20 Best Indoor Trees For The Modern Home

Indoor greenery has become the craze in recent years. You have probably seen it yourself in bars, clubs, and modern new-build homes. The use of indoor plants adds a new vibe to any room or area, and is super attractive. Not only do indoor trees look good though, they are also great for releasing oxygen and cleaning the air. 

In this article, we are looking to give you a list of 20 indoor tree types that you can buy today, that will give any indoor space (large or small) of yours a makeover. However, there are certain things that need to be highlighted before you jump right in! 

Caring for your Tree 

Caring for an indoor tree can actually be more work than you may think, but it really depends on a couple of important factors, namely light and moisture. Here are a couple of tips that will help you to keep your indoor plants looking fresh and staying healthy: 

• Keep your soil moist, but don’t drown it: in many cases, watering a plant too much can be as bad as not watering it enough. Plants with thicer and larger leaves will require a little more water, but keep in mind that there is no ‘right or wrong’ amount, and the plant won’t tell you to stop, so it is important to water your plants to just the correct levels. 
• Water your plant using room temperature water: This is a hidden gem of a tip, but it works very well. Water that is too hot can cause damage to the plants root, and water that is too cold can cause dormancy, affecting vegetation. 
• Ensure that your plant has adequate sunlight exposure: Plants that attain regular sunlight will undergo photosynthesis at a faster and more efficient rate, this will aid growth immensely. Now direct sunlight will not help, but keeping the plant in a well-lit room will certainly do the trick. What is typically recommended is 12-16 hours per day for flowering plants, and 14-16 hours of light per day for foliage plants. 

The List

Corn Plant 

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. The tree requires bright and indirect light, prefers to be watered less regularly, so once the soil has dried a little, and is toxic to pets, so beware of this before you buy!

Calamondien Orange Tree 

While many dwarf fruit trees do well outdoors in pots, this particular variety can survive inside all year long. Calamondin orange trees produce tiny, very sour fruits. They also produce small and fragrant white flowers that will keep your room smelling amazing during the summer months. These babies can grow to be 6 feet tall, and require weekly watering. 

Umbrella Tree 

With upwards of 8 feet of growth possible with the Umbrella Tree, be sure to have a large room to grow one of these in, because if your room is too small, it can easily become overpowered. It requires bright and indirect light, and weekly watering once again. As with most indoor plants, try to underwater as opposed to overwater. 

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree 

This jungle plant is seen by many as the ultimate indoor plant thanks to its dark green waxy leaves. It is easy to grow and maintain, requires bright and indirect light, and likes to be moist in relation to its soilage. One thing to note is that although the tree has ‘fig’ in its name, it is not a fruit-producing tree. It is also toxic to pets if they were to eat it. 

Ponytail Palm Tree 

Also known as Elephant’s foot, this free-flowing palm tree can add an organic touch to your living space with its long curly leaves. The thick stem holds water, so you only need to water once a week or every other week, depending on the temperature and humidity within your household. Just beware of its ability to grow up to 7-8 feet in height. Watering should be done very 10-days or so, and make sure to give the plant direct sunlight too, as it seems to like it. 

Yucca Tree

With spiky, structural foliage, this desert native thrives on as much sunlight as possible. Forgetful waterers will rejoice too: It’s extremely drought-tolerant and needs only infrequent dousing, maybe every 7-10 days for good measure. Any type of light will help it grow, so it is one of the easier trees to effectively grow on the list. 

Money Tree

They say that money doesn’t grow on trees, and unfortunately that is also the case with this money tree.  The tree itself is best known for its ‘braiding’. The braids will grow with the tree over time, hardening and becoming woody as the plant matures. The money tree prefers high humidity and moisture but don’t let it sit in standing water. In the wild, you’ll find it growing in swamps and wetlands.

One thing that you will want to do is make sure that your container has excellent drainage because you will need to keep this plant moist. 

Banana Tree 

Giant leaf lovers should look no further than an indoor banana tree to satisfy a desire for lush foliage. Some banana trees, such as the Cavendish, produce fruit while others, such as Musa basjoo (Japanese banana), do not. When shopping for an indoor banana tree, seek out dwarf cultivars to keep them to a manageable size. Warm temperatures, full sunlight, and regular fertilizing help these fast-growing trees reach their potential. 

Mites can be an issue though, so if you see that the leaves of your banana tree are starting to brown or curl, then consider dealing with that appropriately. 

Norfolk Indoor Pine Tree

It is more likely than not that 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, then a Norfolk indoor pine might be for you. 

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 plant is also drought tolerant, making it relatively easy to look after, and is non-toxic to pets too!

Lucky Bamboo Tree 

Lucky Bamboo is mainly seen as a houseplant that can grow in water. Although 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, a Lucky Bamboo can reach up to eight feet in height. However, don’t expect it to reach much past four feet indoors.

Bird of Paradise

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.

Parlor Palm Tree

If you need to breathe a little life into a dark dining room, here’s your solution. Tried-and-true parlor palms can withstand sporadic watering and low-light conditions, including near north-facing windows. They are also pet-friendly, so there is peace of mind there too. 

Rubber Tree 

Native to India, rubber trees produce large, glossy leaves in a dark green hue that pops against pale paint colors. Like most tropical trees, rubber trees like moderate temperatures, a humid environment, and good air circulation without drafts. An optional step for the pampered plant is a monthly leaf wiping session with a damp cloth to remove dust. Fertilize your rubber tree every two weeks during periods of active growth to achieve maximum leaf size.

Dragon Tree 

The humble ‘Dragon Tree’ is a beautiful houseplant that had sword-shaped green leaves with red edges. This plant is quite hardy and easy to care for. It is slow-growing and adapts well to life in a container. Keep your plant out of direct sunlight, as this can burn the foliage. And be sure not to overwater it, which can cause the leaf tips to turn brown.

The plant can grow up to 4-6 feet tall, and requires only moderate moisture. A great option for anyone looking to purchase an indoor plant that is attractive and easy to care for. 

Lemon Cypress Tree 

Lemon cypress trees give off a bright lemony scent, which is bound to lighten your mood on a dreary day, and they’re not difficult to care for. Simply make sure it’s in a space that provides bright, direct light and water once a week. Perfect for the summer, and perfect for creating a fun vibe in whatever room it is in, the Lemon Cypress is a stellar option. 

Weeping Fig Tree 

The classic ficus has stuck around for a reason — it’s more tolerant of low-light than other indoor trees, and it makes do with moderate watering. If you notice a significant leaf drop, it’s likely due to a sudden change in temperature or light, but don’t be worried, they will likely grow back. 

Majesty Palm Tree 

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.

Jade Tree 

The Jade tree is a brilliant choice of tree because it is seriously low maintenance. It is a great tree for beginners and has large succulent leaves, as well as a trunk that gives it an aesthetic appeal. Jade trees are also ideal as bonsai specimens. Water the plant every few weeks and locate it near a window with bright light.

Ginseng Ficus Tree 

The unique thick truck will make a beautiful statement in your home. This tree usually stays small indoors and loves sunlight, but bright and indirect light is best. The thick leaves store water, so if you accidentally miss a watering, your pant should still be in good shape.

Dwarf Guava Tree 

Grow this refreshing tropical fruit in the comfort of your own home — it should start to fruit once it’s three to four years old. Native to tropical regions, this guava tree loves bright and direct light and thrives in warm conditions. It looks great all year-round, but perhaps you would want to after it a little less in the winter so as to prevent root rot of any kind. 

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