Fiddle leaf figs may be beautiful, but they’re famously picky—dropping leaves at the slightest change. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor trees that bring the same dramatic flair with far less effort.
These 18 houseplant heroes are low-maintenance, eye-catching, and perfect for adding life and height to your home—minus the high-maintenance drama.
Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
With glossy, broad leaves and upright growth, rubber trees make a bold statement. They’re hardy, forgiving, and adapt well to different light levels.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
This classic indoor tree has graceful, arching branches and glossy leaves. It’s more resilient than a fiddle leaf but still brings that sculptural charm.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Elegant and pet-friendly, the parlor palm thrives in low light and adds a soft tropical touch to any room. It’s nearly foolproof for beginners.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Known for its braided trunk and good luck reputation, the money tree tolerates a range of conditions and loves bright, indirect light.
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Tough, tolerant, and striking, the corn plant adds a pop of green with striped, sword-like leaves. It thrives on neglect and adapts well to indoor life.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Also called the butterfly palm, this plant brings an airy, tropical feel. It grows tall indoors and purifies the air while needing minimal care.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Slim and architectural, the dragon tree has spiky leaves with red edges. It’s one of the easiest indoor trees to care for and tolerates a bit of neglect.
Indoor Citrus Tree
Lemon, lime, or calamondin trees offer glossy leaves, fragrant blooms, and sometimes fruit indoors. Just give them sun and occasional pruning.
Olive Tree (Olea europaea)
This Mediterranean beauty loves bright light and brings silvery-green elegance to modern homes. It’s drought-tolerant and surprisingly easy to grow indoors.
Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
With shiny, hand-like leaf clusters, the umbrella tree is cheerful and adaptable. It’s low-fuss and thrives in bright, indirect light.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
This quirky tree has a bulbous trunk and long, curly leaves. Despite its name, it’s not a true palm—but it is nearly indestructible.
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
This soft-needled evergreen brings a pine-like feel indoors. It’s perfect for year-round greenery and even serves as a living holiday tree.
Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis)
Less dramatic than its cousin the fiddle leaf, Ficus Audrey has velvety green leaves and a more laid-back attitude. It’s easier to grow and just as attractive.
Banana Plant (Musa spp.)
For a lush, tropical look, banana plants are a showstopper. They love humidity and sunlight but grow surprisingly well in large pots indoors.
Candle Plant (Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’)
Tall and sculptural, this succulent-like plant adds height and color without needing much water. It’s great for modern, sunny interiors.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This hardy plant won’t get as tall as a tree but delivers bold, upright growth with a glossy, tree-like presence. It thrives in low light and dry soil.
Aralia (Polyscias spp.)
This underrated indoor tree has deeply cut, lacy leaves and a natural bonsai shape. It brings a touch of drama with minimal upkeep.
Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa)
With delicate, fern-like foliage and a slender upright habit, Ming aralia looks exotic but is surprisingly easy to grow. It prefers bright, indirect light and occasional pruning.
You don’t need a fussy fiddle leaf fig to make a big impact indoors. These 18 indoor trees bring the same height, beauty, and style—with way less drama. Pick your favorite, pot it up, and let it thrive in your space—no leaf-dropping tantrums required.
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