Skip to Content

27 Best Indoor Trees to Spruce up Your Space

Consider these easy-to-care-for houseplants, whether your home has low light or full sun.

By and
indoor trees, cushions and sofa in a modern and bright living room
Oscar Wong//Getty Images

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Lush foliage can elevate any interior, whether it's a "lucky" money tree in the corner of the living room, mini olive tree beside the bed or a lemon tree thriving in a sunny kitchen. Not only do indoor trees look beautiful, but large houseplants can improve the air quality inside your house and play a role in your mental well-being. Since, finding the right greenery for your space can be a challenge — especially if you're a beginner, we've rounded up the best indoor trees that make plant parenthood look easy.

As you scroll, you'll find important details about each plant, including the tree's average height, preferred sun exposure, temperature and recommended watering schedule. Most indoor trees, like the bird of paradise or cat palm, thrive in bright, indirect light, while others, including the mass cane, can flourish in low light. Meanwhile, banana trees and areca palms prefer full sun, which means six or more hours of direct sun per day.

Whether it's a spacious living room or compact space, like the hallway or bathroom, we've included a houseplant for every room. While some indoor trees can grow upwards of 8-10 feet tall (like the fiddle leaf fig), you can find small indoor trees that will stay between 3-4 feet tall, such as a Ming Aralia or some Norfolk Island Pines. The best part? It's easy to buy houseplants online and we've included a shoppable link for each pick.

1

Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)

how to care for a norfolk island pine
The Sill

SHOP NOW

While most popular during the holiday season as a Christmas tree alternative, the Norfolk Island Pine looks gorgeous year round with its thin, needle-like leaves. This cone-bearing tree is actually a tropical plant that originates from Norfolk Island (hence the name), so it prefers temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees and can thrive in high humidity, according to The Sill. The indoor tree thrives in medium to bright, indirect light, but appreciates a few hours of direct sun.

  • Height: 3-8 feet
  • Water: Every 1-2 weeks
  • Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
  • Temperature: 65º - 85ºF
2

Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum)

cat palm
Bloomscape

SHOP NOW

Add a tropical touch to any space with this small palm plant, originating from rainforests in Mexico and Guatemala. The feathery, green fronds love bright, indirect light, but the delicate leaves may burn in direct sunlight. Since overwatering can lead to root rot, it's best to water a cat palm only once the top inch or so of soil has dried completely, according to Planet Natural. As the name may suggest, this clustering palm is non-toxic to cats (and other pets).

  • Height: 4-6 feet
  • Water: Every 1-2 weeks
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Temperature: 70º - 80ºF
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Mass Cane (Dracaena massangeana)

mass cane floor plant
Plants.com

SHOP NOW

Originally from Africa, this lush houseplant is known for its stalky stems and long, light green leaves. While it prefers bright, indirect light, it can tolerate low light, making it a versatile choice for indoors. The low-maintenance houseplant will be content with watering once per week or when soil is a little damp or slightly dry, according to Dengarden.

  • Height: 4-6 feet
  • Water: Every 1-2 weeks
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Temperature: 65º - 90ºF
4

Lemon Tree (Citrus limon)

lemon tree
Terrain

SHOP NOW

The easiest lemon tree to grow indoors is a Dwarf Improved Meyer, which is technically a cross between a lemon and mandarin orange tree. Depending on the season, the tree will produce beautiful white blooms or sweet, tangy lemons. An indoor lemon tree will do best with 8 to 12 hours of direct light from a south or southwest facing window, according to Terrain. Let your lemon tree dry completely between waterings, and feel free to mist it occasionally.

  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Water: Every 1-2 weeks
  • Light: Full sun
  • Temperature: 50º - 80ºF
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

strelitzia nicolai in pot next to a couch
Kseniya Ovchinnikova//Getty Images

SHOP NOW

Native to South Africa, this tropical houseplant is popular for its large leaves and exotic flowers that range in color from creamy white to bright orange. The Bird of Paradise, similar in appearance to a banana tree, can grow upwards of six feet tall indoors, so ensure you've got plenty of space for its leaves to sprawl out. The tropical plant thrives in bright, indirect light and should be watered once the soil has completely dried.

