11 Best Japanese House Plants That Bring Peace at Home

I’m super into plants lately, and Japanese house plants are, like, totally awesome! They’re not just pretty; they bring this chill, peaceful vibe to your room, like you’re living in a Zen garden.

Whether you’re a plant newbie or a green-thumb pro, these Japanese house plants are easy to care for and make your home feel calm and happy.

Plus, I’m gonna answer some cool questions, like “What’s the lucky plant in Japan?” and “How do you create a Japanese garden?” But first, see the 11 best Japanese house plants that’ll turn your space into a serene oasis, and I’ll even throw in some tips on where to buy them!

11 Best Japanese House Plants That Bring Peace at Home

In this Article…

Why Japanese House Plants Are So Cool

You’re not Japanese, nor do you live in Japan, so why is Japanese house plants such a big deal?

First off, they’re all about simplicity and nature, which is super Japanese culture vibes.

These plants don’t just look good; they make you feel relaxed, like you’re chilling in a temple or a forest. Also, many of them are low-maintenance, so even if you forget to water them sometimes (no judgment), they’ll still thrive.

Some Japanese house plants even clean the air or bring good luck, which is a total bonus.

Whether you’ve got a tiny apartment or a big house, these plants fit right in and make every corner feel special.

Must Read: How to Build a Rented Apartment Balcony Garden Without Breaking Rental Rules

11 Best Japanese House Plants Must Have in Your House

I make a list of 11 Japanese house plants that are super easy to grow and totally bring that peaceful, Japanese vibe to your home.

First time I saw these Japanese plants in my friend’s house, and trust me, at one glance it caught my attention because her house feels like I was in a temple where peace meets the greenery.

After that visit, I also brought some Japanese plants home. And most of the time, I get compliments for that.

1. Bonsai Tree (Various Species)

Bonsai trees are hands-down one of the coolest Japanese house plants because they’re like living art—miniature trees shaped with love to look ancient and wise. They bring this super chill, Zen vibe to your room, making every corner feel calm and special. For me, just looking at a bonsai feels like a mini escape to a peaceful garden, and they’re a total conversation starter when friends come over.

Whether you’re new to plants or a pro, a bonsai is like a pet and a sculpture in one, and it’s so satisfying to care for something so unique. Plus, they’re a classic part of Japanese culture, which makes them extra awesome for adding that serene, nature-loving touch to your home!

• Care Tips: Water it when the soil feels dry to the touch—usually every 1-2 weeks, depending on your home’s humidity. Keep your bonsai in bright, indirect light, like near a window with a sheer curtain—too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, but too little light makes it sad. Every month or so, give it a tiny bit of liquid fertilizer to keep it strong. You’ll also want to trim any wild branches with small scissors to maintain its shape (it’s like giving it a haircut!). Rotate the pot every few weeks so all sides get light, and mist the leaves occasionally if your house is dry. With a little attention, your bonsai will thrive and look stunning!

• Extra: Did you know “bonsai” literally means “planted in a container” in Japanese? It’s all about growing a tree in a small pot and shaping it to look like a full-sized tree in nature—some bonsais are even passed down for generations, like family treasures!

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2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

It’s got these super shiny, dark green leaves and these gorgeous white flowers that pop up like little flags saying, “Chill vibes only!” It’s like bringing a slice of a peaceful Japanese garden right into your room. I’m obsessed with how it makes any space feel calm and cozy, whether it’s chilling on a bookshelf or brightening up a corner.

Plus, this plant is a total rockstar at cleaning the air, sucking up gross stuff like dust and pollutants to make your home feel fresher. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance Japanese house plant that looks fancy without needing a ton of work. Honestly, it’s like a happy, green hug for your room!

• Care Tips: You just need to water it about once a week when you notice the leaves starting to droop a bit. Grab a watering can and give it a good drink until the soil feels moist, but don’t drown it. This plant loves low to medium light, so put it somewhere with soft, filtered light, like near a window with a sheer curtain or in a shady spot. Every couple of months, toss in a little liquid plant food to keep it strong and blooming. Oh, and wipe those glossy leaves with a damp cloth every now and then to keep them sparkling.

