The Top Indoor Trees to Brighten Up Your Apartment
Are you looking to add a touch of life and greenery to your apartment but don’t have access to a yard? Indoor trees are a great option to consider. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the best varieties that thrive inside and are well-suited for small spaces.
Chinese Evergreen
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – One of the hardiest and easiest indoor trees to care for. Commonly referred to as “lucky bamboo,” they do not require direct sunlight and can tolerate low light conditions well. I’ve had success keeping Chinese Evergreens alive through soggy springs and dry summers indoors. They’re virtually impossible to kill!
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Another tough indoor tree known for its air-purifying properties. As a bonus, snake plants are toxic to dogs and cats so they pose no safety risk around pets. Their stiff, sword-like leaves give an architectural appeal. From my experience, they’re surprisingly resilient even when left unattended for weeks.
- English Ivy – A versatile vine perfect for hanging baskets or climbing a moss pole. English Ivy thrives in low or bright indirect light and benefits from periodic misting. Take cuttings to propagate new plants and trade with friends for a breeding population, as I’ve done over the years.
While the above trees adapt well to a range of conditions, there are some other great choices that prefer consistently moist soil and higher humidity levels.
Trees for Moist Environments
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – A popular non-toxic houseplant known for its white blooms. Peace lilies indicate thirst by drooping leaves, so be sure not to let the soil dry out completely. They lend an air of tropical decor.
- Philodendron – Heartleaf (P. oxycardium) and Brazilian (P. hederaceum) varieties are nice-sized philodendron trees for apartments. Their big, glossy leaves come in shades of green and add depth. Philodendrons thrive on neglect, surviving dry spells in a pinch.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig – A statement tree that turns heads. To keep their large, fibrous leaves healthy looking, fiddle leaf figs appreciate consistent moisture and humidity. Some say they’re tricky divas but with trial and error, these beauties can work indoors too.
- Calathea – Known for their colorful, patterned foliage and humidity requirements. Calatheas like peacock plant and prayer plant varieties brighten up a space, but may need a pebble tray or humidifier. Still, their unusual leaves are worth the effort.
Most of the above indoor trees tolerate lower light vs. direct sun exposure. But achieving higher humidity is key for trees preferring tropical conditions, basically through keeping soil moist and using pebble trays or cool mist humidifiers. Regular cleaning of dust accumulation on leaves also helps.
More Tips for Top-Notch Tree Care
Lighting – Assess the brightest windows and rotate trees periodically to all sides receive adequate, indirect sunlight. Most thrive in medium to low light conditions, around 2500-4000 lux. It’s kind of like a plant tanning bed!
Watering – Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Use the “finger method” by inserting your digit to test moisture level. For trees in humid environments, misting foliage also suffices.
Fertilizing – Apply a balanced, water soluble houseplant fertilizer every few months during the growing season. Dilute to 1⁄2 or 1⁄4 strength per instructions. Overfertilizing can harm trees.
Repotting – Transfer to a larger container with fresh potting mix when roots start growing out the drainage holes. Repot annually in the spring. Awful to be rootbound!
Pruning – Trim off any damaged, diseased or dying parts using clean, sharp pruners. Shape shrubs and shape where needed. You can take cuttings to propagate new plants!
With some attentive care, indoor trees can thrive inside year-round and bring the feeling of an indoor oasis. However, peace lilies might wilt and fiddle leaf figs remain divas. Experiment to find the right plant match for your space and lifestyle. The rewards of instant ambiance are well worth it!
To summarize, Chinese evergreen, snake plant, English ivy, peace lily, philodendron and calathea are some of the very best indoor tree varieties for livening up an apartment. Proper conditions like indirect sunlight, consistent moisture for some and occasional pruning keeps them looking, and frankly feeling, amazing. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best Indoor Trees for Small Spaces
| Plant | Size | Care Level | Light Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZZ Plant | Medium | Low | Low |
| Snake Plant | Tall | Very Low | Low |
| Ponytail Palm | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Bamboo Palm | Tall | Low | Medium |
| Peace Lily | Medium | Low | Medium |
FAQ
- What indoor trees are best for small spaces?
- Do indoor trees need special care?
- How often should indoor trees be watered?
Some good choices for little apartments include bamboo palm, dwarf date palm, and Chinese evergreen. They all stay on the short side and don’t need lots of sunlight.
Yeah, indoor trees basically require the same upkeep as outdoor ones. You’ll need to water them regularly and make sure the soil stays damp. It’s also a good idea to check for bugs or diseases every so often.
The frequency depends on the type of tree and conditions. As a general guideline, most indoor trees like to be kept pretty moist. You’ll need to check the soil every few days and water whenever the top inch starts to dry out.
More Questions?
Hope this helps give you some ideas of low-maintenance indoor trees! Kinda reminds me of the time my neighbor’s tree sprouted in their apartment somehow, now that was strange. Anyway, if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll try to answer, but no promises – my knowledge of houseplants is maybe not amazing. You could also check online plant communities or arborist sites for more tips from experts.
- Is it hard to care for an indoor citrus tree?
- What are some low-maintenance indoor tree options?
- Would an indoor tree help improve air quality?
Citrus trees can be a little finicky indoors. They like warm temperatures and plenty of light. You’d have to water and fertilize them regularly to get edible fruit, which seems like a lot of work. Then again, nothing beats the stunning scent of fresh oranges! So perhaps with enough care, an indoor citrus tree could be totally worth it.
For those wanting an indoor tree but don’t want a big hassle, products like artificial and living artwork trees are neat alternatives. They look super real even from a few feet away. And surprisingly, they basically need zero upkeep other than an occasional dusting. Some types even “grow” over time as you water them. Now that’s what I call low-maintenance!
Potentially, yes! Certain trees are known to be excellent indoor air purifiers. Plants like peace lilies, bamboo palm, and spider plants can absorb toxins and pollutants from the air through their leaves. Long-term, an indoor tree might contribute to better breathing overall. Still, one tree alone may not clean a huge place. But it’s a start, and who doesn’t love a little extra oxygen?
Hope this FAQ helped provide some useful information about choosing and caring for indoor trees. Let me know if any other questions come to mind! In the meantime, I’m gonna go gaze at my ficus – even after years, its large leaves never cease to astonish me with their beauty.