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There are times when you want to be one with nature, to be among the plants and trees. But it’s hot and sticky out there… and the bugs! So why not bring the jungle indoors? For that reason, some indoor trees are the right answer for us.
Even though we love small plants, sometimes it requires a tree to feel fulfilled. So, in this article, we will talk about the best indoor trees for your home, what kind of care they require, and how difficult it is to keep them alive. Don’t though about the amount of information. Although it seems a lot to take in, you can always just search for your desired indoor tree throughout the article. Then, find out how you should take care of it and that’s it.
The best indoor trees to grow in your home
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) – one of the best indoor trees
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First of all, no list of best indoor trees would be complete without the Fiddle Leaf Fig. With its big, dark green, sometimes referred to as violin-shaped, waxy leaves, it is hands down, the best.
Moreover, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is easy to grow, requiring only bright, indirect light. It does not like a lot of water but also doesn’t like it very dry. Slightly moist soil would be perfect. Even though it is called a fig, it does not produce any fruit.
2. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
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The weeping fig has much smaller leaves than its cousin, the fiddle leaf fig. However, they are teardrop-shaped and have smooth, grayish bark.
This indoor tree needs bright indirect light and prefers its soil on the drier side. Also, it is a little fussier than its cousin, and it may drop its leaves in the fall due to the lower light. So, if you know you are a houseplant killer, make sure you do your homework before hosting this beauty in your home!
Moreover, the weeping fig may live up to its name and “weep” its leaves all over the floor if kept too close to any warm or cold drafts.
3. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
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The rubber tree’s leaves are slightly oval and larger than the weeping fig’s. So, it needs bright indirect light, but it can also thrive on the shadier side.
Moreover, this indoor tree prefers moist soil when it’s actively growing and drier soil when dormant. If the leaves wilt during the dormant season, you can slightly increase the amount of water. However, if you water too much, even during the growing season, they may yellow and fall off.
Also, you have heard about the rubber tree plant before when we talked about easy-to-grow houseplants for beginners. In other words, you can grow this indoor tree even if you don’t have gardener’s skills. It is not at all pretentious, so it can help you develop your green thumb
4. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) – a much loved indoor tree
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If you have ever seen fields of corn growing, you probably know why this Dracaena is called Corn Plant.
It has long slender leaves, very much like that of a stalk of corn. Unlike the actual corn, this tree can tolerate all levels of light except the full sun.
As the tree grows, it may shed some of the lower leaves, leaving you with a bare trunk and a crop of leaves on the top. Also, very drought tolerant, Dracaena Fragrans will become droopy, and its leaves will turn yellow if overwatered.
5. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) – an exotic indoor tree
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If you tend to forget to water your plants, this is one of the best indoor trees for you.
It has a bulbous base that can retain water for weeks. Also, the leaves are long like straps, and even when they don’t get any water, they never look like they are wilting.
The Ponytail Palm is a slow-growing indoor tree, so make sure to buy one that already has a decent heigh. It also makes one of the best office plants to consider for its quirky, cool looks.
6. Lady Palm (Rhapsis excelsa) – an easy to take care of indoor tree
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The Lady Palm has a dark green, broad fan-like foliage and may only ever reach a height of six feet tall. However, it is a multi-stemmed indoor tree and will continue to get wider. That’s why it is often called the Bamboo Palm.
Low light or even some interior lighting is all this palm asks for. Also, when the soil feels dry to the touch, water thoroughly.
7. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis) – one of the most popular indoor tree
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When it comes to indoor palms, Majesty Palm is one of the most popular choices.
It has long leathery, upright fronds, and it can grow up to ninety feet tall in its natural climate. However, it won’t get that big in your house.
On the other hand, this palm does prefer more humidity than most of the other best indoor trees we hand-picked for you. So, you might want to have it close to the bathroom. Moreover, it likes slightly moist soil and bright, indirect light.
8. Madagascar Dragon Indoor Tree (Dracaena marginata)
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The Dragon Tree has narrow green leaves with red or pink banding on the edges, sitting on top of a long slender branch that would make you think the stems need to be staked up.
Dracaena Marginata is very drought tolerant and will not suffer if you miss a watering or two. Also, it prefers bright light but will tolerate a low light level. However, if there’s not enough light, it will grow much slower and possibly lose the colored banding.
A word of warning, Dracaena is toxic to both cats and dogs. If you want to learn more about gorgeous plants that are toxic (and even lethal), check this guide!
9. Kentia Palm (Howea forsterana)
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Kentia Palm is a slow-growing tree, but its fronds can reach up to eight feet long. Also, an interesting fact is that with its upright arching, dark green leaves, this palm has been used as an indoor plant since Victorian times.
