The Best Indoor Tree Plants for Low Light
Adding indoor trees to your home is a great way to bring a touch of nature indoors. But what if your home doesn’t get much natural light? Don’t worry! There are plenty of indoor tree plants that thrive in low light conditions. Whether you’re looking for small, large or tall indoor trees or pet-safe options, this guide will help you find the perfect low light house tree for your space.
Why Choose Low Light Indoor Trees
Indoor trees that thrive in low light are perfect for homes with little sunlight. By “trees” I mean plants that are fairly large, that can sit on the floor and make a statement. They are not only beautiful but also improve air quality and add a touch of greenery to any room. These trees are ideal for beginners and those who want a low-maintenance plant.
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Let’s Define “Low Light”
Low light for indoor plant growing is technically defined as the level of light that is equivalent to the amount of light you would receive in a north-facing room or a room that is located far from a window. In more specific terms, low light is generally considered to be around 50-250 foot-candles. This is enough light to read by but not enough for many plants to thrive.
In practical terms, low light conditions can be found in spaces where:
- There are no direct sunbeams hitting the area.
- The room is illuminated primarily by indirect sunlight.
- The area is several feet away from any windows or light sources.
- Typical low light spaces: such as offices, bathrooms, and shaded corners of living rooms.
Plants that can survive in low light typically have adaptations such as larger leaves to capture more light or the ability to store energy more efficiently.
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Best Indoor Trees for Low Light
Here are some of the best indoor tree plants that do well in low light conditions:
1. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
- Description: A medium palm that grows up to 4 feet tall.
- Light Needs: Low light.
- Pet Safe: Yes, safe for cats and dogs.
2. Wintergreen Weeping Fig Tree (Ficus Benjamina ‘Wintergreen’)
- Description: a large evergreen tree or shrub with glossy, leathery-textured, droopy oval leaves, it can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. And 60 feet outdoors if not trimmed.
- Light Needs: indirect light, semi-shady conditions.
- Pet Safe: No, toxic for cats and dogs.
- Where To Buy: Amazon.
3. Dracaena Fragrans
- Description: A tall, slender tree that can reach up to 10 feet.
- Light Needs: Low to moderate light.
- Pet Safe: No, toxic to pets.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
- Description: Tall, upright leaves that can grow up to 3 feet.
- Light Needs: Low to bright indirect light.
- Pet Safe: No, toxic to pets.
5. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
- Description: A large indoor tree with large dark green rubbery leaves that can grow up to 10 feet.
- Light Needs: Low to moderate light.
- Pet Safe: No, toxic to pets.
6. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Description: Known for its large, violin-shaped leaves, it can grow up to 10 feet tall.
- Light Needs: Low to bright indirect light.
- Pet Safe: No, toxic to pets.
7. Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)
- Description: Known for its tall slender upright stems topped by tufts of sword-shaped leaves, typically grows to 6’ tall or more, unless pruned shorter. Easy to care and enjoys humidity.
- Light Needs: Low to bright indirect light.
- Pet Safe: No, toxic to pets.
8. Ficus Maclellandii ‘Alii’
- Description: Known for its slender, glossy leaves with a drooping effect, also known as the Banana Leaf Fig.
- Light Needs: prefer bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Pet Safe: No, toxic to pets.
- Where to Buy: Amazon; Brand: Eureka Farms;
10. Lady Palm, Rhapis Excelsa
- Description: Known for its slender, upright stems and fan-shaped leaves, also known as the fan tufted palm. It can grow to be 6–15 feet tall.
- Light Needs: indirect sunlight, but can also tolerate low light and partial or full shade;
- Pet Safe: Non-toxic to cats.
- Where to Buy: American Plant Exchange Store on Amazon;
Conditions Trees Need to Grow Indoors in Low Light
To ensure your indoor trees thrive, consider the following conditions:
- Light: Even though these trees can survive in low light, placing them near a window where they can get some indirect light is beneficial.
- Water: Water the plants sparingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
- Humidity: Some trees, like the Parlor Palm, prefer higher humidity. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves or using a humidifier.
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