29 Gorgeous Indoor Trees and Tropical Plants to Brighten Your Space
Indoor trees and tropical house plants not only enhance the aesthetic of a home but also improve air quality and boost mood. From the towering fiddle leaf fig to the delicate areca palm, these plants can introduce a vibrant, lush element to your indoor environment.
Explore the world of indoor trees and tropical house plants to green your space. Add these natural beauties to your home to create a serene, refreshing ambiance.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Gorgeous flowers that look like birds bloom when these plants grow outdoors. Indoor flowering is uncommon, yet their large, smooth leaves bring color and texture to any space.
Bright light helps them thrive, whether it’s direct or indirect. Humidity benefits their growth, but they can adapt to drier areas with weekly watering.
Living far from the tropics doesn’t stop you from enjoying an island vibe at home with these stunning plants.
European Olive (Olea europea)
Recently, the European Olive has become one of the hottest plants to have. Its sage-colored leaves bring a chic touch that fits well with modern styles.
Keeping this elegant tree in your living room adds a special charm to your home decor. Full sun is essential for olive trees, so place them where they can soak up at least six hours of natural light daily.
These trees thrive in dry conditions, allowing you to let the top inch of soil dry out completely before giving them water. Simple care makes it easy to enjoy their beauty while enhancing your space.
Tree Fern (Cyatheales)
Tree ferns, native to Australia and New Zealand, reach impressive heights that can amaze anyone. Their lacy leaves add beauty to any space.
These plants thrive in humid conditions, so keeping the soil moist is essential for their health. If your area tends to be dry, having a humidifier will help them flourish.
Bright but indirect light works best for these unique plants. When imagining greenery at home, tree ferns stand out as an excellent choice for creating a lush atmosphere.
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum)
An anthurium adds a splash of color to your space. This lovely plant, often called laceleaf or flamingo flower, features strong green leaves alongside eye-catching pink or red modified leaves.
Placing it on an entry table or coffee table can elevate your decor with a touch of elegance. Caring for these plants is easy; they thrive in bright indirect sunlight and only need watering every few days when the soil dries out.
With their stylish look and minimal care needs, you will appreciate having anthuriums brighten up your home atmosphere. Choosing this indoor tropical beauty means enjoying both charm and simplicity without much effort.
Indoor Palm Tree (Arecaceae)
Indoor palm trees bring a touch of the tropics right to your home. They adapt easily, making them simple to grow and care for.
This plant stands tall and adds elegance, becoming a striking focal point in any space. Although they can grow into larger trees over time, their slow growth means you won’t see drastic changes overnight.
Bright indirect sunlight helps them flourish, but they also do well in lower light areas of your house. Regular watering keeps the soil moist and supports their health beautifully.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedora elegans)
Shopping for houseplants often leads people to choose smaller options. A parlor palm, however, stands out with its potential height of up to six feet.
This plant serves those seeking a bold touch in their decor. Medium to indirect light works best for it, ensuring healthy growth while watering weekly keeps the roots nourished.
Re-potting occurs yearly due to its fast growth, allowing opportunities for fresh pot styles and designs. Adding personal flair through these changes makes caring for a parlor palm even more enjoyable.
Natal Mahogany (Trichilia emetica)
Lush and full, the Natal Mahogany tree features glossy green leaves cascading from slender stems. This houseplant thrives in low light, making it suitable for various spaces.
It even grows well under fluorescent lights, so you can enjoy its beauty at work or home. Moist soil is essential for this plant’s health; however, avoid overwatering to prevent sogginess.
A touch of greenery like this can truly brighten up your office environment. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for indoor settings where sunlight may be limited.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia seguine)
Tropical vibes fill your home with Dumb Cane. Large, floppy leaves bring a lively touch, similar to Amazon Elephant Ears.
Dark green edges frame the pale interiors of these impressive leaves. Bright light is essential during winter for their growth, while indirect light works well in warmer months with some shade.
Watering should happen twice weekly in summer but can be cut back when colder weather arrives. With just a bit of care, this houseplant will thrive and brighten your space beautifully.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
A dragon tree stands out as an impressive houseplant. Its tall height and unique twisted trunk grab attention in any space.
Spiky green leaves with red edges add a lovely touch, making this plant visually appealing indoors. Medium to bright indirect sunlight helps it thrive; without enough light, the leaves may drop off.
Drought tolerance allows these plants to go up to three weeks without water, adapting well to various temperatures. Caring for a dragon tree is simple, perfect for anyone looking for low-maintenance greenery at home.
Amazon Elephants Ear (Alocasia x amazonica)
Stunning in appearance, Amazon elephant ears showcase large, floppy leaves that capture attention. Dark green foliage features striking silvery veins that add to their beauty.
