Some houseplants seem to shoot up overnight, filling your space with vibrant greenery — while others barely budge, no matter how much light, water, or love you give them. If you’re looking for quick results, choosing the right fast-growers can make all the difference.
In this article, we share 12 houseplants known for their rapid growth, perfect for anyone who wants to green up a space fast or enjoys seeing daily progress. We’ll also cover 8 popular but slow-growing plants that require patience and long-term commitment, so you know what you’re getting into.
Whether you’re an impatient plant parent or a slow-and-steady enthusiast, knowing your plant’s pace can help you build a collection that suits your vibe.
Spider Plant
Spider plants have a knack for rapid growth, sending out arching leaves and charming ‘pups’ at a remarkable pace. Their resilience makes them perfect for beginners. Known for their air-purifying qualities, they can thrive in various light conditions. Their adaptability means you’ll soon have a plant that cascades gracefully from its pot. Often, spider plants are seen hanging in delightful macramé holders, adding a retro touch to any room. As they mature, their offspring can be propagated easily, ensuring the greenery keeps spreading.
Peace Lily
Grace and speed combine in the peace lily, a plant that blooms with elegant white flowers. Not only is it quick to grow, but it’s also a champion at improving indoor air quality. They thrive in low light, making them ideal for offices or shaded rooms. With a little water and care, peace lilies reward you with lush foliage and periodic blooms. Their glossy leaves offer a touch of elegance and their forgiving nature means they’re unlikely to hold a grudge if you miss a watering or two. Ideal for those who appreciate beauty with minimal fuss.
Pothos
Pothos is the quintessential fast-growing vine, adored by plant lovers everywhere. Its heart-shaped leaves can rapidly fill a space, providing a lush, green backdrop. This plant is forgiving of neglect, making it a favorite for busy individuals. Its trailing nature suits hanging pots or high shelves perfectly, creating a dynamic visual with its cascading stems. Varieties like golden pothos bring an extra splash of color with their variegated leaves. A pothos in your home means constant growth and a fresh pop of nature.
Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is a tropical delight that grows quickly, reaching impressive heights. It’s a natural air purifier, removing toxins while adding a touch of the tropics to your home. With its feathery fronds and slender stalks, it brings a sense of elegance and height to interior spaces. This palm thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates regular watering, though it forgives the occasional dry spell. Its fast-growing nature makes it a favorite for those looking to fill a space with greenery swiftly.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are renowned for their rapid growth and the lush, feathery quality of their fronds. These plants thrive in humid environments, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Their rich green color and abundant foliage can instantly transform a space. Regular misting helps keep them thriving, but they’re forgiving of the occasional lapse in humidity. Boston ferns are often used in hanging planters, where they can showcase their full, cascading beauty. You’ll find your home enhanced by their lush presence.
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, often referred to as the ‘Swiss cheese plant,’ is known for its impressive, fast-growing foliage. This tropical plant is perfect for creating a bold, jungle-like atmosphere. Its large, fenestrated leaves are a statement piece in any interior space. Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys humidity, making it a great choice for sunrooms. Its rapid growth can lead to a striking indoor feature over time. As it matures, it may even produce its unique, edible fruit, adding another layer of intrigue.
Aloe Vera
Known for its medicinal properties, aloe vera is also a quick grower, especially when basking in sunlight. Its succulent leaves store water, making it drought-tolerant and easy to care for. Perfect for sunny windowsills, this plant doesn’t just thrive; it also offers easy access to its healing gel. Aloe vera’s architectural leaves create a striking silhouette, adding interest to any room. Whether used for its soothing qualities or simply as a decorative piece, it promises both beauty and functionality.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a stalwart of low-maintenance greenery and boasts a surprisingly fast growth rate. Its thick, waxy leaves capture light and reflect it, adding a touch of brightness to even the dullest corner. This plant is ideal for those seeking a hardy companion that thrives on neglect, requiring infrequent watering and low light. Its sturdy stems and lush foliage make it a popular choice for modern interiors. The ZZ plant is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, offering elegance without effort.
