It seems an unlikely match, Japanese and Scandinavian interior styles. But they have much in common. Both place an emphasis on minimalism and the harmonious use of space as well as an appreciation for all things organic and natural.
A blend of Zen with down to earth Nordic practicality, what could be more appealing, especially if you are seeking to de-clutter your home and lifestyle?
Nature plays a big role and nothing works better than indoor plants for adding colour and texture to neutral interiors.
Indoor plants that fit the bill
For Japandi style, not just any indoor plant houseplant will do. Think elegant, minimalist, and hardy for starters as well as the iconic Japanese bonsai and kokodama.
The art of bonsai
In Japanese, the word ‘bon’ means pot or bowl and “sai” means a plant. Bonsai is not only about emulating nature but also feeding the spirit. In many Japanese homes people meditate in their bonsai garden, as a way of falling still amidst the hustle and bustle of their lives.
You can easily find ‘bonsai ready’ Ficus microcarpa Ginseng and Juniperus procumbens ‘ Nana’. They can remain in their pots or be transplanted into a more traditional ceramic bonsai pot.
Both are regarded as the perfect trees for bonsai beginners because they are easy to care for, like moist but not soggy soil, and are naturally’ bonsai. Place plants close to a north or east facing window that receives strong, indirect light.
The benefit of indoor bonsai is that they can be used as a harmonious and balanced focal point in a room and at the same time help to purify the air.
Growing tips:
- Water once a day in summer and every three days in winter.
- Feed every six weeks with a liquid fertiliser like Nitrosol.
- Root pruning may only be necessary after two years.
- Consistently pinch back new leaves to keep the shape of the tree.
Naturally elegant
The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an indoor tree that brings nature indoors with its graceful arching stems, glossy green leaves and smooth grey-brown stem. Even more decorative is the Ficus with plaited stems. It needs a warm, bright position in winter, moderate watering and liquid fertiliser once a month in summer. Plants don’t like to be moved or cold draughts. Once it has found its happy place, keep it there.
Sculptured
Sansevieria Golden Futura ( a version of mother-in-law’s tongue) has sharply defined, upward growing leaves that stand out because of its bright yellow leaf margins. Highly decorative, yet simple in form, it has become a hugely popular indoor plant because it survives neglect, and poor light (but does better with good light) and is one of the best indoor plants for removing toxins from the air. It will grow in a north or east facing window. Let the potting mix dry out between waterings.
Contemporary chic
A plant that cries out for a minimalist, contemporary setting is the angular Alocasia Amazonica, that’s also called the African Mask Plant. The elongated dark green leaves are silver etched with dominant silver midrib and veins.
True to its tropical Asian origins, it does best in a bright, light, humid environment. It needs very little care, just watering when the top of the soil begins to dry. Feeding with a liquid fertiliser once a month in summer will keep it in glossy good health. Plants that outgrow their pots can be divided and repotted in spring.
Big and bold
Delicious Monster (Monstera deliciosa) grows into a large feature plant with striking, lobed leaves that will thrive indoors for many years. It needs good, filtered light and average to high humidity, which is helped by placing the pot on a saucer of pebbles. The soil can slightly dry out between watering. Sponge down the leaves to keep them clean. Repot once a year, in spring, until the plant reaches its mature size, then just refresh with potting soil. Prune lightly (cut off branches or leaves where they meet the stem) to prevent the plant getting too large.
Other suggestions:
While these plants give an idea of the plants that match Japandi style, the choice is always yours and how they fit in with your home décor. Other plants to consider are Alocasia Dragon Scale, Ficus elastica, Ficus umbellatum, and Asplenium (Bird’s nest fern). For more information visit LVG Plants
Article and images supplied by Alice Coetzee.