Caring for these plants requires some effort and attention. Bright light paired with shade works best but avoid direct sunlight.
Soil must always remain moist, yet overwatering can harm them, particularly during winter months. The level of care needed might not suit everyone’s preferences.
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Known as corn plants, these greenery types showcase thick stems and long, narrow leaves. They mimic the look of stalks and husks while adding a tropical touch to your space.
Bright light can harm their leaves, yet too little light leads to dullness and slow growth. A spot with filtered sunlight works best for them.
Keeping the soil damp in spring and summer is important; avoid overwatering during autumn and winter when they need less moisture. Anyone looking to expand their collection will find that these plants propagate easily.
Pilea (Pilea peperomioides)
Known as the Chinese money plant, Pilea peperomioides brings a playful touch to any space with its round leaves on tall stems. Caring for this charming houseplant is simple and suits anyone with a busy lifestyle.
Bright but indirect sunlight helps it thrive, while weekly or bi-weekly watering keeps it happy—just check that the soil dries out first. This delightful plant adds character and joy without demanding too much attention.
Perfect for those who love unique greenery!
Umbrella Plant (Schefflera amata)
Known as the umbrella tree, the schefflera plant features leaves that look like an open umbrella. This plant comes in various forms, including trees and shrubs.
Bright but indirect light is what these plants need for healthy growth; too little light can cause them to become floppy. Overwatering is a common mistake, so letting the soil dry completely before adding more water helps keep it thriving.
Outdoors, schefflera can grow large and impressive with enough space to spread out. Indoor varieties like dwarf umbrellas are smaller yet still enjoyable to have around.
Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
The rubber tree stands out with its unique appearance, adding a stylish touch to any room. Its name comes from the latex sap that was historically used for making rubber, not from its thick leaves resembling tire treads.
This indoor plant thrives best in medium to bright indirect light but can survive in direct sunlight too. Watering every week or two keeps it healthy, though more frequent watering is needed when exposed to constant bright light.
Caring for this tree is simple and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without much effort. Adding one of these trees will surely enhance your living space's atmosphere.
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
Bromeliads surprise many with their strength despite their delicate look. Bright colors make these tropical plants stand out and easily enhance any home.
Growing bromeliads is simple, as they thrive in bright indirect sunlight. They can be either epiphytic or planted in soil, offering flexibility for your space.
Watering weekly during summer keeps them happy, while winter requires less frequent care.
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
During the holiday season, many shops showcase small potted pines that brighten up homes. Norfolk Island Pines stand out with their soft needles and mini Christmas tree appearance.
Unlike traditional pines from colder areas, these tropical plants thrive in bright light and require specific care. Acidic soil and high humidity are essential for their health, so regular misting or a humidifier helps keep them happy.
Using a Norfolk Pine offers an eco-friendly choice for those with limited space instead of a large tree. This way, you can enjoy the charm of festive greenery year after year without waste.
African Candelabra (Euphorbia ammak)
A stunning African Candelabra makes a bold statement in any room. This plant resembles a cactus, but it belongs to the succulent family and can reach heights of over eight feet indoors.
Caring for it is simple; these plants thrive on minimal sunlight and water. Once established, they prefer to be left alone without wet soil, so good drainage is essential for their growth.
A thoughtful arrangement will help this unique succulent flourish beautifully in your space. Guests will surely admire its striking appearance and engage in conversations about it.
Triangle Ficus (Ficus benjamina)
Ficus trees add beauty to your home with their tall stature and shiny leaves. Among these, the triangle ficus stands out as an easy-going choice.
Known also as a weeping fig, it thrives in bright light but struggles without sunlight; its leaves may drop if not cared for properly. This plant prefers warmth and should stay in rooms above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to remain healthy.
Watering needs careful attention; saturate the soil slowly before letting it dry completely between waterings. With potential heights of up to 8 feet and branches extending 4 feet wide, this tree serves as a stunning focal point for any space.
Fishtail Palm (Caryota)
A fishtail palm stands out with its unique leaves. These jagged edges mimic the fins and tail of a fish, creating an interesting look.
Caring for this palm can take some effort, especially because it thrives in humidity. Daily misting or placing it near a humidifier keeps it happy and healthy.
While indirect sunlight is fine, giving the plant some time outside boosts its growth too. Not everyone enjoys the upkeep that comes with these charming plants though; they need attention to truly flourish.
Finger Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Known as the Rhapis Palm, this tree stands out with its unique leaves that look like fingers reaching into the sky. A compact choice for indoor spaces, it won’t take over a room like many other palms do.
