From festive pint-sized pines to fig trees with colorful leaves, these small indoor trees make the perfect houseplants.
Top 10 Small Indoor Trees to Grow as Houseplants
Updated Sep. 26, 2024
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
The big glossy leaves of the rubber plant thrive under bright direct or indirect light, where it can grow from 2 to 10 feet tall. Protect it from low temperatures and drafts, and allow soil to slightly dry between waterings. Water it regularly during spring and summer, but you can usually water less often in fall and winter.
Why we love it: New leaves begin as colorful purple or pink stipules, which add extra interest during the growing season.
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Norfolk Island Pine
Araucaria heterophylla
This pinelike conifer is native to Norfolk Island off the Australian coast. But as a houseplant, it likes as much full sun as you can give it. Rotate it regularly to promote symmetrical growth. It can grow up to 9 feet tall and needs room to spread its arching branches.
Why we love it: Pick up one of these small trees during the holiday season when they’re widely available, and enjoy the festive feeling all year long!
Fiddle-leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata
Keep this small tree healthy with lots of bright light and well-draining soil. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and usually doesn’t fruit or flower indoors, but the foliage adds plenty of interest. Move it outdoors to a covered patio in the summer if desired.
Why we love it: The sturdy, oversized leaves of fiddle-leaf fig make a dramatic statement in any room.
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Weeping Fig
Ficus benjamina
With lots of bright light and warm temperatures (60 to 85 degrees), this tree grows quickly. Graceful, drooping branches may sport dark green, light green or variegated leaves, depending on the variety.
Why we love it: This little tree is often sold with its stems braided together to form an eye-catching trunk. It also makes an excellent choice for bonsai.
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Dragon Tree
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia (formerly known as dracaena marginata)
Often referred to by its genus name, dracaena plants have spiky leaves and develop a woody stem. It’s an easy-care tree that only asks for indirect light and moderate watering. Red-leaved varieties such as Red Edged add even more visual interest.
Why we love it: One of the most forgiving indoor trees, dracaena is perfect for both experts and houseplant beginners.
Need help with your indoor trees? Check out these indoor plant hacks.
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
As the name suggests, this tropical plant has been a popular indoor tree since the Victorian era, when it often graced parlor tables. The thin stems give it a more shrubby appearance, but with time it can grow to over 6 feet tall. Water it every week or so, more often in brighter light conditions.
Why we love it: Even in low-light conditions, the parlor palm evokes a tropical vacation vibe at home.
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Another small tree often sold with a braided trunk, this is an easy-care plant that you can enjoy for years to come once you find the right spot for it. Try a location with bright filtered light and away from drafts, and water deeply only when the soil has nearly dried out.
Why we love it: Feng shui traditions say the money tree brings prosperity and good fortune, which makes it a perfect housewarming gift.
Bay Laurel
Laurus nobilis
This aromatic herbal tree loves bright indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. Prune it as it grows into a shrub or small tree, and enjoy tiny yellow flowers in spring and fragrant foliage every day.
Why we love it: If you love to cook, you can grow your own bay leaves! With a small indoor bay tree, you’ll always have this fresh ingredient on hand.
Umbrella Tree
Heptapleurum arboricola
The key to growing this tree indoors is providing filtered light; direct light will likely burn the leaves. The plant likes a lot of humidity, so place the pot on a saucer of water (with pebbles to keep the bottom of the pot above the waterline).
Why we love it: This dwarf evergreen is the perfect size for growing indoors, maxing out around 6 feet tall.
Arbequina Olive
Olea europaea arbequina
This dwarf olive cultivar was bred to be highly productive in small spaces, making it ideal in containers. Place it in a sunny window (four to eight hours per day). You can move it outdoors in the summer and enjoy its elegant greenery.
Why we love it: It is low maintenance, can be grown in containers and provides a delicious snack —what’s not to love?
When you’re done learning about indoor trees, check out solutions for common plant problems.
Know Before You Grow
- Many of these indoor trees are mildly toxic, and some can make pets very sick if they eat any part of the plant. If you have animals, pet-safe options include parlor palms and money trees, or check aspca.org for a list of others.
- All ficus species exude a sticky latex sap when their leaves or stems are cut. This can cause skin irritation in some people, so wear long sleeves and gloves when pruning your rubber plant, fiddle-leaf fig or weeping fig.
- Mini citrus trees also make wonderful indoor trees, often blooming in the winter months just when you need a pick-me-up. Give the plants as much sunlight as possible and seek out small varieties like dwarf Meyer lemon, calamondin orange, Key lime or kumquat.
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Originally Published: September 26, 2024
