Indoor tree/tall plant

[slytherinabout]

Hello everyone

I've always wanted an indoor tree (something that would grow to 4/5 foot). I have a perfect space for one in my new house that would be about 2 metres from a radiator, not in direct sunlight.

I have kids and dogs so it needs to be safe for them.

I'm good with houseplants generally, not a complete novice so don't necessarily need a 'beginner' plant.

I've been looking at palms (majesty, kentia) but happy to explore other options.

Any recommendations please? TIA ☺️

A fig would be good, although maybe not so close to a radiator.

Fig trees are toxic to dogs unfortunately 😔

I had a schefflera that size. It was lovely, although I know it's a 'common' house plant.

You can also get yuccas that size. I don't think they are toxic to animals, but cats are definitely toxic to them! They get used as scratching posts.

I've never had one of my dogs get anything to my fig trees. My puppy does chew them occasionally, but not as much as he chews my cast iron plant, which is supposed to be toxic to pets, and seems to have no ill effect from them (I wish I could say the same for the plant, but unfortunately I can't).

Thank you! You've given me lots to look at 🥰

Rubber plant?
i am not brilliant with plants, but I love them. My rubber plant seems happy whatever I do or don’t do

I’ve taken a photo

It was half the size when I bought it about a year ago.

Ooh I like the look of that one! Beautiful big leaves. I'll have a research 😁

Let us know what you go for
My favourite is Monstera. Mine isn’t that big though. I’m a bit in love with them for some reason!

Bird of paradise?

I'll keep you all posted 😁 I'll send a picture when I get one. Probably this weekend 🤞
Unfortunately monstera is toxic to dogs, and bird of paradise requires sun (the only sun is in the toyroom and it would get trashed in there I think!)

A parlour palm and a dragon tree (dragon tree was only £8 in Lidl!)

Thank you all for your help and advice ♥️

Oooo they are lovely!
well done @slytherinabout

@ThatshallotBaby (Great name!)

Im plant sitting one of those for one of the DC; they’re away for the next 18 months. It’s only about a foot high, but would love to give it a boost. Any tips?

Right. Trying to think. They love rainwater and indirect light. I think not to overwater, wait till the soil feels dry.
Hope it grows for you

I’ve got a 6ft ficus benjimena thats a proper trees. It originally came from
lidl at less than a foot!
I know you said theirs poisonous to dogs, but I can’t imagine many dogs would be interested. Mine certainly isn’t.

@MyOwnVolt I don't think mine would ever be interested either. They still have loads in Lidl... one might fall into my trolley when I go on Tuesday! 🙈

I have a Kentia Palm which is lovely, and low maintenance.

Also a Schefflera that got so big and leggy I chopped it all down to an 8 inch stalk and its growing back nicely.

Looking forward to the day my Bird of Paradise flowers - it has lots of lovely big leaves.

Monstera are my favourites though - with the right conditions they can grow to be enormous and are very striking to look at.

I keep buying more books and plants. I think I have a problem 🤣 This thread is making me want even more plants!

Books and plants are good things @slytherinabout

The lidl is terrible for plant lovers. I go every week and there's always a plant there that's just asking to be brought home...

Thanks @ThatshallotBaby I’ve just moved it out of a dark (navy blue walled) corner and into the spring light. It may be too bright. I’ll keep an eye on it.
I didn’t know that about rainwater. Will try and harvest some.

@Ohyeahwaitaminute
Yes good plan. If you can, put it outside when it rains if it’s not too cold. Actually most plants love rainwater, especially if you manage to haul them outside. Hope it thrives

I hadn't looked until this week. I will from now on though! I couldn't see any indoor pots though which was a shame.

Lidl are brilliant, but not consistent. If possible just go in every week or so.