In Eastern feng shui beliefs, Tet (Lunar New Year) marks the beginning of a new energy cycle. Every action during this time—from cleaning and decorating the home to shopping and choosing Tet plants—is believed to influence one’s luck and fortune for the entire year. Among these traditions, choosing feng shui plants for Tet based on the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) is considered a simple yet effective way to activate wealth energy, balance living spaces, and invite good luck at the start of the year. When a plant matches one’s elemental energy, the home feels more harmonious and the homeowner’s mindset becomes calmer and more positive.
The Five Elements—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—form the foundation of feng shui philosophy, representing different types of natural energy. Each person is associated with one dominant element based on their birth year.
Choosing Tet plants that align with your element can:
Strengthen supportive (generating) energy
Reduce conflicting or disruptive energy in the home
Support wealth, career growth, health, and emotional balance
Create a sense of stability and confidence at the beginning of the year
On the other hand, selecting plants with colors or characteristics that clash with your element may create imbalance, affecting both the atmosphere of the home and personal well-being.
Your feng shui element is typically determined by your lunar birth year. You can easily look up your element using a Five Elements chart based on year of birth.
If multiple family members have different elements, it is generally recommended to prioritize:
The head of the household, or
The primary income earner or business decision-maker
Alternatively, you may choose plants with neutral or harmonizing energy that suit multiple elements.
The Metal element represents discipline, logic, decisiveness, and financial management. Metal energy is strengthened by Earth (Earth generates Metal) and weakened by Fire (Fire melts Metal).
Plants suitable for the Metal element often have sturdy structures and neat, elegant forms:
Money Tree (Zamioculcas) – symbolizes wealth and prosperity
White Bird of Paradise (Bạch Mã Hoàng Tử) – represents stability and career advancement
Peace Lily – balances energy and attracts good fortune
Suitable colors: white, light yellow, metallic tones
Pots: round shapes, ceramic or light-colored metal materials
Placement: living room, near the entrance, or bright areas
Plants with red, pink, or deep orange tones (associated with Fire) should be avoided, as Fire conflicts with Metal.
The Wood element symbolizes growth, creativity, vitality, and renewal. Wood thrives with green plants that grow upward and radiate life energy.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) – symbolizes growth and prosperity
Lucky Bamboo – represents resilience and abundance
Mini Palm or Cau Tiểu Trâm – offers gentle, purifying energy
Suitable colors: green, deep green
Pots: tall or cylindrical shapes, made of wood or natural ceramic
Plants with white or metallic colors (Metal element) should be limited, as Metal cuts Wood.
The Water element represents flow, adaptability, communication, and financial circulation. Water thrives with soft forms and fluid energy.
Peace Lily – harmonizes energy and attracts positive flow
Lucky Bamboo / Fortune Plant – symbolizes smooth progress
Hydroponic plants such as water pothos or hydroponic money plants
Suitable colors: blue, black, white
Pots: round shapes, glass containers, or glossy ceramic pots
Placement: living room, home office, or wealth corner
Plants with brown or earthy yellow tones (Earth element) should be avoided, as Earth absorbs Water.
The Fire element represents passion, action, leadership, and transformation. Fire thrives with bright colors and lively energy.
Anthurium – symbolizes love and vitality
Poinsettia – represents success and achievement
Aglaonema (Vạn Lộc) – symbolizes prosperity and positive beginnings
Suitable colors: red, pink, orange, purple
Pots: triangular or pointed shapes, warm colors
Plants with dark green, black, or deep blue tones (Water element) should be avoided, as Water extinguishes Fire.
The Earth element symbolizes stability, nourishment, reliability, and grounding. Earth energy favors solid, well-rooted plants.
Snake Plant – protects and stabilizes energy
Brown-toned succulents – represent endurance and accumulation
Aglaonema (Phú Quý) – symbolizes abundance and harmony
Suitable colors: brown, earthy yellow, light orange
Pots: square shapes, clay or terracotta materials
Plants with strong green tones (Wood element) should be limited, as Wood drains Earth energy.
Always choose healthy, vibrant plants without pests or wilting leaves
Avoid displaying dried or dying plants during Tet
Do not block walkways or place plants in dark corners
Continue caring for plants after Tet to maintain positive energy
Choosing feng shui plants for Tet based on the Five Elements—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth is more than a decorative choice; it is a way to activate positive energy for the new year. When plants match your element, space, and lifestyle, they help create harmony, confidence, and a smoother start to the year.