10 Trees That Grow Well Indoors

Trees clean toxins from the air, literally helping you to breathe easier. Studies show they can also boost your concentration and memory, lighten your mood, improve relationships and even help you heal more quickly. On top of these impressive benefits, trees make beautiful additions to any room.

Indoor trees bring drama, dimension and depth to your home. Check out some of the stunning types of trees you can grow right in your living room, kitchen or anywhere you want to make a statement.

1. Banana Tree

Although it would be awesome to pluck ripe bananas for your morning smoothie, these indoor trees will not actually produce fruit without tropical conditions. However, these fast-growing plants will grow large, waxy leaves that look stunning in any room.

2. Avocado Tree

Although you can start an avocado tree from the stone of the fruit, this can be a lengthy process. For instant indoor beauty, purchase a potted dwarf avocado tree from a nursery and place it in a sunny spot near a south-facing window.

3. Citrus Trees

Dwarf lemon, orange and other citrus trees can make gorgeous houseplants. With the right amount of TLC, the tree will not only enhance the appearance of your home, but it can also produce juicy fruit for your family and friends to enjoy.

4. Gardenia

If you want an indoor tree that also provides eye-catching, sweet-smelling flowers, you can’t go wrong with a gardenia. Members of the coffee family, the plants produce large, velvety ivory-colored blossoms that release an intoxicating fragrance.

5. Ginseng Ficus

If you thought these plants were called bonsai trees, you are not alone. However, bonsai refers to an art form — growing small trees in containers — rather than a specific type of tree, although ginseng ficus trees are often used as bonsai. With lots of large, gnarly roots and evergreen leaves, these plants make interesting focal points in any room.

6. Fiddle Leaf Fig

You can buy fiddle leaf figs in all sizes, and even the babies have those big, pretty leaves. But given good conditions — they prefer bright but indirect light — a fiddle leaf fig tree will grow to be several feet tall.

7. Kentia Palm

Also known as a paradise palm, a kentia palm will add instant tropical ambience to any room. These elegant plants feature verdant, arching leaves with long, slender fronds and grow quite well indoors.

8. Sweet Bay Laurels

Any seasoned chef will tell you that once you cook with fresh bay leaves, you will never want to use the store-bought version again. You can grow the Mediterranean native laurel tree in your own kitchen or living room, giving you  aromatic fresh herbs that you can add to your favorite dishes.

9. Umbrella Tree

If you provide the right conditions for an umbrella tree, these unassuming plants can grow to eight or nine feet tall! Like fiddle leaf figs, these trees prefer bright but indirect light. They’ll get leggy without enough light but will stay nice and full if they’re happy.

10. Money Tree

The Guiana chestnut, better known at garden centers as a money tree, often has a braided trunk topped with a pop of leaves. They prefer some extra humidity, so depending on where you live, this might be the perfect low-maintenance addition to your home.