Houseplant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular houseplants with care guides, traits, and placement tips.
Showing 134 of 134 species(1–24)
Aglaonema
Aglaonema spp.
A tropical Asian houseplant with colorful varieties in red, pink and green. Highly shade-tolerant and easy to grow in low indoor light. Known for air-purifying properties.
Aglaonema pictum Tricolor
Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor'
An Aglaonema whose leaves are patched with dark green, bright green and silvery white in a camouflage-like pattern. The pattern differs from leaf to leaf and plant to plant.
Air Plant (Tillandsia)
Tillandsia spp.
Epiphytic tropical plants requiring no soil, absorbing moisture and nutrients through leaves. Native to Central and South America. Weekly misting sustains growth; minimal care needed, making them perfect for beginners.
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia × amazonica
A bold houseplant with deep green arrow-shaped leaves and striking white veins. Called 'Elephant Ear', it thrives in warm humid indoor conditions.
Alocasia Black Velvet
Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet'
Jewel-like compact Alocasia with velvety black leaves and silver-white veining. Small enough for tabletop display. Humidity management is crucial.
Alocasia Dragon Scale
Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale'
A small Alocasia whose thick, stiff, peltate leaves carry raised grey-green panels between the veins, like dragon scales. A cultivar of the Bornean A. baginda.
Alocasia Frydek
Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek'
A beautiful alocasia with white veins on velvet-textured dark green leaves.
© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0Alocasia Zebrina
Alocasia zebrina
An Alocasia with distinctive zebra-patterned stems. Beautiful contrast with arrowhead-shaped leaves.
© Pijri Paijar / CC BY-SA 4.0Aluminum Plant
Pilea cadierei
A pilea whose dark green leaves carry four rows of raised silver patches, as if splashed with aluminium paint. The patches catch the light with a metallic sheen.
Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum
A tropical plant with long-lasting heart-shaped spathes (the colorful flower-like part). Available in red, pink, white and green. Loves warm, humid indoor conditions.
© Daderot / CC0Anthurium Clarinervium
Anthurium clarinervium
A beautiful Anthurium with white veins standing out on large heart-shaped leaves. Popular among houseplant enthusiasts.
Anthurium luxurians
Anthurium luxurians
A Colombian Anthurium whose thick, leathery leaves bulge strongly between the veins, giving a quilted surface. The upper side is glossy dark green and the underside much paler. It was described only in 2005.
© Rudolphous / CC BY-SA 4.0Anthurium regale
Anthurium regale
An Anthurium with large, slightly velvety heart-shaped leaves marked by white midribs and lateral veins, which link around the margin and meet at the tip.
© Daniel Case / CC BY-SA 3.0Arabian Coffee Plant
Coffea arabica
An evergreen in the coffee family with glossy, dark green leaves that have wavy margins and prominent veins. Mature plants bear fragrant white flowers and red berries whose seeds are coffee beans.
© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
Most popular indoor palm. Feathery fronds create resort atmosphere. Also provides natural humidifying effect.
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Graceful plant with fluffy fine foliage cascading outward. Looks like a fern but is actually in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Perfect for hanging baskets. Hardy and vigorous.
Baby Rubber Plant
Peperomia obtusifolia
Cute compact plant with thick, glossy rounded leaves. Perfect size for desks and shelves. Drought-tolerant but sensitive to overwatering. Variegated varieties popular.
Bengal Fig
Ficus benghalensis
Popular interior plant with white trunk and large rounded leaves. Similar to Ficus umbellata but with thicker leaves and stronger presence. Vigorous in bright spots.
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
Native to South Africa, named for its orange and blue-purple flowers resembling a bird of paradise. Beautiful leaves even when not in bloom. Relatively drought-tolerant.
© Kurt Stüber [1] / CC BY-SA 3.0Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus
A beautiful fern with glossy green wavy leaves. Also suitable for high-humidity environments like bathrooms.
Boston Fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Classic fern with elegantly arching fronds. Excellent air purifier, thrives in high-humidity areas like bathrooms. A hanging basket staple.
Burgundy Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'
A rubber plant with deep burgundy leaves that complements sophisticated spaces.
Caladium
Caladium bicolor
Bulb plant with large heart-shaped leaves in vivid pink, red, and white patterns. Grows spring-fall, dormant in winter. One of few plants with colorful foliage in shade.
Calathea
Calathea
Interior plant with beautifully patterned leaves. Characteristic nyctinastic movement (leaves close at night). Prefers humidity.
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Houseplant FAQ
- How much do houseplants cost?
- Common Pothos and small Monstera cost 500-3,000 yen, variegated Monstera 10,000-100,000+ yen, and rare Philodendrons can reach tens to hundreds of thousands of yen.
- Can beginners grow houseplants?
- Pothos, Sansevieria, and Pachira are shade-tolerant and hardy, making them easy for beginners. Once you learn the watering schedule, they're hard to kill and great for indoor enjoyment.
- What should I check when buying houseplants?
- Check for well-established roots, leaves free of disease spots or pests, and no excessive stretching. After purchase, avoid sudden environment changes and acclimate gradually.
- Why do houseplants die?
- Root rot from overwatering is the most common cause. Water only when the soil surface is dry. Insufficient light is the next most common issue, so ensure proper brightness for your variety.
- How long do houseplants live?
- With proper care, houseplants can thrive for decades. Monstera and rubber plants commonly live for many decades, and you can propagate them through cuttings and division.