The Houseplants That No One Else Has—And That You Need in Your Space
The interiors of Chef Yuko Watanabe‘s Los Angeles restaurants are known for their plant-forward decor. Here’s how to get (and maintain) the look.
Thomas J. Story
Los Angeles restaurateur Yuko Watanabe has an incredibly green thumb—her restaurants, Yuko Kitchen: Miracle Mile and Yuko Kitchen: DTLA are filled to the brim with plants. When you walk into the foliage-covered spaces, you wouldn’t believe you’re in a restaurant but in a spectacular indoor garden or greenhouse. So what’s her secret to her green thumb? Watanabe’s philosophy of how to keep plants alive is decidedly less is more. “A nursery guy told me nobody wants to be in the water all day long, so you should let plants search for water in the soil,” she says. “I just know that, and that they are living things and they need water, sun, and sometimes food.”
If you’re looking to upgrade your space with some green friends, check out these plants below that are thriving at Yuko Kitchen: DTLA. They’re definitely not your usual snake plant or fiddle leaf fig tree varieties, so these options will make your space really unique.
Pachira aquatica
Also known as the money tree, Pachira aquatica is easy to care for—especially because it can take low-light conditions. Fun fact: According to feng shui, the money tree is said to bring prosperity. Be sure not to overwater, especially in the winter.
Iresine herbstii
Iresine herbstii, or bloodleaf plant, is known for its bright red leaves and fuchsia veins. Originally from Brazil, this tropical plant does well indoors. It needs warm, humid conditions and bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.
Maranta leuconeura
Maranta leuconeura is called the prayer plant because the flat and splayed leaves fold up at night as though they are “praying.” Also from Brazil, this plant’s showy leaves with pink veins are as popular as they are pretty. It needs partial sun and well-drained soil.
Tradescantia zebrina
Whereas it once went by an offensive name, this plant is now often called the much more light-hearted “Wandering Dude” thanks to its trailing vines. It needs indirect light to keep its stripes; pinch back leggy stems for a bushier look.
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