Are you ready to graduate from indoor plants and move up to indoor trees?
There’s a perfectly valid reason you are here reading this particular article. And that’s because you are ready to take the next logical step of plant parenthood – turning your home into a legit indoor jungle. What indoor jungle would be complete without towering trees thriving in the beautiful corners of your home?
Don’t get us wrong, small indoor plants are more than enough to complete the look of any home. But sometimes, a good sturdy tree fills up space like no other.
They also serve as a good anchor to your living room. If you’re into design and home decor, indoor trees are like those iconic lounge chairs. Some indoor trees give your room a structural element. They bring a room together with their sheer size. Some add a needed pop of color to brighten up space. They can serve as dividers and block out unnecessary noise.
Whether it’s a towering Bird of Paradise or quaint tropical parlor palms, indoor trees are gifts that keep on giving.
Don’t forget, too, that plants possess air-cleaning qualities that can make even the most shoebox of apartments feel like paradise. If you’re ready to care for and maintain the best indoor trees, go through this list and find out which ones are perfect for your room and living spaces.
In This Article
1. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
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We start off this list with a crowd favorite – the Ficus elastica, otherwise known as the Rubber Tree. It all but takes one look for you to understand why it’s a popular indoor tree for both beginners and experts alike.
The rubber tree’s dark green leaves provide contrasts to neutral colored rooms. To keep the leaves healthy and remove dust build-up, schedule a monthly leaf wiping using a damp cloth. During the rubber tree’s growing period, feed it fertilizer every two weeks or so. You’ll get taller rubber tree with larger leaf sizes. This indoor tree can grow from 6 feet tall to 10 feet tall indoors.
But even if you do neither of those things, your indoor trees will grow fine! That’s because the rubber trees is one of the mighty plants that are easy-to-grow. No need for special gardener’s skills here. What you need to remember is to keep the soil moist but not wet. Aim to water weekly. Place rubber trees in a spot in your living room that has access to bright, indirect light.
2. Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
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“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” You’ll be singing that when you add the Norfolk Island Pine tree to your living room. This indoor tree has gained popularity over the years because it really does look like a living, breathing Christmas tree. But of course, it will also look great any time of the year.
Light conditions is the key component for this indoor tree. Without direct sunlight exposure, you’ll have very leggy trees. The Norfolk Island Pine looks much better with all that lush foliage. This tree is drought tolerant and will do better when the top soil is dry before you water it again.
In the wild, this tree can grow up to 200 feet tall. Amazing isn’t it? Indoors, they can scale up to 8 feet tall!
3. Fishtail Palm (Caryota)
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I’ve always thought palm trees all looked the same way. But the quirky and jagged-edge leaves of this bushy palm tree is a reminder of nature’s great ability to entertain us.
The Fishtail Palm gets its name because the leaves, with its large fronds and smaller leaflets look exactly like fishtail! Like I said, nature entertains. But unlike it’s namesake, this indoor tree is drought tolerant. Let the top soil dry out. When the soil feels dry to the touch and completely dry out, you can proceed with watering.
The ideal light for the fisthail palm is full sunlight to partial shade.
4. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
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Is the fiddle leaf fig tree more high maintenance than other indoor trees and house plants? Yes. Will you need to master jedi watering skills? Yes. Will your first attempt at fiddle leaf fig tree ownership end in the plant’s death? Probably. It’s no secret that this broad-leafed indoor tree is not for the easily frustrated. This indoor tree requires plenty of care and attention. But one look is all it takes for you to understand why.
This tree could go with any interior design your mind can imagine. It’s gorgeous and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The leaves are big, dark green, and have a unique shape. If you are a patient plant owner, the fiddle leaf fig can (ficus lyrata) can live up to 50 years. Talk about family heirlooms!
A bright bathroom with filtered sunlight is the ideal environment inside your house because there is humidity. Your soil must always be moist but not wet. Avoid moving it around too much, but ensure bright, indirect light. When your tree flourishes, you’ll beem with pride!
5. Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
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There’s something in the way the Madagascar Dragon Tree or Dracaena looks that instantly makes a room ten times chicer. It could be their green leaves with red or pink banding on the edges. It could be those long slender branches that sometimes twist and turn into quirky knots. The dracaena can grow up to eight feet tall in under 10 years. That’s a living work of art, if you ask me.
