Houseplant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular houseplants with care guides, traits, and placement tips.
Showing 46 of 75 species(25–46)
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa
Iconic split-leaf houseplant. Vigorous grower in bright indirect light. Train aerial roots on moss poles or supports.
Pachira / Schefflera
Pachira aquatica / Schefflera spp.
Popular indoor foliage—Pachira with braided trunks and upright growth, Schefflera with radiant umbrella-like leaves. Both adapt well to indoor conditions and tolerate variable light. Minimal care requirements for beginners.
© Benutzer:Callipides / CC BY-SA 2.0 dePeace Lily
A shade-tolerant plant with beautiful white spathe flowers. Famous from NASA's air purification research.
Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
A massive genus of ~500 species ranging from vining to rosette forms. Rare species and variegated specimens are popular with collectors. Thrives in warm, humid indoor conditions.
Philodendron Birkin
Philodendron 'Birkin'
A popular variegated Philodendron with dark green leaves and white pinstripes. Compact enough for indoor display. The stripe patterns change as it grows.
Philodendron Micans
Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum
Trailing Philodendron with velvety bronze to deep green leaves. New leaves are chocolate-colored, maturing to deep green. Easy care and perfect for hanging.
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
One of the hardiest houseplants. Perfect for hanging or trailing. Many varieties including Golden, Marble Queen, and Neon. Grows in water.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plant
Large thick glossy leaves are characteristic. Hardy and fast-growing. Many varieties including Burgundy and Tineke.
Rubber Plant Tineke
Ficus elastica
A rubber plant with beautiful cream-green variegation. Pink new growth adds accent.
Sansevieria Cylindrica
Sansevieria cylindrica
A unique sansevieria with cylindrical leaves growing straight up. Sometimes sold braided.
Satin Pothos
Scindapsus pictus
Trailing vine with satin-sheen silver variegation. Similar to pothos but a different genus. Beautiful hanging display. Relatively drought-tolerant and easy.
Schefflera
A hardy houseplant with palm-like spreading leaves. A classic species easy for beginners.
Snake Plant
Distinctive sword-like upright leaves. Selected as NASA air-purifying plant. Minimal watering, one of the hardest plants to kill.
© Daderot / CC0Spider Plant
Spider plant
Plant with baby plants hanging from runners like paper cranes. Hardy with high air purification effect.
Syngonium
of the
A vine plant with beautiful arrowhead-shaped leaves. Interesting plant whose leaf shape changes as it grows.
Syngonium Pink Splash
Syngonium podophyllum
A syngonium with beautiful pink splash-like variegation. Leaf shape changes with growth.
Tillandsia ionantha
Tillandsia ionantha
Iconic air plant needing no soil. Compact and easy to display. Leaf tips turn red when blooming. Simple misting makes it a beginner favorite.
© Cliff from I now live in Arlington, VA (Outside Washington DC), USA / CC BY 2.0Tradescantia
A trailing plant with beautiful purple and silver leaf colors. Fast growing and perfect for hanging.
Tradescantia Nanouk
Tradescantia albiflora
A tradescantia with beautiful pink-white-green tricolor. Fast growing and easy to propagate by cuttings.
© Yvan leduc / CC BY-SA 3.0Watermelon Peperomia
Peperomia argyreia
A cute Peperomia with watermelon rind-like stripe patterns on leaves. Compact and perfect for tabletops.
© Walter Siegmund / CC BY 2.5Yucca
and common
Powerful houseplant with stiff sword-like upward leaves. Extremely drought-tolerant, perfect for forgetful waterers.
© Forest & Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
A tough houseplant with beautiful thick, glossy dark green leaves. Tolerates extreme dryness.
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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.