Indoor trees can fill an empty space in a room, and bring a feeling of the outdoors into your home. There are several reasons why individuals and families choose to plant and care for indoor trees. Bringing a tree indoors does not necessarily require a tree growing in the middle of your living room. If you have a greenhouse or atrium, there are many additional options for indoor tree life. In these types of indoor spaces, natural light, humidity, temperature and water maintenance can all be controlled.
Indoor trees can also vary in size and maintenance level. Small trees such as the bonsai can rest upon a countertop or desk. The ficus or palm will require much more height for growing upright.
Ficus Trees – This classic indoor tree has several varieties. The fiddle leaf fig and the weeping fig are amongst the most popular. This tree is low maintenance after it has adjusted to its new indoor environment. Do not be discouraged if this tree loses leaves for a few days after being potted and placed indoors. The species is known for losing leaves after environmental changes occur.
The ficus can be placed in any sunny area, but will require consistent watering. If a ficus begins to lose leaves after its adjustment period, the roots may be too large for the potting system. It would be a good idea to re-pot the tree, so that its roots may expand and grow. When a ficus is properly cared for, it can produce beautiful leaf canopies that may live as long as twenty years.
Citrus Trees – Citrus trees, such as lemon, lime or kumquat, will require much more direct sunlight than other indoor trees. If these trees receive up to four hours of direct sunlight each day, they will produce wonderful fruits and flowers that can bring a blossoming smell into any room. Keeping a citrus tree in a greenhouse or sunroom will allow them to grow outward as well as upward. An avocado tree will also produce a fruit, which is wonderful for plucking before a festive dinner party.
Citrus trees grow better in a humid environment. Humidity can be obtained simply by placing a bowl full of water, or decoratively, a rock filled bowl of water in the room where the fruit tree is growing. This will produce a healthier set of blossoms, as well as fruit supply.
Bonsai Trees – There are several different varieties of the bonsai tree. Bonsai require regular trimming and a very specific water schedule. The Chinese Elm and the Zelcova are the two types of bonsai tree easiest to obtain from tree suppliers. These tiny trees fit on most any shelf, but will require sunlight, as would any other living plant. Some bonsai do not adapt well to extremely cold temperatures, so it may be best to check which bonsai would grow better in your home climate zone.
Palm Trees – The indoor palm tree can add a tropical feeling to any home. This type of tree also provides moisture to any household, and an exemplary amount of oxygen. Palms have proven to be the easiest indoor tree species in which to care for. Although they will require a healthy, well-draining soil and much water, the visual pay-off is worth the efforts.
Indoor trees tend to quickly become part of a home, and can create a healthier indoor environment. If your outdoor property is limited, but your green thumb is anxious, indoor trees may be the perfect solution.
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree services in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and stump removal. For more information on Austin tree service please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
