February 2nd, 2025
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The Best Plants to Start With in Your Tokyo Apartment
Top 15 Indoor Plants for Tokyo Living
Bringing greenery into your Tokyo home not only enhances aesthetics but also improves air quality and promotes well-being. Below is a curated list of 15 indoor plants suitable for Tokyo's living conditions, each with detailed information to help you make an informed choice.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Category: Evergreen
Description: Known for its upright, sword-like leaves with variegated patterns, the snake plant is a popular choice for indoor greenery.
Care Level: Easy. Thrives in low light and requires minimal watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Sensitive to overwatering; reduce watering during Tokyo's humid summers.
Size: Typically grows between 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) in height.
Price Range: Approximately ¥1,500 - ¥3,000.
Apartment Suitability: Ideal for studios and 1LDK apartments due to its compact size.
Health Benefits: Snake plants are known to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. They also release oxygen, which can enhance air quality and promote better sleep.
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2. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Category: Evergreen
Description: Featuring braided trunks and lush green leaves, the money tree is believed to attract prosperity.
Care Level: Easy. Prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Keep away from cold drafts during winter; can be placed outdoors on a balcony during warmer months.
Size: Can grow up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) indoors.
Price Range: Approximately ¥2,000 - ¥5,000.
Apartment Suitability: Suitable for 1LDK and larger apartments.
Health Benefits: While specific studies on the money tree are limited, having indoor plants can improve focus and decrease depressive moods.
3. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Category: Evergreen
Description: Known for its distinctive split leaves, Monstera adds a tropical vibe to interiors.
Care Level: Moderate. Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Sensitive to cold; keep away from drafts during Tokyo's winter months.
Size: Can grow up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) indoors.
Price Range: Approximately ¥3,000 - ¥8,000.
Apartment Suitability: Best for 2LDK apartments or larger due to its potential size.
Health Benefits: Monstera plants can contribute to a calming environment, reducing stress levels.
4. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Category: Deciduous
Description: A miniature version of the iconic outdoor tree, the indoor Japanese Maple brings seasonal color changes, adding a dynamic element to your interior.
Care Level: Moderate. Needs bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Sensitive to temperature fluctuations; maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Size: Typically reaches up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) indoors.
Price Range: Approximately ¥4,000 - ¥10,000.
Apartment Suitability: Suitable for 1LDK and larger apartments.
Health Benefits: While specific studies on Japanese Maple are limited, the presence of indoor plants can improve your sense of well-being by reducing stress and enhancing mood.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Category: Evergreen
Description: With broad, deep green leaves, this plant is renowned for its resilience and ability to thrive in low-light environments.
Care Level: Easy. Tolerates low light and infrequent watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Highly adaptable; minimal seasonal issues.
Size: Typically grows up to 60 cm (24 inches) in height.
Price Range: Approximately ¥1,500 - ¥3,000.
Apartment Suitability: Ideal for studios and 1LDK apartments.
Health Benefits: Improve air quality by reducing pollutants, which may lead to better respiratory health.
6. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Category: Evergreen
Description: Featuring bright green, wavy fronds, this fern adds a tropical touch to indoor spaces.
Care Level: Moderate. Prefers humid environments and indirect light.
Seasonal Considerations: Requires increased humidity during Tokyo's dry winter months; consider using a humidifier.
Size: Can grow up to 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter.
Price Range: Approximately ¥2,000 - ¥4,000.
Apartment Suitability: Suitable for 1LDK and larger apartments.
Health Benefits: While specific studies on Bird's Nest Ferns are limited, ferns in general are known to improve indoor air quality by increasing humidity levels, which can help alleviate respiratory issues and dry skin.
7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Category: Evergreen
Description: Known for its glossy, deep green leaves, the ZZ plant is both attractive and exceptionally low-maintenance.
Care Level: Easy. Thrives in low light and tolerates infrequent watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Highly adaptable; minimal seasonal issues.
Size: Typically grows up to 60-90 cm (24-36 inches) in height.
Price Range: Approximately ¥1,500 - ¥3,000.
Apartment Suitability: Ideal for studios and 1LDK apartments.
