10 Fast Growing Indoor Plants
Fast growing indoor plants are an excellent way to bring life, color, and energy to your home.
These plants grow quickly and are generally easy to care for, making them perfect for experienced and novice gardeners.
They can quickly fill empty spaces, improve air quality, and even reduce stress by providing a calming, natural atmosphere.
Moreover, fast-growing indoor plants are often more resilient and adaptable, allowing them to thrive in various environments.
This article will discuss ten of the best fast-growing indoor plants, providing an in-depth look at their care requirements, growth habits, and ideal locations within your home.
By choosing the right plants for your space, you can create a lush, green haven that is visually stunning and beneficial for your well-being.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves.
Its fast growth rate and low maintenance make it an ideal choice for any indoor setting.
In addition, the plant is known for its versatility in terms of appearance, as its leaves can display various shades of green, golden, and even white variegation.
Care Advice: Light: Pothos thrives in bright indirect light but tolerates low light conditions. The variegation may become less pronounced in lower light, but the plant will continue to grow.
Water: Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature: Pothos prefer average room temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can lead to stress and damage.
Humidity: Pothos can tolerate average household humidity levels. However, they will appreciate slightly higher humidity. Consider placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent overfeeding.
Propagation: Pothos is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting with at least one leaf node and place it in water or moist soil. Roots will develop within a few weeks.
Where to Use: Hang pothos in a pot near a window, place it on a high shelf, or let it cascade from a bookshelf for a lush, green addition to your living space.
Pothos is also suitable for offices and other commercial spaces, as it can tolerate fluorescent lighting. In addition, its air-purifying abilities make it a valuable addition to bedrooms and living rooms, where it can help remove indoor air pollutants.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are known for arching, grass-like leaves, and small white flowers.
They grow quickly and can produce numerous plantlets, making them easy to propagate and share with friends.
These charming plants add a touch of whimsy to any space and are highly adaptable, making them suitable for various environments.
Care Advice: Light: Spider plants prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves, so keeping them in a well-lit spot without direct exposure is best.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature: Spider plants prefer average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) for short periods but may suffer damage at lower temperatures.
Humidity: Spider plants appreciate moderate to high humidity levels. To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, place the plant on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding and leaf tip burn.
Propagation: Propagate spider plants by removing the plantlets, or “spiderettes,” that grow on long, arching stems.
Snip off the spiderettes and place them in water or moist soil.
They will develop roots quickly, and you’ll have new plants to share or expand your collection.
Where to Use: Place a spider plant in a hanging basket or on a high shelf, allowing the plantlets to drape downward for an attractive display. Spider plants are great for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, as they are versatile and add a touch of softness to any space.
In addition, their air-purifying abilities make them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality, particularly in rooms with limited ventilation.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongues, have tall, stiff, upright leaves with attractive patterns.
They are well-known for their ability to purify indoor air, removing harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
In addition, snake plants are incredibly resilient, making them suitable for novice gardeners and those with busy lifestyles. Available in various sizes and patterns, they add an architectural element to any space.
Care Advice: Snake plants tolerate low light conditions but prefer bright indirect light.
They can also adapt to direct sunlight, although their growth may slow in low-light situations.
Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Snake plants are drought-tolerant and more susceptible to overwatering than underwatering. Reduce watering frequency during winter months.
Temperature: Snake plants prefer average room temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but may suffer damage in colder environments.
Humidity: Snake plants can tolerate average household humidity but may appreciate slightly higher humidity. To increase humidity, mist the leaves occasionally or place the plant on a pebble tray with water.
Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly, about every two months, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and weaker leaves, so dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength.
Propagation: Snake plants can be propagated through leaf cuttings or by dividing the plant. Cut a healthy leaf into sections and place it in water or moist soil for leaf cuttings.
For division, remove the plant from its pot and carefully separate the roots and rhizomes, replanting each section in a new pot.
Where to Use: Snake plants make great statement pieces in living rooms, offices, or bedrooms due to their striking appearance.
Their tall, upright leaves add height and structure to any space, making them suitable for filling empty corners or flanking large furniture pieces.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, snake plants’ air-purifying abilities make them valuable additions to bedrooms, helping to improve sleep quality by removing harmful pollutants from the air.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant known for its gel-filled leaves with numerous health benefits, including soothing burns and skin irritations.
Its fast growth and minimal care requirements make it an excellent choice for indoor gardeners.
In addition, Aloe vera’s unique appearance, with its thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern, adds texture and interest to any space.
Care Advice: Aloe vera prefers bright indirect light, ideally close to a sunny window but without direct exposure. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause leaf scorching.
Water: Aloe vera requires well-draining soil and should be watered when the soil is dry. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be cautious not to let the plant sit in standing water.