The good news, this tree is fairly easy to grow. It doesn’t need all that sun to survive, in fact, direct sunlight exposure can burn the leaves. Bright, indirect light will do for this beauty. And they thrive in regular room temperatures. For water, keep the soil slightly moist. And do keep them away from your fur babies, because the Dracaena is notoriously toxic to both cats and dogs.
6. Olive Tree (Olea europea)
What is the one thing that can turn your Mediterranean-inspired home into the real deal? A real live Olive Tree! This elegant and minimalist indoor tree is perfect for plant owners who can’t be bothered with increasing their house’s humidity.
If you’re that kind of person, and you have access to bright, direct sunlight. This could be the indoor tree for you! You can move them outside from time to time to give the Olive tree all the sunlight it needs. As indoor tree, you’ll most likely enjoy it for at least ten years. When the soil is dry, water the tree again.
7. Umbrella Tree (Schefflera spp.)
But what if you don’t have access to direct sunlight, you ask? Not to worry dear, reader! Here is one of the best indoor trees on this list, or any other list you can find – the Umbrella Tree! I say it’s the best because it’s one of the fastest growing trees you can grow indoors. Not only that, these trees require minimal care. It’s perfect for plant lovers (like myself) who sometimes forget to water.
The glossy foliage sometimes look like flowers to me with their bright colors and clusters. They only need bright indirect light. And you need only to water when the soil is dry. The umbrella tree loves humidity and might enjoy your bathroom the best.
8. Yucca (Elephantipes)
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The more seasoned plant owners know we can’t create this list without the Yucca plant. It is after all, a striking addition and accent to any house. Think of the dragon tree but with more girth. The solid trunk of the yucca tree is the perfect base for the sharp, interesting, and sword-shaped leaves. Let the soil dry before your next water session of the yucca tree. To really let this plant grow out (it can go up to 10 feet tall), place the yucca tree in a spot in your room that gets full sun or bright, indirect light. Also make sure the soil is dry before your next watering.
9. Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica)
Did someone say money? While there’s truth to the saying that we can’t grow money on trees, we can definitely grow money tree or the pachira aquatic as a thriving indoor tree.
This is a favorite indoor tree for those who apply Feng Shui in their houses. The story goes of an old poor man who prayed to the gods for money. He was blessed with an abundance of these trees, he sold them and the money kept pouring in. That’s where the money tree gets it’s name! You may choose not to believe that folklore, but until today, many keep the money tree in their homes because they believe it brings more luck and positive energy.
The Pachira Aquatica is often seen on office desks and table, but you’ll be surprised, this plant can grow up to seven feet tall! And, if you get a chance to look closer, there are actually four to five separate trees with the trunks braided together. It’s really a unique plant that you’ll enjoy having in your house.
Provide bright, indirect light and allow your soil to dry between waterings.
10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
There are very few indoor trees that possess the ability to transport us into tropical vacation vibes. The parlor palm is one of them. There’s a reason this remains on of the best indoor trees out there. They can thrive in low light or indirect sunlight. They are better off with less watering. Humidity isn’t necessary because they can grow fine in room temperature.
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With those tropical thin leaves, you can place them in any kind of room in your house (just avoid spots that get cold and drafty). For the soil, go maintain a good drainage that won’t let the water sit for too long. Enjoy this elegant plant any time of the year!
11. Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)
Is your heart set on a ficus tree but not the fuss? Say hello to the Ficus benjamina or the weeping fig indoor tree! It’s the fiddle leaf fig’s more adaptable cousin. For as long as you provide bright, indirect sunlight, perhaps a room with a huge window, or a south-facing window, your weeping fig is good to go! This ficus tree can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. For the water, keep the soil well-drained. As an indoor tree, the weeping fig ficus like moist soil but not wet.
The weeping fig gets its name because it can “weep” all of its leaves over the floor if not taken cared of. Talk about dramatics! If you notice the leaves droop a little, perhaps due to low light or cold drafts, it’s a good sign for you to change the temperature or environment.
12. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
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Here’s another indoor tree that’s worthy of your attention. The corn or cornstalk plant has long slender leaves that reminds us of the simple beauty of a stalk of corn. But don’t think you’ll be harvesting golden corn plants anytime soon, friend. They do make great indoor trees because they don’t take up a lot of floor space but can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Like most of the best indoor trees on our list, this plant only needs bright, indirect light. Keep water moist, but not wet. These are hardy indoor trees, so you won’t have to spend precious time stressing over it.