Snake Plant
Snake plants, with their tall, sword-like leaves, are the epitome of resilience and swift growth. They thrive on neglect, making them perfect for the novice gardener. Known for their air-purifying abilities, they enhance indoor air quality effortlessly. These plants are versatile, fitting into any décor style with ease. Whether placed in a minimalist office or a cozy living space, their striking vertical leaves make a bold statement. With minimal care, a snake plant will steadily grow, proving that simplicity can be striking.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is both a classic and a quick grower, known for its broad, glossy leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates a humid environment. As it grows, it can become a striking focal point in any room. Rubber plants are forgiving of occasional neglect, making them a good choice for those with busy lifestyles. Their dense foliage adds a lush, tropical feel, and they can be easily pruned to maintain a desired shape or size. This plant is a reliable and stylish green addition.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs are synonymous with modern home décor, boasting large, leathery leaves and a statuesque form. Known for rapid vertical growth, they make a bold statement in any space. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and need a bit of attention to keep their leaves healthy. Their dramatic foliage requires occasional cleaning to maintain its sheen. While they can be a bit demanding, their impressive size and lush look are well worth the effort. A fiddle leaf fig adds both height and style to interiors.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are celebrated for their diverse forms and quick growth, adapting easily to indoor environments. Their heart-shaped leaves come in various shades, adding texture and color to any space. These plants are low maintenance, requiring minimal light and water to thrive. With their ability to climb or trail, philodendrons can fill a room with greenery in no time. They’re perfect for those who want an active plant presence without constant upkeep. A philodendron brings vibrancy and energy to any setting.
Orchid
Orchids are notorious for testing a gardener’s patience, rewarding only those with the perseverance to see them bloom. Their exotic flowers are worth the wait, introducing a touch of elegance. Known for their intricate beauty, orchids prefer environments with indirect light and high humidity. Regular care and understanding their needs can guide them to flower, but they often take their time to adjust and bloom again. This slow-growing nature makes their flowering moments even more special.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are cherished for their thick, succulent leaves and compact form, but they aren’t in a rush to grow. These plants symbolize prosperity and can live for decades, albeit slowly. They thrive in bright light and dry conditions, making them low-maintenance companions. While they grow at a leisurely pace, their longevity and minimal needs make them appealing. A jade plant is less about rapid transformation and more about enduring presence, offering a steady, calming influence in your home.
Cactus
Cacti, with their spiny exteriors and hardy nature, are often slow to grow but easy to care for. They thrive in sunny spots, soaking up rays while requiring minimal water. Their unique forms and textures add character, even if growth is measured in years. Patience with a cactus is rewarded with resilience, as they are designed to withstand harsh environments. These plants offer an interesting study in endurance and adaptability, slowly but surely expanding their presence.
African Violet
African violets delight with their vibrant blooms, but they require patience to maintain. Known for their finicky nature, they need the right conditions to thrive. Indirect light, consistent moisture, and a little TLC can keep them happy. While their growth is slow, when they do flower, it’s a rewarding spectacle of color. Their compact size makes them suitable for small spaces, and their blooms can bring a cheerful pop to any setting. Cultivating African violets is an exercise in attentive care and patience.
Bonsai Tree
Bonsai trees are the epitome of slow gardening, requiring meticulous care and shaping over years. Each tree is a living sculpture, reflecting the patience and skill of its gardener. They thrive under specific conditions, needing the right balance of light, water, and pruning. The art of bonsai is about embracing the slow evolution of the tree and crafting a miniature landscape. This process can be deeply meditative, offering a unique connection to nature. Bonsai trees are a long-term commitment to beauty and tranquility.
Slow-Growing Ficus
Certain varieties of ficus, unlike their faster counterparts, take their time to develop into lush specimens. These plants prefer consistent conditions and respond well to a steady routine of care. While they might not fill a room quickly, over time they can transform into striking, mature plants. The slow, steady growth of a ficus can be a metaphor for patience in life, offering lessons in consistency and care. Their presence in a home brings a quiet elegance that unfolds gradually.
Lady Palm
Lady palms are understated beauties, known for their slow growth but rewarding presence. Their fan-like leaves add a touch of sophistication to any indoor space. These palms thrive in partial shade and prefer humid conditions, making them perfect companions for bathrooms or shaded corners. The gradual expansion of a lady palm is a testament to endurance and adaptation, as they adjust to their environment slowly yet steadily. Their regal appearance is a timeless addition to home décor.
Parlor Palm
Parlor palms are beloved for their classic charm and slow, steady growth. With delicate fronds that arch gracefully, they create a calming ambiance. These palms thrive in low light and appreciate consistent moisture. While they might not be quick to grow, their enduring beauty and adaptability make them a favorite. Placed in a parlor or conservatory, they offer a glimpse of Victorian elegance and tranquility. The parlor palm’s steady presence is a comforting constant in any home.