The Best Spot For Your Christmas Cactus To Boost Joy, According To Feng Shui

Incorporating some greenery is one of the loveliest parts of decorating indoors, especially as the weather turns chilly. And while you may think of evergreen Christmas trees as the heart of holiday celebrations, it turns out there's a different plant that you should consider making your home's centerpiece: Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera). A type of holiday cactus, this succulent is native to Southeast Brazil and produces beautiful, colorful flowers around the holiday season in November and December.

But those cheerful blooms aren't the only reason to love having a Christmas cactus as a houseplant. When positioned correctly, a Christmas cactus can also benefit your home's feng shui — the ancient Chinese art of orienting items in your home to foster positive energy. As Hannah Yang, Psy.D, a licensed psychologist and feng shui expert, told Homes & Gardens, "In feng shui, the meaning of Christmas cacti surrounds joy, hope, harmony in relationships, and prosperity." Therefore, Yang suggested, "The best place for a Christmas cactus is in the heart of the home where people gather. Think spaces like the living room and dining room."

For example, a Christmas cactus can make a perfect decorative focal point on your dining table for loved ones to enjoy while sharing a meal, or place one on the coffee table in your living room to bring some harmonious energy while cozying up together at the end of the day. The best part is that, unlike Christmas trees that get dumped at the end of December, well-positioned Christmas cactuses can bring joyful energy to your home all year round.

There are other places around the house where a Christmas cactus can have a positive impact. Cacti near windows and entryways to your home can help ward off negative energy, so try hanging a Christmas cactus near your front door or a corner in need of a joyful energy boost.

A cactus in the bedroom is generally considered a bad idea in feng shui because prickly plants are more conducive to intense, thorny energy rather than fostering tranquil, sleep-friendly vibes. However, since the Christmas cactus doesn't have any of the thorny spikes that we usually associate with cacti, there's probably less risk of literally or figuratively poking holes in your sleep with this plant. In fact, Christmas cactus leaves have curved edges that are considered ideal for good feng shui energy in the bedroom. Plus, there are exceptions even to this feng shui bedroom rule, and you can channel the plant's defensive energy to work in your favor. Architect and feng shui expert Angie Cho told Livingetc, "A cactus could still be used for feng shui in your bedroom with the intention that it's a safe, protected place for you to heal and rest."

Just don't let feng shui considerations outweigh the very tangible needs of your Christmas cactus. (A dead or dying plant is bad feng shui, after all!) To ensure your Christmas cactus blooms and thrives, choose a spot that gets bright indirect sunlight and keep it in moist soil. Since they are tropical plants, Christmas cacti also prefer warm, humid climates, so avoid placing them near areas that get chilly or drafty.