The 24 Best Indoor Trees for Your Home, According to Gardening Experts

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Beautiful indoor plants are always in style, but this trend exploded during the pandemic and it's clearly here to stay. Not only are plants beautiful, aesthetically pleasing additions to our homes, but having them around is actually good for us. Seriously. They can improve air quality, reduce stress, increase focus, and even boost our moods. (Pssssst: Here’s how to decorate with them, according to a plant stylist.)

Whether you have a traditional home with lots of natural light or you're trying to make the most of a compact city apartment, indoor trees are a great way to add natural life and greenery to your space. Thankfully, there are lots of different indoor trees that thrive in varying light conditions. Kasey Hurd, eCommerce manager for the Arbor Day Foundation says there are a few other things you should consider before picking out the perfect indoor tree for your home:

• Keep it cozy: Indoor trees love warmth! Aim for 70-80°F during the day and slightly cooler at night, but avoid cold drafts and vents.

• Find the right spot: Indoor trees are perfect for homes and apartments with limited space. Each tree has slightly different needs, so read about your specific tree below.

• Water wisely: Water when the soil feels dry, usually about once a week. Don't let your tree sit in the water.

• Fertilize occasionally: Use an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer to nourish your indoor trees.

• Prune for growth: Trim discolored leaves and shape the indoor tree in spring for the best results.

• Re-pot as needed: Every 12-18 months, move to a larger pot with good drainage.

• Pet safety: Some plants and trees are toxic to pets, so check before bringing a new one home.

Read on for some expert picks for the best indoor trees that are sure to elevate your space with verdant beauty and relax your mind.

Burgundy Rubber Tree

Hurd loves this easy-to-grow, low-maintenance tree that thrives in any indoor setting. She says, “It is perfect for those just starting their houseplant journey.”

This strikingly dark specimen has thick, glossy leaves that slightly change color depending on how much sun they receive. According to Hurd, it’s adaptable, and it does well in any room of the house.

“Growing this plant indoors has several advantages, such as raising humidity levels due to its high transpiration rate, improving mood while lowering stress and anxiety, and purifying the air,”she adds.

Sun preference: Partial sun/shade

Madagascar Palm

The Madagascar palm is a unique and eye-catching indoor plant with a spiky trunk and lush green leaves. Despite its name, it's actually a succulent, making it incredibly low-maintenance and perfect for beginners.

“I chose it for its unique, bold palm look and the easy care that succulents and cactuses are known for,” Hurd shares. This resilient plant thrives in bright light and requires minimal watering, while its unusual appearance adds a bold statement to any indoor space, combining the look of a palm with the hardiness of a cactus.

Sun preference: Full sun or partial sun/shade

Snake Plant

Though it's not technically a tree, this eye-catching plant with sword-like leaves can get several feet tall. Plus, Hurd says, “This stunning, low-maintenance option removes toxins from the air while adding a touch of refinement.”

This hardy plant thrives in low-light settings and requires little watering, making it a great choice for busy people or those new to plant care.

Sun preference: Full shade or partial sun/shade

Tineke Variegated Rubber Tree

“The rubber tree 'Tineke' is a real showstopper for indoor spaces,” explains Hurd. With large, glossy leaves in a gorgeous mix of green, cream, and pink, it boasts a unique, eye-catching look.

The Tineke variegated rubber tree grows slowly and can reach a height of about six feet tall indoors, a striking feature in any room. “Plus, it helps purify the air and is relatively low-maintenance,” Hurd adds. Pet owners take note that this plant is mildly toxic.

Sun preference: Partial sun/shade

Ponytail Palm

The ponytail palm is a fabulous houseplant that enhances any living space with its “year-round vibrancy,” Hurd says. Position your palm in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It can also be used as a fantastic patio plant, but remember to bring it indoors during the colder months.

Sun preference: Full sun, bright indirect light

Dwarf Cavendish Banana Plant

R.J. Frost, a horticulturist at Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center, loves this tropical perennial with large, paddle-shaped leaves with stripes of red variegation.