• Extra: They’re amazing at cleaning the air in your room by getting rid of yucky stuff like dust and pollutants, making your space healthier and fresher. It’s like having a mini air filter that’s also beautiful!

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3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

With its lush, feathery green fronds, it gives off this tropical, Zen vibe that makes your room feel like a peaceful oasis straight out of a Japanese garden. I’m totally obsessed with how it adds a burst of nature to any space, whether it’s on a shelf or in a cozy corner.

It’s not just about looks—this plant is a champ at cleaning the air, sucking up yucky stuff to make your home fresher and happier. It’s perfect for anyone who wants that chill, Japanese-inspired style without needing to be a plant expert. Plus, it’s a total fave in Japanese decor, so you know it’s gonna make your place look like a trendy, tropical hideaway!

• Care Tips: Taking care of a Bamboo Palm is super simple – Water it every 1-2 weeks when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant loves bright, indirect light, so pop it near a window with a sheer curtain or in a spot that gets soft sunlight. Every month or so, give it a little liquid plant food to keep those fronds looking lush. If you notice dust on the leaves, wipe them gently with a damp cloth to keep them shiny—it’s like giving your plant a quick spa treatment! Oh, and keep it away from cold drafts, ‘cause it likes to stay warm.

• Extra: Bamboo Palms are crazy popular in Japanese-inspired decor because they look so elegant and bring that natural, minimalist style. They’re like the go-to plant for creating a serene, spa-like feel!

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Must Read: 5 Easiest Indoor Veggies to Grow in Your Tiny Apartment

4. Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica)

I’m totally obsessed with how it adds this bold, nature-y energy to any space—whether it’s your living room or a cozy nook. It’s like a statement piece that screams, “Look at me, I’m fancy!” without being high-maintenance.

This Japanese house plant is perfect for anyone who wants their home to feel like a green escape with that classic Japanese style.

• Care Tips: Water it every 1-2 weeks when the top inch of soil feels dry and This plant loves medium light.

• Extra: Japanese Aralias are super popular in Japanese gardens because their big, bold leaves add that dramatic, natural look.

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5. Kokedama (Moss Ball Plants)

These plants are wrapped in cute little moss balls, looking like they’re floating orbs of green art just chilling in your room. It’s like something out of a Japanese fairy tale—super unique and totally Instagram-worthy!

I’m obsessed with how they add this artsy, Zen vibe to any space, whether you hang them up or set them on a tray. You can grow all kinds of plants in them, like ferns or ivy, and they’re perfect for anyone who wants something low-maintenance but way cooler than a regular potted plant.

• Care Tips: Every 1-2 weeks, soak the moss ball in a bowl of room-temperature water for about 10-15 minutes—think of it like giving your plant a quick bath! Squeeze it gently to remove excess water, so it’s damp but not dripping. Place it in a spot with indirect light, like near a window with a sheer curtain or a bright corner away from harsh sun, which can dry out the moss.

• Extra: Kokedama literally means “moss ball” in Japanese, and it’s a traditional art form where plants are grown in a ball of soil wrapped in moss. It’s like a mini garden you can hold in your hand!

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6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

It’s got these long, pointy, sword-like leaves that shoot up like green spikes, making your room look super sleek and modern. Plus, it’s a beast at cleaning the air, even pumping out oxygen at night, so it’s awesome for your bedroom.

This Japanese house plant is a fave in Japanese-inspired homes because it looks so sharp and doesn’t need a ton of fuss. It’s like the low-maintenance friend who always looks good and lifts your mood!

• Care Tips: Taking care of a Snake Plant is so easy, it’s like the chillest Japanese house plant ever. You only need to water it every 2-3 weeks. This plant is a total champ in low light, so you can stick it in a shady corner, a dim hallway, or even a room with just a lamp. It’ll also handle brighter spots, but avoid super harsh sunlight to keep its leaves happy. Every few months, give it a tiny bit of liquid fertilizer, but honestly, it’s fine without it.

