The Best Indoor Plants For Your Japanese Apartment

Plants bring life to any space, from the tiniest 1DK to a roomy mansion. From cleaning your air to adding decorative flair, read on for five plants that will have you planning for your very own home greenery.

Japanese apartments are generally not known for their size or for their ornate design features. Yet, I think this is all the more reason to bring some greenery into your space! Although taking care of indoor plants certainly requires work, plants can thrive in many different conditions and, with a little research, you can find ones that match your lifestyle, space, light and style. Luckily, we’ve got that covered for you! Below, I highlight five of the best plants that can grow easily in a small Japanese apartment, even if you lack a green thumb!

First Steps: Assess Space, Light & Energy Level

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Size

Plants come in a range of shapes and sizes, and all of them can prosper and grow well in your home. Smaller plants will fit on any shelf or decorative nook, but may be easy to forget if you’re not careful. Larger plants, by contrast, will need enough space for their growing foliage, as some don’t take well to being cramped in a corner.

When choosing decorative pots to place your plants in, it is recommended to buy pots that are one size larger so that your plants will fit comfortably inside. Also, in Japan, the kanji that is used to measure pot size is 号 (read as gou), with larger numbers referring to bigger pot sizes.

Placement

One of the biggest hurdles when growing plants indoors is placing them in the best spot to receive the sunlight they need. Plants that require direct sunlight need to be placed by a window to receive several hours of sun exposure every day.

If your plant is unhappy with the amount of light, it will let you know! Plants that don’t receive enough light will stop growing and their leaves will turn pale green or yellow/white. They can also become “leggy,” meaning they grow long and thin and seem as if they’re reaching out toward the light.

Conversely, if a plant is receiving too much direct sunlight, especially during the summer months here in Japan, the leaves will burn and develop crisped and browned edges. Filtering the light through blinds or sheer curtains can help with this issue.

Care

How much time and energy you have available to care for your plants will definitely be something to review before buying a plant. Some plants are picky about how much water they need and how often. And, if you water too much, the roots of the plant can start to rot.

A general rule of thumb is to water plants only when you can insert a fingertip down to the first knuckle and the soil feels dry. Also, water should be given until it runs out of the bottom of the pot, since this helps to aerate the plant and properly develop its root base.

Greenify It: The Best Plants For A Japanese Apartment

Below are five of the best plants recommended for all plant lovers in Japan, even beginners. We’ve included their Japanese names as well, so that you can identify them in a plant store.

1. Monstera (モンステラ)

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Monstera are lovely plants with palm-like leaves that gracefully droop. In terms of care, they are notable in that they don’t mind being forgotten (i.e., they can tolerate an irregular watering schedule). Also, this plant prefers indirect light, which means that you can place it further from a window, such as in the middle of the living room.

Typically a medium-sized plant, if you are interested in growing Monstera bigger, then, as it grows, replant it into larger and larger containers (see planter sizes above), until it becomes the size you desire.

2. Ficus Umbellata (フィカス ウンベラータ)

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Ficus Umbellata are relatively large, tall, tree-like plants that can be the focal point in a living room. They enjoy bright yet indirect sunlight, so they will do better if placed close to a window, ideally with sunlight filtered through sheer curtains. Also, as this plant is sensitive to cold drafts, during the winter months, it may require some insulation from the cold.

3. Ficus Altissima (フィカス アルテシーマ)

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Ficus Altissima is blessed with beautiful, large, smooth leaves decorated with light and dark green marbling. These sun-loving plants will also grow well if placed outdoors on a balcony during the hotter months of the year.

They do not like the cold, so it is best to keep them inside during the winter and protect them from cold drafts. Occasionally spraying their leaves with a mister and cleaning them of dust will rejuvenate their foliage.

4. Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (ポトス)

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Pothos are low-maintenance tropical vines that are native to the Solomon Islands. They have widespread appeal for their attractive heart-shaped leaves with green and white striations. They enjoy bright, but indirect light and look stunning when hung from ceiling fixtures or when cascading off of shelves. Be aware that pothos grow quickly, even as much as several inches a month, and are toxic to pets.

5. Pachira (パキラ)

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Pachira, also known as “money tree plants” in English, are easy to grow and come in a range of sizes. They look like mini-palms, and their slender trunks are often braided together. You can start out with small ones that are readily available at 100-yen shops and watch them grow into large plants in a relatively short amount of time.

If you find your Pachira is getting too big, you can easily prune it back as this will not damage it. Pachira enjoys bright sunlight and will grow in artificial lighting conditions as well.

Where To Buy Indoor Plants in Japan

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When it comes to buying plants in Japan, the world is truly your oyster! These easy-to-care-for and popular plants in Japan can be found in many places, such as:

Everyday & Affordable Options

• Supermarkets/Department Stores (Aeon, Ito Yokado, Life, Seijo Ishii, etc.)
• 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria, CanDo, etc.)
• Home centers (Cainz, Komeri, GooDay, Viva Home, Joyful Honda, etc.)
• IKEA Japan

Flower Shops & Boutiques

• Your local 花屋 (hanaya; “neighborhood flower shop”)
• Aoyama Flower Market
• Hibiya Kadan
• Afternoon Tea Living

Warehouses & Gardening Specialty Stores

• Suburban garden centers (often near department complexes)
• Ozeki Garden Center
• Garage/Rust Garden
• Hanahiro CQ

What do you have growing inside your Japanese home? If you have any other recommendations for what you would consider the best plants for a Japanese apartment, let us know!

Comments

Mr Galiher says:

September 25, 2025 at 12:12 am

Do you offer a printed version of this article?