Best Indoor Trees: Buy Large Plants That Survive in Low Light
Create a lush, green sanctuary indoors effortlessly by selecting trees that thrive even in low-light conditions. This guide offers expert insights on choosing and caring for these resilient indoor trees.
Key Takeaways
- Selecting the right indoor trees ensures they thrive even in low-light environments.
- Low-light conditions differ from complete darkness; indirect light is still beneficial.
- Large indoor plants enhance decor and air quality, offering practical benefits.
Choosing the Right Indoor Trees
The quest for the perfect indoor tree often begins with understanding the specific environmental parameters of your home. It’s crucial to select large indoor plants that are inherently suited to the indoor environment, particularly if your space receives limited natural illumination. Many varieties of indoor trees, while beautiful, require significant bright indirect light to truly flourish, making careful selection paramount.
Understanding Low-Light Conditions
Low-light conditions indoors refer to areas where plants do not receive direct sun exposure, and the ambient light is considerably dim throughout the day. While some indoor trees can tolerate low light, it’s important to differentiate this from complete darkness. Most houseplants, even those known to tolerate low light, will still grow best with at least some indirect light to prevent them from dropping leaves or becoming leggy.
Benefits of Large Indoor Plants
Incorporating large indoor plants into your decor offers numerous aesthetic and practical advantages. These substantial indoor trees can serve as focal points, adding dramatic greenery and a sense of natural grandeur to any room. Beyond their visual appeal, large indoor plants contribute to improved air quality and can create a more serene and calming atmosphere, enhancing the overall well-being of the inhabitants.
Top Features to Look for in Indoor Trees
When selecting indoor trees, particularly those intended for low-light indoor settings, several key features should guide your choice. Prioritize varieties known for their ability to tolerate low light, such as certain palms or Dracaenas. Look for plants with robust foliage that remains vibrant even with less light, and consider their mature size to ensure they fit your space as they grow indoors.
Popular Indoor Plants for Low Light
Ficus: Versatile and Resilient
The Ficus genus encompasses a wide array of popular indoor trees, with species like the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) and the rubber tree being particularly well-suited for indoor environments. While some Ficus varieties, such as the fiddle leaf fig, prefer bright indirect light, others can tolerate lower light conditions, making them versatile indoor plants. These indoor trees are known for their lush foliage and ability to grow quite large, becoming striking focal points in any room.
Dracaena: Stylish and Low Maintenance
Dracaena species, often referred to as dragon trees, are among the best indoor trees for those seeking stylish and low-maintenance options that actually survive in low light. The Dracaena fragrans, or corn plant, is a particularly popular houseplant known for its attractive variegated leaves and upright growth habit. Dracaenas are incredibly adaptable, tolerating various indoor conditions and requiring less direct sun than many other large indoor plants, making them ideal for homes with limited natural light.
Money Tree: A Symbol of Good Luck
The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is another excellent choice for an indoor tree, cherished not only for its attractive braided trunks and glossy green leaves but also for its symbolic association with good fortune. This resilient houseplant thrives in medium to low-light conditions, making it an ideal candidate for spaces that don’t receive abundant bright indirect light. It’s a relatively easy-to-keep indoor plant, requiring moderate watering and occasional pruning to maintain its desired shape.
Specific Types of Indoor Trees
Palm Varieties: Elegance in Any Room
Palm varieties, such as the Kentia palm or the parlor palm, bring an unparalleled sense of elegance and tropical flair to any indoor space, making them highly sought-after indoor plants. These majestic indoor trees are particularly well-suited for low-light indoor conditions, as they naturally grow in the understory of forests, away from direct sun. They require relatively low maintenance and can grow quite large, providing significant greenery and a calming presence that truly transforms a room.
Fiddle Leaf Fig: The Trendy Choice
The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) has undoubtedly become a trendy choice among large indoor plants, celebrated for its dramatic, violin-shaped leaves and commanding presence. While it is often perceived as a high-maintenance plant, the fiddle-leaf fig can thrive indoors with the right care, preferring bright indirect light but capable of tolerating slightly lower light conditions if properly acclimated. Consistent watering and placement in an area with enough light are key to preventing it from dropping leaves.
Rubber Tree: Hardy and Attractive
The Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) is a truly hardy and attractive indoor tree, renowned for its glossy, deep green leaves that can also feature beautiful variegation in certain cultivars. This robust houseplant is an excellent option for those looking to buy large indoor plants that are relatively easy to keep and can tolerate a range of indoor conditions, including lower light levels compared to some other Ficus varieties. Its ability to grow well indoors with minimal fuss makes it one of the best indoor trees for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
Care Tips for Indoor Trees
Watering and Soil Requirements
Proper watering is paramount for the health of your indoor tree, especially for those varieties like the Ficus or Dracaena that prefer consistent moisture but are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It’s essential to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, rather than keeping it constantly soggy. For large indoor plants, assess the soil moisture by feeling a few inches down, and consider using a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for houseplants to ensure adequate aeration and prevent waterlogging, which can cause the plant to drop leaves.
Light and Temperature Needs
Even the best indoor trees that actually survive in low light still have specific light and temperature requirements to grow best indoors. While a Dracaena fragrans or a Money Tree tolerates low light, providing bright indirect light whenever possible will encourage more robust growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid placing your indoor plants, particularly Ficus species like the weeping fig or rubber tree, in areas with direct sun that can scorch their leaves, and protect them from sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts that can cause stress and lead to issues like dropping leaves.
Common Pests and How to Manage Them
Even the most resilient indoor trees can occasionally fall victim to common houseplant pests, which, if not managed, can cause significant damage to your large indoor plants. Keep a watchful eye for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, particularly on the underside of leaves and along stems. Early detection is key; regular inspection of your Ficus, Dracaena, or other indoor tree allows for prompt treatment. Mild infestations can often be managed with neem oil or insecticidal soap, ensuring your indoor greenery remains healthy and vibrant.
Where to Buy Large Indoor Trees
Local Nurseries vs. Online Retailers
When looking to buy large indoor trees, you have the option of local nurseries or online retailers, each offering distinct advantages. Local nurseries often provide the benefit of seeing the live plant in person, allowing you to assess its health and size directly. You might find a wider selection of specific cultivars, like a unique Ficus or a mature Dracaena, and receive personalized advice from knowledgeable staff. Conversely, online retailers can offer convenience and a broader inventory, potentially including rare varieties of indoor trees or exceptionally large specimens, but the challenge lies in trusting the quality of the plant upon arrival.
What to Look for When Buying
When selecting an indoor tree, whether it’s a Money Tree, a Palm, or a Rubber Tree, discerning buyers should prioritize several key indicators of a healthy houseplant. Examine the foliage for any signs of yellowing, browning, or wilting, which could indicate stress or disease. Check for pests on the leaves and stems. The soil should appear well-drained and free from mold. For larger indoor plants, assess the overall structure, ensuring the trunks and branches are sturdy and proportionate. Opt for a plant that appears vibrant and full, showing clear signs of active growth to ensure it will grow well indoors.
Best Sellers and Recommendations
For those seeking to buy large indoor trees that are known to thrive and grow best indoors, several varieties consistently rank as best sellers. The Kentia palm is a top recommendation for its elegance and ability to tolerate low light, making it an ideal indoor tree for many homes. The Ficus elastica, or Rubber Tree, is celebrated for its hardy nature and attractive foliage. Additionally, the Dracaena fragrans, or corn plant, is a fantastic low-maintenance option that still offers significant greenery. These popular indoor plants are often available at most garden centers and reputable online nurseries, ensuring you can find a beautiful, resilient indoor tree.