  • Height: 3-6 feet
  • Water: Every 1-2 weeks
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Temperature: 65º - 80ºF

RELATED: How to Grow Stunning Bird-of-Paradise Plants That Bloom Year After Year

6

Money Tree (Pachira aquaticas)

money tree care, tree against a grey background
Matthew Lloyd//Getty Images

SHOP NOW

Pachira thrives in more swamp-like situations similar to its original home in the South American wetlands. It can tolerate overwatering if there's good drainage and it appreciates bright, indirect light. You'll typically find it sold with a braided trunk under the name "money tree" due to its fortuitous associations in East Asia.•

  • Height: Up to 6-8 feet, indoors
  • Water: 1-2 times per week
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Temperature: 60º - 85 ºF

RELATED: How to Care for a Money Tree to Garner Good Luck

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

indoor trees, rubber plant on the floor indoors
Oscar Wong//Getty Images

SHOP NOW

This tall and hardy beauty comes in many varieties, from tricolor and variegated leaves to almost black ones. Put yours in a spot with bright, indirect light and water it about once a week without water-logging, advises The Little Book of House Plants and Other Greenery.

    Height: Up to 2-10 feet, indoors
    Water: Weekly
    Light: Bright, indirect light
    Temperature: 65º - 85ºF

    8

    Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

    indoor trees, areca palm tree indoors
    Fast Growing Trees

    SHOP NOW

    Also known as the bamboo palm, the areca palm is an eye-catching home addition for its feathery and arching fronds that feature more than 100 leaflets on each one. Keeping them in humid environments and by a sunny window will help them grow. Gardening Know How recommends fertilizing them in the spring and using a micronutrient spray in the summer.

    Height: Up to 6-7 feet, indoors
    Water: Weekly
    Light: Full sun or bright, indirect light
    Temperature: 65º - 70ºF

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
    9

    Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

    indoor trees, fiddle leaf fig tree in a basket beside the bench
    Mike Garten

    SHOP NOW

    This uber-trendy plant keeps popping up in design magazines and chicly styled Instagram shots, thanks to its wide, textured leaves. Young plants feature dense foliage that spreads out as they age and grow more "tree-like." Give it bright, indirect light — near an east-facing window is perfect. Water once the top inch of soil is dry, drench until water comes out the bottom of the pot and then let it dry out again.

      Height: Up to 6-10 feet, indoors
      Water: 2-3 times a week
      Light: Bright, indirect light
      Temperature: 60º - 80ºF

      10

      Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

      dieffenbachia plant
      Dennis McColeman//Getty Images

      SHOP NOW

      Large, lush leaves sprout out of this fast-growing plant, which can reach 5 feet tall or more when content. It's easy to propagate too: Just lop off a thick stem, leave in water until roots appear and then replant in a new pot.

      • Height: Up to 3-5 feet, indoors
      • Water: Biweekly
      • Light: Bright and indirect light
      • Temperature: 65º- 70ºF
      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
      11

      Calamondin Orange Tree (Citrus mitis)

      indoor trees, calamondin orange tree in bedroom
      KatarzynaBialasiewicz//Getty Images

      SHOP NOW

      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, and even better, fragrant white flowers that will make your room smell amazing.

        Height: Up to 3-6 feet, indoors
        Water: Weekly
        Light: Bright, direct and indirect light
        Temperature: 55º - 70ºF

        RELATED: Fruit Trees You Can Grow Right on Your Porch

        12

        Mini Olive Tree (Arbequina)

        small olive tree potted in a wicker basket indoors in a modern neutral home
        Crystal Bolin Photography//Getty Images

        SHOP NOW

        If you value a multipurpose plant, why not invest in one that will actually bear fruit? The self-pollinating olive tree will begin to produce olives and small white flower clusters once it reaches two to four years old. It should be kept in a sunny location and watered frequently.

        • Height: Up to 8 feet tall, indoors
        • Water: Twice a week
        • Light: Direct
        • Temperature: 45ºF and above
        Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
        13

        Ginseng Ficus (Ficus microcarpa)

        ficus ginseng ficus retusa bonsai tree plant
        Nico De Pasquale Photography//Getty Images

        SHOP NOW

        This plant's unique thick trunk will make a beautiful statement in your home. The 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 plant should still be in good shape.

