Houseplant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular houseplants with care guides, traits, and placement tips.
Showing 7 of 134 species
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.
© H. Zell / CC BY-SA 3.0Chinese Banyan
Ficus microcarpa
A houseplant fig that lives for decades in a pot with steady care, and reaches several centuries in the wild. Known for its aerial roots and rounded leaves, and cherished in Okinawa as the tree where the kijimuna spirit dwells.
© Jerzy Opioła / CC BY-SA 4.0Dracaena
Dracaena
Massangeana (a cultivar of Dracaena fragrans), known as Fortune Plant, is the representative variety. Sword-shaped leaves radiate outward. Hardy and popular as gifts.
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.
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
Large thick glossy leaves are characteristic. Hardy and fast-growing. Many varieties including Burgundy and Tineke.
Schefflera
Schefflera
A hardy houseplant with palm-like spreading leaves. A classic species easy for beginners.
© Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata / CC BY-SA 4.0Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Plant with baby plants hanging from runners like paper cranes. Hardy with high air purification effect.
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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.