• Extra: Snake Plants are a total fave in Japanese minimalist homes because their sleek, upright leaves fit perfectly with that clean, Zen aesthetic. They’re like the ultimate plant for simple, stylish vibes!

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7. Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

They’ve got these fluffy, green fronds that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale or a magical forest in a Japanese anime. Ferns are super common in Japanese shade gardens, so they bring that authentic, Zen-like charm indoors. It’s like having a piece of a fairy-tale forest right in your living room!

• Care Tips: Keep the soil moist but not soggy—check it every few days and water with a watering can when the top feels a little dry, usually about once or twice a week. Ferns love indirect light, so place them in a spot with soft, filtered sunlight, like near a north-facing window or under a sheer curtain. Too much sun can burn their delicate fronds, so keep them shaded.

• Extra: Ferns are the go-to plant for creating a peaceful, forest-like vibe!

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8. Azalea (Rhododendron)

This plant is bursting with bright, colorful flowers—think pink, orange, or red—and lush green leaves that stay gorgeous all year long, making your room feel like a vibrant Japanese garden.

I’m totally obsessed with how it adds this cheerful, festive vibe to any space, whether it’s on a windowsill or a coffee table. This Japanese house plant is perfect for anyone who wants a pop of color and that classic Japanese flair without needing to be a plant pro.

• Care Tips: Water it when the soil feels dry to the touch—usually every 1-2 weeks, depending on how warm your house is. Azaleas love bright, indirect light, so place them near a window with a sheer curtain or in a spot with lots of soft sunlight—too much direct sun can fade their flowers. Every month or so, add a little liquid fertilizer made for flowering plants to keep those blooms popping.

• Extra: Azaleas are a huge deal in Japanese festivals, especially during spring when their bright blooms light up gardens and celebrations.

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9. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

It’s got these gorgeous, heart-shaped leaves on long, trailing vines that look like a green waterfall spilling over your shelves or hanging baskets. It’s perfect for draping over a bookcase or climbing up a wall, giving that classic Japanese Zen look with zero effort.

This Japanese house plant is a total superstar for beginners because it’s so easy to grow, and it thrives even if you’re not a plant expert. Plus, it’s great at cleaning the air, making your space feel fresher and happier.

• Care Tips: Water it every 1-2 weeks when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant loves low to medium light, so you can pop it in a shady corner, near a window with a curtain, or even in a room with just a lamp—it’s super chill about light!

• Extra: Pothos is super easy to grow, even for total beginners, which is why it’s a go-to in Japanese-inspired homes. It’s like the ultimate plant for anyone who wants green vibes without the stress!

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10. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

This plant is so hardcore, it can thrive in the darkest corners of your room and still look like a total rockstar with its long, deep green leaves. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a Japanese house plant that’s basically indestructible, especially if you’re new to plants or have a room with barely any light.

Plus, it’s got this sleek, minimalist look that’s super popular in Japanese-inspired decor. The Cast Iron Plant is like that super reliable friend who’s always got your back, bringing green vibes without needing much attention!

• Care Tips: You only need to water it every 2-3 weeks like others in the list. This plant loves shade, so it’s perfect for dark corners, dim hallways, or rooms with small windows. It’ll even handle low light like a champ, though it’s cool with medium light too—just keep it out of direct sun, ‘cause that can burn its leaves. Every few months, give it a tiny bit of liquid fertilizer, but honestly, it’s so tough it doesn’t even need it.

• Extra: It’s called the “Cast Iron” Plant because it’s so strong and resilient, just like cast iron metal!

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11. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

It looks like a mini evergreen shrub with its tiny, glossy green leaves, giving your room that perfect, timeless Japanese garden vibe. This Japanese house plant is perfect for anyone who wants a plant that’s both cute and sophisticated, whether it’s on a windowsill or a side table.