Health Benefits: The ZZ plant has been noted for its ability to remove toxins such as xylene, toluene, and benzene from indoor air, contributing to a healthier living environment.
8. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Category: Evergreen, Vining
Description: Pothos are low-maintenance tropical vines that are native to the Solomon Islands. They have attractive heart-shaped leaves with green and white striations.
Care Level: Easy. Thrives in low to bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Highly adaptable; minimal seasonal issues.
Size: Vines can grow several feet long, but can be pruned to maintain desired length.
Price Range: Approximately ¥1,000 - ¥2,500.
Apartment Suitability: Ideal for studios and 1LDK apartments; can be placed on shelves or hung in baskets.
Health Benefits: Pothos plants are effective at removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, thereby improving air quality.
9. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Category: Flowering, Evergreen
Description: Peace Lilies are known for their elegant white blooms and lush green foliage.
Care Level: Moderate. Prefers low to bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil.
Seasonal Considerations: Keep away from cold drafts during winter; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Size: Typically grows up to 60-90 cm (24-36 inches) in height.
Price Range: Approximately ¥2,000 - ¥4,000.
Apartment Suitability: Suitable for 1LDK and larger apartments.
Health Benefits: Peace Lilies are known to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. They also help increase humidity levels, which can reduce the incidence of respiratory issues and dry skin.
10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Category: Evergreen
Description: Spider Plants have arching, variegated leaves and produce small white flowers.
Care Level: Easy. Thrives in bright, indirect light and tolerates occasional watering lapses.
Seasonal Considerations: Highly adaptable; minimal seasonal issues.
Size: Typically grows up to 30 cm (12 inches) in height, with arching leaves extending further.
Price Range: Approximately ¥1,000 - ¥2,500.
Apartment Suitability: Ideal for studios and 1LDK apartments; can be placed on shelves or hung in baskets.
Health Benefits: Spider Plants are effective at removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene, contributing to cleaner air. They also help increase indoor humidity, which can alleviate respiratory issues.
11. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Category: Evergreen
Description: Rubber Plants have large, glossy leaves and can grow into small indoor trees.
Care Level: Moderate. Prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Sensitive to cold; keep away from drafts during Tokyo's winter months.
Size: Can grow up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) indoors.
Price Range: Approximately ¥3,000 - ¥8,000.
Apartment Suitability: Best for 2LDK apartments or larger due to its potential size.
Health Benefits: Rubber Plants can improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants such as formaldehyde. Their large leaves also contribute to higher oxygen levels indoors.
12. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Category: Evergreen
Description: Fiddle Leaf Figs are known for their large, violin-shaped leaves and upright growth habit.
Care Level: Moderate to challenging. Prefers bright, indirect light and consistent watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Sensitive to temperature fluctuations; maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Size: Can grow up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) indoors.
Price Range: Approximately ¥4,000 - ¥10,000.
Apartment Suitability: Best for 2LDK apartments or larger due to its potential size.
Health Benefits: While specific studies on Fiddle Leaf Figs are limited, having large-leaved plants indoors can enhance air quality by increasing oxygen levels and providing a calming environment, which may reduce stress.
13. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Category: Succulent
Description: Aloe Vera is a succulent plant known for its medicinal properties and rosette of thick, fleshy leaves.
Care Level: Easy. Thrives in bright light and requires minimal watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Highly adaptable; minimal seasonal issues.
Size: Typically grows up to 60 cm (24 inches) in height.
Price Range: Approximately ¥1,000 - ¥2,500.
Apartment Suitability: Ideal for studios and 1LDK apartments.
Health Benefits:
- Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it useful for treating minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations.
- This plant emits oxygen at night, which can improve air quality and enhance sleep quality.
- Aloe Vera absorbs indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, helping to purify your living space.
14. Air Plant (Tillandsia)
Category: Epiphyte
Description: Air plants are unique houseplants that don't require soil to grow, living instead on top of other plants and absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air.
Care Level: Easy. Require indirect sunlight, high humidity, and regular watering through misting or soaking.
Seasonal Considerations: Sensitive to dry air; increase misting during Tokyo's dry winter months.
Size: Varies by species; generally small, ranging from 5 to 30 cm (2 to 12 inches).
