Is the begonia flower really unlucky? Unveiling the misconceptions about begonia feng shui and care.

Why It Is Said That海棠花 ( Crabapple Blossoms) Are UnluckyIn folk flower culture, crabapple blossoms have always been burdened with the controversial label of "inauspicious flowers." This special cognition from ancient times actually contains the collision of traditional culture and modern science's understanding. This article will explore the plant's characteristics, cultural origins, and Feng Shui considerations from three dimensions to help you rediscover this plant that carries a millennium of cultural codes.I. Cultural Traceability Analysis of Crabapple Blossoms1.1 Tracing the Legend of the "Heartbreaking Flower"The alias "Heartbreaking Flower" for crabapple comes from the records in "The Memoirs of Kaiyuan and Tianbao": Emperor Ming of the Tang saw Yang Guizhi's appearance as similar to crabapple blossoms, and during the Marwei incident, he used the metaphor "crabapple spring sleep" to describe the beauty's tragic death. This narrative style of bundling plants with tragic anecdotes has become an important source of the cultural imagery of crabapple blossoms.1.2 Misunderstandings About Flower MeaningsModern horticultural research shows that the symbolism of crabapple blossoms is polysemous: Weeping crabapple symbolizes the longing of wanderers for their hometown, while Western-style crabapple represents wealth and auspiciousness. The so-called "bitter love" is only a special interpretation in Ming and Qing vernacular texts and cannot be considered as universal knowledge.II. Decrypting the Feng Shui Controversy Surrounding Crabapple Blossoms2.1 Energy Differences Between Dried and Fresh FlowersIn Feng Shui, there is indeed a saying that "dried flowers block energy," but this judgment specifically refers to dried flower materials that have lost their vitality. Fresh crabapples placed in the front door or southeast direction, accompanied by round ceramic pots, can form a "prosperous wealth" pattern.2.2 Scientific Understanding of ToxicityAbout 15% of begonia varieties contain calcium oxalate crystals, and contact with the sap may cause skin itching. However, with basic protective measures such as wearing gardening gloves and avoiding contact with the sap, it is completely safe to cultivate. Data from the International Horticultural Association shows that its allergenic rate is lower than that of common green plants like ivy.III. Modern Crabapple Planting GuideChoose non-toxic varieties like the evergreen crabapple, ensure 4 hours of scattered light daily, and maintain slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.5). Apply a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer in spring and trim the residual branches promptly after flowering to achieve an ornamental effect of over 200 days per year.By looking beyond the phenomena, the cultural label of crabapple blossoms is actually a product of cognitive stages in specific historical periods. With scientific care, this plant, known as the "divine flower" in "The Book of百花谱," can become a perfect auspicious decoration for modern homes. Planters are recommended to select varieties and manage them according to standards, allowing traditional culture and contemporary horticulture to merge perfectly.