6 Indoor Trees That Grow in Low Light

6 Low Light Indoor Trees

Amidst the houseplant craze of the past several years, many indoor gardeners have graduated from struggling to keep a pothos alive to mastering multiple plants at once. As we homeschooling parents slowly build our collections, there's one feature that almost everyone can't miss in their homes — indoor trees. Towering over furniture and in corners high enough for no other decor, indoor plants are the ultimate houseplant statement piece. There are many potted plants that grow well indoors, some of which can even handle low light conditions. While most trees generally prefer as much bright indirect sunlight as possible, these plants maintain their growth or show no signs of stress in dark corners.

1. Rubber plant

Rubber Plant - Ficus elastica features high on many popular houseplant lists. Given space, these trees can grow anywhere from 6 to 10 feet tall indoors, and even taller outdoors. Rubber plants fit into any space, with their broad, waxy leaves blending into your indoor jungle or standing as a spectacular feature. Depending on the variety you choose, these leaves can be dark green, tricolor or almost black.

Their tropical heritage allows them to grow indoors even in low light conditions. Because small rubber plants grow very slowly in low light, purchasing a large, more established tree is recommended. Once they reach the desired height, they can survive in low light without much difficulty.

Realted Post -  6 Indoor Plant Hacks You Should Start Doing Right Now

2. Dragon tree

Dragon trees (Dracaena) are popular for their no-kill nature, perfect for novice gardeners and forgetful plant parents. Although they like plenty of sunlight, dragon trees will still thrive in dark corners of your home. They grow a little slowly, but they grow for sure.

Dragon trees are a striking addition to any space. Their short blade-like leaves are red or purple in color and, depending on the variety, add sharp texture to your home. These trees are very easy to care for and only need water after the soil is completely dry. The only thing dragon trees can't stand is cold and dry air. It's best to keep your dragon tree away from air conditioners or drafty windows, otherwise you may encounter brown or yellow leaves.

3. Lady Pam

This slow-growing beauty is the perfect indoor tree, tolerating low light and thriving in typical home temperatures. Lady palms (Raphis excelsa) are small trees, but their cluster of fan-like leaves compensate for the narrowness. Lady palms lean well into corners with glossy, green leaves and comfortably fill any available space. Once established, the lady palm is somewhat drought tolerant, but don't neglect this plant too much. They grow best with regular watering and fertilizing. In summer and spring, lady palms need water as soon as the topsoil feels dry.

4. Parlor Palm

Parlor palms (Chamatoria elegans) often come to mind when thinking of indoor plants. Their indoor plant history goes back to the Victorian era, where they were kept as ornamental parlor plants. They have retained their popularity throughout and are often the go-to plant for first-time indoor tree gardeners. Parlor palms add a touch of summer to any space with tropical leaves and stems like ridged bamboo. Adding to the popularity of this stunning plant is its ease of maintenance.

5. Alii ficus

It's safe to say that no indoor tree collection is complete without ficus. Alii Ficus (Ficus maclellandii), or Banana Leaf Ficus as it is commonly known, is a relatively new tree to the houseplant market and a must for ficus collectors. Banana leaf ficus has long, sword-like leaves that sprout red and eventually turn dark green. Like other ficuses, the banana leaf ficus adds a splash of the tropics to your home. Its hanging leaves soften a room while adding interesting texture. This unique plant can be pruned and manipulated to suit your desired houseplant design aesthetic.

6. Corn plant

Corn plants (Dracaena fragrans) are an interesting tree to add to your indoor plant collection. A member of the Dracaena family, the long, thin leaves grow upward from thick stems like corn or palm trees. Because of this, they are also known as 'false palm'. The leaves are made even more striking by the broad yellow stripe running down the middle. Like palms, corn plants shed their lower growing leaves to reveal stems with thick ridges, which add to the plant's attractiveness. Corn plants are not hardy and require little light to thrive. Too much sunlight can burn the leaves and eventually stunt growth.

For a healthy corn plant, plant in well-draining soil and make sure it stays moist. They also perform well in high humidity environments, but these conditions are easy to replicate using a humidifier. The only downside to corn plants is that they are toxic to cats and dogs, and ingesting any part of the plant can cause severe symptoms.

Indoor Trees Ideas