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10 Best Indoor Japanese Plants and How To Care for Them

Published on
July 31, 2024
10 Best Indoor Japanese Plants and How To Care for Them
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Why is bonsai training wire used, and when should I remove it?

Wiring is used to guide the branches into specific shapes and positions, allowing you to control how your tree grows. You can use aluminum or copper wire to gently bend and hold branches in place. Typically, wire should be left on the tree for a few months, depending on how fast your tree is growing. You’ll want to check regularly, though—if the wire starts to dig into the bark, it’s time to remove it before it damages the tree. Always be gentle when unwiring to avoid hurting the branches.

Why are bonsai pots so shallow?

Bonsai pots are shallow to restrict root growth and help control the size of the tree. This forces the tree to focus its energy on growing branches, leaves, and, eventually, creating that miniature look. Additionally, shallow pots aid in water drainage, which is crucial for bonsai health since waterlogged roots can easily lead to rot. Aesthetically, the small, shallow pots also highlight the beauty and shape of the bonsai itself, keeping the focus on the tree rather than the container.

How long does it take for a bonsai tree to fully grow?

Bonsai trees are all about patience. It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 years for a bonsai to be considered “mature,” and even then, they continue to grow and evolve throughout their lifespan. The slower the growth, the more intricate and beautiful the tree becomes. That said, if you’re looking for quicker results, starting with a pre-bonsai or young tree can speed up the process a bit!

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10 Best Japanese Indoor Plants and How To Care for Them

indoor japanese room, with plants around
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Prized for their exquisite and graceful look, Japanese plants are known for their serene aesthetic value. They also offer a different level of peace, whether it’s in your office cubicle or your living room. From planting a Japanese maple to caring for a bamboo plant that repels pests, you'll be able to find the ideal plant from our selection.

My Top 10 Picks

1. Japanese Aralia (Fatsia Japonica)

Japanese Aralia Fatsia Japonica in pot by window

Highly valued for its big, glossy green leaves and ability to adapt to a variety of interior environments. Native to Korea and Japan, this evergreen shrub is prized for its decorative potential.

It thrives in moderate to bright indirect light, but it can also withstand lower light levels, making it appropriate for indoors. This is a great choice for people who want to bring a little greenery into their interior spaces or who value low-maintenance plants with beautiful leaves. Plus, Japanese Aralia is a great choice for anybody looking to add a plant with air-purifying qualities to their house or place of business. Its versatility and eye-catching qualities make it a well-liked option for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

Care and maintenance tips

First, make sure the soil is always damp but not soggy. In between waterings, let the top inch of the soil dry out. Cut back on irrigation in the winter. Keep the room temperature steady at 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Since it needs more humidity, you might want to use a humidifier or set the plant on a pebble tray that has water in it.

2. Japanese Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Antiquum)

Japanese Bird's Nest Fern Asplenium Antiquum in pot indoors

Native to East Asia and Japan, this fern has gained popularity thanks to its unusual rosette of fronds that resembles a bird's nest. The lantern green, glossy, and somewhat wrinkled fronds enhance the plant's aesthetic appeal.

As this one prefers a damp, shady habitat, interior rooms with low to medium indirect light are ideal for this plant. It thrives in soil that is constantly moist yet drains well, and it benefits from routine watering to keep the humidity levels just right. This fern is a fantastic option for homes and offices since it's one of the plants that thrive indoors with regulated temperatures and shade from the sun. Beginners wishing to add some lush greenery to their homes or businesses will find it to be a great option given its minimal upkeep costs and suitability to indoor spaces. Furthermore, this fern's distinctive and decorative features appeal to seasoned gardeners, who value having it in their collections of indoor plants.

Care and maintenance tips

Make sure the soil is always damp but not soggy. When the top inch of soil appears rather dry, water the fern. Also, check if there is adequate drainage to avoid overwatering the roots. Cultivate the plant pot in a room that is consistently between 15 and 24°C (60 and 75°F). Steer clear of rapid temperature changes and cold blasts.

3. Japanese Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta)

Japanese Sago Palm Cycas Revoluta in pot indoors

The Sago Palm, despite its name, is really a cycad, a group of plants that have existed for millions of years rather than a genuine palm. This slow-growing, native plant of Japan has a robust trunk topped with a crown of dark green and glossy fronds that resemble feathers, giving the plant a palm-like appearance.

It grows best indoorswhen it is positioned close to a window that lets in plenty of natural light. Outdoors, it grows well in full sun to moderate shade. This plant is best suited for areas with moderate weather and enjoys a warm atmosphere. For people who value eye-catching, low-maintenance plants and want to bring a touch of classic elegance to their indoor or outdoor environments, this is a great choice. Its strength and versatility make it a popular option for novices and seasoned gardeners alike.

