VASTU SHASTRA AND PLANTS..

According to the essence of Veda,

It is ten times a better deed to dig up a tank than to dig up a well in a good site...
It is again ten times a better deed to beget a good son than digging up ten tanks...
It is again ten times a better deed to plant and grow a good tree than to beget ten good sons... 

Vastu Shastra or Vast Veda is nothing but the Science of Construction. Its an ideal way to construct a structure for the benefit of the users and benefit of the environment as well.

In the world of concrete jungle, losing our lives to work pressure, keeping up the busy daily routine, we somewhere want to have a peaceful life, close to nature. Some of us live in a small apartment now a days, some lives in a big house with surrounding open space. We may not build our homes according to Vastu rules completely. But there are certain Vastu principles that we can still try to follow and make our life peaceful.

Plantation within and surrounding the house is one of the way..

There are certain Do's and Don'ts to be followed while planting a tree. Some of them are mentioned below..

Plants should be planted during auspicious constellations. 

• It is ideal to plant during the bright half, i.e., close to full moon. 
• Saplings should first be planted in clay pots and only later placed in the ground. This enables them to grow better. 
• Trees should not be planted directly in front of the house’s main entrance. 
• There should be an even number of trees on one’s property, not an odd number. 
• Trees should be planted on the south or west sides of the house. Ideally, they should be planted on both these sides rather than on only one side. 
• It is not good to plant a tall tree on the north, northeast, or east sides of a building. 
• Smaller trees may be planted on the east or north sides, but no trees should be planted in the northeast corner. 
• Tall trees should not be too close to a building as they block the sunlight. 
• A tree’s shadow should not fall on the house. 
• Large trees should not be located too near the house as their roots can damage the foundation and compound wall. Also, the roots of large trees absorb sunlight quickly, meaning these positive rays will not be received by the building. 
• Do not allow tree branches to touch the house. 
• Stone sculptures and rock gardens should be located on the southwest side of the house because they are heavy. 

In addition the appearance of the house surrounded by greenery is quite appealing to the eyes and adds beauty to the house.

By planting and growing plants, and trees, the family will be benefited.

The text written by MAYA however warns that there are certain trees that are beneficial and certain other trees which are maleficent to the welfare of the family.
Good Trees:

1. Tulsi: It is always good to grow a Tulasi plant on one’s property. Tulasi should be located on the north, northeast, or east sides of the house, or in front of the house. 
2. Coconut tree 
3. Neem tree 
4. Betal tree 
5. Sandalwood Tree 
6. Lemon Tree 
7. Pineapple 
8. Bilva 
9. Almond 
10. Mango 
11. Jackfruit 
12. Amla 
13. Katha 

Bad Ones for House:

1. Thorny Plants: Thorny plants should not be planted near the house. Thorny plants other than Roses have a negative energy. Ideally all thorny plants should be pulled up and destroyed. 
2. Cactus: Cactus should not be planted at all. 
3. Creepers: Creepers or other plants should not be grown by using the building or compound wall as support. Creepers should only be grown in a garden, and they should have their own independent supports. 

Banyan and Pipal (Aswatha) are sacred trees; they should usually only be planted near a temple or at a sacred place.
So plant more trees and make your life peaceful and happy..

For Indoor Plants:

• Tulsi or basil plant is considered as a very powerful and auspicious plant. It can be grown either in the front or the back of the house. It should be ideally located at the North, East or Northeast side of the house.
• Vastu Shastra suggests having cascading, crawling, tree-like plants in the living room. They are usually used to minimise the imbalance of protruding or sharp columns, corners or pillars. Thorny plants are best avoided in any room of the house.
• Tall and fully grown plants are ideal to be kept in the bedroom of the house to rectify or neutralise the sharpness of corners.
• The money plant can be placed inside the house to bring in good luck and prosperity.
• Avoid keeping the plants at the Northeast corner of the house. Keeping plants along the North and East walls is also not recommended by the Vastu Shastra experts.
• Bonsai and plants bearing red flowers are also not suitable to be kept inside the house.

Source:

1. http://www.vasthusastra.com/vasthuplantsandtrees.asp
2. http://www.astrojyoti.com/vastutreesnplants.htm
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastu_shastra
4. http://homeneeds.sulekha.com/vastu-tips-for-keeping-indoor-plants_448977_blog