10 Best Indoor Shrubs | Bushier Houseplants

Suyash is a Master Gardener and the Editorial and Strategy Director at BalconyGardenWeb.com. With a focus on houseplant care, he combines over a decade of hands-on horticultural experience with editorial expertise to guide and educate plant enthusiasts.
Learn About Our Editorial Policy

2-Minute Read

Are you looking for Bushier Houseplants that can bring a lush tropical vibe to the space? Here are the best Indoor Shrubs you must not miss!

Imagine walking into a room filled with thriving Indoor Shrubs that not only purify the air but also serve as living works of art. These aren’t just any plants; they’re high-impact shrubs carefully selected to thrive indoors while offering a visual feast for the eyes. From the deep greens of the Schefflera to the exotic allure of the Croton, each indoor shrub we’re about to explore brings its unique panache to your home decor!

Check out the most amazing indoor plants that change color here


Bushy Indoor Shrubs

1. Weeping Fig

Botanical Name: Ficus Benjamina

Leaves

  • Elongated, slender leaves
  • Glossy, dark green

Bushiness

  • Moderate to high
  • Can be trained to be very bushy through regular pruning

These Indoor Shrubs boast a full canopy of slender, glossy leaves. Its dark green foliage adds a touch of sophistication and depth, making it a classic choice for interior design.

2. Lemon Tree

Botanical Name: Citrus × limon

Leaves

  • Oval leaves with slightly serrated edges
  • Bright green

Bushiness

  • Moderate
  • Dwarf varieties suitable for indoors can be pruned to maintain bushiness

This plant with its bright green foliage and the bonus of fragrant blossoms and fruit. Its cheerful appearance makes it a centerpiece in any room, providing a tropical, inviting ambiance.

3. Azalea

Botanical Name: Rhododendron

Leaves

  • Small, elliptical leaves
  • Green to dark green, sometimes with red undertones

Bushiness

  • Moderate
  • Best when regularly pruned, especially after blooming

These Indoor Shrubs are renowned for their striking flowers, but their leaves also contribute to their beauty. The foliage serves as a dark green backdrop to their vivid blooms, resulting in an astonishing display of colors.

4. Croton

Botanical Name: Croton

Leaves

  • A variety of leaf shapes, often with vibrant colors
  • Glossy texture

Bushiness

  • Moderate
  • Can be pruned to encourage bushier growth

The Croton plant is like a splash of paint in your indoor space. With its colorful, glossy leaves in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green, it serves as a living piece of art.

5. Norfolk Island Pine

Botanical Name: Araucaria heterophylla

Leaves

  • Needle-like leaves, clustered in a spiral fashion
  • Soft green

Bushiness

  • Low to moderate
  • Not as bushy as other options but can be managed through selective pruning

These Indoor Shrubs offer a unique, softer take on the traditional pine tree, making it a popular choice during the holiday season. Its layered branches and soft, green needles evoke a sense of elegance and tranquility.

6.  Song of India

Botanical Name: Dracaena reflexa

Leaves

  • Long, narrow leaves with yellow edges
  • Bright green in the center

Bushiness

  • Moderate
  • Responds well to pruning, encouraging new shoot growth

With its striking variegated leaves, the Dracaena Song of India offers a unique blend of colors. The contrast between the bright green centers and yellow edges adds vibrancy and depth to any indoor setting.

7. Rubber Plant

Botanical Name: Ficus elastica

Leaves

  • Large, broad leaves
  • Dark green to burgundy, with a glossy finish

Bushiness

  • Moderate
  • Encourages bushiness with regular pruning

The Rubber Plant exudes luxury with its large, shiny leaves. Whether you choose the dark green or burgundy variety, this plant stands out as a bold, architectural statement.

8. Hibiscus

tanshi1223

Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Leaves

  • Dark green, oval to lance-shaped
  • Sometimes with toothed margins

Bushiness

  • Moderate
  • Pruning after flowering encourages bushier growth

Hibiscus plants are the epitome of tropical allure. Their dark green leaves form a lush backdrop for the exotic, colorful blooms, creating a visual spectacle when in bloom.

9. Umbrella Tree

Botanical Name: Schefflera arboricola

Leaves

  • Lanceolate leaflets forming an umbrella shape
  • Glossy, dark green or variegated

Bushiness

  • High
  • Can be pruned aggressively to maintain a bushy form

The Umbrella Tree, with its glossy, dark leaves, is as eye-catching as it is lush. Its umbrella-like clusters of leaves provide a dense, voluminous look, adding life and vitality to your indoor space.

10. China Doll Plant

Botanical Name: Radermachera sinica

Leaves

  • Small, lacy leaves with serrated edges
  • Bright green color

Bushiness

  • High
  • Thrives when pruned – excellent for maintaining a bushy appearance

The China Doll Plant is ideal for those who seek lushness and intricacy. Its small, bright green leaves offer a delicate, lacy appearance, adding texture and visual interest to any setting.


Watch this video for more information

Recent Posts

Join our 3 Million Followers:

[easy-followers hide_title="yes" new_window="yes" nofollow="yes" show_total="no" total_type="text_before" columns="3" template="roundcolor" nospace="no" hide_value="no" hide_text="no"]

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here