Moreover, it only needs water when the top of the soil feels dry. This palm prefers low light conditions, as full sunlight will burn its leaves.
10. Calamondin Orange Indoor Tree (Citrus x citrofortunella mitis)
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The Calamondin tree is a hybrid between a kumquat and a mandarin orange. It’s a dwarf orange variety, which makes it perfect for growing indoors.
This orange tree needs as much direct sunlight as you can give it. Don’t forget to rotate it every couple of days, as it will reach for the light. Also, if you want to keep this tree at a specific height, you’d be happy to know that it can make a beautiful bonsai.
So, if you have an interest in citrus trees, here is our guide on how to grow a lemon tree from seed at home!
11. Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) – one of the best indoor trees for winter
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More than likely you will only see these trees available around Christmas, as they make lovely small living Christmas trees. If you want an out-of-the-box Christmas this year and replace the conventional natural or plastic tree, check this guide here on how to choose a Christmas plant to help you decorate your home!
Even though the Norfolk Island Pine prefers full sun, you can alternate that with some lower light every couple of months without much problem. However, it will stretch and become leggy in too little light.
The Norfolk Island Pine is very drought tolerant and will do better if the soil is allowed to dry out between watering.
12. Burmese Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis) – one of the best indoor trees
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The Fishtail Palm has large fronds and smaller leaflets that resemble a fishtail. It’s quite ably named if you ask me. Also, this palm can handle full sun to filter partial light. Moreover, it’s very drought tolerant and it is better to allow the soil to dry out between two watering sessions.
This one is considered a clumping palm and will produce plenty of baby pups to replace the older plant.
13. Umbrella Indoor Tree (Schefflera sp.)
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The Umbrella Tree is probably the fastest growing and undemanding tree on this list.
It loves humidity, so the bathroom would be the perfect spot for it. However, it can also adapt to a much drier room of the house without missing a beat. Additionally, allow the soil to dry out between watering and place it in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
Also, for more info on this topic, check out our care guide for more info on how to take care of a Schefflera.
14. Money Indoor Tree (Pachira aquatica)
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Okay, I am sure that the Money Tree caught your attention. Sadly, it does not produce any real currency. However, this tree is used in applications of Feng Shui and has shiny hand-shaped leaves that are said to bring good luck.
If you water your plants often, this is one of the best indoor trees for you. It likes lots of bright light and humidity, so the bathroom is also an excellent choice for this one.
15. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) – one of the best indoor trees
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Named after the brightly colored birds of South Africa, the Bird of Paradise tree is a huge leafed one, resembling a banana. Sadly, its flowers are very tricky to get to open indoors.
However, the secret to a healthy Bird of Paradise tree is lots of bright light and, if possible, exposure to full sun. Keep a regular watering schedule and don’t allow the soil to get too dry. Then, lots of patience.
It can take anywhere from 3-5 years before it flowers and it will get to be around five or six feet tall.
16. Alii Ficus (Ficus maclellandii “Alii”) – one of the most popular indoor tree
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I just HAD to throw one more of the ficus family trees in the list. Even though the Alii Ficus is long and shaggy looking, the leaves are very similar to a palm frond.
This tree will handle any light level you throw at it, so you can move it around every time you rearrange your furniture. Also, the Alii Fig is very drought tolerant and only needs to be watered when the top of the soil is dry to the touch.
17. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) – one of the easiest to care indoor trees
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Lucky Bamboo is mainly seen as a houseplant that can grow in water.
Technically not a true bamboo, it only needs bright indirect light. If you are going to grow it in water, make sure to change it once a month or so.
In its natural habitat, Lucky Bamboo can reach up to eight feet in height. However, don’t expect it to reach much past four feet indoors.
18. Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
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Most people think of pointy sharp leaves when they hear the word Yucca.
The common name for this cultivar is “Stick Yucca” or “Spineless Yucca.” While the very ends of the wide sword-shaped leaves can be pointy, they are not as stiff as the typical yucca.
Additionally, when it comes to growing requirements, this one will take as much light as you can give it. So, lower light conditions will make it grow slower. For more information about Yucca trees, check out our guide on how to grow and care for indoor and outdoor Yucca!
19. Chinese Fan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
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The Chinese fan palm is a staple in the southern landscape scene but has come about as a tough indoor tree as well. It has a single trunk that produces fountain-like foliage at the top that drops down.
Able to reach heights of 20-30 feet, it rarely gets that big indoors. Not to mention, this palm is exceptionally drought tolerant and will thrive on some neglect.