“This dwarf banana tree variety maxes out around 8 to 10 feet tall, and may produce white flowers which develop into small bananas,” he adds. Fun fact: It’s technically not a tree; it is an herb.

Sun preference: Full sun, bright indirect light

Umbrella Tree

This pretty plant is an attractive addition to any room, with shiny, oval leaves arranged in rosettes to resemble umbrellas.

“Native to Taiwan, these plants rarely need fertilizer and only need repotting every few years, making them relatively low maintenance,” says Frost. “[This plant] is considered to have protective properties in Feng Shui,” he adds.

Sun preference: Bright, indirect sunlight

Dwarf Valencia Orange Tree

This pretty citrus evergreen tree, with glossy, oval leaves and fragrant, white flowers, is another lovely addition to an indoor space. It can grow up to 12 feet, though tends to be smaller in a container like an indoor pot.

“They have the ability to produce fruit, but dwarf orange trees are not likely to produce unless they’re kept outside in the spring and summer,” Frost notes.

Sun preference: Full sun

Variegated Mahoe Tree

For a permanent vacation vibe, consider a variegated mahoe tree, which is “a common landscape specimen in tropical regions such as Hawaii or Florida,” Frost says. “It’s mainly grown for its large, variegated, heart-shaped leaves that are green and white with touches of red on the new growth.”

Note: the flowers only last one day, just like tropical hibiscus, so don’t worry that you’re doing anything wrong when you see them falling off the plant.

Sun preference: Full sun

Plumeria

This fast growing, low-maintenance tree boasts highly fragrant flowers, especially at night. “Their scent is perceived to have floral elements of jasmine, citrus, and gardenia,” adds Frost.

Choose well-draining soil for a potted plumeria, and be aware that the plant is likely to hibernate, i.e. lose its flowers, in the wintertime. Pro tip: This plant is mildly toxic to humans and pets, so don’t let curious kids or cats near it.

Sun preference: Partial sun/shade

False Aralia

This super popular houseplant is a stunner. “It has beautifully textured foliage with deeply serrated leaflets that start out a copper or burgundy shade and eventually deepen to a rich green. The feather-like appearance adds great texture to a room,” shares Frost.

A slow-growing varietal, a fully mature false aralia can reach six feet in height and thrive in multiple temperatures. Plant in moist, well-draining soil for best results.

Sun preference: Partial sun/shade

Banana Leaf Fig

Known for the unique shape of its slender leaves, the banana leaf fig is another great indoor tree to consider. “With a height of up to 10 feet, impressive deep green and bushy form, and its long, narrow, and willowy leaves, this low-maintenance ficus variety makes a statement in a room,” says Frost.

Rotate regularly since this tree will rotate towards its sun source. Please note: If ingested, it can be toxic to humans and pets.

Sun preference: Bright, indirect light

Lipstick Palm

The slow-growing lipstick palm is famed for its bright red stalks and green, feathery fronds. “These palms make perfect houseplants because they can grow to be quite large, and their red hue makes them a statement plant,” Frost explains. “However, this palm may be preferable for a more established plant owner, as they require a high level of attention. Soil should be kept moist at all times, and regular misting is recommended,” he adds.

Sun preference: Full sun (dappled when young, full sun once mature)

Sago Palm

With feathery, dark green leaves that make a statement, another cool indoor tree is the sago palm. Despite its dramatic appearance, it’s even easy to care for.

Frost says, “If you keep your sago palm in bright, indirect light, you will be rewarded with a statement plant that will draw the eye.” Fun plant fact: The Sago palm is a perennial shrub and not a true palm.

Sun preference: Full sun to partial sun

Fan Palm

Fan palms are striking plants with upright, fan-shaped fronds with a bright, glossy green color and are often dried to use in dried flower bouquets.

“These palms are lower-maintenance and only need to be watered once the soil begins to dry out,” shares Frost. “They’re also relatively hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures than other palm varieties native to warmer climates.”

