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Houseplant Encyclopedia

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

Showing 7 of 75 species

Alocasia Amazonica

Alocasia Amazonica

Alocasia × amazonica

Intermediate

A bold houseplant with deep green arrow-shaped leaves and striking white veins. Called 'Elephant Ear', it thrives in warm humid indoor conditions.

AlocasiaWhite veinsElephant Ear

Alocasia Zebrina

Alocasia zebrina

Intermediate

An Alocasia with distinctive zebra-patterned stems. Beautiful contrast with arrowhead-shaped leaves.

AlocasiaZebra patternArrow leaf
Anthurium

Anthurium

Anthurium andraeanum

Intermediate

A tropical plant with long-lasting heart-shaped spathes (the colorful flower-like part). Available in red, pink, white and green. Loves warm, humid indoor conditions.

AnthuriumSpatheTropical
Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae

Intermediate

Native to South Africa, named for its orange and blue-purple flowers resembling a bird of paradise. Beautiful leaves even when not in bloom. Relatively drought-tolerant.

Bird of ParadiseOrange flowersSouth Africa

Croton

Codiaeum variegatum

Intermediate

A tropical plant with vivid red, yellow, green, and orange leaf colors. Creates tropical atmosphere.

CrotonColorfulTropical
Elephant Ear

Elephant Ear

Colocasia esculenta

Intermediate

Exotic tropical plant with giant heart-shaped leaves. Fast grower with striking presence as interior green. Thrives in warm, humid conditions.

IntermediateLargeTropical
Giant Bird of Paradise

Giant Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai

Beginner

A large houseplant with big banana-like leaves creating tropical atmosphere. A staple of resort hotels.

StrelitziaLargeTropical

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.