Greenery is essential to a Japandi-style interior (Photo: FermLiving)
Cover Greenery is essential to a Japandi-style interior (Photo: FermLiving)

Discover the perfect green companions to infuse your Japandi-style space with minimalist beauty

Japandi-style interiors fuse the serene elegance of Japanese aesthetics and the cosy minimalism of Scandinavian design.

This design fusion marries the understated beauty and functional simplicity of two distinct cultures, resulting in spaces that exude balance, tranquillity, and timeless charm. A crucial element in achieving this harmonious blend is the choice of plants – living "ornaments" that breathe life into these spaces.

Japandi-style plants tend to be more sculptural in appearance to complement the refined interiors. Among them, the Malabar Chestnut stands as a symbol of fortune and strength, intertwining seamlessly with the ethos of both cultures. At the same time, the delicate fronds of the Asparagus Fern embody the elegance that characterises Japandi aesthetics.

Here's the complete list of plants that effortlessly enhance this style's soul-soothing ambience:

Read more: What is Japandi Style and 5 ways to get the look

1. False Aralia

Tatler Asia
False Aralia (Photo: WikiCommons/ Eric in SF)
Above False Aralia (Photo: WikiCommons/ Eric in SF)

Plerandra Elegantissima, commonly known as False Aralia, originates from New Caledonia, a Pacific island. Its slender leaves vary from coppery red to deep green, forming 7 or 8 serrated fingers.

While it thrives in tall growth outdoors, it adapts as a gradual-growing indoor houseplant. Its refined form, minimalistic foliage, and adaptable nature align perfectly with Japandi interiors.

See also: Home tour: A compact Japandi apartment in Kuala Lumpur

2. Ficus Benjamina

Tatler Asia
Ficus Benjamina (Photo: Unsplash/ feey)
Above Ficus Benjamina (Photo: Unsplash/ feey)

Ficus Benjamina, commonly referred to as the Weeping Fig, is a versatile and popular plant with origins in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Its slender arching branches and glossy, elliptical leaves give it a distinctive appearance, making it a favourite in indoor and outdoor settings.

The plant can grow quite tall, showcasing its elegant drooping foliage. In the context of Japandi style, Ficus Benjamina's graceful form and adaptable nature make it an ideal choice for adding aesthetic and serene elements to interiors.

Don't miss: Home tour: A Japandi-style nineteenth-century townhouse in London

3. Pilea Peperomioides

Tatler Asia
Pilea Peperomioides (Photo: iStock)
Above Pilea Peperomioides (Photo: iStock)

Pilea Peperomioides, known as the Chinese Money Plant, hails from southwestern China. Its distinctive round coin-like leaves on delicate stems have earned it a place in modern interiors.

Commonly considered a symbol of good luck, this low-fuss, low-maintenance plant encapsulates the balance and simplicity inherent to the Japandi style, making it a cherished choice for such interiors.

Read more: Home Tour: A Japandi Style Home in Selangor

4. Bonsai

Tatler Asia
Bonsai (Photo: Unsplash/  Mark Tegethoff)
Above Bonsai (Photo: Unsplash/ Mark Tegethoff)

Bonsai, ancient art form from China and refined in Japan, encapsulates nature’s grandeur in miniature. These meticulously cultivated trees, often resembling their full-sized counterparts, evoke a sense of serenity and contemplation.

These living sculptures enhance spaces with their timeless elegance, making them a natural fit for Japandi interiors, whose design values a deep connection to to nature

See also: Home tour: A Japandi-style apartment in Singapore with an open-plan living room

5. Polyscias Ming

Tatler Asia
Polyscias Ming (Photo: Unsplash/ feey)
Above Polyscias Ming (Photo: Unsplash/ feey)

Polyscias Ming, or Ming Aralia, finds its roots in the Pacific Islands. This tropical beauty features distinctive palmate leaves on slender stems, resembling a miniature tree. Its adaptability to various light conditions and low-maintenance nature add to its allure.

Its weathered bark is ideal for adding textural contrasts to the clean lines of Japandi interiors, adding a subtle charm to mirror the design's core principles.

Don't miss: Muji Base Kamogawa: A sustainable retreat in a 100-year-old Japanese house

6. Asparagus Fern

Tatler Asia
Asparagus Fern (Photo: iStock)
Above Asparagus Fern (Photo: iStock)

Asparagus Fern is not a true fern but a member of the lily family, which originates from South Africa.  With its delicate, feathery foliage and cascading growth, it's a versatile addition to interiors.

A vibrant green plant that thrives indoors, the Asparagus Fern’s airy elegance and adaptability imbue spaces with natural serenity.

Read more: 7 awe inspiring modern churches worldwide

7. Malabar Chestnut

Tatler Asia
Malabar Chestnut (Photo: iStock)
Above Malabar Chestnut (Photo: iStock)

Malabar Chestnut, scientifically known as Pachira Aquatica, is native to Central and South America. Also dubbed the Money Tree, its distinctive braided trunk and hand-like leaves carry cultural significance, which is believed to bring luck and prosperity. Its adaptability to indoor conditions and slow growth mirrors the Japandi ethos.

The plant introduces a touch of symbolism and functionality in these interiors, seamlessly bridging the Japanese and Scandinavian design principles while enhancing spaces with their unique form and meaning.

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