Houseplant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular houseplants with care guides, traits, and placement tips.
Showing 46 of 75 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.
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.
© 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 lily family. 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.
© 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.
Burgundy Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
A rubber plant with deep burgundy leaves that complements sophisticated spaces.
© H. Zell / CC BY-SA 3.0Chinese Banyan
Ficus microcarpa
Cute aerial roots and round leaves. In Okinawa known as home of Kijimuna spirits. Hardy and tolerates pruning well.
© James Steakley / CC BY-SA 3.0Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides
A houseplant hugely popular in Scandinavia with round coin-shaped leaves. Cute form perfect for social media.
Corn Plant
Dracaena fragrans
Classic houseplant popular as 'Tree of Happiness' gift. 'Massangeana' with yellow stripes is most popular. Hardy, easy to grow, with air-purifying properties.
© “Jon Zander ( Digon3 )" / CC BY-SA 3.0Dieffenbachia
A tropical plant with large leaves featuring cream variegation. High shade tolerance, grows in dark indoor spots.
© Hajime NAKANO / CC BY 2.0Dracaena
Massangeana variety known as Fortune Plant. Sword-shaped leaves radiate outward. Hardy and popular as gifts.
Dracaena / Cordyline
Dracaena spp. / Cordyline spp.
Popular foliage plants—Dracaena with slender leaves, Cordyline with vibrant colorful foliage. Ideal for indoor environments with minimal care demands. Both achieve good height for statement displays in interior spaces.
© User:WeFt / CC BY-SA 3.0Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata
A Dracaena with red lines along the edges of slender leaves. Popular for modern interiors with its stylish form.
Epipremnum Cebu Blue
Epipremnum pinnatum
A pothos relative with beautiful bluish-silver leaves. Mature leaves develop fenestrations.
Ficus Elastica Ruby
Ficus elastica
A rubber plant with beautiful reddish-pink variegation. New growth dyes especially vivid pink.
© Myukew / CC BY-SA 2.0 deFicus Umbellata
Ficus umbellata
Popular houseplant with large heart-shaped leaves. Often seen in trendy cafes and shops. Highly decorative.
Giant Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia nicolai
A large houseplant with big banana-like leaves creating tropical atmosphere. A staple of resort hotels.
© Kurt Stüber [1] / CC BY-SA 3.0Hoya Carnosa
Hoya carnosa
A vine plant with thick leaves and waxy star-shaped flowers. Also known as Wax Plant.
© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0Hoya Kerrii
Hoya kerrii
A hoya with distinctive thick heart-shaped leaves. Also popular as Valentine's Day gift.
Mini Monstera
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Popular for small leaves with cuts similar to Monstera. Fast growing vine, easy to display.
© Hans Hillewaert / CC BY-SA 3.0Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
A lucky houseplant with braided trunk and palm-like leaves. An office staple.
© Husky / CC0Monstera Adansonii
Monstera adansonii
Smaller monstera variety. Nicknamed Swiss cheese vine for distinctive holey leaves resembling cheese.
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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.