Indoor Japanese Maple? Choose a True Houseplant Tree Instead

Biology Refresher

Houseplants adapted to low light, low humidity, pots, no seasons. Outdoor trees (including Arbor Day maples) need dormancy, root space, seasonal cues. Indoors they decline and die.

Real Indoor Trees

Abutilon, Ficus, Schefflera, Fatsia, Rubber Tree, Palms, Banana, Avocado, Citrus, Aralia, Dieffenbachia, Norfolk Pine, Yucca, Corn Plant, Fiddleleaf Fig, Monkey Puzzle. Many become large.

Arbor Day Trees

Pot them outdoors on a deck; plant in ground after 1–2 years. Research best planting site first.