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Houseplant Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia of popular houseplants with care guides, traits, and placement tips.

Showing 6 of 134 species

Air Plant (Tillandsia)

Air Plant (Tillandsia)

Tillandsia spp.

Beginner

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.

Beginner-friendlyNo soilEpiphyte

Hoya obovata

Hoya obovata

Intermediate

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.

HoyaWax plantThick leaves

King Anthurium

Anthurium veitchii

Advanced

The 'King Anthurium', with long pendent leaves 50-90 cm long, ridged by numerous parallel lateral veins.

AnthuriumKing AnthuriumLong leaves

Million Hearts

Dischidia ruscifolia

Beginner

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.

DischidiaMillion HeartsHanging basket

Queen Anthurium

Anthurium warocqueanum

Advanced

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.

AnthuriumQueen AnthuriumVelvet leaves
Strap Leaf Anthurium

Strap Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium vittariifolium

Intermediate

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

AnthuriumStrap leavesHanging pot

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.