Just like with smaller plants, there are indoor trees for rooms of all shapes and sizes. Adding larger plants can make a statement in your interior design and provide other benefits like filtering the air and providing fresh oxygen. If you’re thinking about getting an indoor tree for your home, here are some suggestions to help your search.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is a trending plant among interior design and houseplant enthusiasts alike. It has huge leaves that begin growing densely packed together and gradually spread out as the tree matures. While many choose to keep their taller fiddle leaf figs green all the way down, you have the option of pruning the lower leaves to expose more of an empty “trunk.”
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants are another choice with large, statement-making leaves. There are several varieties with different colored foliage, but some of the most popular are those with leaves so dark green they almost appear black. The glossy texture and thickness is part of what gives the rubber plant its name. You can keep these plants in small pots or allow them to grow into trees up to 5 feet in height. It’s common to group two or more plants in the same pot for a dense, lush presentation.
Jade Plant
Jade plants require a lot of patience to get to true “tree” status. However, mature jade plants can grow to upwards of 4 feet tall and are so easy to propagate you can create an entire jungle of jade from a single mother plant. It’s a type of succulent which means it will need a well-draining potting mix and plenty of light. Be careful not to over-water it, but keep the soil slightly moist to encourage growth and plump, shiny leaves.
Areca Palm
Areca palms are fast growing and perfect for creating an instant tropical vibe. They have long, elegant fronds and fanning leaves that can grow up to 4 feet high or more in the right conditions. They require lots of bright indirect sunlight to flourish. A great bonus of this indoor tree is that it’s completely pet-safe, so you don’t need to worry about curious dogs or cats suffering any harm from chewing on a leaf or two.
Yucca
Yuccas seem similar to miniature palm trees with thick, bare trunks and spikey full clusters of leaves at the top. Many designers and plant enthusiasts combine multiple plants of different heights in the same pot to create a fuller but staggered presentation. These trees are great for more forgetful indoor gardeners, as they are drought tolerant and don’t need frequent watering. They’ll thrive in full sun and add visual interest to any room of the home.
These are just a few suggestions of indoor trees to try in your home. You can buy many of them as tabletop-sized potted plants and grow into full trees over the course of a few years. However, you can also find fully sized versions of these plants at nurseries and garden stores for a higher price point. Whichever you choose, you’ll love the addition of fresh greenery to your home’s aesthetic and environment.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Realty ONE Group Dockside. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