Price Range: Approximately ¥500 - ¥2,000.
Apartment Suitability: Ideal for all apartment sizes; can be creatively displayed in terrariums, on wood boards, or in glass jars.
Health Benefits:
- Improves air quality by absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide while releasing fresh oxygen.
- Their unique, low-maintenance nature helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation.
- Since air plants do not require soil, they help reduce mold and bacteria growth in indoor spaces.
15. Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Category: Flowering
Description: Orchids are beautiful but challenging to grow outside their natural tropical habitat. Creating a terrarium can provide the necessary high-humidity environment for these delicate flowers.
Care Level: Challenging. Require high humidity, indirect light, and careful watering.
Seasonal Considerations: Sensitive to temperature fluctuations; maintain stable indoor temperatures and humidity levels.
Size: Varies by species; typically ranges from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches) in height.
Price Range: Approximately ¥3,000 - ¥10,000.
Apartment Suitability: Suitable for 1LDK and larger apartments; best placed in areas with stable environmental conditions.
Health Benefits:
- Orchids release oxygen and humidity, which can help improve respiratory health.
- Their vibrant flowers provide a natural mood boost and help reduce stress.
- Caring for orchids encourages mindfulness and relaxation, contributing to overall mental well-being.
Tips for Plant Care in Tokyo
- Humidity: Tokyo's winters can be dry; consider using a humidifier or placing a water tray near plants to maintain humidity levels.
- Light: Due to limited sunlight in urban settings, placing plants near windows with indirect light is beneficial.
- Watering: Overwatering is a common issue. Ensure pots have proper drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Where To Buy Plants
- Solso Park
- Address: 1-12-28 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
- Types of Plants: Succulents, cacti, tropical plants, and large indoor trees
- Price Range: ¥1,000 - ¥10,000
- Website: Solso Park
- The Plant Society Tokyo
- Address: 1-15-1 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0024
- Types of Plants: Unique houseplants, succulents, and specialty pots
- Price Range: ¥2,000 - ¥8,000
- Website: The Plant Society Tokyo
- C store C
- Address: 3-7-6 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0051
- Types of Plants: Indoor plants, hanging plants, and tropical varieties like Monstera
- Price Range: ¥1,500 - ¥5,000
- Website: C store C
- Hana Ichiba Yoyogi Uehara
- Address: 1-30-1 Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0064
- Types of Plants: Freshly picked flowers, bouquets, and seasonal blooms
- Price Range: ¥500 - ¥5,000
- Kakusen-En
- Address: 1-28-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0022
- Types of Plants: Cacti, succulents, and other dry-climate plants
- Price Range: ¥1,000 - ¥4,000
- Green Fingers
- Address: 1-13-5 Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0024
- Types of Plants: Indoor potted plants, unique arrangements, and decorative pots
- Price Range: ¥2,000 - ¥15,000
- Website: Green Fingers
- Ozaki Flower Park
- Address: 4-6-32 Shakujiidai, Nerima-ku, Tokyo 177-0045
- Types of Plants: Extensive variety including flowers, indoor and outdoor plants, and gardening supplies
- Price Range: ¥500 - ¥20,000
- Website: Ozaki Flower Park
- Yoneyama
- Address: 252 Shinhacho, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 223-0057
- Types of Plants: Office greenery, garden plants, and offers plant rental services
- Price Range: ¥1,000 - ¥10,000
- Shibuya Engei
- Address: 2-25-1 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0047
- Types of Plants: Indoor and outdoor plants, herbs, and gardening supplies
- Price Range: ¥1,000 - ¥8,000
- Website: Shibuya Engei
- Garden Shop Shiki
- Address: 6-1-6 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074
- Types of Plants: Various garden plants, bonsai, and Japanese-style pottery
- Price Range: ¥1,500 - ¥12,000
These stores offer a wide range of indoor plants suited for different apartment sizes and aesthetics. Whether you're looking for easy-to-care-for succulents or larger statement plants, these shops provide plenty of options to enhance your living space in Tokyo.
Incorporating these plants into your Tokyo home can enhance your living space with natural beauty and a sense of tranquility. Remember to consider each plant's specific needs and your apartment's conditions to ensure they thrive.
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