20. African Candelabra (Euphorbia ammak) – cactus is your new indoor tree!
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This cactus does exceptionally well in containers. With its spreading arm growth habit, giving it the look of a candelabra, it can attain heights of 8-10 feet tall and 5 feet wide, so give it plenty of room. If you want to learn more about growing cacti and succulents indoor, make sure you check out our tutorial!
It does have sharp thorns on the sides of the branches, so keep that in mind with pets and children. Being a cactus, it can go weeks without water. Low light levels will cause it to grow slower and reach for the light, giving it a slightly spindly appearance.
21. Egyptian Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus ‘King Tut’) – tall grass as an interesting indoor tree
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Even though this is technically grass, anything that can reach six feet tall may as well be considered a small tree. Like many of the papyrus, it’s practically impossible to kill it by overwatering.
Also, the Egyptian Papyrus is also a fast-growing plant and tolerates low light levels. However, it’s not very drought tolerant.
22. New Zealand Laurel (Corynocarpus laevigatus)
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The New Zealand Laurel is a slow-growing tree with 6 to 8 inches long, oblong leathery leaves and upright growth habit. It’s a perfect tree for any large indoor space.
This tree prefers bright indirect light and likes to stay moist. However, it will tolerate the occasionally missed waterings. It may produce fruit indoors, and while the fruit itself is edible, the seed contained inside is extremely poisonous.
23. Sentry Palm (Howea belmoreana)
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This palm will buck the trend slightly as it does not do well in a pot indoors unless it is a very deep pot.
It’s very similar to the Kentia Palm, but it has a few differences. The potting situation has already been mentioned. Another difference is that the Sentry palm tends to have more curved leaves with erect leaflets.
Bright indirect light and moist soil are the only other things this palm needs.
24. Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
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As you can imagine by the name, the Pygmy Date Palm is relatively small, keeping itself at 6-10 feet tall at maturity.
It is one of the most widely used palms in the interiorscape industry, and it will need as much light as you can offer, only tolerating light shade.
The Pygmy Palm prefers moist, rich potting soil to truly thrive, but will tolerate some drought.
25. Butterfly Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
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This palm goes by multiple other names such as Areca Palm and the Golden Cane Palm. It is one of the most common from this palm family and easier to grow. The butterfly palm is easily killed by overwatering so if you forget to water it, often, it will not mind.
The’s one issue this palm has: if the temperature fluctuates too widely, it may throw its leaves to the ground in protest. Bright indirect light and no full sun will keep this palm happy.
26. Cataractarum Palm or Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum)
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Another of the most common indoor palm trees, the Cat Palm will reach heights of six feet. It will tolerate some low light conditions but prefers brighter accommodations.
Moist soil and the occasional misting or keeping it near the bathroom will help with its need for 50% or more humidity.
It does grow in clumps but dividing them as they get bigger is not advised because the roots are very fragile.
27. Olive Tree (Olea europea)
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Yes, just like in Italy, you can grow an Olive Tree indoors.
The caveat is, the tree will not be able to survive there forever, usually 9-10 years max. Thanks to the fact that it comes from a Mediterranean climate, the olive tree is well suited for the drier humidity found in most homes.
They will need as much sunlight as you can give them and will prefer to dry out a tad between watering. As for actually producing olives, if you get a dwarf version and place it outside during the summer, the chances are good.
28. Plumeria (Plumeria obtuse)
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If you’ve ever been to Hawaii or at least worn a Lei around your neck, you probably are familiar with Plumeria.
It’s considered a tropical plant, so keeping the temperature above 65 degrees is recommended. A constantly moist soil through the growing season is also required. However, if the temperature drops suddenly it can go dormant and drop its leaves.
For those interested in tropical plants, we recommend this Chinese Hibiscus plant care guide to help you grow a tropical garden in your own home.
29. European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
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Another palm that does very well in the landscape of the southern states but does equally as well as a potted indoor tree.
The European Fan Palm is a slow-growing, clumping palm that will max out at 10-15 feet tall outdoors. However, it can hardly reach more than 4 feet indoors.
It is also drought tolerant and will take as much light as you can give it.
30. Triangle Fig (Ficus triangularis)
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Like many of the other fig or ficus plants on our best indoor trees list, the Triangle Fig is very forgiving about indoor accommodations.
Maturing at eight feet tall and having unusual triangle-shaped leaves makes this tree an ideal candidate for your living room.
#Bonus Indoor Tree – Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa)
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The Sacred Fig is believed to have religious significance in three major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
This sacred tree is a fast grower, and it has an extremely long life span. A 900+ years tree can achieve 95+ feet tall.
The sacred fig is very adaptable to any degree of light, except very low light. Moist soil to drought conditions doesn’t affect it. More times than not, it makes a perfect bonsai project.
