Why I Keep This Fragrant Plant by My Front Door (Feng Shui Explained)

I used to think the entryway was purely functional. A place to drop keys, kick off shoes, and move on. But after paying closer attention to how different homes feel the moment you step inside, I realized the entry sets the tone for everything that follows.

That’s when I started looking into Feng Shui, not as a strict rulebook, but as a way to understand flow, energy, and first impressions. One suggestion kept coming up again and again, and surprisingly, it wasn’t decorative objects or mirrors.

It was mint.

I used to think the entryway was purely functional. A place to drop keys, kick off shoes, and move on. But after paying closer attention to how different homes feel the moment you step inside, I realized the entry sets the tone for everything that follows.

Why the entryway matters more than any other space

In Feng Shui, the entryway is where energy enters the home. If that area feels cluttered, stale, or heavy, the rest of the space tends to follow.

I noticed this myself:

  • Homes with calm entryways feel easier to breathe in
  • Spaces with harsh smells or visual clutter feel tense immediately
  • Even small changes near the door have an outsized effect

Plants play a big role here because they’re alive. They move energy instead of blocking it.


Why mint works so well, according to Feng Shui

Mint is associated with:

  • Renewal
  • Clarity
  • Movement of stagnant energy

In Feng Shui terms, it’s considered an activating plant. The scent alone signals freshness and openness, which is exactly what you want at the threshold of your home.

What convinced me wasn’t theory. It was how the space felt after I placed a simple potted mint near the door.

The entryway felt lighter. Cleaner. More intentional.


Where I place mint in my entryway

I don’t overthink the placement, but I follow a few basic principles.

What works best:

  • Near the front door, where energy enters
  • On a small table, shelf, or the floor if space allows
  • Somewhere it can be noticed, not hidden

Mint doesn’t need center stage, but it shouldn’t be tucked away either.

If your entry has:

  • A small window
  • Glass panels in the door
  • Indirect daylight

That’s more than enough for mint to thrive indoors.


Practical benefits that have nothing to do with Feng Shui

Even if you ignore the energy side completely, mint earns its place.

Here’s what I get out of it:

  • A naturally fresh scent that masks shoe and umbrella odors
  • Easy access to fresh mint for tea or cooking
  • A visual cue that the entryway is cared for, not just passed through

Mint is also low-maintenance, which matters in a high-traffic area where plants can be forgotten.


How I care for indoor mint near the door

I keep it simple:

  • Bright or partial light
  • Regular watering, but not soggy soil
  • Occasional trimming to keep it compact

Trimming actually helps the plant look fuller and releases more fragrance, which is a bonus in the entryway.


Why I kept it there permanently

Some plants look nice but don’t change how a space feels. Mint does.

Every time I walk in, there’s a subtle cue that the home is calm, fresh, and intentional. According to Feng Shui, that’s energy flowing properly. According to me, it just feels better.

Sometimes the smallest plant in the house does the most work.