Houseplant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular houseplants with care guides, traits, and placement tips.
Showing 6 of 134 species

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.
© Scott Zona from Miami, Florida, USA / CC BY 2.0Hoya obovata
Hoya obovata
An epiphytic Hoya with thick, obovate leaves that are broad and rounded at the tip, the source of its name. Variegated plants are also sold as houseplants.
© Michael Wolf / CC BY-SA 3.0King Anthurium
Anthurium veitchii
The 'King Anthurium', with long pendent leaves 50-90 cm long, ridged by numerous parallel lateral veins.
© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0Million Hearts
Dischidia ruscifolia
An epiphyte whose slender stems are densely lined with pairs of small, stiff, succulent heart-shaped leaves. Sold as 'Million Hearts', it is grown trailing from hanging pots.
© Steven Walling / CC BY-SA 4.0Queen Anthurium
Anthurium warocqueanum
The 'Queen Anthurium', with long velvety leaves hanging to around a metre, dark green with silvery-white veins. It creeps over trees in Colombian rainforest. It is known as a difficult plant.

Strap Leaf Anthurium
Anthurium vittariifolium
A strap-leaved Anthurium whose narrow, ribbon-like leaves hang down, ideal for hanging pots. In the wild the leaves can exceed 2 m.
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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.