After being asked increasingly more frequently for my suggestions on trees that will thrive within homes and workspaces, I thought I would put together a blog post listing my Top 5 Internal Trees that will thrive inside and outside the home.
My top 5 come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t need to throw out the sofa in order to squeeze in a horse chestnut *spoiler alert – horse chestnut’s are not on the list, that would be absolutely conkers. Thanks to all dads, everywhere, for that one!
A breath of fresh air
Perhaps following on from the growing trend for packing our homes and work spaces with leafy houseplants, the last few years have seen a surge in popularity for incorporating green walls and internal trees into businesses and commercial spaces, which, in turn are beginning to lay down roots in our homes too.
As trees can provide a number of benefits, including improved air quality, increased productivity, and creating a more calming and relaxing atmosphere – I say, bring it on, or in…the trees, I mean.
The benefits
According to the National Institute of Health, there are rising cases of respiratory diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma being reported, and this has been attributed to increasing air pollution, urbanisation, and climate change. One of the most significant benefits of internal trees is their ability to improve air quality. Trees help to remove pollutants from the air, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. They also release oxygen into the air, which can help to improve respiratory health.
In addition to those impressive green credentials, internal trees can also help to increase productivity. Studies have shown that people who work in offices surrounded by plants are more productive than those who work in offices without plants. This is likely due to the fact that having plants around us can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn leads to improved focus and concentration.
As well as creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere, internal trees can help to bring in a striking statement to a room that might not have necessarily have any character of its own, and, the sheer presence of them will help you to feel more grounded and connected to nature which can improve your overall mood and well-being.
Top 5 Internal Trees
If you are considering adding an internal tree to your home or business, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, you need to choose a tree that is appropriate for the size of your space. You also need to make sure that the tree will get enough sunlight in its location to thrive. Finally, you will need to be prepared to care for the tree on a regular basis. An internal tree is a costly investment so it’s important to make sure that it is the right tree for the right environment or you run the risk of ending up with an expensive hat rack my friend.
So here they are – My top 5 internal trees in no particular order:
- Calamondin Orange Tree
The Calamondin Orange Tree has been on my wish list for some time. It’s a small tree that packs a punch. It’s vivid, orange citrus fruit will add a burst of sunshine to your space and in turn a huge smile to your face. Calamondin trees are easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors, so they are a great option if you want to create consistency in your indoor and outdoor planting, blurring the lines between the two.
Here are some tips for caring for a Calamondin Orange Tree:
- Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Feed using an organic plant food once a month during the growing season.
- Place in a spot that gets full sun or partial shade.
- If planting outdoors, it will need protecting from frost in cold climates.
- Prune to maintain desired shape and size.
Calamondin Orange Trees are relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to scale, mealybugs, and aphids. If you see any pests, treat them immediately with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
With proper care, Calamondin Orange Trees can live for many years and even produce fruit for you to enjoy.
2. Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) is a popular evergreen tree that is known for its graceful, weeping branches and glossy leaves. It is native to Southeast Asia and Australia, and can grow up to 60 feet tall in its natural habitat. However, when grown indoors, Weeping Figs typically only reach heights of 6-8 feet.
Care tips for a Weeping Fig tree:
- They need bright, indirect sunlight and moist, well-draining soil.
- Do not move them around too frequently as this can make them go into shock and cause them to drop their leaves.
- They should also be watered regularly, but it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Feed using an organic plant food once a month during the growing season.
- Weeping figs are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so it is important to inspect them regularly and treat any problems as soon as possible.
- Prune your weeping fig in the spring to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
If you have a little bit more space to play with, and are looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for tree, a Weeping Fig is a great option.
3. Guiana Chestnut (Pachira aquatica)
Guiana Chestnut, also known as Money Tree, is a popular houseplant that is native to Central and South America. It is a member of the mallow family and is known for its attractive, braided trunks.
Money Trees are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, but can also tolerate some direct sun. Money Trees are not particularly prone to pests or diseases, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites.
Care tips for a Guiana Chestnut tree:
- Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Feed using an organic plant food once a month during the growing season.
- Place in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- Protect from frost in cold climates if planting outdoors.
- Repot as needed into a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot.
- Prune to maintain desired shape and size.
Money Trees are often given as gifts because they are said to bring good luck. They are also a popular choice for Feng Shui practitioners, who believe that they can help to attract positive energy into the home.
4. Olive Tree (Arbequina)
Olive Trees are becoming a popular choice for those who want to bring the rustic beauty of the Mediterranean into their homes. These trees are relatively low maintenance and can thrive in indoor conditions if given the right care. They are evergreen and slow growing so you don’t have to worry about them outgrowing smaller spaces.
- Place in a sunny spot. Olive trees need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. A south-facing window is ideal.
- Feed monthly using an organic plant food during the growing season.
- As your olive tree grows, it will need to be repotted into a larger pot every other year so that the roots have enough space to spread out. Early spring is the best time to do this.
- Olive trees can be pruned to maintain their shape. Pruning can also help to encourage new growth.
- Use well-draining soil. Olive trees do not like soggy soil, so it is important to use well-draining soil. You can add perlite or sand to the soil to improve drainage.
- Overwatering is one of the most common causes of problems with olive trees. Water your tree when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Be patient. Olive trees can take several years to mature and produce fruit. However, with proper care, your tree may eventually produce delicious olives.
5. Polyscias Ming – Aralia Ming
Polyscias Ming is a slow-growing plant that can reach heights of up to 6 feet in its native habitat. However, when grown indoors, it is typically much smaller, reaching heights of 2-3 feet.
Polyscias Ming has dark green, glossy leaves arranged in an unusual spiral pattern on the stems. The plant has a woody trunk that can become quite gnarled and twisted with age which adds to it’s rustic charm.
Polyscias Ming is a toxic plant to cats and dogs, so it is important to keep it out of reach of pets.
Here are some tips for caring for Polyscias Ming:
- Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Feed monthly using an organic plant food during the growing season.
- Place in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- Protect from cold drafts.
- Repot as needed into a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot.
- Prune to maintain desired shape and size.
So there they are, my Top 5 Internal Trees for creating a leafy sanctuary within the home, that feels truly deep rooted in nature.
For more tips on how to introduce biophilic design principles into your home or workspace, you can read Marianna’s new book ‘At Home with Nature‘.
