In feng shui, you might say that the fireplace bends the energy and prevents the chi from shooting straight out the back. In traditional feng shui, there are nine basic adjustments, ranging from the use of light-refracting objects, such as mirrors and crystals, to the strategic placement of living things like plants or aquariums of fish. For instance, careers and water are associated with the direction north. So if your fireplace is on the north wall of the living room, this is unfavorable for your career, because water puts out fire. Or you can place a green, leafy plant next to the fireplace.
Live plants represent growth, which helps balance out the negative effects of the fireplace.