Temperature: Aloe vera thrives in average room temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but may suffer damage in colder environments.
Humidity: Aloe vera is adapted to arid environments and tolerates average humidity.
Excessive humidity may lead to fungal problems, so ensure proper air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly, about once every two months, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and weaker leaves, so dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength.
Propagation: Aloe vera can be propagated by removing the offsets, or “pups,” that grow at the base of the plant. Carefully separate the pups from the mother plant and allow the cut ends to be callous for a day before planting in well-draining soil.
Where to Use: Place an aloe vera plant in your kitchen or bathroom, where it can be easily accessed for its medicinal uses.
Its architectural appearance makes it a great accent in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.
Aloe vera’s air-purifying abilities can also improve indoor air quality, making it a valuable addition to any room.
The plant’s compact size makes it ideal for small spaces, like apartment living or desktops, bringing a touch of greenery and natural beauty to your surroundings.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
With their lush foliage and trailing growth habit, Philodendron plants are an excellent addition to any indoor space. Numerous species and cultivars are available, ranging from vining to upright varieties, offering various leaf shapes, sizes, and colors. These fast-growing plants are low maintenance and can quickly transform a room with their tropical charm.
Care Advice: Philodendrons prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Variegated varieties may lose some of their variegation in low light conditions, while too much direct sunlight may cause leaf scorching.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature: Philodendrons thrive in average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55°F (13°C), which can lead to stress and damage.
Humidity: Philodendrons appreciate moderate to high humidity levels. To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, place the plant on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding and leaf burn.
Propagation: Philodendrons can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Place a cutting with at least one leaf node in water or moist soil. Roots will develop within a few weeks.
Where to Use: Philodendron plants can be placed in hanging baskets, allowing their trailing vines to create a lush cascade of greenery.
Alternatively, place them on a high shelf or let them climb a support structure, like a trellis or moss pole, for a more structured look.
Their versatility makes them suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
Philodendrons’ air-purifying abilities also make them a valuable addition to rooms with limited ventilation or high pollution levels, helping to improve indoor air quality.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palms, or reed or butterfly palms, are attractive, fast-growing plants with feathery, arching fronds.
Their elegant appearance and air-purifying abilities make them a popular choice for indoor spaces.
These palms can grow up to 7 feet tall indoors, making them ideal for adding height and drama to your home or office.
Care Advice: Bamboo palms prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, which may cause leaf scorching.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Bamboo palms are sensitive to chemicals in tap water, so it is best to use filtered or distilled water.
Temperature: Bamboo palms thrive in average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can lead to stress and damage.
Humidity: Bamboo palms appreciate moderate to high humidity levels. Place the plant on a pebble tray with water or use a humidifier to maintain humidity. Additionally, mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding and leaf burn.
Propagation: Bamboo palms are propagated through seed germination or by separating the offsets or “pups” that grow at the base of the plant. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix for seed germination and keep them consistently moist.
To propagate from offsets, carefully remove the pups from the mother plant and plant them in a pot with well-draining soil.
Where to Use: Bamboo palms are perfect for filling empty corners in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, adding height and texture to your space.
In addition, their air-purifying abilities make them valuable additions to rooms with limited ventilation, helping to improve indoor air quality.
Bamboo palms can also be used to create a natural room divider or privacy screen, providing a lush and visually appealing barrier.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastic)
With its large, glossy leaves and sturdy stems, the rubber plant is a striking addition to any indoor space.
It can grow quickly and reach up to 10 feet tall indoors, making it a fantastic statement piece for your home or office.
In addition, the rubber plant’s robust nature and architectural appearance create a bold, tropical atmosphere in any room.
Care Advice: Light: Rubber plants prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate moderate light levels. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and smaller leaves.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.
Temperature: Rubber plants thrive in average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can lead to stress and damage.
Humidity: Rubber plants can tolerate average household humidity but may appreciate slightly higher humidity. To increase humidity, mist the leaves occasionally, place the plant on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding and leaf burn.
Propagation: Rubber plants can be propagated through air layering or stem cuttings.
For air layering, please make a small cut on a healthy stem, wrap it in moist sphagnum moss, and cover it with plastic wrap.
Once roots have developed, cut the stem below them and plant it in well-draining soil. For stem cuttings, take a cutting with at least two leaf nodes and let the cut end dry for a day before planting it in moist soil.
Where to Use: Place a rubber plant in your living room, bedroom, or office to create a dramatic focal point.
Its large leaves and impressive height make it perfect for filling empty corners or flanking large furniture pieces.
Rubber plants are also effective air purifiers, helping to remove harmful indoor pollutants and improve overall air quality.
Their bold appearance and air-cleansing abilities make them valuable additions to any room needing natural beauty and cleaner air.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a fast-growing, trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves that come in various colors and patterns.
