A Guide to Japanese Indoor Plant Selection

Japanese indoor plants bring tranquility and simplicity into any home. The clean lines and minimalist forms of Japanese style pair beautifully with the natural shapes and textures of foliage. When selecting plants for an indoor Japanese garden, focus on varieties that thrive with little care while lending serenity to the surroundings. Consider the following popular choices.

Best Low-Light Japanese Indoor Plants

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

• Origin: Japanese forests
• Light and Water: Tolerates low light and infrequent watering
• Features: Broad, deep green leaves rising from the soil
• Accent: Provides a sturdy vertical accent

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

• Origin: Asia (India to Japan)
• Light and Water: Withstands lower light and occasional neglect
• Patterns: Offers interesting patterns and leaf shapes
• Beginner-friendly: Easy-care for beginners

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Air Purification: One of the best plants for filtering indoor air
• Toxins Removed: Cleanses air of toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
• Low Light Blooms: Flowers even in low light
• Water Reminder: Signals when it needs water by drooping leaves

Best Japanese Indoor Trees

Incorporate the natural shapes of trees in miniature with Japanese garden trees suitable for indoor growing.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

• Features: Iconic maple leaf shapes
• Fall Color: Provides beautiful fall color
• Size: Slow growing, stays small for its environment
• Shape: Lend it a windswept shape with directional pruning

Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus)

• Resembles: Coniferous evergreen
• Leaves: Leathery, pointed, deep green leaves
• Shape: Naturally windswept shape
• Pruning: Can be pruned into niwaki style

Best Flowering Japanese Plants

While foliage makes up the backbone of most Japanese garden plants, well-placed blooms create focal points and honor the changing seasons.

Chrysanthemums

• Varieties: Available in hundreds of varieties and colors
• Pots: Branching varieties work well in pots
• Season: Flower through fall and early winter
• Symbolism: Symbolize longevity and rejuvenation

Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

• Exotic: Epitome of exotic Eastern flowers
• Colors: Available in white, pink, purple, striped, and more
• Long-lasting: Flower spikes last for months
• Symbolism: Symbolize luxury, beauty, strength, and sophistication

Best Scented Japanese Plants

Incorporate fragrant plants to create a tranquil indoor sanctuary. Borrow from Japanese tsubo gardens by including scent in a sheltered corner.

Gardenia

• Features: Lush evergreen leaves and exceptionally fragrant summer flowers
• Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light
• Conditions: Prefers humid conditions
• Pruning: Frequent pruning encourages compact shape and abundant blooms

Best Japanese Foliage Plants

Focus on plants with standout leaves that set serene tones and pleasing shapes.

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

• Native to: Eastern Asia woodlands and meadows
• Features: Pale silver fronds decorated with burgundy accents
• Texture: Adds texture and contrast to shady gardens
• Light: Performs best in medium to bright indirect light

Japanese Aralia (Fatsia )

• Leaves: Glossy, deep lobed leaves resemble flower petals
• Size: Can reach 8 feet tall and wide in its native Japanese forests
• Varieties: Smaller varieties available for indoor growing
• Texture: Adds rich texture in bright, indirect light

Sweetflag (Acorus gramineus)

• Leaves: Aromatic, sword-shaped leaves spread to form dense clumps
• Texture: Adds texture and scent to indoor water features
• Accent: Can accent the edges of pools and ponds