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There’s something effortlessly calming about Japandi interiors. The clean lines, muted tones, and intentional use of space create a kind of quiet luxury that doesn’t beg for attention.
And while the design philosophy is rooted in minimalism, it never feels cold or clinical. One of the easiest (and most beautiful) ways to bring that balance into your space? Plants.
The right Japandi plants do more than soften the aesthetic—they help create that subtle harmony between nature and structure, form and function. Unlike the maximalist jungles you see all over Instagram, Japandi plants are sculptural, serene, and thoughtfully placed.
Think a perfectly placed ZZ plant in a stoneware pot, or a slender olive tree in a sunlit corner. Every leaf has a purpose.
Below, 16 indoor plants that complement Japandi interiors without overpowering them—low-maintenance, high-impact, and just the right amount of wild.
What Is Japandi Design?
Japandi is a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies—two styles that, while born oceans apart, share a deep love for simplicity, craftsmanship, and nature.
Think: warm minimalism, organic materials, and a “less but better” approach to decor.
In Japandi interiors, plants are used sparingly but purposefully, favouring clean lines, sculptural shapes, and a connection to the natural world without overwhelming the space. It’s design with breathing room.
Best Houseplants For The Japandi Aesthetic
1. Olive Tree
Understated and elegant, olive trees bring a sculptural silhouette that fits seamlessly into Japandi interiors. Their slender branches and dusty green leaves feel serene and subtly rustic—like something you’d see in a quiet corner of a countryside retreat.
Care tip: Olive trees need plenty of sunlight (think: a south-facing window) and well-draining soil. Let the top inch dry out between waterings, and avoid overwatering—root rot is real.
2. ZZ Plant
If you’ve accidentally killed a few houseplants (same), the ZZ plant is the no-drama, low-effort solution. Its waxy, deep green leaves look polished and graphic, making it ideal for modern Japandi spaces that lean minimal but layered.
Care tip: This one thrives on neglect. Water every 2–3 weeks, or when the soil is fully dry. It does well in low to medium light—just keep it out of direct sun.
3. Snake Plant
Tall and architectural, the snake plant adds height and structure without crowding your space. It’s a favourite for Japandi interiors thanks to its clean lines and subtle colour variation—green with hints of silvery grey or yellow.
Care tip: Extremely forgiving. Water sparingly (once a month is often enough), and place it in bright, indirect light—or even low light if needed. Bonus: it’s an air purifier.
4. Ficus Audrey
Less temperamental than its fiddle leaf cousin, Ficus Audrey feels softer and more organic. The matte, velvety leaves and pale trunk look especially beautiful in a textured ceramic pot or paired with raw wood furniture.
Care tip: Loves bright, indirect light and consistent watering. Keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy, and give it a gentle rotation every few weeks so it grows evenly.
5. Parlor Palm
Soft and elegant, the parlor palm brings a hint of movement to Japandi spaces without tipping into tropical territory. It’s great for adding subtle texture in a reading nook or bedroom corner.
Care tip: Happy in low to medium light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and be sure to keep it out of direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
6. Monstera Deliciosa
While technically a bit bolder than most Japandi choices, a mature monstera—when styled with intention—can bring a beautifully balanced, sculptural element to the room. Its split leaves echo the organic forms often found in Japanese and Scandinavian design.
Care tip: Bright, indirect light is best. Water when the top two inches of soil are dry. It appreciates humidity, so a light misting now and then won’t hurt.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
With broad, glossy leaves and a structured shape, rubber plants are ideal for making a statement without overpowering the space. The deep green (or sometimes burgundy) tones feel especially luxe next to light woods and neutral palettes.
Care tip: Prefers medium to bright, indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings—overwatering is the most common misstep.
8. Ponytail Palm
Whimsical but tidy, the ponytail palm adds a little personality while still respecting Japandi’s clean, uncluttered vibe. Its bulb-like base and cascading leaves create gentle visual interest.
Care tip: Technically a succulent, it needs infrequent watering—only when the soil is fully dry. Loves bright light but can tolerate lower levels if needed.
9. Bird’s Nest Fern
With soft, wavy fronds that grow in an open rosette, the bird’s nest fern brings a feeling of gentle movement. It’s perfect for softening hard edges in Japandi spaces without veering into fussy.
Care tip: Thrives in medium to low indirect light and prefers consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. It also loves humidity—ideal for a bathroom shelf or near a diffuser.
10. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Playful yet polished, this plant’s round, coin-like leaves sit on delicate stems that give it an airy, architectural quality. It’s the perfect accent for a minimalist side table or windowsill.
Care tip: Bright, indirect light is key. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. It grows quickly and easily sprouts baby plants, so be ready to share or repot.
11. Kentia Palm
Graceful and tall without being flashy, the Kentia palm gives a subtle, spa-like feel to any corner. It brings a soft vertical element that works well in larger, open-plan Japandi layouts.
Care tip: Tolerates low light but thrives in medium, filtered light. Water weekly or when the top inch feels dry. Avoid overwatering—its roots prefer a light touch.
12. Asparagus Fern
Airy and feather-light, the asparagus fern is perfect for softening more structured Japandi spaces. It looks beautiful spilling from a floating shelf or hanging planter near a window.
Care tip: Prefers bright, indirect light and lightly moist soil. Mist it occasionally if your space is dry—it loves a bit of humidity.
13. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is practically indestructible. With its deep green, glossy leaves and upright shape, it adds quiet structure to a room—ideal for Japandi interiors that value longevity and simplicity.
Care tip: Low light? Forgetful watering schedule? No problem. It tolerates low light, drafts, and inconsistent care. Just water when the top half of the soil feels dry.
14. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
It gets a bad rap for being fussy, but styled intentionally, the fiddle leaf fig delivers dramatic, sculptural impact in all the right ways. In Japandi spaces, it works best as a single statement piece—tall, clean, and paired with a neutral pot.
Care tip: Loves bright, indirect light (near a window, but not in direct sun). Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and rotate occasionally for even growth. Keep it warm—no cold drafts.
15. Succulents
While Japandi isn’t usually about clusters of plants, a single well-placed succulent—especially in a handmade ceramic pot—can add a subtle textural contrast to wood, linen, or stone. Think form over abundance.
Care tip: Needs plenty of light, ideally on a windowsill. Let the soil dry completely between waterings—succulents hate soggy roots.
16. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens)
Trailing, delicate, and impossibly easy to care for, this plant adds softness without clutter. Let it spill gently from a shelf or wind its way around a minimalist wall hook—Japandi, but with a little poetry.
Care tip: Thrives in low to bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Bonus: it’s incredibly forgiving if you occasionally forget.
