Growing plants indoors is a popular hobby for many, owing to their numerous health and wellness benefits. Among them, growing plants has been noted to help improve concentration and reduce daily stress. The indoor air becomes cleaner with plants around since pollutants and toxins are removed. Humidity levels are higher, a good thing for your health, as it reduces the spread of airborne pathogens and allergens, maintains sinus health and helps your skin.
As such, the absence of plants in your daily life can have long-term negative effects on your physical and emotional well-being. Add to that the fact that taking care of plants has been shown to have a downright therapeutic influence, as it is a meditative activity that gives you time to unwind, even if just for a few moments.
If you’ve been thinking about bringing a plant into your home, however, you might be facing a challenge since there are so many options to choose from. And while flowers and succulents are highly popular, you might want to consider something a little bit different, such as a tree. Yes, you’ve read that correctly; there are several species of trees that can be grown successfully indoors. Here are a few of them.
Fiddle-leaf fig
Native to western Africa, particularly Sierra Leone and Cameroon, where it is mainly found in the lowland rainforest, the Fiddle-leaf fig is one of the most popular ornamental plants out there. Since it can become up to four metres tall, you need to ensure ample space for it to develop. People from all over the world grow it, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates, where it is a ubiquitous sight in most gardens.
However, it can also grow indoors in colder, temperate weather. The optimal humidity level is roughly between 30 and 50%, but the plant can tolerate lower levels. It must also get plenty of sunlight exposure, the way it receives it in its natural habitat. Make sure that yours is located somewhere there’s a lot of light and temperatures of at least 18 °C.
The fiddle-leaf fig needs porous and well-draining soil with a pH of up to 7.0. Although the plant has become very popular over the past few years, it remains relatively tricky, particularly for beginners. If you’re concerned that your tree might not get sufficient sunlight, look for planters on wheels that allow you to take the fiddle-leaf outside without any problem.
You must also be considerate of your watering habits. You might want to consider misting to help preserve the fiddle leaf’s well-known glossy leaves. If you’re concerned about humidity, consider getting balcony planters, especially during the warmer periods. Bringing it outdoors for a few months will do wonders for its long-term well-being.
Banana tree
The banana tree is a must for those that love giant, lush leaves. If you’ve decided to bring this tree into your home, you should know that there are several different alternatives that you can choose from. The Dwarf Cavendish banana is one of the most common varieties of the cultivar. This type produces fruit, so this is the best option if you’d like to enjoy fruit or bake a dessert with ingredients you’ve grown yourself. Other types, such as the Japanese banana, originally from the subtropical region of Sichuan, in China but also present in the Ryukyu Islands in Southern Japan, hence the name, don’t produce edible fruits and are strictly ornamental.
Banana trees require plenty of sunlight and moist soil that’s nevertheless never thoroughly drenched. The tree can reach up to three metres in height and needs regular fertilising to thrive. Make sure to check for mites if you notice the leaves are starting to become brown.
Dragon tree
This beautiful houseplant is notable for its sword-shaped leaves with red edges. Although its appearance might suggest fragility, the Dragon tree is a surprisingly resilient plant that adapts very well to life indoors. The general blooming time is in spring, yet it is unlikely to flower indoors. That doesn’t mean it is impossible, just that you shouldn’t think there’s anything wrong with your tree because it isn’t in full bloom when spring arrives.
It needs bright in order to develop well, but it can also get by in the shade. Nonetheless, it will grow much slower without direct light exposure, and its colours won’t be as bright. The best type of soil you can use for this plant is loamy and contains peat moss. A moderate amount of lava rock can help as well. Ensure that the extensive roots also have plenty of space to grow. Avoid overwatering, and aim for around three weeks between each watering session.
Calamondin Orange Tree
If you’re looking for a particularly bright and sunny tree, look no further than the Calamondin Orange tree. Although it can survive outdoors in a pot, if you keep it inside, it will thrive all year. It can grow to be nearly two metres tall and, if cared for, can survive for half a century. The best news is that the fruit is entirely edible. It is similar to the kumquat and has a taste reminiscent of limes or lemons, so if you’re not a fan of sour flavours, it might be best to just enjoy the aesthetic benefits of the fruit.
The tree’s flowers are incredibly fragrant and will make your entire house smell absolutely amazing. To take care of the Calamondin orange tree, keep it in a bright and warm environment and don’t forget to water it on a weekly basis.
Bringing a tree indoors sounds daunting. After all, if you don’t have much previous experience with plants and aren’t familiar with what it takes to keep them alive, it can feel like getting a tree is a huge responsibility. However, just because they’re larger doesn’t mean trees are more complicated to look after. In fact, they are sturdier, and you don’t have to worry so much about doing something wrong. So, if you’ve been thinking about getting some indoor plants, trees might be the answer.
