A guide to indoor trees

The best trees to grow in your home – and how to care for them

Trees bring a taste of the outdoors into your home and make an ideal statement piece, whatever your décor. From the lush, glossy leaves of the rubber tree to the delicate elegance of the weeping fig, here’s our roundup of the best trees to flourish indoors and breathe life into your living space.

Ficus Ginseng

Member of a well known houseplant family, the Ficus Ginseng is unique with a blunt tip to its green leaves, making it a little bit special. This plant could be a model - look at the elegant curves and twists creating modern art for your home. 

Care tips: Again, this little tree likes indirect light and it's important to give it regular watering. To keep the ficus looking its best be sure to prune it to keep its bonsai shape.

Weeping fig

The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is commonly referred to as the ficus and is part of the Ficus genus. Wit its elegant trunk and generous canopy, the ficus holds its shape well making it equally suitable as a miniature bonsai in a tiny flat or a huge, majestic houseplant in a large open space.

Care tips: The ficus thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be kept warm (at least 16 ºC) and away from drafts. And while it enjoys humid conditions, it doesn’t like soggy roots so only water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.

Dragon tree

The dragon tree, also known as the ‘Madagascar dragon tree’ (Dracaena marginata) is widely known as one of the easiest indoor plants to grow and maintain – and can grow up to six feet tall (with a little patience!). Its distinctive fine, spiky leaves make it a great choice for a modern, minimalist home.

Care tips: Ideal for those who spend a lot of time away from home (or are simply forgetful), the dragon tree can go for long periods without being watered. Be aware that the leaves are poisonous to animals so keep out of reach from curious cats and dogs.

Umbrella Tree 

Originally from Australia and Pacific Islands the umbrella tree (schefflera actinophylla) is an attractive addition to any home, with its distinctive horizontal spoke-like leaves which usually have around 8 large dark-green leaflets. It can be kept to a manageable size of 4 - 8ft tall indoors and also comes in a dwarf variety (schefflera arboricola). 

Care tips: The umbrella tree needs bright but indirect light (direct light can burn the leaves) and will need occasional pruning. Over watering is a common cause of an unhappy plant, be sure to only water when the soil becomes dry. Yellow leaves can be a sign of too much water. 

Ponytail Palm

Over the last few years the Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) has grown in popularity as a houseplant and it's easy to see why. With lovely long curly leaves and a sleek trunk this is a good looking plant, and being a succulent it is easy to look after to boot! 

Care tips: This palm loves light and can stand bright light which other houseplants might not. It is an easy going plant, so if you can't find a bright spot you can always pop it outdoors in the summer to top up it's light quota. 

Yucca

This cowboy of a houseplant rides into your heart with its vibrant pointy leaves and will leave your guests green with envy. With roots from the south of the United States and the Caribbean this is a confident houseplant who brings character and is not a drama queen when it comes to watering. 

Care tips: Place your Yucca in a light position, but it prefers to avoid direct, full sun light. If your plant is growing fast you can remove the bottom leaves when they turn brown, with the extra energy passing onto the rest of the plant to give it a boost.