Its low-maintenance nature and adaptability to various conditions make it a popular choice for indoor gardeners.
Pothos can easily transform any space with cascading foliage, creating a lush, tropical atmosphere.
Care Advice: Light: Pothos can tolerate low light conditions but prefers bright indirect light.
Variegated varieties may lose some of their variegation in low-light situations, while direct sunlight may cause leaf scorching.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature: Pothos thrive in average room temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can lead to stress and damage.
Humidity: Pothos can tolerate average household humidity levels. However, they may appreciate slightly higher humidity. To increase humidity, mist the leaves occasionally or place the plant on a pebble tray with water.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding and leaf burn.
Propagation: Pothos can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Place a cutting with at least one leaf node in water or moist soil. Roots will develop within a few weeks.
Where to Use: Pothos plants can be placed in hanging baskets, allowing their trailing vines to create a beautiful cascade of greenery. Alternatively, place them on a high shelf or let them climb a support structure, like a trellis or moss pole, for a more structured look.
Their versatility makes them suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
Pothos’ air-purifying abilities also make them valuable additions to rooms with limited ventilation or high pollution levels, helping to improve indoor air quality.
In addition, the plant’s low-maintenance nature and attractive appearance make it an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are well-known for their arching, grass-like leaves and charming “spiderettes” or “pups,” which dangle from the mother plant like little spiders.
These fast-growing, low-maintenance plants come in various shades of green and variegated forms, adding a lively touch to any indoor space.
Spider plants are also recognized for their air-purifying capabilities, making them a healthy addition to your home or office.
Care Advice: Spider plants prefer bright indirect light but tolerate moderate light.
Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and smaller leaves.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Spider plants prefer consistent moisture, so avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Temperature: Spider plants thrive in average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can lead to stress and damage.
Humidity: Spider plants can tolerate average household humidity levels. However, they may appreciate slightly higher humidity. To increase humidity, mist the leaves occasionally, place the plant on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding and leaf burn.
Propagation: Spider plants can be easily propagated by removing the spiderettes or pups that grow at the end of long stems.
Snip off a healthy spiderette and place it in water or moist soil. Roots will develop within a few weeks.
Where to Use: Spider plants can be placed in hanging baskets, creating a cascade of greenery and baby spiderettes.
Alternatively, set them on shelves or tabletops, allowing their arching foliage to create a soft, natural effect.
Their adaptability makes them suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
Spider plants’ air-purifying abilities make them valuable additions to rooms with limited ventilation, helping to improve indoor air quality. Their low-maintenance nature and attractive appearance make them an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria, are popular indoor plants due to their striking, upright growth habit and low-maintenance nature.
In addition, the stiff, sword-like leaves come in various shades of green with contrasting patterns, adding a touch of architectural elegance to any space. Snake plants are also well-known for their air-purifying abilities, making them a healthy addition to your home or office.
Care Advice: Light: Snake plants can tolerate low light conditions but prefer bright indirect light. They can even withstand some direct sunlight without suffering from leaf scorching. However, too little light may cause reduced growth and less vibrant leaf coloration.
Water: Snake plants are drought-tolerant and require infrequent watering. Water when the top two inches of soil are dry and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to fungal problems and root rot, so be cautious not to let the plant sit in standing water.
Temperature: Snake plants thrive in average room temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but may suffer damage in colder environments.
Humidity: Snake plants can tolerate average household humidity levels. They are not particularly sensitive to humidity, so additional measures to increase humidity are not required.
Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly, about once every two months, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilizing and leaf damage.
Propagation: Snake plants can be propagated through leaf cuttings or by dividing the rhizomes. For leaf cuttings, take a healthy leaf, cut it into sections, and plant the cuttings upright in well-draining soil. For rhizome division, carefully remove the plant from its pot, separate the rhizomes, and repot them individually.
Where to Use: Place a snake plant in your living room, bedroom, or office to create a striking focal point. Its tall, vertical leaves are perfect for filling empty corners or flanking large furniture pieces.
Snake plants are also effective air purifiers, helping to remove harmful indoor pollutants and improve overall air quality. In addition, their low-maintenance nature and stylish appearance make them a valuable addition to any room needing a touch of natural beauty and cleaner air.
Fast Growing Indoor Plants Conclusion
In conclusion, adding fast-growing indoor plants to your living space enhances your home’s aesthetics and contributes to a healthier environment.
These ten indoor plants offer a variety of colors, textures, and growth habits that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Following the care advice provided for each plant, you can easily maintain these plants and enjoy their beauty and air-purifying abilities.
Whether a novice or experienced gardener, these fast growing indoor plants are excellent choices for creating a lush, vibrant, and inviting atmosphere in your home or office.
