Not much can cause your shoebox of an apartment to feel like a lush, tropical paradise than a plantspecifically, a big plant. More specifically: a tree! A tree that lives and thrives right inside your living room. A few things are non-negotiable to keep so grand a specimen alive and wellnamely, tall enough ceilings to house it comfortably and enough natural light to make it feel like home (home being its native habitat, of course). So no, the dark interior corner of a room isn't probably the best place for it. And yes, you're probably better off buying a young tree and letting it grow and adapt to your home's conditions (which will be cheaper than buying a huge tree, anyway). It is doable! Many trees and large, tree-like plants can thrive indoors if cared for properly, so we rounded up 15 favorites to get you started.
Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia)
"For Jungle vibes," says The Sill's Eliza Blank. "Indoors, these usually max out around 6 feet tall and the leaves naturally split as they mature." Needs: Bright sunlight and high humidity.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
"For that mid-century modern feel," Eliza recommends these tall, spindly plants. "Indoors, they can grow to well over 10 feet, but it wont be straight vertical growth." Needs" Medium to bright, indirect sun ('it will drop leaves if it doesnt get enough sunlight," she cautions).
So long as you're wiling to move them outside eventually (or regularly, during summer months) olive trees in containers can be very happy indoors for short periods of time. Needs: Good drainage and ample direct sun.
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Unsexy name, but a perfectly delightful, palm-like silhouette and yellow-green striped leaves. Needs: Filtered sunlight and little else.
Parlour Palm (Chamaedora elegans)
The O.G. indoor palm tree: Long, palm-like leaves sprout out in abundance around a center stalk, and they can grow quite tall even indoors. Needs: Low light (hooray!) and plenty of moisture.
African Candelabra (Euphorbia ammak) While technically not at all a tree (it's a succulent!), this tree-like plant recommended by Kristina Smith at the Jungalow can grow up to 20 feet tall. Needs: Full- to part-sun and good drainage.
Tree Fern
"Whether a Dicksonia or Cyathea, tree ferns are native to Australia and New Zealand and are absolutely incredible," Jesse gushes. "They grow really tall in nature (not quite as tall in your home) with large feathery fern fronds atop a furry/woody 'trunk'." Needs: Bright light, plenty of water (don't let it dry out), and high humidity.
Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
While more commonly spotted in small sizes, these glossy-leafed beauties can be found come in tree form"and it's beautiful when you do, as they often grow to be 3 to 6' tall," says Eliza. Needs: Bright, indirect light and some coddling (wipe the leaves clean when they get dusty!).
Bird of Paradise (
