Indoor trees: Markus Phlippen’s best low-maintenance living-room trees

Indoor trees are subtly transforming living rooms, bringing calmer moods, fresher-feeling air and a touch of indoor “jungle” theatre to even the smallest city flats.

TV gardening specialist Markus Phlippen has been promoting the idea of “living furniture” on the German programme Hier und heute, showcasing house-suitable trees that cope well with being left alone rather than needing constant attention. His shortlist makes the point that you can enjoy the presence of a genuine tree shape indoors without a conservatory or specialist plant knowledge.

Why indoor trees are having a moment

Studies have associated indoor planting with reduced stress, improved focus and a stronger overall sense of wellbeing. While a few small pots on a sill add colour, taller, tree-like plants make use of height, turning bare walls into an almost stage-like green backdrop.

"Think of an indoor tree as a long-term flatmate: it grows with you over years, not just a season."

That sense of continuity has become especially appealing for people working from home. A taller plant beside a desk or sofa helps break up the look of screens, cables and plain, light-coloured walls. Phlippen says that, with the right species, you can create a “mini jungle” feel while keeping day-to-day care straightforward.

Elephant’s foot: the architectural beginner’s tree

What makes Beaucarnea recurvata so forgiving

For first-timers, Phlippen repeatedly recommends the elephant’s foot (Beaucarnea recurvata). It has an exotic look, but its habits are pragmatic: the bulbous trunk base stores water much like a camel’s reserves, so the odd missed watering is rarely catastrophic.

• Light: Prefers plenty of sun, ideally beside a south-facing window.
• Water: Water sparingly; let the compost dry out thoroughly between waterings.
• Air: Handles dry air from central heating with little fuss.

With long, narrow, hair-like leaves tumbling from the top of a bottle-shaped stem, it doubles as a strong “design object”. In a bright corner, it can visually “anchor” the room in the way a floor lamp might.

"The elephant’s foot thrives on neglect, as long as it gets strong light and avoids constantly wet soil."

The biggest pitfall is overwatering. If the container sits in water, the thickened trunk can begin to rot. Using a weighty, free-draining growing mix and a pot with a sizeable drainage hole helps keep it healthy for the long haul.

Money tree: lush foliage without the drama

Why Pachira aquatica is trending

The money tree (Pachira aquatica)-often sold with plaited trunks-has quickly become a favourite on Instagram. Phlippen flags it up for anyone chasing a proper “tree” outline indoors: woody stems, a spreading crown, and soft green leaves that pick up the light.

Compared with the elephant’s foot, it does better with more moderate conditions.

Care factor	Money tree preference
Light	Bright spot, but avoid strong midday sun
Humidity	High, similar to the atmosphere in a bathroom or kitchen
Pruning	Accepts regular trimming to keep the size in check
Water	Keep evenly moist-neither bone dry nor waterlogged

Because it responds positively to pruning, you can either keep it neat on a sideboard or allow it to grow upwards towards the ceiling. Shortening back stretched, spindly growth encourages a fuller canopy, strengthening that compact, tree-like appearance.

"Placed away from scorching sun and kept in humid air, the money tree delivers a soft, tropical canopy all year round."

In tight flats, a simple humidity boost is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles with a small amount of water. As the water evaporates, moisture rises around the leaves without leaving the roots sitting in wet compost.

Monstera: the urban jungle staple

Monstera deliciosa as a statement tree

Monstera deliciosa is often treated as a foliage “icon” rather than a tree, but indoors it can behave like one. Given time, it develops thick stems, aerial roots and large perforated leaves that suggest a trunk-and-canopy structure-particularly when trained up a moss pole or secured to a robust stake.

Phlippen stresses that Monsteras thrive on balance: they like humidity, but not permanently wet compost; and they prefer a consistent, slightly cooler room over the drying heat of overworked radiators.

• Mist the foliage often, particularly during the winter heating period.
• Allow the top of the compost to dry a little before watering again.
• Keep it away from radiators and hot-air vents.

Those bold, split leaves have a purpose beyond aesthetics. In the wild, the openings help light pass through crowded forest canopies. Indoors, the leaf shapes throw graphic shadows and patterns onto blank walls and photograph beautifully-one reason Monstera remains central to social-media plant trends.

"A healthy Monstera can dominate a room, functioning almost like a green room divider."

Where space is at a premium, younger plants can be guided upwards by tying stems to their support, which helps prevent the wide-sprawling habit that often discourages renters.

Rubber plant: green decor with built-in air filter

Ficus elastica for cleaner indoor air

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a classic houseplant that is firmly back in fashion. Phlippen describes it as a resilient, low-effort indoor tree with an extra advantage: its broad, shiny leaves can catch dust and some airborne particles, which can make the air feel a little cleaner.

Its care routine is pleasingly undemanding.

• Water lightly and make sure any excess drains away.
• Provide bright, indirect light, although it will cope with some shade.
• Clean the leaves with a damp cloth to lift off dust.

"Regular leaf cleaning keeps the rubber plant healthier and lets it do a better job as a natural dust catcher."

The reflective surface of the foliage can also bounce light back into the space, helping to lift darker corners. With many modern varieties now offering deep burgundy tones or variegation, it can be styled from understated to striking without needing extra attention.

Choosing the right indoor tree for your home

Phlippen’s picks underline how strongly the “best” indoor tree depends on how you live. If you’re often away, the elephant’s foot is well suited to longer dry stretches. If your home office is on the dim side, a rubber plant’s tolerance for less-than-ideal light can be a practical advantage.

Before you buy, weigh up three basics: available light, indoor humidity and your own routine. A south-facing window-particularly if there’s a radiator beneath-tends to favour drought-tolerant plants. Bathrooms and steamy kitchens, on the other hand, are natural fits for humidity-loving money trees and Monsteras.

Common terms and real-life scenarios

Two phrases frequently trip up beginners: “bright, indirect light” and “waterlogging”. “Bright, indirect light” means a space where you can read comfortably in daylight without turning a lamp on, but where the sun does not beat directly onto the leaves for long periods. “Waterlogging” is when the compost becomes so saturated that air pockets disappear, roots lose oxygen and rot becomes more likely.

Picture a common winter set-up in a small flat: the radiators are running, the air feels dry and the days are short. In that situation, an elephant’s foot in the brightest window, paired with a rubber plant positioned slightly back, can provide dependable greenery with minimal input. A Monstera can still suit the space, but it will appreciate a simple leaf-misting habit and, if possible, a small humidifier.

It’s also sensible to be aware of potential downsides. Some Ficus and Monstera plants may cause mild irritation if pets chew the leaves. People with sensitivities can also react to sap during pruning. Straightforward precautions help-wear gloves when cutting, and place plants where curious animals cannot easily reach.

With thoughtful choices, these indoor trees can complement each other. A tall rubber plant can form the background, a Monstera can fill the mid-level, and an elephant’s foot can sit lower, creating a layered effect within a single corner. The result is the “green jungle” look Markus Phlippen describes on screen, but achieved through realistic care habits that suit busy urban routines.