This palm thrives in dappled light or light shade, making it easy to care for indoors. Watering needs change throughout the year; during summer months, give it plenty of water but cut back to once a month in winter.
Its quirky appearance and manageable size make it an interesting addition to your home decor.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Striking beauty marks the Fiddle Leaf Fig as a favorite among houseplants. Large, curvy emerald leaves with delicate veins bring a touch of elegance to any space.
Caring for this plant can be tricky, so understanding its needs is essential. It thrives in bright indirect light and prefers to stay away from drafts, meaning you should keep it clear of doors and air vents.
Once you've chosen a spot in your living room or elsewhere, let it settle there without moving around too much. Dust may gather on the waxy leaves over time; gently wipe them down regularly for maintenance.
Watering every seven to ten days provides proper drainage without overwhelming this lovely plant that enhances home decor beautifully.
Cordyline (C. terminalis)
Consider a cordyline for a colorful twist on houseplants. These tropical beauties come in various styles, brightening up any room with their eye-catching leaves.
One version boasts long, pointed foliage in vibrant shades like green, red, yellow, and purple that burst from the pot. Another type grows taller with large green and red leaves to complement your decor choices wonderfully.
These resilient plants thrive best in bright yet indirect light. Keeping the soil moist works well except during winter months when it's okay for it to dry slightly.
For those who want to make an impact at home, placing this striking floor plant in a living room corner adds an extra touch of flair.
Kentia Palm (Howeia)
Kentia palms bring a touch of elegance to any space, reminiscent of royal gardens. This plant flourished in the homes of Queen Victoria, who adored its beauty.
Caring for a Kentia palm is simple; it thrives with just weekly watering and prefers bright yet filtered light. Living outside a tropical climate should not stop you from enjoying this stunning greenery indoors.
You can easily add that exotic feel to your home without much effort. With their striking presence, these palms elevate any room beautifully.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Soft, fuzzy leaves and delicate purple blossoms give this houseplant a unique appearance. Treat it with care, as its loyalty symbol makes it feel like having a small pet.
Blooming occurs even in low light, but medium or bright indirect light helps it thrive. Water directly on the roots to prevent leaf rot from excess moisture.
This little plant is both beautiful and endearing due to its charming features.
Split Leaf (Monstera deliciosa)
Known for its unique leaves with holes, the Monstera is often called the Swiss Cheese Plant. This tropical shrub can produce fruit when grown outdoors, although it rarely fruits indoors.
Providing medium to bright indirect light works best for these plants, but they should stay away from direct sunlight. Watering them once a week or every two weeks keeps them healthy in indirect light conditions.
Low-maintenance yet eye-catching, Monsteras can easily spark conversations among guests. They fit well into any space that needs a touch of nature's beauty.
Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
Long, spiky leaves might seem scary at first glance, but the bright green color adds a playful touch. Growing mainly in hot and dry areas of the Southwest, yucca thrives in full sunlight or bright indirect light.
Proper drainage is essential since too much water can quickly harm these resilient plants. Caring for yuccas requires little effort due to their hardiness and unique charm.
With plenty of character, they bring life to any space effortlessly.
Philodendron (philodendron)
Large, glossy heart-shaped leaves give philodendrons a lush appearance. This plant can either climb or stay low to the ground.
The climbing type needs a higher spot or hanging planter while the non-climbing variety fits nicely on window sills and tables in your kitchen or living room. Low to medium light works best for these plants, and they only need watering every one to two weeks.
Overwatering leads to drooping leaves, so adjusting your watering routine with changing seasons is important; summer requires more frequent misting compared to winter's sparse needs. A philodendron stands out as an easy-care option that brightens any space in your home without demanding constant attention.
Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Orchids bring a splash of color to any space with their stunning blooms in shades like white, pink, purple, and orange. These flowers thrive in bright, indirect light and only require watering about once a week.
Overwatering can harm them, so it's important to keep that in mind. Tropical orchids are especially favored for home decor due to their unique beauty.
They grow well across different climates around the world, showcasing various types based on the region they come from. Brighten your surroundings with these lovely plants that effortlessly enhance your décor.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Bright rooms with indirect sunlight suit peace lilies well, allowing them to thrive and bloom for months. Consistently moist soil helps these plants grow strong, but overwatering can cause issues.
Regular watering and misting during summer keep the leaves lush, while reducing water in winter is essential for their health. Many people love peace lilies for their beautiful green leaves and delicate white flowers that add charm to home decor.
Owners of pets should consider alternatives since these lovely plants are toxic to both cats and dogs. Simple care makes peace lilies a rewarding addition to any indoor space.
