How To Choose The Best Indoor Trees For Your Home

If you want to add something to your home, but you’re tired of new furniture, go with a tree. Join us as we show you how to choose the best indoor trees for your home.

best indoor trees

Indoor trees are cheap. They offer fresh air and health benefits. Unless you study botany, you might need help finding the right one.

 

Most people choose indoor plants. Do not be afraid to put a tree inside your home. The tree does not have to be taller than the ceiling. There are plenty of trees to choose from that are perfect for any room.

Let’s look at some of the best indoor trees money can buy.

Fishtail Palm

Fishtail Palm is best indoor tree
Found on Pinterest.

The Fishtail Palm is ideal for indoor climates. Palms are known for their strength in humid and hot weather. It may not look like your average palm, but the gist is the same.

  • Origins: Found in Southeast Asia, China, and India. The Fishtail Palm grows in rainforests of varying altitudes. 
  • Shape and Size: Named after its “fishtail” shaped leaves. It can grow up to 25 feet. Large rooms are best. 
  • Ideal For: Large, humid rooms with bright, indirect light.
  • Temperature: 60-80 F.
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with peat.
  • Water: Multiple times daily. Watch out for yellow leaves. 
  • Light: It needs plenty of light. Indirect is better than direct.

Other Care Tips: Trees need soil, water, and light. Most trees have specific needs that aren’t blanketed. For the Fishtail Palm, you want to avoid cool, dry rooms. This tree prefers rainforests. If your home is dry, you will need a humidifier.

African Candelabra

The African Candelabra isn't actually a tree
Image from byov

The African Candelabra isn’t a tree. It looks like people are using it in place of harder to maintain trees. It’s like a cactus in care and style but is more exotic. 

  • Origins: Despite its name, the tree is a native of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. 
  • Shape: Long, wavy, and cactus-like, it can grow from five to 30 feet. You can leave it indoors and when it outgrows its room, move it outside for the remainder of its life. 
  • Ideal For: Hot, dry climates with heat. 
  • Temperature: 70-100 degrees in summer, 55 F. in the winter. 
  • Soil: Little to no fertilization. Once a month in the summer, but in small doses. 
  • Water: Once every two weeks during summer. Once a month during other months.
  • Light: Direct sunlight.

Other Care Tips: If spots appear on your plant, they are known as “scars.” Harsh sunlight causes them. You can filter the light or move the plant to a different spot. 

Corn Tree

Corn Tree
Image from fargazer.

The Corn Tree doesn’t produce corn, but it does look like a corn stalk. It has bright colors, sometimes almost yellow. The simple trunk will entice onlookers. Overall, the plant makes a statement

  • Origins: Native to tropical Africa. 
  • Shape: Long, thick trunk, sprouts leaves. They can grow up to 50 F. tall in the right environment. 
  • Ideal For: Warm climates without harsh winters or summers. 
  • Temperature: 60-75 F.
  • Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained. 
  • Water: Keep moist but not soggy.
  • Light: Indirect, shaded sunlight. 

Other Care Tips: Keep its yellowed leaves pruned. Don’t let the tree outgrow its space. You can prune the top without harming it if it starts getting too tall. Make sure you learn about the tree to keep it safe.

Norfolk Island Pine

Norfolk Island Pine
Found on Reddit

If you want an indoor evergreen or coniferous-looking tree, but don’t think it’s possible, think again. The Norfolk Island Pine is one of the few trees of its kind that can grow indoors without problems. 

  • Origins: Endemic to Norfolk Island.
  • Shape: Like a full Charlie Brown Christmas tree that can reach 100ft. They grow less than two feet each year. 
  • Ideal For: Humid areas that don’t drop below 32 degrees. 
  • Temperature: 40 F. and above. 
  • Soil: Water-soluble fertilizer in spring and summer. 
  • Water: Water when the topsoil feels dry.
  • Light: Direct sunlight.

Other Care Tips: Never confuse your Norfolk Pine for a true pine or cedar tree. The tree cannot withstand colder temperatures or dry climates. Treat this one like a palm tree. 