Care and maintenance tips

Use well-draining soil for potted Sago Palms to prevent water accumulation at the roots. Given that it is not frost-tolerant, it is also crucial to shield it from frost and extremely low temperatures. But, it's important to remember that the sago palm is deadly if consumed in any form, so keep it out of kids' and pets' reach.

4. Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba Japonica)

Japanese Aucuba Aucuba Japonica in pot in bedroom

Renowned for both its gorgeous foliage and adaptability to a wide range of environmental circumstances, the plant adds a splash of color to the environment. I especially love its leathery, shiny leaves, which are usually variegated with yellow or gold dots.

It is a great option for shady regions where other plants would find it difficult to flourish because of its reputation for withstanding low-light levels. Although it can withstand a wide variety of temperatures, it is most at ease in a moderate environment and is delicate to extremely high or low temperatures. The Japanese Aucuba's lush foliage and adaptability make it a valuable addition to landscaping projects. You can evoke a sense of calm and tranquility with this beautiful plant, whether you're a beginner or an expert.

Care and maintenance tips

Give this plant a bulk of soil that drains effectively. Keep in mind that it can adjust to several kinds of soil, such as clay, sandy, or loamy soils. For wholesome development, fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

5. Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum)

Japanese Maple Acer Palmatum indoors

This bonsai tree is well-known for its lovely, delicate leaves as well as its colorful profile, which displays shades of red, orange, and yellow as the seasons change. This underrated maple is a popular option for Japanese gardens, landscapes, and bonsai gardening since it grows slowly and may form a beautiful, spreading canopy.

Because Japanese Maple grow well in areas with temperate weather and distinct seasons, this is a great choice for locations with mild temperatures. It thrives in conditions that range from full rays to moderate shade, especially when shielded from direct sunlight—especially in warmer climates. This is an excellent choice among those looking to provide a refreshing visual and beauty to their outdoor areas, gardens, or landscapes due to its stunning stem and elegant shape.

Care and maintenance tips

Protect the tree against severe winds and intense sunshine, particularly in areas where summers are scorching. To keep it from drying out, shield it from strong winter winds. Keep the soil consistently wet, especially while the tree is first being established. Steer clear of soggy circumstances since too much moisture might cause root rot. Mulching the tree's base might aid in keeping the soil wet.

6. Japanese Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Japanese Peace Lily Spathiphyllum indoors with cat

Native to the jungles of Central and South America, the Japanese Peace Lily is a tropical plant, popular for indoor gardens because of its wonderful air-purifying properties and capacity to flourish in low illumination. Its popular name comes from the white blossoms the plant produces, which symbolize a white flag of peace.

Tropical plants like this grow well indoors in areas with low-light conditions. It's a great option for homes, offices, and other interior settings due to its resilient nature. Advanced gardeners can also explore advanced care techniques to encourage optimal growth, such as precise watering schedules, experimenting with different fertilization methods, and creating ideal humidity levels.

Care and maintenance tips

Water the plant as soon as the top inch of the soil feels dry. Peace lilies will wilt when they need water, but they will rapidly recover after receiving it.

7. Japanese Fig (Ficus Benjamina Baroque)

Japanese Fig Ficus Benjamina Baroque indoors

This one is a well-liked, decorative indoor plant that is appreciated for its elegant, cascading leaves and air-purifying capabilities. It is a kind of Ficus benjamina, distinguished by its shiny, rich moss-like foliage and graceful, arching branches.

The Japanese fig is a great option for people who love the sight of flowing leaves and want to add a little nature-like look to their homes or offices since it grows well in bright, indirect indoor environments. For the caregiver, the Japanese Fig is a great option for anybody looking for an exquisite indoor plant that can filter the air and shed delicate, weeping leaves. It's the perfect plant for people of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned gardeners, due to its ease of maintenance and flexibility in indoor environments.

Care and maintenance tips

Keep the room temperature steady at 65–75°F (18–24°C). Higher humidity levels are ideal for the growth of this plant. Maintaining proper moisture levels can be facilitated by frequent misting or the use of a humidifier. Steer clear of chilly drafts. During the growth season (spring and summer), fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

8. Japanese Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)

Japanese Cast Iron Plant  indoorsAspidistra Elatior

Like many other houseplants, the Japanese Cast Iron Plant helps purify indoor air through a process called phytoremediation. This involves the plant's ability to absorb and break down certain airborne pollutants through its leaves and roots.

Thanks to its unparalleled durability, it's a great plant for those with hectic schedules or those who might not have a very green thumb. This is a great alternative for practically any interior location because it can tolerate low light levels and is well-known for withstanding neglect and changing indoor styles. In addition, the sleek, gleaming leaves elevate interior spaces with a hint of flora and refinement, improving the overall design and fostering a serene, natural ambiance.

