Low light Indoor trees are becoming increasingly popular for their aesthetic and health benefits. Not only do they add a touch of greenery and natural beauty to any indoor space, but they also help purify the air and improve overall well-being.
However, finding the perfect indoor trees that thrive in low light conditions can be a challenge. This can be a difficult environment for many low light indoor trees that require ample light to photosynthesize and grow.
However, there are certain types of trees that can adapt and thrive in low light conditions, making them an excellent choice for indoor spaces that lack natural light.
In this article, we will explore the best low light indoor trees, including their unique characteristics and care requirements.
We will also provide tips on how to create the ideal environment for your tree to thrive and grow healthy and strong, even in low-light conditions.
15 Indoor Trees that Thrive In Low Light
Here is the top most low-light indoor tree that one should keep at their home or office.
1. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
The Corn Plant, also known by its botanical name Dracaena fragrans, is a popular low light indoor tree. It features long, glossy green leaves with yellow stripes and can grow up to six feet tall.
The Corn Plant is known for its ability to improve air quality and is low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginner indoor gardeners.
To ensure optimal growth, the Corn Plant requires moderate to low indirect light, making it ideal for indoor spaces with minimal natural light.
The Corn Plant is also sensitive to temperature changes and should be kept in a consistent, warm environment between 60-75°F. It’s important to note that the plant can be toxic to pets if ingested, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of curious animals.
2. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The Weeping Fig, also known by its botanical name Ficus benjamina, is a popular low light indoor tree that is loved for its graceful drooping branches and shiny green leaves.
It can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for larger indoor spaces.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Weeping Fig is known for its air-purifying properties, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.
With proper care and attention, this low light indoor tree can add natural beauty and improve the overall well-being of any indoor space.
Also Read: Pampass Grass
3. Fiddle Leaf Figs (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig, also known by its botanical name Ficus lyrata, is a popular low-light indoor tree that is loved for its large, violin-shaped leaves and impressive height.
It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for larger indoor spaces.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers moderate to low indirect light and should be placed in a spot away from direct sunlight. It’s important to note that the plant can be toxic to pets if ingested, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of curious animals.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant, also known by its botanical name Ficus elastica, is a popular low light indoor tree that is loved for its large, glossy leaves and ease of care.
It can grow up to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for larger indoor spaces.
The Rubber Plant prefers moderate to bright indirect light and should be placed in a spot with some natural light.
It also requires well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
This low light indoor tree thrives in a warm and humid environment, with a temperature range of 60-80°F. The Rubber Plant is a low-maintenance low light indoor tree that adds natural beauty and improves air quality to any indoor space.
5. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm, also known as Dypsis lutescens, is a popular indoor tree that is native to Madagascar.
This tropical plant is highly valued for its lush, feathery fronds that can reach up to 6-8 feet in height.
It prefers moderate humidity levels and temperatures between 60-80°F.
6. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
The Lady Palm, also known as Rhapis excelsa, is a popular indoor tree that is native to Asia. This elegant plant is highly valued for its slender, fan-like fronds and its ability to purify indoor air.
It prefers moderate humidity levels and temperatures between 60-70°F. With the right care, the Lady Palm can add a touch of sophistication and serenity to any indoor space.
7. Drawf Banana Tree (Musa acuminata)
The Dwarf Banana Tree, also known as Musa acuminata, is a popular indoor tree that is valued for its lush foliage and occasional fruit production.
This tropical plant is a low-maintenance option for indoor gardening and can grow up to 6 feet in height.
The Dwarf Banana Tree thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It prefers moderate humidity levels and temperatures between 50-70°F.
8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm, also known as Chamaedorea seifrizii, is a popular low-light indoor tree that is native to Central and South America.
This tropical plant is highly valued for its graceful, bamboo-like stems and its ability to purify indoor air. It prefers moderate humidity levels and temperatures between 45-60°F.
9. Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
The Madagascar Dragon Tree, also known as Dracaena marginata, is a popular low-light indoor tree that is native to Madagascar and parts of Africa.
This plant is highly valued for its striking appearance, with long, slender leaves that are typically dark green with a reddish-purple edge.
The Madagascar Dragon Tree is a low-maintenance plant that can grow up to 8 feet in height. Watering should be done regularly, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
Fertilization with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season can help promote healthy growth. The Madagascar Dragon Tree is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its ease of care and unique appearance.
10. Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
The Umbrella Tree, also known as Schefflera arboricola, is an another very popular low light indoor tree that is native to Taiwan.
This plant is highly valued for its lush, green foliage and its ability to purify indoor air. The Umbrella Tree is a relatively low maintenance plant that thrives in bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
It prefers moderate humidity levels and requires watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
11. Yucca Cane (Yucca elephantipes)
The Yucca Cane, also known as Yucca elephantipes, is a popular indoor tree that is native to Mexico and Central America.
This low-light indoor tree is highly valued for its striking appearance, with long, sword-like leaves that can grow up to 2 feet in length.
The Yucca Cane is a relatively low maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
12. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
The Kentia Palm, also known as Howea forsteriana, is a popular indoor tree that is native to Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia.
This plant is highly valued for its elegant appearance, with long, slender fronds that arch gracefully from the trunk.
With the right care, the Kentia Palm can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any indoor space, as it can live for decades with proper care.
13. Striped Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)
The Striped Dracaena, also known as Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’, is a popular indoor tree that is native to tropical Africa.
This plant is highly valued for its striking appearance, with long, narrow leaves that are striped with shades of green and white.
The Striped Dracaena is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
It prefers moderate humidity levels and requires watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
With the right care, the Striped Dracaena can be a beautiful and eye-catching addition to any indoor space, providing a natural touch of color and texture.
14. Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
The Norfolk Island Pine, also known as Araucaria heterophylla, is a popular indoor tree that is native to the South Pacific.
This plant is highly valued for its symmetrical and pyramidal shape, with branches that are arranged in a tiered fashion.
This tree can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors, making it a stunning and unique addition to any indoor space.
The Norfolk Island Pine also has the ability to purify indoor air, making it a popular choice for those interested in improving air quality in their homes or offices.
15. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, the plant’s scientific name, abbreviated as ZZ has gained popularity as a houseplant as a result of these survival skills.
It is a slow-growing plant with waxy, oval, deep green leaves that grow on graceful stems that can develop to a height of two to three feet.
It looks good in any kind of room situation and can put up with a lot of imperfect circumstances.
Plant ZZ in well-drained soil, position it where it receives some natural light (it also thrives under fluorescent lights), and water it when the top few inches of soil start to dry out to create the best possible growing conditions.
In fact, if there is too much water, the leaves may start to yellow and possibly suggest that the rhizome is rotting.
5 Low Light Indoor Trees Safe For Pets
Pet owners who love low light indoor trees often face a difficult decision: balancing their love for greenery with their furry friends’ safety. Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly low light indoor trees that are safe for cats and dogs to be around. Here are five options:-
1. Areca Palm
This indoor tree is not only safe for pets but also has air-purifying properties. It thrives in low to medium light and can grow up to 7 feet tall.
2. Money Tree
This tree has shiny green leaves and braided trunks and is safe for pets. It prefers indirect light and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
3. Boston Fern
This indoor tree is both pet-friendly and a great natural air humidifier. It requires low to medium light and needs to be kept moist.
4. Parlor Palm
This tree is one of the best low light indoor trees safe for cats and dogs. It can tolerate low light and infrequent watering and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
5. Spider Plant
This pet-friendly indoor tree is known for its long, spindly leaves and tiny white flowers. It can thrive in low light conditions and is easy to care for.
These low-light indoor trees safe for cats and dogs not only add a touch of greenery to your home but also provide a safe and healthy environment for your furry friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, low light indoor trees are an excellent addition to any indoor space, providing a natural touch of greenery and improving air quality.
However, pet owners need to be cautious and choose low light indoor trees that are safe for their cats and dogs.
As discussed in this article, there are many pet-friendly options, such as the Areca Palm, Money Tree, Boston Fern, Parlor Palm, and Spider Plant, which can thrive in low light conditions and are easy to care for.
These low light indoor trees are not only safe for pets but also have various benefits, from air-purifying properties to natural humidification.
By choosing pet-friendly low light indoor trees, pet owners can enjoy the benefits of indoor trees without worrying about their furry friends’ safety.
FAQ
1. What is the least maintenance indoor tree?
The least maintenance indoor tree is one that can thrive in low light conditions and requires minimal watering and fertilization.
These indoor trees are known for their ability to survive in low light conditions and for being resilient to neglect.
They require infrequent watering and can tolerate dry air, making them ideal for busy individuals or those who do not have a green thumb.
However, it’s important to note that even the least maintenance indoor tree still requires some level of care to thrive and grow.
2. What is the easiest indoor tree to grow?
One of the easiest indoor trees to grow in both office and home environments, aside from the Snake Plant, Peace Lily, and Spider Plant, is the Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema). T
his indoor tree is known for its tolerance to low light and ability to thrive in a variety of temperatures and humidity levels.
Another easy-to-grow indoor tree is the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), which can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering.
It can grow up to 10 feet tall and has large, glossy leaves that add a touch of tropical flair to any indoor space.
Both the Chinese Evergreen and Rubber Plant are low maintenance and make excellent options for those looking for an easy-to-care-for indoor tree.
3. How do you save an indoor tree?
The steps to save an indoor tree depend on the specific issue the tree is facing. However, here are some general tips to help save an indoor tree:
- Identify the issue: Observe the plant and try to determine what might be causing the problem, whether it’s overwatering, underwatering, pests, disease, or other factors.
- Adjust watering: Adjust the watering schedule to ensure the plant is receiving the right amount of water. Overwatering or underwatering can both cause damage to the plant.
- Check for pests: Inspect the plant for any signs of pests, such as spider mites or mealybugs. Treat the plant with an appropriate insecticide if necessary.
- Repot the plant: If the plant is root-bound, it may need to be repotted to provide it with fresh soil and more space for its roots to grow.
- Adjust lighting and temperature: If the plant is not getting enough light or is in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations, consider moving it to a more suitable location.
4. Does low light help plants grow?
Low light can be beneficial for some plants, but most plants require a certain amount of light for photosynthesis, which is essential for growth and development.
Without enough light, plants can become weak, stunted, and eventually die.
While there are some plants that can tolerate low light conditions, it’s important to choose varieties that are adapted to those conditions and provide appropriate care.
5. Do low-light plants need sunlight?
Low-light plants still need some level of sunlight to survive and grow, but they are adapted to thrive in environments with lower light levels.
They are able to photosynthesize and produce energy using the limited light available to them, but they do not require as much sunlight as plants that are adapted to brighter conditions.
6. What lighting do low-light plants need?
Low-light plants need a moderate amount of indirect or filtered light to survive, but they can also tolerate some shade or darkness.
They can be grown in areas with indirect sunlight or artificial light sources such as fluorescent or LED lights.
However, it’s important to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or placing them too close to intense light sources, as this can cause damage or stress.
If growing low-light plants indoors, placing them near windows or light sources that provide indirect or filtered light is ideal.
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