Citrus Tree

Citrus Tree

There’s no plant like a fruit-bearing plant. You could live off a citrus tree, so why not have one? You can grow lemons, limes, and more. Choose your favorite and go for it.

  • Origins: Asia and Oceania. 
  • Shape: Can grow up to 30 feet, but some citrus trees grow better if you prune them to stay under ten feet.
  • Ideal For: Most homes can handle citrus trees. 
  • Temperature: They thrive above 50 F. but can survive in any weather below freezing. 
  • Soil: Acidic soil with peat.
  • Water: Not picky, just water often, but don’t let the water set. 
  • Light: Sunlight and LED lights work best for citrus trees.

Other Care Tips: Citrus trees will do better with fresh air. Place them outside or open a window in their room.

Olive Tree

Bird of Paradise orange live plants Tropical Bird
Via Apartment Therapy

Olive trees are becoming more popular as the demand for Mediterranean decor increases. A carefree, minimalistic life is common, and so are olive trees. Who doesn’t want fresh olive trees?

  • Origins: Mediterranean region, one of the oldest fruit-bearing trees. 
  • Shape: Thin, tall, and sleek. Less than 30 feet. 
  • Ideal For: Warm rooms with plenty of natural sunlight. 
  • Temperature: Hearty and can survive cold temperatures, but not for extended periods. 
  • Soil: Well-drained soil, perhaps a cactus mix. 
  • Water: Simple care. Water the soil when dry. 
  • Light: Natural light. 

Other Care Tips: If you want fruit from your olive tree, you’ll need to cross-pollinate. Learn about the tree so you’ll know how to take care of it.

Rubber Plant

Bird of Paradise orange live plants Tropical Bird
Happy House Plants

Despite the name, this plant is alive. It is not rubber. The name is due to the thickness of its leaves. It’s a member of the fig genus, which is why the Rubber Plant is knowns as a Rubber Fig.

  • Origins: Southeast Asia.
  • Shape: Wiry and thin and can grow up to ten feet.
  • Ideal For: Any home is fine.
  • Temperature:  Most room temperatures. 
  • Soil: Poke small holes in the soil before adding water. 
  • Water: Don’t let the soil feel dry.
  • Light: Bright, indirect light.

Other Care Tips: If you want to keep them smaller, keep them in a small pot, and they won’t outgrow them.

Parlor Palm

Bird of Paradise orange live plants Tropical Bird
Modern Garden

Parlor Palms are another fun tree that reminds one of a tropical forest. One of the most popular indoor palms in the US and shared with countries worldwide. 

  • Origins: Central America. 
  • Shape: Like a baby palm tree with delicate leaves. They grow to eight feet. 
  • Ideal For: Warm homes through humidity doesn’t matter. 
  • Temperature: 60-80 F. You can follow your gut on this one. 
  • Soil: Almost any potting mix will work.
  • Water: Avoid overwatering; it won’t hurt it to dry out a bit. 
  • Light: Almost any type of light will work.

Other Care Tips: It may not do too well if you leave a Parlor Palm under a vent. They prefer still areas when it is cooler. 

Dragon Tree

Bird of Paradise orange live plants Tropical Bird
Michlers

Who doesn’t want a tree called a Dragon Tree in their home? The name is enough to make you curious, but you need to know a few things before you decide if this is the right one for you.

  • Origins: Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, and Morocco.
  • Shape: Tall, spiky, and fun. Can grow up to six feet.
  • Ideal For: Dry homes with average temperatures. 
  • Temperature: 70-80 F. 
  • Soil: Loamy and very well-drained. 
  • Water: They prefer less water to overwatering, so keep it dry. 
  • Light: Indirect, medium to low light. 

Other Care Tips: Don’t panic if the tree’s leaves begin to fall. This is normal. You can remove the dead leaves once or twice a week to keep it leek. 