Sun preference: Bright, indirect light

Croton

Colorful foliage is the name of the game with the croton. It makes a beautiful accent to a room. “There are hundreds of eye-catching varieties with patterned leaves in shades of yellow, orange, and red. You can put it anywhere you want a bold shot of color (so long as there is ample sunlight),” says Frost.

Sun preference: Bright, indirect light

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Christopher Griffin, aka @plantkween, a Brooklyn-based plant educator, author, and influencer, says, “The fiddle leaf fig is the diva of the plant world.”

With its large, violin-shaped leaves, this tree brings drama and elegance to any space. It’s a statement piece, and when it’s happy, it’ll reward you with lush, vibrant growth. “Just be mindful of its sensitivity—it loves bright, indirect light and a stable environment, so no drafts,” adds Griffin.

For best results, rotate your fiddle leaf fig every couple of weeks to ensure even growth and prevent it from leaning towards the light. Also, keep its soil slightly moist, but never soggy.

Sun preference: Bright indirect light

Money Tree

“The money tree is all about that abundance energy, honey! It’s believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and its braided trunk adds a touch of whimsy to your decor. This resilient beauty loves a bright spot but can tolerate lower light, making it super adaptable,” shares Griffin.

It’s best to water your money tree thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Plus, make sure it’s in a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot, and mist the leaves occasionally to mimic its tropical origins.

Sun preference: Bright, indirect light

Norfolk Island Pine

For a dose of holiday cheer all year long, look no further than the Norfolk Island pine. “Let’s bring a lil’ evergreen realness into your space! It’s a tropical tree, so keep it away from cold drafts and give it bright light for the best growth,” explains Griffin.

Norfolk Island pines appreciate humidity, so consider placing a humidifier nearby, especially in the winter months.

Sun preference: Bright, indirect light

Parlor Palm

This palm is perfect for beginners, as it’s easy-going and can tolerate lower light. “The parlor palm is all about that Victorian elegance, darling. With its feathery fronds, it adds a touch of grace to any room, even if it’s a little on the shady side,” says Griffin.

Water your parlor palm when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. It’s also a good idea to wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust and keep them looking their best.

Sun preference: Low to bright indirect light

Weeping Fig

Now, this is the best indoor tree pick for those who love a bit of a challenge! “The weeping fig is known for its graceful, arching branches and teardrop-shaped leaves. It’s a bit of a sensitive soul, so keep it in a consistent spot with plenty of bright light,” shares Griffin.

Be cautious of sudden changes in environment; weeping figs are notorious for dropping leaves if they’re stressed!

Sun preference: Bright, indirect light

Dragon Tree

“The dragon tree brings that fierce, spiky energy into your home,” Griffin says. “With its slender, sword-like leaves and architectural form, it adds a modern, edgy vibe to any space. It’s a resilient plant that can thrive in a variety of light conditions.”

Be sure to plant this beauty in well-draining soil, and mist the leaves occasionally to prevent browning tips.

Sun preference: Bright, indirect light to low light

Olive Tree

Perhaps our most romantic suggestion, an olive tree is a true stunner in any space. “Yes, darling, you can bring a slice of the Mediterranean into your home with an olive tree. This tree exudes timeless beauty with its silvery-green leaves and gnarled trunk,” says Griffin.

Olive trees need plenty of sunlight and a well-draining pot to thrive, so save this one for a sunroom or your brightest space.

Sun preference: Full sun

Kentia Palm

“Elegance personified, darling! The Kentia Palm is a graceful tree with arching fronds that bring a tropical vibe into your space. It’s a slow grower but very easy to care for, thriving in low to bright indirect light,” Griffin says. Please note, this palm is quite drought-tolerant, so it’s better to underwater than overwater.

Sun preference: Low to bright indirect light

You Might Also Like

• Spectacular Gifts for the Most Stylish Women in Your Life

• 16 Gorgeous Indoor Plants for Homes of All Sizes