Japandi style is a beautiful fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality, celebrating clean lines, neutral palettes, and an inherent connection with nature.

• Aesthetic: Prioritizes a refined minimalism with sleek lines and uncluttered spaces.
• Mood: Creates a calm, harmonious environment that balances modern functionality with natural warmth.
• Features: Uses a neutral palette with warm wood accents, streamlined furniture, and intentional simplicity.

Integrating the right houseplants into your Japandi décor not only purifies the air but also serves as living art that complements this refined aesthetic. Here are six houseplants that effortlessly embody the Japandi aesthetic.

1. Monkey Tail Fern: Graceful and Whimsical

The Monkey Tail Fern adds a minimalist twist to the traditional fern family. Its exposed trunk and root system is often bulbous and sculptural, and easily attached to rock forms. Its fronds are more sparse and spread out, creating beautiful cascades perfect for high shelves or side tables alike. 

Care Instructions:

• Lighting: Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist to promote a humid environment without waterlogging. Regular spritzing with water will keep these and all ferns happy. (The ferns are seen here with Cowbell Mini self-watering systems which will typically last 2 weeks indoors.)
• Soil: We use well-draining potting soil topped with 1/2 to 1 inch of gravel on top to promote humidity.
• Fertilizer: Apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

2. Pilea: The Playful Minimalist

The Pilea, often known as the Chinese Money Plant, features round, coin-like leaves that are both playful and strikingly symmetrical. Its modern, uncluttered silhouette makes it a favorite for those who value simplicity. In a Japandi space, the Pilea adds a touch of organic geometry, balancing stark interiors with its soft, natural curves.

Care Instructions:

• Lighting: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much light will cause leaves to curl.
• Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering. Drainage is critical. Pileas are susceptible to root rot, so err on the side of underwatering. A severely underwatered pilea can however begin to pucker its leaves and its leaves will begin to warp. (Our pileas are seen here with the Cowbell 750mL self-watering systems which last 12-14 days outdoors and 14-16 days indoors.)
• Soil: We use regular potting mix with perlite to promote drainage. 
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a diluted balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

3. Australian Bottle Tree: Architectural Speciman

The Australian Bottle Tree captivates with its bulbous trunk that extends into a long, airy silhouette. It looks almost like a wire brush when mature. Its textured bark and understated foliage introduce a sense of ancient natural wisdom into modern interiors. In a Japandi setting, this plant serves both as a focal point and a reinforcement of the style’s dedication to natural forms.

Care Instructions:

• Size: In its native Australia, these grow into enormous trees. Starter houseplants , however, start in 4-5 inch pots but can easily grow to 7 ft tall trees indoors.
• Lighting: Does best in bright, indirect light or partial sun.
• Watering: Water moderately, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings. (Our starter bottle trees are seen here using Cowbell Mini 250mL self-watering systems which last around 10-14 days.)
• Soil: We use extremely well-draining soil with 1:1 soil and perlite. We also top off with a thin layer of tiny gravel.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to support steady growth.

4. Operculicarya Decaryi: Dainty and Timeless

Operculicarya decaryi stands out with its intriguing branching structure and delicate leaves. Its clean lines and miniature proportions make it a natural fit for a Japandi palette. They make perfect bonsais but can be a bit high maintenance. Mismanagement can result in dramatic yellowing of the leaves and leaf drop. Fresh stems and branches are yellow; mature stems and branches develop a deeper orange hue. 

Care Instructions:

• Size: Starter plants come in 3-4 inch pots. Houseplants do not typically grow larger than 12 inches. Great for small bonsais.
• Lighting: Prefers bright, indirect light. Extreme heat over 85F and full sun will result in wilting and leaf burn.
• Watering: Prefers a daily spritz on the soil with a small water sprayer. 
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half-strength during spring and summer.

5. Ficus Audrey: Modern and Lithe

The Ficus Audrey typically has a minimalist trunk and thin branches, but can sometimes include artistically entangled aerial roots to create a bonsai-like trunk. With its broad, velvety leaves and understated charm, this plant exudes a contemporary elegance. Much easier to care for than the notoriously fickle Fiddle-Leaf Fig, we recommend the Ficus Audrey for all skill levels.

Care Instructions:

• Lighting: Prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate moderate light, avoid harsh direct sunlight that could scorch its leaves.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring that excess water drains away to prevent root rot. These houseplants are fairly drought-resistant, so err on the side of watering less.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Scale back feeding in the winter months when growth slows.