Popular Types of the Little Tree Plant
Bring the structural beauty of a tree indoors. This guide helps you select and maintain houseplants with a distinct trunk and canopy for any living space.
A “little tree plant” is a houseplant cultivated to have a single, woody stem and a distinct canopy of leaves, mimicking the form of a full-sized tree. This structure introduces a vertical element to interior design, adding a sense of height to a room. These plants bring a substantial piece of nature indoors, creating a focal point without the unmanaged growth of a shrub. Their managed, sculptural quality allows them to fit into various decor styles.
Popular Indoor Plants That Look Like Trees
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is recognized for its very large, violin-shaped leaves. These glossy, heavily veined leaves grow upright from a slender trunk, creating a dramatic and sculptural form. It can grow tall indoors, reaching heights of up to 10 feet, making it a focal point in a room with adequate vertical space. Its fast-growing nature allows it to quickly establish a tree-like presence.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) is identified by its braided trunk and bright, palmate leaves that form a lush canopy. This plant is considered a symbol of good fortune and has a forgiving nature, making it suitable for newer plant owners. The dense foliage provides a full, vibrant green look that contrasts with the stylized trunk.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Ficus elastica, the Rubber Plant, has large, waxy, dark green leaves. This plant can grow tall inside, reaching up to ten feet, and its sturdy stem can be encouraged to grow as a single trunk. The Rubber Plant is low-maintenance and drought-resistant, making it a resilient choice. It can achieve a tree-like stature relatively quickly.
Yucca Plant (Yucca elephantipes)
The Yucca plant is ideal for a modern or desert-inspired aesthetic. It features sharp, sword-like leaves that sprout from a thick, woody cane, giving it a distinct architectural silhouette. This plant is tough and drought-tolerant, thriving in bright light with minimal watering.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is a good choice for beginners. It is characterized by slender, woody stems topped with tufts of narrow, arching leaves, often edged in red or pink. This plant is slow-growing and adapts well to containers, making it easy to manage indoors. It tolerates a range of light conditions and has low maintenance needs.
General Care for Your Little Tree Plant
Light Requirements
Most plants with a tree-like shape flourish in bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a window with a sheer curtain. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of sensitive species like the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Rotate the plant weekly to ensure all sides receive light, which promotes even, upright growth and prevents leaning.
Watering and Soil
Consistent watering is important, but avoid overwatering. Many of these plants prefer the “drench and dry” method, where the soil is thoroughly watered and then allowed to dry out before the next watering. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. A well-draining potting mix is also fundamental to ensure water moves freely through the soil.
Pruning to Maintain a Tree Shape
The most common technique is to remove the lower leaves from the stem. This process, called “limbing up,” exposes the bottom portion of the trunk to create the bare stem that defines the tree form. This should be done gradually, removing only a few leaves at a time to avoid stressing the plant. The aim is to create a “lollipop” shape with a clear trunk and a full head of foliage.
To encourage a denser, bushier canopy, you can pinch off the new growth at the top of the plant. This action signals the plant to redirect its energy into producing more lateral branches and leaves, rather than growing taller. This selective pruning helps form a fuller, more rounded canopy.
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space
Selecting the right plant involves matching its needs to your home’s environment and its mature size to your available space. Consider the light conditions in your home, as some plants like the Yucca require bright light while others like the Dragon Tree are more tolerant of lower light. For households with pets, it is important to check for toxicity. The Fiddle Leaf Fig, for example, is toxic to pets, while a Money Tree is a safer, non-toxic alternative.