Question
I am interested in getting an indoor tree or shrub for the Christmas season, but I would like to keep in indoors year-round.  The dwarf alberta spruce was mentioned to me, but after doing research I came across your answer that the alberta spruce should be moved outdoors.  I am also interested in a small pyramid cedar, but cannot seem to find them anywhere.  Do you have any suggestions for a tree/shrub/plant that is pyramid shaped & slow growing?  Denver, Colorado.

Answer
Christy,

Only tropical trees will work indoors, trees that grow in their natural climate at the same temperatures as your home. In an evergreen tree, the only one that fits that description would be the Norfolk Island Pine. If you want something pyramid shaped you can do that with a rosemary bush but you need to keep that cool and on the dry side to keep it alive. By cool, I mean around 50 degrees.

Other tropical options would be a ficus tree, a large one or a small bonsai ficus. Any tree will remain small if you do not continually repot it into a larger pot. You could also do a search online for tropical bonsai trees. Since you are in Denver I know there used to be a wonderful bonsai artist in Golden who sold trees. If he is still there I reccommend that you visit him. Good luck.

Darlene