Trees that make the best houseguests

Sunset, Jan, 1995 by Jim McCausland

These 12 trees will thrive indoors as long as you take good care of them

LUSH-LOOKING HOUSE TREES add natural grace to interior design. Gardeners have been growing trees indoors for the last century or so, and during that time, two classes of trees--palms and ornamental figs--have become favorites, along with a few trees from other plant groups.

We list 12 of the best choices. Average costs are for 5- to 6-foot specimens, but if you're willing to buy a smaller plant and nurse it to maturity, you'll pay a much smaller price. Shop at nurseries that sell indoor plants.

PALMS BRING TROPICAL ELEGANCE INDOORS

Select a variety that fits your space, since indoor palms can't be top-pruned or they will stop growing and die.

Fishtail palm (Caryota). Though this is a feather palm, its fishtail-shaped fronds put it in a class by itself. Give it plenty of light, a high ceiling, and even moisture; fertilize regularly to prevent yellowing. The single-trunked fishtail wine palm (C. urens) grows fast; clustered fishtail palm (C. mitis) is slower, developing multiple trunks. Cost is around $80.

Kentia palm (Howea); the favorite variety is called paradise palm (H. forsterana). Kentia's 9-foot feathery leaves emerge from a single, slow-growing trunk. This tree takes relatively low light if you don't overwater. About $150.

Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa). One of the finest clumping-fan palms, this one grows slowly and almost never gets too big for indoor display. It likes even moisture, so you can put it in a self-watering container. About $100.

Triangle palm (Neodypsis decaryi). This single-trunked feather palm, which takes its name from the triangular cross section of trunk and frond stems, looks best when planted in groups. Costing about $60, it's a less expensive alternative to the similar kentia palm.

THE FICUS FAMILY

Ornamental fig trees are beautiful and fast-growing, and they do well in relatively low light.

Ficus maclellandii 'Alii'. You won't think "Ficus" when you see this tree's dark, long, eucalyptus-like leaves, though its size and habit are similar to those of weeping fig. One of the very best figs, 'Alii' doesn't drop its leaves when moved, and it takes low light if you let it dry out between waterings. About $40.

Indian laurel fig (Ficus microcarpa nitida). It looks much like weeping fig, but its leaves are thicker, slightly larger, and less wavy edged. 'Green Gem' is the best choice. About $60.

Nuda fig (Ficus benjamina 'Nuda'). Its leaves are much larger, waxier, and less likely to drop than those of standard weeping fig, and this tree's form is more upright. About $100.

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). This tree is graceful and easy to shape, and it takes an amazing amount of abuse. If you move it from a sunny porch to a darker living room, it will horrify you by dropping all its old leaves, then hearten you by growing a new set. Both 'Wintergreen' and variegated weeping fig are less prone to shedding and can tolerate lower light. About $40.

OTHER CHOICE TREES

African fern pine (Podocarpus gracilior). Thin, dark green leaves cloak this tree, whose upright form tends to be columnar. It likes plenty of light but can tolerate low light; water it well. About $125.

Bottle palm (Beaucarnea recurvata). Given good light and little water, bottle palm grows slowly, developing a swollen, bulbous base. Put it where you won't brush against its sharp leaves. About $125.

Ming aralia (Polyscias fruticosa). This handsome, slow-growing tree tops out at just under standard ceiling height. It demands bright light, and if you don't let it dry out between waterings, especially in winter, it will die. About $150.

Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla). This symmetrical conifer is a standard tabletop Christmas tree. It grows well indoors if given plenty of light. Don't top it or you'll destroy its form. About $60.

NESTING CONTAINERS

Nesting your house tree's nursery pot in a larger ceramic or plastic container makes it easy to move the tree for root pruning and repotting. If the outer container is waterproof, the inner pot should rest on 2 to 3 inches of river rock to keep the lowest roots out of standing water. If the outer container has a drainage hole, use both a saucer and a trivet below it.