Popular Asian plants and house plants

An Asian corner in the garden, which is equipped with appropriate plants, with statues and a watercourse, can be a calming eye-catcher. Of course, not only do plants have to be selected that actually have their origins in Asia.

Dwarf lilac from Korea can stand next to oak-leaved hydrangeas from North America, while Chinese reeds and sedges that are common all over the world break up the picture.

Here is – almost – allowed what pleases. You should only pay attention to the requirements for location and care for the individual plants, whether they are Asian or not.

For this, the Asian plants reward with an exotic look, which can form an interesting contrast to the native plants.

Requirements for the substrate and care

As diverse as the selection of Asian plants is, the requirements for substrate and care are just as varied.

Many species get by with simple flower or garden soil. Others need a loose substrate. There can therefore be no general recommendations for the right soil.

It is similar with care. While certain species thrive with the least amount of care, others have to be cut regularly, and often watered and fertilized.

The right location for Asian plants

What applies to the soil and maintenance also applies to the location.

From barren mountainous areas to tropical locations where nutrients can be found in abundance, Asian plants can be found in one large space. The location must therefore be adapted individually.

Popular Asian houseplants

Asian indoor plants are the ideal choice for those who don’t have a garden and of course for everyone who wants to bring the exotic into their own home.
However, due to the great variety, the decision can be difficult.

The most popular Asian houseplants include:

• bamboo
• Lucky bamboo
• Bat flower
• Nepenthes
• Palmfarn
• Arrow leaves
• Pitcher plants

There are also some orchids, such as the Asian grape orchid and the orchid genera Dendrobium and Cypripedium.

They all look exotic, even if not all of these plants have flowers. And even if they differ greatly in terms of care and location, they can all beautify the balcony in summer or find a sunny spot on the terrace.

Exotics for the garden

In full sun or thick shade, in the dry rock garden or on the bank of the garden pond – Asian plants can be found in numerous places in the garden. But not all of them are winter hardy, which is why in some cases a culture in a bucket is preferable.
In long and hard winters, additional protection is advisable, so here the Asian plants do not differ from native plants.

The most popular Asian plants for the garden and pots include:

• bamboo
• Chinese date
• Indian flower tube
• Torch ginger
• Golden Lotus Banane
• Dwarf maple species, such as the red maple

They thrive outdoors, but can also stand in the conservatory. In any case, it is important to have a sheltered location where you are not exposed to strong winds or heavy rain showers. With the exception of the bamboo, this is very resilient and recovers quickly after damage.

Bamboo
Bamboo is probably the best-known Asian plant, and many varieties can be found in stores. It can be cultivated as a houseplant or as a fast-growing privacy screen in the garden and spreads a subtle but nonetheless exotic charm. Bamboo needs plenty of water to thrive, which is why regular watering and constant moisture are important. The ideal location in the garden is on the bank of a pond or watercourse.

Chinese date
The traditional Chinese date is not just a decorative Asian plant that can stand freely in the garden or in the tub. It also develops extremely tasty fruits. And these are not only sweet and delicious, but also healing. Which is why they have a firm place in traditional Chinese medicine. With a frost resistance that extends down to -25 ° C, the Chinese date withstands even harsh winters without any problems. From spring to autumn, the Asian plant still wants to be warm and as sunny as possible. If this is not offered to her, the fruits will not ripen.

Torch ginger
The torch ginger impresses with its flowers, which can reach an impressive diameter of up to 25cm. They shine in pink or red and have an attractive structure. Torch ginger can be kept as an Asian houseplant or outdoors from spring to fall. Temperatures below 4 ° C cannot be tolerated even for short periods, so the torch ginger should be brought inside in good time. The special thing about this Asian plant: bracts and flowers are edible and can enrich exotic dishes.

Bat
flower The bat flower or Tacca chantrieri is a truly unusual plant. It comes from the tropics of Southeast Asia and therefore prefers a warm and very humid location. Frequent watering and spraying are therefore part of maintenance, but the bat flower rarely needs fertilization. If her requirements are met, she rewards hobby gardeners with an exotic, dark flower – which looks almost a bit eerie.

Lucky bamboo
The lucky bamboo is not an actual type of bamboo, but it is well known. Especially shortly before the New Year, numerous specimens can be found in stores, as the small plant is supposed to bring luck and prosperity. It needs even moisture and can also be kept in hydroponics. In addition – contrary to many claims – it needs a sunny location where it is as consistently warm as possible. In summer he is allowed outside, but year-round culture in the room is also possible without any problems.

Golden Lotus Banana
The Golden Lotus Banana is a rare and largely unknown Asian plant. Its leaves are already an eye-catcher, but the real highlight only shows itself during the unique flowering period. This can last up to a year and is particularly popular with butterflies.

The ideal is the culture of the Golden Lotus banana in the tub, which can be on a sunny balcony or in the room, winter garden or greenhouse. Planting outdoors should only take place in a wine-growing climate, but even then the golden-yellow flowering plant needs additional winter protection.

Indian flower tube
The Indian flower tube is an interesting and unusually shaped Asian plant that is sure to attract attention in the flowerbed. Luminous flowers and large leaves determine the look. The plant needs plenty of water, especially during the flowering phase, which is best added in the morning or evening. However, the Indian flower tube is not hardy, which is why planting in a tub is recommended. In any case, after the first night frost, the roots should be moved inside to overwinter.

Nepenthes
The Nepenthes or pitcher plants are carnivorous plants, the most noticeable feature of which are the deep and colored hollow vessels. In these the Nepenthes catch insects, which are first paralyzed in the digestive juice and then digested. With the pitchers, the Nepenthes are best kept in a traffic light, which may be hung up in a bright but not full sun. It also needs temperatures of at least 20 ° C and plenty of moisture.

Cycad
As the name suggests, the cycad is reminiscent of a cross between a fern and a palm. It is actually a holdover from prehistoric times. The cycad grows very slowly, but has a very high life expectancy.

He can tolerate dry air, but appreciates regular spraying and watering. Fresh air and a sunny location drive growth. In summer, the cycad should be fertilized weekly in very low concentrations, in winter the care should be limited to a minimum.