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Bird of Paradise orange live plants Tropical Bird
House Mix Blog

The Fiddle Leaf Fig isn’t the easiest plant to care for, but those who have them end up with more than one. The name is enough to tickle one’s interest. 

  • Origins: West Africa.
  • Shape: Large leaves, small trunks, and can grow up to fifty feet if not taken care of.
  • Ideal For: Pet-free homes.
  • Temperature:  Picky and prefers 65-75 F.
  • Soil: Nutrient-rich. 
  • Water: Water gauges are ideal but add water about once a week if you don’t have one.
  • Light: Indirect or direct sunlight. 

Other Care Tips: Though mentioned, this tree isn’t suited for homes with pets or small children. The leaves are poisonous, so handle them with care. 

New Zealand Laurel

Bird of Paradise orange live plants Tropical Bird
Found on alanjolliffe.

The New Zealand Laurel is native to New Zealand. Known as the Karaka Tree, it’s the Maori word for orange and the color of the tree’s fruit. 

  • Origins: New Zealand
  • Shape: Tall, thin trunks and sparing leaves. Can grow up to 30 feet.
  • Ideal For: Homes without kids or pets.
  • Temperature: 70-95 F.
  • Soil: Well-draining
  • Water: Keep it moist, but don’t let it set in water.
  • Light: Indirect light.

Other Care Tips: The fruit of the New Zealand Laurel is toxic, so it’s advised to pick and dispose of them with care. 

Money Tree

Bird of Paradise orange live plants Tropical Bird
Found on leonandgeorge.

The Money Tree gets its name from believing that it will bring you good luck and fortune. The tree may interest you if you believe in signs, spirituality, and luck.

  • Origins: Central America
  • Shape: Tall, bright leaves. Eight feet tall indoors, 60 feet in the wild. 
  • Ideal For: Laidback homes. 
  • Temperature: 65-80 F.
  • Soil: Sandy soil.
  • Water: Can survive without water; just don’t let it get too dry.
  • Light: Low light or indirect light. 

Other Care Tips: If you meet its needs, the tree will be fine but don’t stress it. 

Bird Of Paradise

Bird of Paradise orange live plants Tropical Bird
Found on Etsy

Birds of Paradise are both flowers and trees. The flowers come from the trees but don’t grow indoors. However, if you know what you’re doing, you might make the magic happen.

  • Origins: South Africa
  • Shape: Tall, thin, can grow bright flowers. Can grow six feet tall. 
  • Ideal For: Well-lit locations. Good for any home. 
  • Temperature: 65-80 F.
  • Soil: Well-draining fertilizer. 
  • Water: Water often, but don’t let it set in water.
  • Light: Direct sunlight is ideal. 

Other Care Tips: Although it doesn’t need to be set in water, you can mist daily if you want it to thrive. The mist mimics morning dew. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How do you keep a tree alive indoors?

It’s not hard to keep a tree alive indoors. First, choose the best pot as drainage is important. You’ll need to use the best soil. Do not overwater the tree or forget to water it. Make sure it receives plenty of light. Keep your dog or cat away from the tree. And make sure the room temperature is just right.

How should I prepare a room for an indoor tree?

Before you buy an indoor tree, choose a spot for it. This step is vital. You want to put the tree in a room that has plenty of space. The room will need enough sunlight so your tree can grow. 

What kind of fertilizer should I use for an indoor tree?

If you want to fertilize your indoor tree, make sure it’s organic. Slow-release and top-dressed fertilizers need to be watered in. The rule applies to liquid fertilizers. Read the instructions before you fertilize your indoor tree. You don’t want to add too much. When you fertilize your indoor tree, do it when nobody is home. You will also want to keep a few windows open to allow fresh air.  

Indoor Tree Conclusion

An indoor tree can have a drastic impact on your home environment. They can add fresh oxygen, which is good for your health. Before choosing a tree, you’ll need to do your research. You don’t want to buy the wrong tree. If you don’t know how to take care of your tree, it won’t be a good experience. It never hurts to learn about something before you buy it.