Where to Place Things

Tulsi is sacred to Vishnu and purifies the air; the North-East is the zone of water and the divine.

• Keep it in a raised Tulsi Kota or pot, never on the floor
• Water it every morning and light a lamp beside it in the evening
• Do not pluck leaves on Ekadashi, Sundays or after sunset

The South-East is ruled by Agni and Shukra (Venus), the planet of wealth and comfort; a climbing green plant here is linked to growing prosperity.

• Let it climb upwards, never trail on the floor
• Remove yellow or dry leaves at once
• Keep it indoors in a glass bottle or pot

Banana is linked with Guru (Jupiter) and is worshipped on Thursdays; it belongs where morning light falls.

• Plant in the garden, not inside the house
• Keep Tulsi and banana apart

Heavy, tall growth in the South and West blocks the harsh afternoon sun and keeps the North-East open and light.

• Keep them far enough that their shadow does not fall on the house in the morning
• Coconut, ashoka and neem do well in the South-West

Low, fragrant plants keep the light, open zones lively without blocking the morning sun.

• Jasmine, rose and hibiscus suit the North and East
• Keep pots low so they do not shade the windows

Thorny plants are said to bring sharp words and friction into the home. Roses are the traditional exception.

• Keep cacti outside the house, on a far boundary if at all
• Never keep bonsai or dried flowers indoors

Bamboo is a living Vayu-Jala plant tied to growth and health; East favours health, South-East favours wealth.

• Keep fresh water and change it weekly
• Choose stalks in odd-number groups

Neem purifies the air and is linked with Devi Shitala. As a large, healing tree it belongs on the North-West or West side of the plot, away from the house.

• Keep its shadow off the house in the morning
• Dry neem leaves can be stored with grains to keep insects away

Peepal is worshipped as the abode of Vishnu, but its deep roots crack walls. The classical texts place the Ashvattha on the West of the plot, well away from the building.

• Never cut a peepal; if it sprouts in a wall, shift it to a temple with a small puja
• Water it and light a lamp under it on Saturdays

The banyan stands for long life and is worshipped on Vat Purnima. The classical rule places the Vata tree on the East of a large plot.

• Only for large plots; its roots and canopy spread very wide
• Keep it far enough that it does not block the morning sun

The Udumbara is sacred to Dattatreya. In the classical scheme it belongs on the South of the plot.

• Worship it on Thursdays and on Datta Jayanti

Ashoka means 'without sorrow'. It is one of the few trees considered good on any side, and is traditionally planted at the North or East boundary.

• Its leaves make a good toran for festivals
• Prune it so it does not darken the windows

The coconut is Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree. Being tall and heavy it suits the South and West, where it shades the house from the afternoon sun.

• Plant at least a few metres from the house
• Remove dry fronds and nuts before they fall

Mango leaves are used in every Hindu ritual. As a big shade tree it belongs to the South or West of the garden.

• Hang fresh mango-leaf torans on the main door for festivals
• Keep large branches away from the roof

Amla is sacred to Vishnu and Lakshmi and is worshipped on Amla Navami. A small amla tree is welcome in the North or East.

• Keep it trimmed so it stays small near the house
• Eat amla in the Kartika month for health

Bilva leaves are dear to Shiva and the tree is believed to bring Lakshmi into the home. The North-East, Ishana's corner, suits it.

• Offer three-leaf bilva sprigs to the Shivling
• Do not pluck leaves on Mondays, Amavasya or Chaturthi

Shami is linked with Shani and with Vijayadashami, when its leaves are exchanged as gold. It is kept on the South side or to the left of the entrance as you step out.

• Light a lamp under it on Saturday evenings
• Keep it in the garden or a large pot outside

Parijat came from the churning of the ocean and its flowers are offered to Vishnu and Lakshmi. Its night-falling blossoms suit the light, open zones.

• Collect only the flowers that have fallen; do not shake the tree

Fragrant white flowers belong to Chandra (Moon) and bring calm. Jasmine suits the North, East and North-West, and near the entrance.

• Train it on a trellis, not on the house walls
• Offer the flowers in the evening puja

Roses are the one thorny plant traditionally welcomed. Their weight of colour and thorns suit the South-West of the garden rather than the North-East.

• Grow them in the garden, not inside the house
• Remove dead flowers quickly

Red hibiscus is offered to Surya, Ganesha, Hanuman and Devi. It loves the morning sun of the East.

• Offer a red hibiscus to Surya with water at sunrise

Marigold is the flower of garlands and torans; its golden colour belongs to Guru (Jupiter). It brightens the North-East and East.

• Use fresh marigold garlands on the main door during festivals

Lotus is Lakshmi's seat and grows in water, so it belongs in the Jala zone of the North-East and North.

• Change the water often so it never smells
• A small brass urli with a lotus also works

Aloe is a healing plant and is placed where morning light reaches it.

• Keep it on a sunny window sill or balcony