Nothing brightens up a space and makes it feel fresh and vibrant like a houseplant or, even better, a tree. Yes, that’s right, you can actually grow a tree inside the house. Of course, you need to carefully consider its light and watering needs as well as its mature size before making a commitment. Not all trees do well indoors and some grow too big to fit inside a space with regular-height ceilings so you need to pick your indoor tree carefully so you can both be happy. We’re ready to help so we’ve made a selection of the ten best indoor trees that are easy to care for on top of looking beautiful.

Dracaena

The general term Dracaena describes a large category which includes around 120 different species of trees and succulent shrubs. These tropical varieties come from Africa and they’re sometimes called corn plants (the dracaena fragans) or dragon trees (dracaena marginata). They’re low-maintenance and they can be kept in low or medium light, thriving best in bright, indirect sun. They can grow to be 2-10 feet tall. Water them regularly allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings and fertilize monthly during the spring and summer with standard liquid plant food.

Fiddle leaf fig

The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most popular of indoor trees, being appreciated for its beautiful violin-shaped leaves and its easy-to-care-for nature. It likes bright light so it would be best to place it by a sunny window. However, be sure the window is well sealed because the fiddle leaf fig doesn’t like cold drafts (so keep it away from the air conditioning unit as well). The soil should be rich and well-drained and you should generally re-pot the fig every year to give the roots room to grow. Water thoroughly until the water drains into the saucer and only when the soil is dry to the touch.

Rubber plant

The rubber tree plant doesn’t like too much light or too much water so it’s very important to find the right balance between these. It prefers indirect sunlight and it likes the soil to be kept moist during the growing season while during the dormant season you only need to water it once or twice a month. Too much water will cause the leaves to become yellow, then brown, after which they fall off. Too little water causes the leaves to become droopy.

Dragon Tree

The Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) is known for its stiff and spiky leaves and it can be grown as a single-stemmed plant or several grouped and even braided together in the same pot. Although it thrives best in medium sunlight, it can also do well in partial shade, although the shade will cause it to grow slower. Placing the Dragon tree is full, direct sunlight will burn its leaves so avoid that as much as possible. The soil should be loose and well-drained. There’s not much need for fertilization so fertilize lightly at the beginning of spring and, as a general rule, only water the soil when the top section is half dry.

Araucaria heterophylla

Also known as Norfolk Island pine, this tree is very popular around winter holidays and, in spite of the name, it’s not actually a pine tree. In terms of care, think of it as being similar to a gardenia or an orchid plant. Being a tropical plant, it needs high humidity so be sure to use a pebble tray filled with water and to mist the tree weekly. Also, make sure it gets enough light. It prefers direct, bright light but it can also do well in indirect light. Water a Norfolk Island pine when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch and fertilize it in the spring and summer. If you see some browning on the bottom branches, that’s normal.

African Candelabra

This is a succulent that grows as big as a tree. It originates from Saudi Arabia and Yemen and can also be found in southern Africa. Its name reflects the fact that it grows to form a candelabra-like outline. It resembles a cactus because of its thorny nature but is in fact a succulent. You should offer it lots of sun and plant it in lean, well-drained soil. It doesn’t like wet environments so be sure to keep it out of spaces such as the bathroom. Water regularly as you would any other low-maintenance succulent.

Schefflera amata

Also referred to simply as Amate or the Umbrella Tree, this plant thrives in humid environments but can also be pretty happy in a regular home where the air is usually quite dry. Its leaves are glossy and look fresh, not being as susceptible to brown tips as other houseplants. The Umbrella Tree doesn’t usually grow very tall and is not not that narrow so be sure to give it plenty of space. Place it in indirect bright light and give it well-drained soil. You should water it every 10-14 days. Too much water can cause the leaves to become black.

Parlour Palm

You’re probably familiar with this plant as it’s one of the most popular ones featured in homes and offices. The reason for that is the fact that it’s really easy to care for, it looks beautiful and is cheap, not to mention that it thrives in indoor spaces where other plants struggle to stay healthy and fresh. That being said, there’s not much to worry about with this palm. Keep it in low-medium light, avoid direct sunlight, water when the soil looks dry and re-pot it only when absolutely necessary.

Jade

Jade plants are succulents and they’re pretty easy to care for. They do well indoors and they look like miniature trees which makes them fun and appealing. They like sunlight and they prefer slightly cooler temperatures. Their soil should be kept moist during spring and summer and dry in winter between waterings. They don’t like their leaves to get wet so avoid splashing water on them. Fertilize them 3-4 times a year.

Philodendron

The Philodendron is another very popular houseplant and that’s mainly due to its easy-to-care-for nature. They can get pretty big so be sure to give them plenty of space (they’re wide more than they’re tall). Medium light is best for them so avoid bright direct light and shade. Water the plants when the top inch of soil gets dry and avoid overwatering as the rots can rot and the leaves can get brown and eventually fall odd. If you notice the leaves getting droopy that’s a sign that the plant needs more water.