Small tropical fruit plants do well at home provided that they are placed in areas with high indoor temperatures and enough sunlight. Thus, even if you live in a region with a cold climate, you can still plant some of the tropical species indoors. And when you choose the right plants, you will start enjoying fresh and free exotic fruit at home in no time!
We all know that tropical fruits are super rich in nutrients and can help you and your family maintain good health if eaten regularly.
Apart from producing delicious fruits, small tropical fruit plants are also a great way to add to your home as attractive décor elements.
However, be sure you get informed about the habitat where these plants grow naturally in order to recreate a similar type of environment for them to flourish. In most cases, if the indoor air conditions are regulated to provide them with near-tropical conditions, you will find that many of these plants will thrive easily.
So, let’s check out some of the small tropical fruit plants that you can grow indoors.
The pomegranate plant is compact enough to do well in containers. Thus, for growing it, you will need a container with well-draining soil. Ensure you place the plant near the window for it to access enough sunlight.
Usually, pomegranates need insect or manual pollination. But some varieties are bred for indoors, requiring no insects for pollination. You can comfortably plant the small pomegranate tree inside and it will blossom to offer you fruit.
Pineapples are easy to cultivate indoors in pots. You’ll need a large container with potting soil, and only minimal care is required. Pineapple plants have thick leaves that won’t wilt quickly, and they thrive in moist but well-drained soil.
The olive tree requires about 6 hours of daily sunlight. It doesn’t need much humidity but requires well-draining soil. Indoors, pruning is essential as it can grow taller than 6 feet. In addition to olives, you can also use the leaves to make tea.
Goji berry plants produce tiny, vitamin-rich fruits. Place them in a south-facing window, and allow the soil to dry before watering. Collect ripe berries by shaking the plant. Apart from the fruits, goji plants also add a lovely decorative element indoors.
Known for its creamy, sweet fruits, the sugar apple tree thrives in large containers with well-draining soil. While it may take 3–4 years to fruit, it’s perfect for greenhouses or large indoor spaces.
Fig trees have large, lobed leaves and thrive in sunlight. Indoors, grow lights may help. Prune regularly to manage size and encourage fruiting.
Guava trees are ideal for large pots with moist, organic-rich soil. They produce sweet fruits and fragrant flowers. Fertilize monthly for best results.
Native to the American tropics, this evergreen thrives in warm indoor areas. It produces large, sweet fruits perfect for juices, and its leaves can be used for tea.
Kumquat trees are small, cold-tolerant citrus plants. They do best in high humidity, with lots of sunlight, and provide nutrient-rich fruits.
Meyer lemon trees, especially dwarf varieties, are perfect for indoors. They are self-pollinating and thrive in sunny rooms with well-draining soil.
Dwarf key lime trees are vigorous and bear fruit year-round. They need lots of sunlight and may benefit from being moved outdoors in summer.
Dwarf June plum trees produce mango-like fruits with a sweet-tart flavor. They can be eaten fresh, or used in chutneys, salads, or smoothies.
Dwarf orange varieties like satsumas are excellent for pots. They stay compact with pruning and yield sweet, juicy fruits.
Bonanza peaches are compact (4–6 feet tall) and bloom with pink flowers in spring, producing peaches by late summer. They need lots of sunlight.
Dwarf nectarines like Necta Zee are well-suited for containers. With loamy soil, pruning, and sunlight, they produce delicious fruit.
Passion fruit vines need a trellis, well-drained soil, and sunlight. Bonsai varieties are best for indoors, offering beautiful flowers and tasty fruits.
Dwarf apricot trees like Moorpark grow compact (around 6 feet) and thrive in sunny spots with loamy, well-drained soil. They require little pruning.
Ground cherries are easy-to-grow bushes with golden, nutrient-rich fruits. They need large pots, well-drained soil, and full sunlight to thrive.
These are some of the best small tropical fruit plants you can introduce into your home. They are relatively easy to grow, rewarding you with fresh fruits while enhancing your décor with tropical flair. A healthy and aesthetic choice for any home!