The Best Indoor Trees For Homes With Low Lighting

There are few absolute truths in life, and one is that trees (and plants of all kinds) need light. This makes them tricky to grow indoors, especially in homes with few windows or a poor view of the sky. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve natural light in your home, and several tree species instinctively adapt to low-light conditions. Low-light plants grow more slowly, and they need very little water and fertilizer to live a healthy life indoors.

Below are eight tree species that tolerate environments with indirect, partially obscured light. Many of these trees originate from rainforests, growing in the shadows and under the canopies of larger foliage. They also tend to have deep-colored leaves, since darker leaf pigments contain more chlorophyll B. There are two types of chlorophyll — A and B — and chlorophyll B is better at absorbing shorter wavelengths of light. Therefore, trees with more chlorophyll B will grow much better in low light conditions compared to those that contain more chlorophyll A. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule, as various factors can impact a plant's sensitivity to different growing conditions. With this in mind, continue reading below to figure out how to pick the right indoor tree for your home.

Rubber trees (Ficus elastica) are easy to identify by their large and glossy oval-shaped leaves. The oversized leaves have more surface area than other common tree species, which makes them more effective in catching the sun's light. It's no surprise that these plants are native to the Amazon rainforest, where they persist under the canopy of other trees. Darker varieties, like 'Burgundy,' 'Decora,' and 'Robusta' rubber trees, are even more efficient. Given their native habitat and physical characteristics, these trees adapt to low light as long as they get their morning sun from an east-facing window each day.

This is a low-maintenance tree you'll want in your home for more than just its light preferences. Rubber trees make a gorgeous addition to household interiors without bringing any allergens with them — there are no flowers and, therefore, no pollen. They prefer typical indoor room temperatures, and while they are happy in humidity, they're adaptable to drier conditions as well.

When they're small, Madagascar dragon trees (Dracaena marginata) look like bushes. However, as they mature, their unique spiky foliage splays off the top of a tall and narrow trunk. These plants tolerate all light levels, but lose their variegated coloring if sunlight is too limited. Eliminating their extra coloring is believed to be a survival tactic, as it's easier for plants to absorb sunlight when all of their leaves are green. This tree does well in most light conditions because of its resilient biology. In the wild, they grow in both cold and hot temperatures, and even inside rocky gorges.

In addition to tolerating your low-light home, dragon trees grow extremely slowly. Even in ideal conditions, it can take them 10 years to reach 2 or 3 feet tall. Many people report having these trees for decades indoors, making this plant perfect for your interior design for many years to come. They also have pretty casual watering requirements — just make sure to give them a drink when the topsoil begins to dry.

Another classic indoor tree that tolerates low light is weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). One of its cultivars, 'Danielle,' endures in such conditions due to its deep green, oval-shaped leaves that are able to absorb more sunlight. This helps it thrive in its natural habitat, which is the understory of forests. When planted outdoors, these trees prefer to grow in the shade of a building or other plants to receive indirect sunlight. Even though the Danielle weeping fig doesn't need full, uninhibited sun like many plant species, it still must be put in a spot that gets at least 5 hours of indirect natural light per day, so don't stash it in the darkest room in your home. 

These trees are notorious for taking over landscapes and spreading in an almost weed-like fashion. They drop aerial roots, which helps support their already resilient nature. Seeing as Danielle weeping figs are one of the types of trees that can overwhelm a small backyard, they are perfect for growing indoors. In fact, they are customizable with pruning. Trim them short and bushy or let them grow tall and leggy, depending on your preference and interior style. Water the tree when the soil becomes dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Knowing how to grow and care for a money tree (Pachira aquatica) is highly rewarding. They're recognizable by their braided trunks and slender leaves that billow out in an umbrella-like shape. Among plant enthusiasts, they're also known for being flexible with lighting. In fact, they prefer to be kept away from bright, mid-day rays, as they're used to growing under the canopy of larger trees in nature. Florida-based horticulturist, Justin Hancock, told Harry & David his recommendation for a thriving money tree: "Ideally, keep your plant within 3 feet or so of an east- or west-facing window." These windows typically receive light at the beginning or end of the day, giving a money tree some access to sunlight, but not as much as a south-facing window. 