It’s super versatile and brings that classic Japanese style that’s all about nature and balance. Plus, it’s often used in bonsai, so you know it’s got that extra cool factor. The Japanese Holly is like a little piece of tradition that makes your home feel serene and stylish!

• Care Tips: Water it once a week. This plant loves bright light, so pop it near a sunny window where it gets plenty of natural light, but a little shade is okay too—think of a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too little light can make it grow slowly, so keep it bright to stay happy. Every month or so, give it a tiny bit of liquid fertilizer to keep those leaves shiny and strong.

• Extra: Japanese Holly is often used in bonsai because its small leaves and sturdy branches are perfect for shaping into mini trees. It’s like the MVP of Japanese plant art!

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What Is the Lucky Plant in Japan?

In Japan, some plants are believed to bring good luck, and the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a big one! Even though it’s not originally Japanese, it’s super popular in Japanese homes because its round, coin-like leaves look like money, which means wealth and good fortune.

Another lucky Japanese house plant is the Bamboo Palm, often called “lucky bamboo” when grown in water. People believe it brings happiness and positive energy.

So, if you want some good vibes, grab one of these plants for your room!

What Japanese House Plant Cleans the Air?

Lots of Japanese house plants are awesome at cleaning the air, but the Peace Lily is a total rockstar!

It sucks up yucky stuff like dust and pollutants, making your air fresher.

The Snake Plant is another great one—it even releases oxygen at night, so it’s perfect for your bedroom. Also, the Bamboo Palm helps keep the air clean while looking super stylish.

If you want a healthier home, these plants are the way to go!

What Is the Most Popular Japanese House Plant?

The most popular Japanese house plant has gotta be the Bonsai Tree. It’s like the ultimate symbol of Japanese culture—tiny, perfectly shaped trees that look like they’re straight out of a samurai movie.

Bonsai trees are loved because they’re beautiful and show patience and care. Another super popular one is the Peace Lily, because it’s easy to grow and fits that calm, Zen aesthetic. Both are total faves in Japanese-inspired homes!

How to Create a Japanese Garden with Japanese House Plants

Wanna bring that Japanese vibe to your home? Creating a mini Japanese garden with Japanese plants is super fun and easy! Here’s how to do it:

1. Pick the Right Plants: Use Japanese plants like Bonsai, Kokedama, or Ferns. They give that classic Japanese look.
2. Keep It Simple: Japanese gardens are all about minimalism. Use a few plants, some rocks, and maybe a small water feature (like a tiny fountain).
3. Use Natural Materials: Add pebbles, moss, or bamboo to your setup. It makes it feel like nature.
4. Create Balance: Arrange plants and rocks in a way that looks calm and balanced, not too crowded.
5. Add a Zen Touch: Place your garden in a quiet corner of your room, maybe with a small Buddha statue or lantern for extra vibes.

You can even put plants in cool pots or moss balls to make them look authentic. It’s like having a tiny piece of Japan at home!

Why You Need Japanese House Plants in Your Life

Seriously, Japanese plants are the best way to make your home feel peaceful and stylish.

They’re not just plants—they’re like little pieces of art that bring calm and good energy. Plus, most of them are super easy to care for, so you don’t need to be a plant expert.

Whether you want a Bonsai to impress your friends or a Peace Lily to clean the air, there’s a Japanese house plant for everyone. And they’re not crazy expensive either—lots of options are under $50!

Get Your Japanese House Plants Today!

Alright, you’re totally ready to bring some Japanese house plants into your home, right? These plants are like instant Zen, making your space feel calm and super cool.

Whether you’re into the artsy vibe of a Bonsai or the easy-peasy Peace Lily, there’s something for you. Check out awesome places like The Sill, Bloomscape, or Amazon to snag your faves. Start your Japanese plant collection today and make your home a peaceful paradise!

Which plant are you grabbing first? Drop it in the comments—I wanna know!