Care and maintenance tips

Between waterings, this one enjoys drying out. Before irrigation, the soil must become somewhat dry since excessive watering might cause root rot. The plant might also benefit from occasional light washing to get rid of dust and dirt because of its huge, green leaves. Using a moist towel to wipe the leaves can help maintain their vivid and healthy appearance.

9. Japanese Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

Japanese Pothos Epipremnum Aureum indoors

Epipremnum aureum, is a hardy and well-liked indoor plant with heart-shaped leaves and trailing tendrils. It is well-regarded for being flexible and low maintenance, which makes it a great option indoors, even for high-traffic rooms. The plant is prized for its ability to filter the air by eliminating common contaminants.

This plant is a great plant for beginners because of its hardiness and forgiving nature. It is resilient to indoor environments that change and occasional neglect. The Japanese Pothos may also arouse feelings of harmony, balance, and tranquillity, all of which are in line with the fundamentals of Japan's architecture and design.

Care and maintenance tips

In between irrigation, allow the soil to get somewhat dry. Water the plant well, letting any extra runoff from the container drain, as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Keep the temperature of your room constant between 60°F and 85°F (16°C and 29°C). Steer clear of rapid temperature changes and chilly drafts. Although it can tolerate typical indoor humidity, the plant prefers greater humidity levels. Maintaining proper moisture levels can be facilitated by frequent misting or the use of a humidifier.

10. Japanese Bamboo (Nandina Domestica)

Japanese Bamboo Nandina Domestica indoors

The Japanese Bamboo stands out in any landscape or garden because of its delicate, lacy leaf and brilliant shades of green, red, and bronze that provide a visually spectacular show all year long. Its elegant, bamboo-like growth pattern enhances the environment's overall beauty by adding a sense of movement and fluidity.

Because of its versatility, it may be grown as a single specimen, a hedge, or a container plant. The plant also grows well in a variety of temperatures, from temperate to subtropical and its adaptability and minimal need for upkeep make it a great option for novices and seasoned gardeners alike. Its presence is given an additional layer of cultural and spiritual significance by its association with prosperity and good fortune in Japan's mythology. Because of its meaning as well as its visual appeal and flexibility, the plant is highly prized in many home gardens.

Care and maintenance tips

Keep its soil continuously wet and well-drained but avoid drowning the plant. It also requires frequent watering, especially in dry spells. To encourage healthy root development, choose well-draining, acidic soil that is high in organic matter. For Nandina domestica, the optimal soil pH range is 5.0 to 6.5. To assist in maintaining soil moisture, control soil temperature, and inhibit weed development, spread an organic mulch layer around the base of the plant.

More House Plant Hacks for Your Indoor Zen Garden

indoor japanese plant in pot

Watering

To make sure your plants get the proper quantity of moisture, create a regular watering routine. To assist in maintaining ideal soil moisture levels and avoid overwatering or underwatering, think about utilizing moisture meters or self-watering systems, for example, snake plants and succulents.

Rotation

To encourage uniform development and keep your plants from tilting toward the light source, rotate them on a regular basis. Additionally, by ensuring that the plant receives enough light on all sides, this method promotes balanced and healthy development.

Pruning

To keep your plants in the appropriate shape, promote new development, and get rid of any dead or yellowing leaves, tweak them on a regular basis. In addition to improving air circulation around the plant, pruning improves the look of the entire thing.

Repotting

Keep an eye on your plants' growth and transplant them as necessary to provide their roots more room. Use well-draining soil and drainage-hole-equipped containers for repotting to encourage strong root growth and avoid waterlogging.

This coming growth season, try growing these plants inside the house for a clean, unique, and calming garden.

FAQs

Q: What is the best ornamental plant for positive energy inside the house?

A: Because they are frequently utilized in rooms, kitchens, and outdoor settings to create a quiet and peaceful mood, Japanese lanterns are frequently connected with good energy and calmness. They are also a great focal point according to a lot of feng shui experts.

Q: What is the best houseplant to attract luck?

A: It's well known that the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) brings luck and fortune. The plant is distinguished by its round, coin-shaped leaves, which are symbolic of wealth and good fortune. It is also sometimes referred to as the "missionary plant" or the "friendship plant," denoting a good vibe and deep relationships in many cultures.

Q: How to remove pests like beetles in an indoor garden?

A: To prevent and manage beetle infestations, think about using neem oil, a natural pesticide. Apply diluted neem oil to afflicted plants, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Q: What are the 3 important elements of a Japanese garden?

A: In this garden, simplicity, natural elements, and symbolism converge to cultivate a tranquil sanctuary that reflects the beauty of nature and fosters a sense of harmony within your living space.

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