The Top Trees to Brighten Up Your Home:
Whether you’re looking to add some greenery indoors or just want a low-maintenance plant, growing a tree inside is a great option. But with so many varieties to choose from, it can be tough to pick the best one. In this article, I’ll cover some of the top options for indoor trees and answer common questions people have when considering growing one.
What to Consider When Choosing an Indoor Tree
- Sunlight: Make sure to pick a tree that matches the lighting conditions in your home. Many prefer bright indirect sunlight.
- Size: Bonsai trees stay relatively small but some others can get big, so consider the available space.
- Water Needs: Some like it drier than others. Underwatering is usually better than overwatering.
- Care Level: Low maintenance trees are ideal for busy folks.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you select the perfect indoor tree buddy. Now let’s look at some top contenders.
Chinese Evergreen
also known as Aglaonema, is one of the easiest houseplants to care for. From my experience, it thrives in low to medium light and can go a long time between waterings. You basically can’t kill this thing! Its colorful leaves add a nice pop of color. It stays on the shorter side too, so it works well for apartments. The Chinese Evergreen is definitely an awesome choice for plant noobs.
Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
Another great low maintenance option. Snake plants are tough as nails – I once forgot to water mine for like two months with no issues! They filter toxins from the air too. You get the benefit of a living air purifier without much fuss. Plus their strappy green leaves have a neat exotic vibe. At the same time, they work well as standalone plants or as part of a larger arrangement. A solid snake plant is a classic for a reason.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree
This little guy basically looks like a miniature version of those big fancy umbrella trees. It’s kinda cute if you ask me! The Dwarf Umbrella Tree handles medium to low light like a champ. I keep mine in my kitchen window and it’s been happy as a clam for over a year. Because of its smaller stature, this makes a nice option if you’re tight on space. It also ships well if buying online. Overall a great conversation piece for your home.
Zebra Plant
This funky striped fella gets its name from zebra-esque leaves. Both sides of the leaves are green but one side has pale stripes – totally unique. While the Zebra Plant prefers partial sun, it can adapt to lower light. Like most indoor trees, it doesn’t need much water. If you want something really eye-catching yet still pretty simple to look after, this one’s a winner in my book. Even people who kill every plant seem to keep Zebra Plants alive!
Dwarf Date Palm
For a tropical vibe in a small package, you can’t beat a dwarf date palm. Kind of like a mini version of the big palm trees in resorts. Palms are beautiful all year long and clean the air as they photosynthesize. This variety maxes out around 4 feet tall, making it ideal even for small spaces. Just be sure not to overwater – these like to dry out between waterings. A dwarf palm is a stylish addition that will lift your mood every time you see it.
ZZ Plant
Last but not least is everyone’s favorite, the nearly indestructible ZZ Plant. These things are downright ridiculous – you could forget to water a ZZ for like 3 months and it would probably still be totally fine! Their waxy green leaves stand up tall. ZZ Plants thrive in low light. Seriously, you could stick one in a closet with no windows and it might even live. They’re great for apartments, dorms, you name it. If you want the ultimate carefree plant, the ZZ Plant is the way to go. These things are amazing!
Hope this overview of some top indoor trees gave you a sense of the options. Let me know if any other questions come to mind! From my experience, all of these do well with infrequent watering and forgiving conditions. You basically can’t go wrong as long as you match their needs to your space. Good luck brightening up your home with a new plant friend!
Best Trees to Grow Indoors
| Tree | Sunlight | Size | Care Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Evergreen | Low | 2-6 feet tall | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
| Janet Craig Dracaena | Low-Medium | 3-6 feet tall | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
| Bonsai Tree | Medium | Varies, keeps small form | Frequent water, pruning, shaping |
| Snake Plant | Low | 2-4 feet tall | Water infrequently, drought tolerant |
| Parlor Palm | Medium | 3-6 feet tall | Water when top inch of soil is dry |
FAQ
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What types of trees grow well indoors?
There are a variety of tree varieties that can thrive in indoor spaces. Some good options are bamboo, fiddle-leaf fig, Chinese evergreen, and dwarf fruit trees like dwarf lemon or dwarf apple. At the same time, peace lilies and money trees also adapt pretty well to indoor conditions.
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How much sunlight do indoor trees need?
Most indoor trees need moderate to bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun through a window can burn their leaves. As a general rule, trees appreciate at least four to six hours of indirect sunlight daily. However, some types like bamboo or snake plants can get by with less light. Nevertheless, lacking enough sun is a common cause of indoor trees declining.
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What size pot is best for an indoor tree?
The ideal pot size depends on the type and size of the tree. As a basic guideline, the pot should be only slightly larger than the root ball. Aim to re-pot up one size every couple years as the roots fill out. However, using too large a container can keep the soil wet and cause root rot. It’s better to up-pot gradually to a size just sufficient for steady growth.
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How often should indoor trees be watered?
Watering frequency varies depending on the species, pot size, and indoor conditions. As a general rule, trees like bamboo and fiddle-leaf fig prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Meanwhile, tropical varieties like dracaena tend to need more constant moisture. Feel the soil before watering and only water when the top inch is dry. Does that help? Let me know if you have any other tree questions!
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What are some low-maintenance indoor tree options?
For folks wanting an easy-care tree, bamboo, snake plant, and pothos vine are solid choices. They practically grow themselves! You can basically forget to water them occasionally without killing the plant. Maybe peace lily or ZZ plant would work too – they’re pretty forgiving. Those might be your best bets if you’re awful at keeping plants alive indoors, like me!
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How do I prevent pests on indoor trees?
To avoid insect problems, choose healthy trees from a local nursery and inspect them well before bringing home. Afterwards, it helps to occasionally wipe down leaves with a diluted neem oil solution. You can also use sticky traps or insert sticks covered in petroleum jelly at the base, which will hopefully catch any gross bugs. But is preventing pests worth the effort? Perhaps it’s not the end of the world if a few appear.
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Where is the best indoor spot to place a tree?
Trees tend to do well in bright locations away from hot sun and cold drafts. Common living areas like living rooms and dining rooms work nicely if they get plenty of filtered light through windows. However, trees can liven up other areas too – think about putting one in a hallway or upstairs landing for a dash of greenery. You could also ask an expert plant store employee for placement tips. What do you guys think, where’s a cool spot I should try?