13. Lady Palm (Rhapsis excelsa)
What if you really wanted to have your own indoor palm tree but you really don’t have sun access. Here’s good news for you! The marvelous indoor tree, the lady palm, is on of the very few palms that can tolerate low-light conditions. This is also a slow-growing indoor plant. That means you can keep it in smaller rooms or spots and it won’t take up much space.
Unlike its other palm cousins, the lady palm has broad, glossy, fan-like foliage. It is multi-stemmed, and can reach six feet tall. A slightly moist soil and low light is all it ask for to survive indoor. Just like that, you can have your tropical house aesthetic.
14. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Reginae)
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Here is a personal favorite indoor tree. When grown outside, you get a treat of brightly colored flowers that are reminiscent of the brightly colored birds native to South Africa. Grown inside, there’s a slim chance that it will bloom those orange and yellow flowers. But one look at the huge, gorgeous leaves, and you won’t miss the blooms at all.
The broad dark green leaves are similar to the banana tree, but larger. Huge! If you really want to bring the tropics to your home, this is the plant you make a statement with. Place it where you get the most sun and bright light. You may also help it with some artificial direct light so you get it’s full six feet height. For the water, keep the soil most especially during the growing season.
15. Citrus Trees (Citrus Family)
And finally, to round off our list of the best indoor trees a plant lover can grow inside their house, say hello to the Citrus trees family.
Now before we break down why this is a worthy plant for the brightest room in your house, it’s best to remember, we never promised you this list would be about the “easiest-to-grow” indoor trees. There’s a lot of work involved to having large indoor trees, pieces of the marvelous natural world, thriving in your home. And the citrus trees are the most high-maintenance as they come.
They are the prettiest and most functional of the indoor trees. Not only will you have a natural fragrance enhancer in your home, if you care for it right, you will be harvesting fresh lemons and oranges without leaving your room!
The citrus need more of everything. Give them full sun, direct light if you have the largest window or periodically bring them out, bonus points if you have an indoor outdoor situation kind of house.
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The citrus needs proper fertilization to bear fruit. Relative humidity is also a factor to their growth. This would be the best time for you to invest in quality humidifiers especially designed for large rooms.
The ideal temperature for this plant is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide the best organic soil you can find for this tree like leaf mold or peat moss.
We’re not saying it’s impossible, but it does require a lot of work. This is expert level house plant parenting. And the most patient ones will reap their reward plus an abundance of lemon pound cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions for Growing Indoor Trees:
Can You Have a Tree Indoors?
Growing indoor trees is possible and a great way to enhance your indoor planting skills. Generally, you need to understand each indoor tree’s specific care needs. Check regularly for pests and diseases that may be plaguing your plants.
Avoid moving your plant often as they need some stability to acclimate to their surroundings. When you water, don’t drop some on the leaves. It is better to dust the foliage with a damp cloth. Be mindful of the temperature and feeding needs. Ideally, give your plant new soil at least once every year.
What tree is good for indoors?
The best trees for your house are the kinds that thrive in room temperature. Some plants can even flourish inside your bathroom because of the humidity. Some of the easier trees to grow are:
- Rubber Trees
- Madagascar Dragon Tree
- Fishtail Palm
- Umbrella Trees
- Yucca Tree
- Parlor Palm
- Lady Palms
What indoor trees don’t need sunlight?
Most of the palms family do not require bright light to survive.
- Areca Palms
- Parlor Palms
- Ficus Bonsai
- Dwarf Banana Trees
Which indoor trees can’t survive under bright, indirect light?
Some indoor trees need access to full sun to survive. In our list, these trees are the tropical and Mediterranean indoor trees like:
- Olive Trees
- Bird of Paradise
- Citrus Trees
What are the best indoor house plants?
The 15 best indoor trees are:
- Rubber Trees
- Norfolk Island Pine
- Fishtail Palms
- Fiddle Leaf Fig
- Madagascar Dragon Trees
- Olive Trees
- Umbrella Trees
- Yucca
- Money Tree
- Parlor Palms
- Weeping Fig
- Corn Plant
- Lady Palm
- Bird of Paradise
- Citrus Tree
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