Japanese Plum vs Monkey Grass Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Japanese Plum
Prunus salicina
The Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) is a deciduous tree typically reaching 10-25 feet in height. It is known for its early spring bloom of fragrant white flowers, followed by the production of juicy, sweet plums in various colors, including red, purple, and yellow. While primarily an outdoor tree cultivated for fruit production and ornamental value, it is not suited for indoor growth due to its size, light requirements, and need for a dormancy period. People grow it for its fruit, attractive blossoms, and landscape appeal.
Monkey Grass
Liriope muscari
Liriope muscari, commonly known as lilyturf or monkey grass, is a grass-like perennial often used as a ground cover or border plant. It features clumps of arching, strap-like, dark green leaves. While it resembles grass, it's not a true grass. It produces spikes of small, lavender to purple flowers in late summer, followed by blackish berries. Primarily an outdoor plant, it's valued for its low maintenance, drought tolerance, and ability to suppress weeds. It's rarely grown indoors due to its need for bright light and outdoor conditions.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Japanese Plum | Monkey Grass |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Requires very bright, direct light if attempted indoors. |
| Watering | Weekly, adjusting based on weather and soil moisture | Outdoors: Every 7-14 days, depending on rainfall and temperature. Indoors (if attempted): Every 7-10 days, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 10-25°C | 15-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate; Can Spread Via Rhizomes. |
| Max Height | Not applicable indoors; 10-25 feet outdoors | Outdoors: 30-45 cm. Indoors (unlikely to thrive): 20-30cm |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) | Well-draining soil; sandy loam is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30-60 minutes weekly during growing season | 10 minutes weekly (mostly weeding around the plant) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Japanese Plum
| Scientific Name | Prunus salicina |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Native To | China |
| Also Known As | Japanese plum, Chinese plum, Asian plum |
| Leaves | Alternate, lanceolate to ovate leaves, 2-4 inches long, with finely serrated margins. They are typically a glossy green color. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, abundant, fragrant white flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. |
Monkey Grass
| Scientific Name | Liriope muscari |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Native To | East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) |
| Also Known As | Lilyturf, Border Grass |
| Leaves | Strap-like, linear leaves, typically dark green in color. Can be variegated in some cultivars. Leaves are typically 20-40 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Produces spikes of small, lavender to purple flowers in late summer. Flowering is rare and less pronounced when grown indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Japanese Plum
Monkey Grass
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Japanese Plum
Methods: Seed, grafting, budding, cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Grafting or budding onto suitable rootstock is the most reliable method. Cuttings can be attempted, but success rates are lower. Seeds require stratification.
Monkey Grass
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Division is best done in spring or fall. Dig up a clump and separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has roots and leaves. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Japanese Plum
Japanese plums are known for their early spring bloom and juicy, sweet fruit. They are more adaptable to warmer climates than European plums.
- ✓ Provides fresh, homegrown fruit.
- ✓ Offers beautiful spring blossoms.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden.
- ✓ Provides shade in the summer.
- ✓ Can be a focal point in the landscape.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Monkey Grass
It is a grass-like perennial that is not a true grass. It produces attractive flower spikes and berries. It is drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance once established.
- ✓ Erosion control on slopes.
- ✓ Low maintenance ground cover.
- ✓ Weed suppression in garden beds.
- ✓ Drought tolerance once established.
- ✓ Provides visual interest with its foliage and flowers.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Japanese Plum
Monkey Grass
🌞 Light Requirements
Japanese Plum
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Monkey Grass
Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Requires very bright, direct light if attempted indoors.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Japanese Plum
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering results in wilting and dry, brittle leaves. Ensure good drainage.
Monkey Grass
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soil. Underwatering will cause the leaves to brown and droop. Ensure good drainage.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Japanese Plum
Temperature: 10-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Monkey Grass
Temperature: 15-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Japanese Plum
Prunus salicinaHomeowners with sufficient outdoor space who want to grow their own fruit and enjoy the ornamental value of a flowering tree.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have ample outdoor space and full sun exposure.
- You want to grow your own delicious plums.
- You enjoy the beauty of spring blossoms.
- You are experienced with fruit tree care.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You only have indoor space.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance plant.
- You have pets that might ingest toxic plant parts.
Monkey Grass
Liriope muscariGardeners seeking a low-maintenance ground cover or border plant in outdoor landscapes.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You need a low-maintenance ground cover for your garden.
- You want to control erosion on a slope.
- You need a plant that is drought-tolerant once established.
- You want to suppress weeds in your garden beds.
- You need a plant that tolerates partial shade.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest it, as it is toxic.
- You are looking for an easy indoor plant, as it is challenging to grow indoors.
- You have limited space, as it can spread aggressively.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Japanese Plum has fast growth, while Monkey Grass grows moderate; can spread via rhizomes..
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Japanese Plum Care Tips
Japanese plum trees are not suitable for indoor cultivation. They require full sun, a dormancy period, and ample space to grow. Indoor attempts will likely result in a stressed, unhealthy plant. Maintaining proper humidity and temperature indoors to mimic outdoor conditions is extremely difficult.
- Choose a cultivar suited to your climate.
- Provide adequate water during fruit development.
- Protect the tree from pests and diseases.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and productivity.
- Fertilize in early spring to promote growth.
Monkey Grass Care Tips
Liriope muscari is primarily an outdoor plant. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to its high light requirements and need for well-draining soil. It can be aggressive, spreading via rhizomes. Toxicity to pets is a significant concern.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize in spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every few years to control spread and rejuvenate the plant.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Japanese Plum
Monkey Grass
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Japanese Plum
What are the light requirements for Japanese Plum?
Japanese Plum trees need bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced fruit production (if applicable). A location near an east- or west-facing window is ideal. If you only have a south-facing window, use sheer curtains to diffuse the light. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to supplement its needs. The leaves will indicate if the light is sufficient; pale or yellowing leaves often signal a need for more light.
How do I care for Japanese Plum?
Caring for a Japanese Plum indoors requires providing the right conditions to mimic its natural environment. Place it in a location with bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain a consistent temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and provide moderate humidity. Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with well-draining potting mix. Monitor for pests such as aphids or spider mites and treat promptly with insecticidal soap.
How do I propagate Japanese Plum?
Japanese Plum can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from new growth in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain high humidity. For air layering, make a small incision on a branch, wrap it with moist sphagnum moss, and cover it with plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap with tape. Once roots have formed, cut the branch below the roots and plant it in a pot. Keep the soil consistently moist.
Monkey Grass
What are the light requirements for Monkey Grass?
Monkey Grass thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some shade, too little light can lead to leggy growth and reduced vibrancy. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, as it can scorch the leaves. East-facing windows are ideal, providing gentle morning light. North-facing windows can also work if the light is sufficient. If you notice the leaves fading or stretching towards the light source, move the plant to a brighter location. Consider using grow lights if natural light is insufficient, especially during winter months. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
How do I care for Monkey Grass?
Monkey Grass is relatively easy to care for. Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune away any dead or damaged foliage to maintain its appearance and encourage new growth. Monkey Grass prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and appreciates high humidity. Mist the foliage regularly or use a humidifier to increase humidity levels, especially in dry environments. Repot every 2-3 years as needed, using a well-draining potting mix.
How do I propagate Monkey Grass?
Monkey Grass can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Last updated: May 10, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.