Indoor trees such as fiddle leaf figs, olive trees and lemon trees can be the final touch that anchors a beautiful space. Purchasing a tree for your indoor space can feel like a daunting task when you have to consider how a tree will grow, what kind of care it requires, and if it will even fit in with the aesthetic. In this blog post, we’ll go over all the thing that you should know about buying a tree for your indoor space.
Light Requirements
We’re going to start with this point, because quite frankly, it’s by far and away the most important thing to consider when purchasing any plant for your indoor space. Trees will typically require more light than most other plants that you bring in the home, and for good reason - they’re large plants. When you think about it enough, trees successfully outcompete all other shrub-like plants in their original ecosystems, so it would make sense that they will often need more light than a Pothos or Chinese Evergreen, for example. What does this mean for an indoor setting then? Well, most trees should do perfectly fine in any exposure other than northern just as long as they receive some direct sun at some part of the day. Sometimes there are anomalies, such as a dracaena that is low light tolerant or an olive tree that must be in a south-facing window or under a grow light. When in doubt, be sure to ask your local plant shop which trees would work in your space! You can reach out to us here.
Size and Growth Pattern
The plant that you buy will be different than the plant you will own. This is something we always preach at Promise Supply because it so often overlooked by those looking to buy a tree. Knowing if a tree grows more vertical vs more bushy can help inform your decision. For example, a Weeping Fig will generally tend to grow branches that create a bush like canopy, whereas a Dracaena marginata will grow in a snake-like pattern.
Another important thing to note here is that you can often prune your trees to maintain a desired shape and size. Some plants have to be pruned differently than others, so be sure to do a little bit of research on pruning your specific tree before you take a pair of scissors to your tree.
Budget
This may seem like an obvious point for many people, but having a general budget in mind can determine which tree is the right option for you. More common and fast growing options can be found at a lower price compared to something that is a little more rare or slow growing. If there is a specific plant that you like but it is a bit out of your budget, consider opting for a smaller version of the same plant! Often times, paying a bit more for a plant is just paying to skip the wait time it takes for it to grow into a larger size.
Aesthetic
This is the most subjective of the bunch and easily the most important factor for many people that are looking to buy a tree for their indoor space. What good is a buying a large plant for your home or office if you don’t like the way it looks? Indoor trees can and should elevate the design of the space that it’s placed in. The grandiosity of the Fiddle Leaf, the sophistication of the olive tree and the softness of the Ficus Audrey are all examples of how they can add to an aesthetic. That being said, if your first option isn’t the best fit for your space, there is always a second option that you may not have considered that would also fit perfectly.
If you have any questions about how to purchase a tree for your home or office space, be sure to leave a comment below or contact us!