        • Height: Up to 40 inches, indoors
        • Water: Every 3-4 days
        • Light: Bright, indirect light
        • Temperature: 60º - 75ºF
        14

        Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

        indoor trees, tall lady palm tree in a pot
        Lively Root

        SHOP NOW

        With their glossy and long hand-shaped leaves, these evergreen palms need indirect light to grow. They can withstand deep shade and low humidity, along with the cool winter air, making them good picks to keep near the door, according to North Carolina Extension Gardener.

        • Height: Up to 6 feet, indoors
        • Water:
        Weekly
        • Light:
        Bright, indirect light
        • Temperature:
        60º - 80ºF

        Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
        15

        Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)

        indoor trees, potted umbrella tree
        dropStock//Getty Images

        SHOP NOW

        This plant can grow up to 8 feet tall inside if you give it sufficient light — too little and the stems can look leggy and sparse. It's better to be on the side of under-watering versus overwatering, which can cause leaf loss and root rot.

          Height: Up to 3-8 feet, indoors
          Water: Weekly
          Light: Bright, indirect light
          Temperature: 60ºF and above

          16

          Banana Tree (Musa spp.)

          indoor trees, cozy room with banana tree in the corner
          piranka//Getty Images

          SHOP NOW

          The large leaves of the banana tree can give any room a tropical feel. According to Houseplant Central, it's easy to care for a Dwarf Cavendish banana, one of the Musa banana plants, indoors. Keep them in a warm, humid environment where they'll grow in bright or indirect sunlight. While beautiful, the leaves are prone to damage and tears, so place your tree where they're less likely to be touched.

          • Height: Up to 6-10 feet, indoors
          • Water: 2-3 times a week
          • Light: Full sun
          • Temperature: 75º - 95ºF
            Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
            17

            Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

            indoor trees, dracaena marginata in a blue pot
            Bloom Scape

            SHOP NOW

            The dragon tree is known for its spiked, sword-shaped leaves. This species is great for beginners due to its ability to withstand a wide range of light exposures and temperatures. Plus, it's drought-resistant so it'll forgive you if you forget to water it once or twice. Keep in mind that this tree has a vast root system, so potting in a large vessel would be best.

              Height: Up to 6 feet tall, indoors
              Water: Weekly to biweekly
              Light: Low, bright direct to medium, indirect light
              Temperature: 65º - 80ºF

                18

                Jade Plant (Crassula argentea)

                indoor trees, close up of the leaves of a jade plant
                Keetten_Predators//Getty Images

                SHOP NOW

                It starts small, but over time, this succulent develops thick, woody stems and grows into a 3-foot-tall (or more) miniature tree. Plant in a well-draining mix, and aim for warm, dry conditions. Moist but not wet soil is the goal — shriveled or brown leaves signal you're under-doing it on the H2O, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

                  Height: Up to 3-6 feet, indoors
                  Water: Every 2-3 weeks
                  Light: Bright, indirect light
                  Temperature: 65º- 75ºF

                  Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
                  19

                  Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

                  indoor trees, potted parlor palms inside
                  dropStock//Getty Images

                  SHOP NOW

                  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. Bonus: They're pet-friendly, the ASPCA confirms.

                    Height: Up to 2-6 feet, indoors
                    Water: Weekly or biweekly
                    Light: Low and filtered light
                    Temperature: 65º-80ºF

                    20

                    Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)

                    young beautiful woman in yellow dress works with laptop at home turquoise sofa and big pot plant near woman
                    Tatiana Maksimova//Getty Images

                    SHOP NOW

                    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.

                    • Height: Up to 10 feet, indoors
                    • Water: Every 7-10 days
                    • Light: Bright, direct and indirect light
                    • Temperature: 30ºF and above
                    Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri
                    Alyssa Gautieri
                    Associate Lifestyle Editor

                    Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

                    Headshot of Mariah Thomas
                    Mariah Thomas
                    Assistant Editor

                    Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. 

                    Watch Next 
                    best indoor plants, monstera deliciosa live plant
                    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below