10 Indoor Trees That Thrive in Low Light

Here's how to select a tree that will love your place as much as you do.

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Published on July 28, 2023

The Importance of Choosing the Right Indoor Trees for Low Light Conditions

Remember learning about photosynthesis back in school? It's been a while for all of us, so let's refresh. A tree uses chlorophyll, a chemical compound in its leaves, to absorb the sun's energy, which it then uses to convert the other things it gathers—water, carbon dioxide, and minerals—into simple sugars. It puts some of these sugars to work right away for growth and converts the rest into other substances, including starch that it stores in its branches, trunk, and roots, for future growth and photosynthesis.

In short, the future health of your tree depends on its access to light. That said, some trees have adapted to low light intensity and are better able to photosynthesize low-energy light than others. They'll be your tree-shopping sweet spot for a lower-light location.

Getting it right matters more than you might think, says Sharon Yiesla, who works as a matchmaker and trouble-shooter for Chicagoans as Plant Knowledge Specialist with the Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic. "A lot of the plants and trees being recommended for low light don't like it," she says. "They'll tolerate low light for a while, but they're never going to be as full and lovely as they could be."

Knowing the light in your intended spot and choosing accordingly will go a long way toward keeping your tree lush and growing.

Indoor Trees to Grow in Low-Light Conditions

Consider these low-light-loving indoor tree recommendations from Yiesla and Marc Hachadourian, who oversees hundreds of indoor trees as director of Glasshouse Horticulture with the New York Botanical Garden.

Corn Plant

Dracaena fragrans isn't related to corn, but it looks like it could be with long, flat leaves that grow in fountain-like arcs from a thick, woody stem. It's an easy indoor tree that can take a little neglect. And while it likes bright light, it'll chug along uncomplainingly with less, especially with an occasional outdoor getaway in the right weather.

Water: Keep consistently moist during its growing season, spring through fall, watering weekly until moisture comes out through the container's drainage holes. Cut back in winter, allowing the soil to approach dryness before watering again.
Soil type: organically rich, well-draining, such as a peat-based potting mix
Temperature: 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (avoid temperatures below 50 degrees)

Dragon Tree

Easy-to-care for Dracaena marginata can tolerate just about any light, from dim to bright. Plant in loose, well-draining soil, and don't over-love your dragon tree. Wet feet can quickly cause root rot in this plant, so allow soil to dry between waterings.

Water: Keep consistently moist during its growing season, spring through fall, watering weekly until moisture comes out through the container's drainage holes. Cut back in winter, allowing the soil to approach dryness before watering again.
Soil type: organically rich, well-draining, such as a peat-based potting mix
Temperature: 60 to 80 degrees

False Aralia

Pleranda elegantissima, formerly called Schefflera elegantissima, starts as a plant but can grow to a small tree (which is great for indoors) over time, Hachadourian says. Its glossy, serrated leaves evolve from copper or burgundy to rich green as they mature, especially in bright, indirect light or with a little direct morning sun. A slow grower, false aralia maintains a slender form that's great for smaller spaces.

Water: Provide steady moisture, watering when the top 1 to 2 inches are dry before watering again, but avoid soggy soil.
Soil type: peat-based potting soil mixed with perlite, sand, and vermiculite to drain quickly
Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees (but can handle occasional dips to about 45 degrees)

Ficus "Willow Leaf"

Beautiful Ficus "Alii" has long, droopy leaves that give it a willowy look. And while ficus generally likes lots of indirect light, the willow leaf cultivar can take lower light levels, growing more slowly when its light supply is limited.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist during its growing season, spring through fall, watering until moisture comes out through the container's drainage holes. Cut back in winter, waiting for the top of the soil to dry without allowing the pot to dry out completely between waterings.
Soil type: fertile, peat-based potting soil mixed with perlite, sand, gravel, and/or vermiculite to drain quickly
Temperature: 70 degrees or higher (avoid spots with cold drafts and temperatures below 60 degrees)

Money Tree

If you've ever admired a pretty tree with a braided stem in a yoga studio or public building, chances are you were looking at a money tree. Pachira aquatica is believed to create positive chi in an indoor space, where it can grow to a height of 6 to 8 feet. This tropical can handle anything from full sun to part shade; add a grow light for better growth.

Water: Water whenever the top inch of the soil is dry; more frequently during its growing season in spring and summer. Make sure your tree's container has good drainage to avoid wet feet. Keep air moist.
Soil type: fertile, well-draining potting soil. Add peat moss, perlite, sand, or gravel for extra drainage if needed.
Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees (avoid warm and cold drafts)

Norfolk Island Pine

Araucaria heterophylla gives off a pleasant fragrance and has curved needles that give it a soft, fernlike texture. While it prefers full sun or bright, indirect light, it can do well in low light, Hachadourian says, and will typically grow from 3 to 8 feet tall inside, depending on conditions and care.

Water: Moderately moist but not soggy. Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings, then water until moisture comes out through the container's drainage holes.
Soil type: sandy but rich, well-draining potting soil. Add peat moss for extra drainage if needed.
Temperature: 65 to 70 degrees (can tolerate cooler and warmer temperatures, but avoid anything below 35 degrees)

Ponytail Palm

A succulent, this popular plant likes sunlight but will tolerate less. "Low light just makes it grow really slowly," Yiesla says. Another plus: Beaucarnea recurvata stores water in its bulbous base, so you don't have to baby it.

