Do you want to add a little color to a dull room or grow a tropical tree in a cold climate? These indoor trees are for you.
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Growing Indoor Trees
Indoor trees are a stunning addition to any room’s décor. They brighten forgotten corners, increase home office productivity and may even purify indoor air. Keeping trees indoors is also a great way to grow plants that aren’t suited to your region. Many of the most popular indoor trees are tropical, and these can be brought outdoors in the summer.
Not all trees will do well indoors or in pots. To help you pick the right one for your home, here’s our list of the best trees for indoor gardens.
Weeping Fig
Weeping fig, often just called ficus, is one of the most common indoor trees. It’s popular because it’s easy to care for, requires little watering and only needs medium light levels. The glossy leaves and full height make a statement décor piece. It is a humidity-loving plant and would benefit from a plant mister or humidifier.
Kumquat
Dwarf citrus trees are also popular choices for indoor potted trees. Kumquat trees are great indoor citrus trees, even if they never produce fruit. The Nagami Kumquat is pest and disease resistant and drought tolerant. It does well indoors but can be brought outdoors in the summer.
Common Fig
Common fig trees are widely loved for their distinctive foliage. When grown in the right conditions, they’ll even produce edible fruit. This Black Mission Fig Tree grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 9 but can be brought indoors for the winter in colder regions. You can also grow a common fig tree exclusively indoors.
Yucca
Yucca trees have an obviously tropical look. Spiky leaves crown straight, woody trunks, almost like the top of a pineapple. Despite their dramatic appearance, yucca trees are not difficult to grow. For maintenance, all it needs is occasional fertilizing and removal of yellow leaves. The Home Depot recommends fertilizing yucca trees in the spring and summer.
Umbrella Tree
Here’s another indoor tree prized for its foliage: the umbrella tree, AKA schefflera. Umbrella trees grow well in pots indoors and outdoors down to 30 F. They’re a good option for growing outdoors in the summer and bringing indoors in the winter. For a similar look in a smaller plant, opt for a dwarf umbrella tree, or schefflera arboricola.
Money Tree
These lucky plants often come with ornate braided trunks. The leaves aren’t legal tender, of course, but these plants are the perfect congratulatory or housewarming gift. Money trees are also good for households with pets; they’re non-toxic to dogs and cats, according to the ASPCA. Money trees can be found online and in stores.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise has big, beautiful leaves that fill a room with cheerful green shoots. This indoor tree is the same plant responsible for the unique bird of paradise flower, although they don’t always bloom as houseplants.
The white bird of paradise has a more subtle white and blue flower instead of the well-known, rainbow flower. The white bird of paradise grows in an upward pattern, making it an ideal indoor tree for corners.
Rubber Tree
The rubber tree, or rubber plant, sports deep green leaves with a slight red tint. The unusual color and glossy finish create a rich, chocolatey look. It’s a gorgeous indoor tree.
Some varieties even have pink edges. Rubber trees are highly adaptable indoor trees that require little watering or care. This is another member of the ficus family.
