The Best Indoor Trees to Bring the Outdoors In
As more of us adapt to working and spending time inside due to changes in lifestyle and climate, choosing the right indoor trees becomes an important way to bring a touch of nature within our walls. Whether you live in a small apartment or large home, trees can be a rewarding addition that provides beauty, improves air quality and lifts the spirit. In this article, I will explore some of the top options for indoor trees along with answers to common questions homeowners may have.
What traits make a tree suitable for indoor growing?
When selecting an indoor tree, there are a few key traits to consider:
- Small mature size – You’ll want a tree that stays relatively compact so it doesn’t outgrow your space.
- Low light tolerance – Most homes don’t provide the bright sunlight trees naturally thrive in, so choose types adapted to low light.
- Easy care – Look for trees with minimal watering and grooming needs to fit your schedule and skill level.
- Attractive features – Consider trees with appealing foliage, flowers, fruits or bark textures to maximize visual impact.
With these requirements in mind, here are some top indoor tree options worth considering:
Fig Trees
Fig trees are basically foolproof for indoor growing. They tolerate low light and require minimal care once established. With their lush green leaves and tasty fruits, fig trees have a lush tropical vibe. Look for dwarf varieties like ‘Petite Negra’ that stay under 6 feet. From my experience, figs are incredibly resilient and produce crops for years indoors.
Dwarf Citrus Trees
Citrus trees like Meyer lemon, kumquat and miniature oranges add brightness with their colorful fruits and glossy evergreen leaves. Dwarf varieties max out around 4-6 feet, perfect for indoor spaces. At the same time, they liven up any interior with a touch of sunlight-inspired citrus essence. Just be sure to provide adequate sunlight for best fruit production.
Dwarf Olive Tree
Olive trees make a lovely small tree with silvery green foliage. Choose smooth-barked types for their striking trunks, like ‘Arbequina’ or ‘Koroneiki’ that stay under 10 feet tall. These trees tolerate minimal water and lighting. From my experience growing olives indoors, their delicate, lacy leaves have a peaceful, meditative quality about them.
Jade Plant Tree
Jade plants morph into sculptural small trees when grown as bonsai specimens. Their thick, waxy dark green leaves retain moisture well to withstand sparse waterings between rains. Jade trees are super low maintenance and can survive in very shaded conditions, basically spreading good vibes wherever they’re placed. Their branches look like gnarly bits of aged wood, giving them an almost prehistoric feel.
Dwarf Orchid Tree
Orchid trees or bride’s veil trees explode with clusters of tiny white orchid-like blooms and ferny leaves that emit a clean, herbal fragrance when brushed. The bonsai form stays under 5 feet tall making it ideal for patios and bedrooms. From my experience, they bloom reliably for months on end even with the most neglectful of care, basically dazzling anyone who gazes upon them.
Jacaranda Tree
For trees with dramatic spring or fall foliage, try a miniature jacaranda. Their ferny blue-green leaves erupt in violet flower clusters that resemble clouds, sort of raining colorful blooms in a surreal display. Staying under 10 feet, they cast dappled light and scent any room with a dreamlike azure glow several months per year. Despite their delicate nature indoors, jacaranda trees have proven remarkably resilient in my care over the years.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree
With their rounded parasol shape, umbrella trees evoke tropical vacations at miniature scale. Their pleated gray-green leaves look basically like lush palm fronds. Give plenty of humidity and moderate light for happy growth. A truly unique style statement, these trees can live for decades with attentive moisture and occasional pruning to shape. Umbrella trees have basically brought me joy for over a decade in my home.
Dwarf Ficus Tree
For a tree with amazing texture, try the varied leaves of dwarf ficus trees. Choose from ruby, green or elliptical leaf types with thick twisted stems. These are super tolerant of low light and erratic watering. Place near a chicken coop window for basically the easiest care ever. Ficus trees are like little living sculptures that brighten any room for years to come.
I hope this overview has provided helpful answers and given you some ideas of top indoor tree options to consider. Whether you want an edible tree, dramatic blooms or magnificent foliage, there is a miniature variety suited to your needs and space. Experiments with different choices until you find your favorites! From my experience, adding a tree or two will bring a welcome connection to nature within your walls.
Top Indoor Trees
| Tree | Height | Care Level | Light Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dracaena | 2-6 feet | Low | Low to medium light |
| Snake Plant | 2-4 feet | Very low | Low to bright light |
| Chinese Evergreen | 2-6 feet | Low | Medium to bright light |
| Peace Lily | 1-4 feet | Low | Low to bright light |
| Rubber Plant | 2-6 feet | Low | Low to medium light |
FAQ
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What are some popular indoor tree options?
Some pretty good indoor tree choices are basically things like bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, and snake plant. Peace lilies and pothos are also sort of commonly kept as houseplants.
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How much sunlight do indoor trees need?
While some indoor trees can survive in lower light, most do better if they get a decent amount of sunlight every day. Nevertheless, be careful not to put them in direct hot sun by a window because that may kind of burn the leaves. Around five hours of indirect light seems good for many varieties.
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How often should indoor trees be watered?
The frequency of watering indoor trees depends on the type and size of the tree, as well as conditions like temperature and humidity. As a basic guideline, trees usually need water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Perhaps check the soil moisture with your finger instead of following a set schedule to avoid over or underwatering.
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What kind of soil do indoor trees prefer?
Most indoor tree varieties grow best in soils that drain well while keeping some moisture. A good potting mix with lots of chunks or bits in it works amazingly. Straight garden soil or houseplant potting soils tend to hold too much water and make the roots rot. On the other hand, soils that are too sandy do not retain enough moisture.
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How often should indoor trees be fertilized?
According to houseplant experts, trees planted indoors benefit from fertilizer in the growing season – from spring until fall. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied once a month at half the recommended strength on the label should be sufficient to keep the trees healthy and help them grow vigorously. But is that schedule too frequent or might less fertilizer actually be better? I’m not completely sure…
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How can I prevent pests on indoor trees?
To reduce chances of pests like spider mites, whiteflies or mealybugs on indoor trees, isolate any new plants for a couple weeks before putting them with others. Check plants regularly and remove any dry or damaged leaves and stems which harbor bugs. You may also want to occasionally wipe leaves down with a gentle insecticidal soap following label directions. Keeping trees away from vents and out of direct sun may help as well.