Water: Water every one to two weeks during its growing season in spring and summer and monthly in winter.
Soil type: sandy, well-draining soil, like a cactus/succulent mix with peat mixed in for added nutrients and drainage
Temperature: 60 degrees or higher (avoid temperatures below 50 degrees)

Rubber Plant

With good care, a fast-growing Ficus elastica can reach 6 to 10 feet tall inside. Balance your rubber tree's growth by turning the plant regularly so it doesn't lean toward the window, Yiesla says.

Water: Keep soil moist but not soaked, watering when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Avoid allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Soil type: well-draining potting soil
Temperature: 60 to 75 degrees (avoid cool drafts and consider using a humidifier to boost room humidity)

Spineless Yucca

Evergreen Yucca elephantipes can handle low light, and its leaves are softer and more user-friendly than those of other yucca varieties. Inside, it will grow to about 5 feet tall.

Water: Water regularly but allow soil to dry fully between waterings to avoid root rot.
Soil type: Loose, sandy, infertile soil. Combine one part potting soil to three parts perlite or coarse sand for maximum drainage.
Temperature: Prefers 65 to 90 degrees but can tolerate outdoor temperatures in the mid-30s

ZZ Plant

Another low-care plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia likes bright, indirect light but will also thrive with less. A tropical plant, it can grow to 4 feet tall indoors and has gorgeous deep green leaves.

Water: Water every two to three weeks, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Soil type: Any well-draining potting mix
Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees (avoid temperatures below 60 degrees)

Common Problems and Solutions When Growing Indoor Trees in Low Light

Make sure your low-light indoor tree lives its best life with these solutions for common issues.

Dropping Leaves

The likely cause is too much low light. It's normal for a tree to drop leaves for its first few weeks in your home, Yiesla says. But if the problem continues, the spot you've chosen is probably too dark. Another sign that the light's not enough: new leaves aren't growing to their full size. Consider these solutions if you notice an uptick in dropping leaves.

Clean Your Windows

We're not judging (trust us), but swiping off the dust on the glass makes a surprising difference to your plants. Removing window screens in winter months also helps boost sunlight indoors.

Move Your Tree

Choose a spot that gets better light. Even a month or two in a brighter spot, indoors or out, can provide a pick-me-up.

Take Your Tree Outside

Bring your indoor tree outdoors for a recharge when your weather is mild. Hachadourian, a New Yorker, calls it summer camp for his indoor plants and trees. Choose a shady patio or porch or a spot under a tree in the yard to prevent sunscald. Before bringing your tree back inside, give it a good rinse and inspect for pests. Don't be surprised if a few leaves drop the first few weeks of adjustment to inside life, Yiesla says.

Consider a Grow Light

If you haven't shopped for one in a while, you might be surprised at how good looking and affordable they've become. Put it on a timer, and you'll have one less thing to remember in your day, Hachadourian says.

Curling Leaves and Browning at the Tips

If you noticed these issues, you probably have dry air. The heating and air conditioning systems we use for our own comfort remove moisture from the air, which can be pretty uncomfortable for an indoor tree from the tropics.

The solution is to increase humidity. First, make sure you haven't placed your plant too close to a heat vent or radiator. Then try regular misting to boost your tree's overall health, and consider adding a humidifier to the room.

Yellow or Brown Leaves

Sunscald is probably to blame. Direct sunlight—even if it is infrequent—can be too much for some plants, especially those that prefer low-light conditions. You'll know it's a sunburn if it's only occurring where sun is hitting the plant, usually at the top. Lower leaves or leaves that are shaded by the rest of the plant will still appear healthy.

To solve the problem, keep light indirect. Add a sheer curtain or shade to nearby windows or move your plant to a place that gets only indirect sunlight. Trim away damaged leaves and watch for healthier new growth.

Wilting or Spotted Leaves

If you see any wilted or spotted leaves, you could be overwatering or underwatering—or your tree might be in a container with poor drainage. Do a little research to make sure you're getting your tree's watering routine right. If you suspect poor drainage, repot your plant in a container with more or larger drainage holes. Add shredded bark, peat moss, perlite, or long-fiber sphagnum moss to your potting soil for better water flow.

No Growth and Discolored Leaves

Your indoor tree is likely experiencing a nutrient deficiency if growth is limited—or you're seeing leaves that are lighter green than they used to be (or even turning yellow or light brown).

To help, give supplemental feeding a try. Some trees can gather all the nutrients they need from their potting soil. For others, fertilizer can help fill in for the nutrients and minerals they would get from foliage decay on the forest floor. With a little searching, you'll find options specific to your tree variety. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots.

Where to Purchase Indoor Trees

You can find indoor trees at local plant nurseries, plant boutiques, botanical gardens, and garden centers, which will likely use social media to keep you in the loop about what's in stock. Trees are also available at home stores like Lowes and Home Depot, online through big-box stores like Target and Walmart, and through plant delivery services like Lively Root and The Sill.

If you're trying an online source for the first time, do a test buy of a smaller plant to see if you're happy with the quality and your plant is healthy and free of fungus and pests. When it's time to order your tree, pay for expedited shipping to minimize travel time.

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