Originating from Asian countries, this tree is associated with Feng Shui for balancing energies and bringing prosperity to the home it inhabits traduzido por: OPENROUTER
Submitted at Aug 18, 2026, 3:00 PM
Árvore da felicidade “fêmea” e “macho” apresentam diferenças no formato e na textura das folhas. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
The tree of happiness is one of those plants that, in addition to adding greenery to the decor, carries with it stories, beliefs and meanings. Strongly associated with prosperity, good luck and home harmony, it has also gained space in landscaping for being relatively easy to grow and adapting well to pots.
With delicate foliage and a size that can vary according to the species and growing conditions, the plant can appear both in well-lit indoor projects and on balconies, gardens and protected areas.
Árvore da felicidade (iStock/Divulgação)
Although it is known by a single popular name, the tree of happiness corresponds mainly to two species, popularly called “female” and “male”. The association, however, does not mean that they are plants of different sexes: they are distinct species of the same genus.
Belonging to the Araliaceae family, the trees of happiness are plants of tropical origin, naturally found in regions of Asia, Oceania and Pacific islands, depending on the species.
The Polyscias fruticosa, traditionally called the female tree of happiness, has thinner, more delicate and quite serrated leaves, while the Polyscias guilfoylei, known as the male tree of happiness, has more robust foliage and a generally thicker stem.
Árvore da felicidade “macho” e “fêmea”: apesar de pertencerem ao mesmo gênero, as duas espécies apresentam diferenças principalmente no formato e na textura das folhas. A “fêmea” (Polyscias fruticosa) tem folhagem mais fina e delicada, enquanto a “macho” (Polyscias guilfoylei) apresenta folhas maiores, mais largas e robustas. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
In landscaping, both are valued mainly for their ornamental foliage and shrubby shape, and can reach a few meters in height when planted directly in the ground. In pots, naturally, the size tends to be more controlled.
Another curiosity is that the plant can produce small flowers, although flowering is infrequent and has less ornamental importance in home cultivation.
The tree of happiness is a relatively easy species to grow and does not require very complex care to develop well. With attention to lighting, watering and soil drainage, it is possible to keep it healthy for a long time. For those who wish to multiply the plant, seedlings can also be made from cuttings taken from healthy branches.
Prefer containers with holes in the bottom to ensure good drainage and prevent water from accumulating in the roots.
(Freepik/Divulgação)
Use a fertile, light substrate rich in organic matter, capable of retaining moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Keep the plant in a well-lit projects, with indirect sunlight and protected from strong winds and extreme temperatures.
Keep the soil slightly moist and check the need for water with the finger test before watering again.
(ImageParty/Pixabay/Divulgação)
Remove dry or damaged leaves and use some healthy branches to produce new seedlings.
Cut a healthy branch, remove the leaves from the base and plant the cutting in moist and well-drained substrate. Keep it in a bright place, without direct sun, until new leaves appear. Then, transfer the seedling to a larger pot or a definitive location.
The happiness tree can be grown both indoors and outdoors, as long as the location offers plenty of light without suddenly exposing the plant to extreme conditions. Indoors, a position near a well-lit window, but protected from strong sunlight, usually works well.
Árvore da felicidade “macho” e “fêmea”. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
In outdoor areas, it is worth choosing partially shaded or protected locations, especially in Brazilian regions where the sun is more intense. The species is also sensitive to strong winds and very low temperatures, so it should be kept away from drafts, air conditioners, and places subject to abrupt temperature changes.
The happiness tree frequently appears in Feng Shui practices, in which it is associated with well-being, harmony, and the welcoming feel of projects. Popular tradition also links the plant to good luck and prosperity. In this context, it has become common to grow together the two species known as “male” and “female,” Polyscias guilfoylei and Polyscias fruticosa, usually in the same pot, as a representation of the balance between yin and yang.
As duas espécies no mesmo vaso representam, segundo o Feng Shui, o equilíbrio entre yin e yang. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
It is important, however, to distinguish tradition from botany: the plants do not need to be grown together to survive, grow, or reproduce, since they are different species. Thus, placing both in the same pot is a choice tied to cultural and symbolic meaning, and not a requirement for the plant's development. For those who like to bring these concepts into decoration, the arrangement also creates an interesting visual effect, combining the differences in texture and shape of the leaves.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.
traduzido por: OPENROUTER
