The Top 10 Best Indoor Trees to Brighten up Your Home
Best Indoor Trees to Bring the Outdoors In
If you’re tired of feeling cooped up inside during long winter months but don’t have an outdoor space for gardening, indoor trees can bring natural beauty into your home. Whether you live in an apartment with limited space or just want a low-maintenance living accessory, the right houseplant can fulfill your tree cravings. From my experience decorating small urban apartments, indoor trees are a great way to feel closer to nature without leaving the comfort of your couch.
Benefits of Indoor Trees
- They add visual interest and liveliness to any room with their foliage and natural forms.
- Many trees help purify indoor air by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene through photosynthesis.
- Studies show trees and plants can reduce stress and boost happiness by connecting us with the peaceful rhythms of nature.
- Trees are a cute, organic way to freshen up your space without harsh chemicals.
Top Choices for Beginners
If you’re just starting your indoor gardening journey, these low-maintenance trees are great places to start:
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Known as the “ZZ” for short, this quirky plant thrives on neglect. Water it once every few months and forget about feeding or grooming. Its waxy dark green leaves give a fun 1950s retro vibe.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) – With multiple slim trunks emerging from its soil, this palm looks like a miniature bamboo forest. Keep the soil slightly moist and it will become a statement piece with healthy new growth.
Japanese Aralias (Fatsia japonica) – Big, lush, easygoing leaves add instant tropical flair. Set it in bright light and water when the soil is dry 1-2 inches deep. Not fussy at all.
Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) – Also called European Fan Palm, this slow grower forms a neat petite tree shape perfect for small spaces. Maintain consistent moisture and it will thrive for years with little maintenance.
From my experience with picky plants, these trees are forgiving and low-effort but still quite dramatic. Even if you forget to water for a week or two, they’ll likely bounce back without dropping leaves. Plus, their unusual forms provide visual interest out of proportion to their size. And you don’t need a gardening degree to keep them happy indoors.
Intermediate Choices for Plant Parents
Want something a bit more challenging than the above options? Here are some trees that require average light, water and care:
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) – Tall and stately, its waxy dark green leaves resemble those of outdoor rubber trees. Thrives in medium or bright light with moist soil. Keep it trimmed for optimal health.
Potted Ficus Trees – Other ficus species make great indoor trees too, like fiddleleaf fig, weeping fig or benjamina. All enjoy humidity and consistent moisture but can survive your average home. Might require pruning.
Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) – Smaller trunk and fronds than standard date palms. Does well in sun or filtered light near a south or west window, watering whenever top inch of soil is dry. Get it as a young plant for years of growth.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) – Unique tall bulb-like stems topped with whimsical tufted fronds. Likes bright light and evenly moist soil. Prune old leaves if needed. Fun tree for bringing the tropics indoors.
While these options take a bit more dedication to watering and light levels, their dramatic tree-like forms make them stand out statement pieces for any indoor space. With proper care they can live for decades, basically becoming family members!
Advanced Trees for Experienced Plan Parents
If you’ve been growing houseplants for a while and seek a bigger challenge, try indoor trees that tend to be finicky but extremely rewarding when happy:
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) – Tall, stately palm with arching fronds. Needs very bright light plus high humidity levels. Water only when top inch of soil is dry and feed weakly bimonthly in growing season. Overwatering will cause crown rot, so go slowly. But gorgeous if you get it right!
Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) – Forms a dense crown of fan-like fronds on a thin multi-trunked stem. Loves humidity, filtered light and consistent moisture/feeding. A real showstopper tree for the right environment (i.e. not a dry apartment).
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) – So lovely and delicate with its bunches of slender emerald leaves emanating from a single woody stem 1-2 feet tall. Requires similar conditions as above but is hard to find. Worth obsessing over if you land one!
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) – Miniature version of the outdoor elm. Needs very bright light, balanced moisture, pruning and overwinter dormancy. But develops stunning bark, mature size and habit to emulate big arboreal trees indoors. For tree fanatics willing to provide ideal care.
So in summary, while these beauties demand more effort, they add levels of authentic woody tree presence inside like nothing else. Their quirks might drive you bonkers but keeping them content feels like an art form. Consider carefully before attempting and watch them reward your green fingers endlessly!
What indoor trees have you kept? I’ve basically turned into a bit of a plant nerd over the years, haha. ZZ plants are still my favorite because they thrive on neglect like me on Mondays. Kind of makes me wonder how much happier humankind would be if we spent more time nurturing our plant and tree friends. Maybe five minutes of gazing at some glossy green leaves is all it takes to lower stress levels. Anyway, hope this gives you a sense of the best indoor trees to brighten your space—let me know if you have any other plant questions!
Best Indoor Trees for Your Home
| Name | Height | Light Needs | Care Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZZ Plant | 2-4 ft | Low | Low water, tolerate neglect |
| Rubber Plant | 2-6 ft | Medium | Water when dry, enjoys humidly |
| Peace Lily | 1-2 ft | Medium | Water when soil is dry, toxic to pets |
| Pothos | Trailing | Low | Very easy care, thrive with neglect |
| Snake Plant | 2-4 ft | Low | Very tolerant, water every 2-4 weeks |
FAQ
What are some good indoor tree options?
Some top indoor tree picks are: rubber plants, zz plants, snake plants, and peace lilies. These trees require fairly low light and minimal maintenance.
How often should indoor trees be watered?
It depends on the variety, but most indoor trees need water around once every 7-10 days. The soil should be allowed to dry out somewhat in between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s better to under-water than over-water.
Do indoor trees need direct sunlight?
Not all indoor trees thrive on direct sun. Some varieties, like spider plants and pothos, do well with bright indirect sunlight. However, trees like dieffenbachia and dracaena may burn if placed in direct sun all day. It’s best to start indoor trees in medium light and then slowly introduce them to brighter areas.
How do you keep cats away from indoor trees?
If you’ve got cats that like to chew on plants, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your indoor trees. You can spray trees with citrus-scented repellents, use foil or double-sided sticky tape around the tree pot, or move trees out of reach. Closing doors where trees are displayed can also help deter felines.
Is it hard to care for an indoor tree long-term?
Caring for an indoor tree is not too daunting, but it does require some maintenance. As long as you provide the right lighting, watering, and occasional fertilizing, many trees can live for years. The task gets less difficult with practice. At the same time, certain fast-growing varieties will eventually outgrow their space and need re-potting more regularly.
What are the benefits of having live trees in the home?
Indoor trees offer some amazing benefits beyond just aesthetics. Research shows trees have great air-purifying qualities, removing toxins from indoor air. They may also have stress-reducing effects and positive impacts on mood and well-being. Having green, living things indoors can create a sense of tranquility and connection to nature – even in the middle of a busy city. That’s why many plant lovers swear by indoor trees!
Can indoor trees improve indoor air quality?
Indeed, many studies confirm that certain indoor trees are capable of removing chemicals from indoor air. Trees are thought to help eliminate toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, all of which can be emitted from building materials, paints, and household cleaners. Spider plants, peace lilies, bamboo palm, and English ivy rank among the best at purifying air. So perhaps indoor trees deserve more credit for enhancing environmental quality inside our homes.
Do some indoor trees require more effort than others?
While many popular indoor trees fit the “low maintenance” profile, some do need a bit more TLC. For instance, dwarf citrus varieties, fig trees, and bonsai specimens involve regular pruning, fertilizing, and potentially protecting from pests. Topical issues like these can spike the difficulty level. On the other hand, most mature weeping figs, dracaenas, and Chinese evergreens seem content to hang out with minimum fuss. Choice affects challenge, so research tree needs for your lifestyle and priorities.