The best Japanese houseplants to create a zen, serene space in any room
These beautiful plant species are a one-way ticket to a more relaxing and decadent home
If you're looking to transform your home into a serene space with a touch of Japandi style, these Japanese houseplants are the perfect choice.
From houseplants that improve air quality to species that help reduce condensation, there are plants to suit any space. But if you want to create a zen oasis in your home, then opting for these particular plants is the only way to go.
5 of the best Japanese houseplants for any room
Whether you're looking for Japandi living room ideas or simply want to up your plant parenting game to replicate on-trend Japanese garden ideas, adding some Japanese houseplants to your home is the way to go.
Most of these species are low-maintenance and hardy, meaning you get all the benefits without the stress. It couldn't be better.
1. Japanense orchid
Although you might think of orchids as one of the hardest plants to keep alive, these Japanese varieties are well worth the extra effort.
"Beloved in Japan for its graceful, star-shaped white flowers and delicate fragrance, the orchid symbolises purity, elegance, and prosperity. This plant thrives in high humidity and bright indirect light, making it ideal for bathroom decor," explains gardening and plants expert Calum Maddock at HomeHow.co.uk.
Once you've mastered how to care for an orchid, you'll be surprised by just how easy they are to keep happy and healthy.
RRP: £11.99 | This ready-to-use orchid fertiliser comes in a handy spray bottle to offer a controlled spritz of feed when needed.
RRP: £7.99 | This orchid bark from Amazon will provide your plant's roots with an optimised environment. It's also been sterilised safely and comes in a reusable bucket.
RRP: £10.39 | These orchid scissors are the perfect size for cutting back your plant after the blooms have fallen off. They have padded handles for comfort and are crafted in stainless steel, so you won't have to worry about rust.
2. Camellias
Although they are considered one of the best plants for shade in your garden outside, they also make great indoor plants.
"Known for their stunning blooms and cultural significance in Japan, camellias prefer cooler indoor spots and consistent moisture. They flourish best in bright, indirect light and benefit from a bit of humidity," says Monique Kemperman from Plants and Flowers Foundation.
3. Japanese Money Plant
You might think you already know how to care for a money plant, but the Japanese variety is a little different from the chubby-leaved one.
"This plant, with its round, coin-shaped leaves, symbolises prosperity and good fortune in Japanese homes. Its compact size makes it ideal for minimalist spaces, and it requires only moderate watering and bright, indirect light," explains Calum.
4. Japanese Dwarf umberella tree
Is your Japandi kitchen in need of a little greenery? This dwarf umbrella tree, formally known as Schefflera, is just the right size and will have your guests interested thanks to its unique shape.
"This compact, bushy plant is great for small indoor spaces while offering dense, green foliage that fits beautifully into a modern, minimalist home. It enjoys bright indirect light and occasional misting," instructs Calum.
5. Japanese maple bonsai tree
It's no secret that caring for bonsai trees is extremely challenging, especially when you first start looking after them. However, this miniature maple variety might be a little easier to tend to.
"Dwarf varieties of this tree can be grown in pots indoors and are ideal for creating a miniature Zen Garden effect. They thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot," explains Calum.
FAQs
What are the Japanese good luck plants?
If you're looking to bring positive energy into your home this year, adding some Japanese good luck plants can help you.
One of the most common plants for this is the lucky bamboo plant, also known as Dracaena sanderiana.
"This plant is not technically bamboo but makes a great addition to any Japandi-style home as it is a symbol of luck, prosperity, and harmony in Japanese and Chinese culture," says Calum.
He goes on to say that it's a low-maintenance plant that can grow in water or soil as long as roots are submerged and it is kept in indirect light.
How can these plants improve your home environment?
Although you might be dubious about the effect houseplants can have on you and your home, they're more influential than you think.
"Incorporating Japanese-inspired houseplants contributes to a more mindful, calming living space," starts Monique.
"These plants embody the Wabi-Sabi principle of embracing imperfection and change. Caring for them offers a moment of mindfulness and presence in daily life. These plants promote simplicity and elegance. As our articles on Wabi-Sabi suggest (see below), surrounding yourself with natural, organic forms helps create a space that feels grounded and deeply human," adds Monique.
If you don't have a Japandi style in your home, you can still fill your home with houseplants for stress relief. They'll give your home just as much calm and help you feel your best on a daily basis.
