the person living in the house, thereby reinforcing the intention you want to enhance.
Playing with heights and corners
Organising the plants in corners and at different heights isn’t just pretty; it also promotes better circulation of oxygen, helps cleanse the air and contributes to energy moving more evenly throughout the space.
María Ferrarotto notes that creating small “green spots” around the home can transform the feel of a space, making it more alive and welcoming.
Quartz and stones as natural complements
The use of quartz and stones in combination with the plants is another resource mentioned by María Ferrarotto. Being natural elements, they integrate harmoniously with the plants and reinforce the s sense of connection with the earth.
Placed with intention, these elements become a symbolic support for the purpose you want to work on in every corner of the home.