Money trees are a common element used in Feng Shui and are believed to bring good energy to homes. Though this claim is not backed by science, money trees do complement both modern and traditional interior styles. One way they do emit "good energy" is by being non-toxic, which is great for those of you with pets. Making them even more low-maintenance is their watering requirements — since they store water in their trunks, they don't need super frequent drinks.

Banana leaf figs (Ficus maclellandii) aren't as popular as other indoor ficus species, but should be a go-to for people with dimly-lit homes. In their natural habitat, they climb up other trees and take their place as they mature. Therefore, banana leaf figs naturally adapt to indirect and shaded conditions, making them ideal for low-light homes. Believe it or not, they'll actually be unhappy if kept in direct sunlight for more than two hours a day. As banana leaf figs age, their deep green and narrow leaves get larger alongside the trunk and provide more surface area to absorb light. This enables them to continue surviving in poor lighting as they get older.

Banana leaf figs are one of the fig trees you should grow indoors for a touch of green in your space. If you're a fan of the braided trunk look of a money tree, you'll like the 'Alii' cultivar. Additionally, since the roots grow very slowly, they can be potbound for a while before needing to size up, giving you one less thing you need to worry about. As for watering — just provide them a drink when the top few inches of soil become dry.

False aralias (Dizygotheca elegantissima) were practically made for indoor growing, as they detest direct sunlight (in fact, it'll cause their leaves to turn brown). This is because, in the wild, they grow in the understory of forests, thriving under dappled light. Position them in a room that still receives plenty of sunlight, but away from anything that'll directly beat down on them. They're sensitive to temperature changes, so they're best kept where conditions remain moderate and stable (avoid placement around any heating or cooler vents, too). They also don't like to be moved around the home. When false aralias become used to lower light conditions, never budge them from their happy place.

The eccentric and spiky foliage on these trees bring its own distinct look. Due to their unique appearance, woody false aralias look great alongside larger, lush indoor trees for contrast. Even pothos, one of many vining plants that give your indoor space a fresh look, can be grown as soil cover in their pots, creating a very nature-inspired setup. Allow the soil to thoroughly dry out between waterings.

There is a major downside to growing palm trees indoors, but, when it comes to parlor palms (Chamaedorea elegans), low-lighting is not one of them. These indoor trees are one of the few understory species in the palm tree family. Unlike other palms that tower above the foliage around them, these trees grow beneath the forest canopy in their native environment. Due to this livelihood, they do well in home interiors where light isn't as easy to come by. In fact, this plant does best without any direct light, which can fry its long and bright, green foliage.

The biggest perk of parlor palms is that they require little to no care throughout the year. They don't need pruning and should be trimmed sparingly, if at all. Parlor palms prefer spots away from windows and direct sun, and they simply need to be kept in well-draining, lightly-moist soil. They're most content when left alone and require minimal effort as long as their basic needs are met.

Kentia palms (Howea forsteriana) are also part of the palm tree family, however, they are often overlooked for more popular palm species instead. Surprisingly, these plants are equally beautiful but easier to grow than the popular majesty palm. Their feather-shaped leaves are extraordinarily long and have a rich, green color, easily absorbing indirect sunlight. They adapt to a wide range of indoor light conditions — in fact, putting them in direct sunlight is a bigger concern than putting them in lackluster lighting.

In addition to subpar lighting, kentia palms withstand dust accumulation and exposure to heat drafts. Naturally, this makes them a perfect fit for gardeners who want a robust and elegant indoor plant. They aren't toxic to cats or dogs, either. They do best in partial shade, and thrive best in east- and north-facing windows, which receive the least amount of light. Ensure the soil remains moderately moist and is well-draining, and your palm should be happy.