Top 15 Fast Growing Indoor Plants for Home Decor

15 Fast-Growing Indoor Plants That Thrive in No Time: The Ultimate Guide for Home Gardeners

Introduction

Indoor gardening is becoming increasingly popular across the United States, and for a good reason. People want fresh, green spaces in their homes that are easy to maintain and quick to show results. That’s where fast-growing indoor plants come in. These plants are ideal for beginners and busy homeowners alike because they don’t take forever to grow and can quickly transform any space into a lush oasis.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best fast-growing indoor plants, how to care for them, and tips to speed up their growth.

What Makes a Plant Grow Fast Indoors?

Before diving into our list, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence plant growth indoors:

Light Exposure: Most fast-growing plants require bright, indirect sunlight.
Proper Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil supports healthy roots.
Watering Schedule: Consistent moisture without overwatering is crucial.
Fertilization: A balanced liquid fertilizer can boost growth during the growing season.
Humidity & Temperature: Many fast-growing plants thrive in warm, humid environments similar to their native tropical climates.

Top 15 Fast-Growing Indoor Plants

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Growth Rate: Fast
Care: Indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, moderate watering
Features: Produces baby plants (“pups”) quickly.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Growth Rate: Very fast
Care: Low to bright indirect light, water when top inch is dry
Features: Excellent for hanging baskets and shelves

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Care: Indirect light, consistent moisture
Features: Air-purifying, beautiful white blooms

4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Growth Rate: Moderate but noticeable
Care: Low light tolerant, minimal watering
Features: Very low maintenance

5. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Growth Rate: Fast in water or soil
Care: Filtered light, change water weekly or keep soil moist
Features: Symbol of luck and prosperity

6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Care: Low light, drought tolerant
Features: Shiny, waxy leaves; excellent for offices

7. Aloe Vera

Growth Rate: Moderate
Care: Bright light, allow soil to dry between watering
Features: Medicinal use, produces offshoots

8. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Growth Rate: Fast under bright light
Care: Indirect light, frequent watering
Features: Adds a tropical feel to interiors

9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Growth Rate: Fast with good care
Care: Bright light, moist but not soggy soil
Features: Large, glossy leaves

10. Philodendron (Heartleaf or Brasil)

Growth Rate: Very fast
Care: Medium light, regular watering
Features: Great for hanging or climbing

11. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Growth Rate: Moderate
Care: Tolerates low light, water when topsoil is dry
Features: Beautiful patterned leaves

12. Coleus

Growth Rate: Fast
Care: Bright indirect light, moist soil
Features: Colorful foliage, easy propagation

13. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Care: Bright filtered light, likes humidity
Features: Popular for modern interiors

14. Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

Growth Rate: Moderate
Care: Low to medium light, minimal watering
Features: Tall, spiky appearance

15. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Growth Rate: Fast in humid conditions
Care: Indirect light, frequent misting or high humidity
Features: Great for bathrooms or kitchens

Tips to Speed Up Indoor Plant Growth

Rotate Your Plants Weekly: Ensures even light exposure on all sides.
Repot Annually: Gives roots more space to expand.
Use Grow Lights in Winter: Helps maintain growth in low-light months.
Prune Regularly: Encourages bushier, fuller plants.
Wipe the Leaves: Clean leaves can photosynthesize more effectively.

FAQs About Fast Growing Indoor Plants

1. Which indoor plant grows the fastest?

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the fastest-growing indoor plants. It produces baby plantlets quickly and thrives with minimal care.

2. Can fast-growing indoor plants survive in low light?

Yes, many fast-growing indoor plants like pothos, peace lilies, and snake plants can tolerate low light conditions and still grow well.

3. How often should I water fast-growing houseplants?

Most fast-growing indoor plants prefer to be watered when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering can harm root health, so always check the soil before watering.

4. Do fast-growing plants need more fertilizer?

Yes, they typically benefit from monthly feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer for best results.

5. Can I propagate fast-growing indoor plants easily?

Absolutely! Plants like pothos, spider plants, and philodendrons are very easy to propagate using stem cuttings or plantlets in water or soil.

6. Are fast-growing indoor plants safe for pets?

Not all of them are. For pet-friendly options, consider spider plants, areca palms, and parlor palms. Avoid pothos, dieffenbachia, and philodendron, which can be toxic to cats and dogs.

7. Which fast-growing plant also purifies indoor air?

Snake plants, peace lilies, and pothos not only grow quickly but also help purify indoor air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.

8. How do I encourage faster growth in my indoor plants?

Provide bright, indirect light, keep the soil slightly moist (not soggy), maintain temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C), and feed the plant regularly during active growth months.

9. Do I need to prune fast-growing houseplants?

Yes, occasional pruning helps control size, remove dead or damaged leaves, and promote bushier growth. It also prevents legginess.

10. Can fast-growing indoor plants be used for hanging baskets?

Definitely. Plants like pothos, English ivy, and string of hearts are excellent choices for hanging baskets due to their trailing nature and quick growth.

Conclusion

Adding fast-growing indoor plants to your home is one of the easiest ways to bring life, beauty, and freshness indoors. From the trailing pothos to the bold fiddle leaf fig, there’s a perfect plant for every space and skill level. Start small, follow the care tips, and in no time, your home will be blooming with vibrant greenery.

Looking for more gardening tips? Explore our site for expert guides, plant care tips, and beginner-friendly recommendations!