Are you hoping to turn your home into a foliage-filled, natural oasis (as soon as possible)? Read on to discover our list of the fastest growing indoor plants to transform your space in no time.
It’s safe to say indoor plants are having a major cultural moment. Sure, through the decades they’ve been around, unassumingly soaking up rays in our window sills. But lately? Plant popularity has rocketed to stratospheric levels. (Some enthusiasts even consider them family members!)
These days, the “Swiss Cheese Plant” (Monstera deliciosas) gets an average of 745 likes per post on Instagram. With more than 980,000 “plant parenthood” hashtags on the platform overall, there is no denying it: Plant parenting has become a bona fide lifestyle to millennials across the globe.
Unexpected Benefits of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants liven up spaces and bring a punch of personality to any room. With the endless decorating opportunities they offer, I like to think of them as living accessories for your home. Even more valuable than their appearance is the unmatched satisfaction you’ll feel when tending to your plants and watching them thrive.
With these endearing qualities, it’s easy to understand why houseplants are so beloved. In addition to the natural beauty they bring, indoor plants are good for your health! Houseplants may:
- Improve air quality. A study by NASA explored the possibility of using houseplants to improve air quality. It was found that the soils and roots may be helpful in removing indoor air toxins.
- Boost productivity. One expert study showed a person’s creative performance increases when working in the same room as a plant.
- Have therapeutic qualities. These Manchester doctors were among the first to prescribe potted plants as treatment for anxiety and depression.
So, What Are the Fastest Growing Indoor Plants?
With so many types of indoor plants, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by your first trip to the nursery. To fast-track your path to “plant parent extraordinaire” we’ve assembled a list of the fastest-growing indoor plants + how to care for them.
Table of Contents
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Arguably one of the easiest indoor plants to keep alive (and also among the fastest-growing).
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a piece-of-cake to take care of and thrives in brightly lit rooms with non-direct light. It is identifiable by its glossy, heart-shaped leaves.
Struggle with forgetfulness? This resilient plant will do just fine. In fact, it actually does better when the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings.
The only potential drawback to this fast-growing plant is its toxicity toward people and animals. Just make sure to place it out of reach of children and pets, and this will be your dream plant.
Styling tip: Pothos does well in hanging baskets. For a trendy bohemian look, try macrame hangers.
Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum)
This easy-growing houseplant is excellent for beginners. Aesthetically, it brings a great “jungle vibe” to any space, thanks to its rainforest origins in tropical Central and South America. While often confused with the common Pothos, it is distinguishable by its lack of gold, yellow or white markings.
Indoors, you’ll most commonly find the climbing type and the self-heading type. The most popular Philodendrons have heart-shaped leaves and some varieties can grow up to 13 feet tall!
Due to its rainforest beginnings, it does best with slight humidity and moist soil. To keep it happy, use a spray bottle and mist occasionally. Place your Philodendron plant in a room with bright light, but be sure to keep it out of the sun’s direct rays.
Styling tip: Train your Philodendron up a trellis to see how far the vine can grow + create a neat design feature.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This popular, fast-growing vine is a favorite among plant enthusiasts. While often found outdoors, growing up the side of a brick wall, it can also do well as an indoor vine plant.
English Ivy leaves often feature splashes of silver, white, yellow, or gray. Like many houseplants, English Ivy needs bright, non-direct sunlight to maintain its overall bright green color.
While this is a hardy plant, you shouldn’t let it get too hot or too cold, as it thrives in moderate temperatures (50-70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Styling tip: Plant your English Ivy in a hanging basket, or add to the base of another potted plant for a fancier look.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Although Lucky Bamboo certainly resembles traditional bamboo, it is a different plant entirely. It is characterized by its bright green, upright leaves.
When caring for your Lucky Bamboo, keep in mind that it needs indirect sunlight and moist soil. Alternatively, it can grow in chlorine-free water! Just take care to switch out the water every week or so.
Styling tip: Use Lucky Bamboo to boost your home’s feng shui. Learn more about using Lucky Bamboo for feng shui here. To learn about feng shui for your home office, check out this helpful article of ours.
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia amoena)
Also known as Dumbcane. This fast-growing indoor plant is identifiable by its large, variegated leaves. They are patterned with cream and yellow markings.
Its nickname was coined from the effect it has on the vocal cords when ingested (keep it away from small children and pets).
Dumbcane needs indirect light and high humidity. To prevent root rot, wait until the top inch of soil has completely dried from the previous watering before giving it another drink.
Styling tip: Bring some life to your bathroom by styling a potted Dumbcane on your spare counter space. It will thrive in the humid conditions.
Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
The velvety purple leaves/stems make the Velvet Plant an indoor showstopper. Thanks to its quick-growing nature, you’ll be enjoying its beauty in no time. (Pinching back stems will help lead to full, bushy growth!)
Protect it from harsh, direct sunlight, but make sure it is situated in a well-lit room. Keep the soil moist and ease up on waterings through the winter.
Styling tip: Place a Velvet Plant among neutral-colored furniture pieces, or in a neutral-painted room to make a statement with its bold appearance.
Ficus (Ficus benjamina)
Another hardy plant that performs best in bright, sunny rooms. No sunny spots in your home? No problem. The Ficus can also withstand life spent in the shade.
Technically, a Ficus is a small shrub/tree with glossy, downward drooping leaves.
For a healthy Ficus, don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings!
Styling tip: Use the Ficus to try your hand at the ancient art of Bonsai. Learn more about how to get started with Bonsai trees here.
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
This quick-growing indoor vine is popular for its low maintenance needs. When the plant is just starting out, the leaves are arrow-shaped. As it grows bigger toward adulthood, they become more lobed in appearance.
It can grow in low/medium light settings, and prefers moist (not overly-saturated) soil.
Arrowhead Vines probably won’t bloom inside your house. If you’re lucky enough to see one blossom, you’ll find flowers that are white, green, yellow, or purple.
Prune your Arrowhead Vine occasionally, or watch it grow to its full capacity on a trellis.
Styling tip: Plant in an interesting clay pot and place on your bookcase to add a splash of organic texture.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
It’s easy to spot a Spider Plant by its long and narrow striped green leaves. It appreciates misting from time to time during the summer and should be watered more during the growing season.
A Spider Plant does best with bright, indirect light. When given the right amount of light, it produces little white flowers.
The flowers make way for plantlets, which can be removed and grown into more Spider Plants!
Styling tip: For best results, hang it in a basket so it can easily grow over the side and show off its long, grassy leaves.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade Plants, also known as Chinese Rubber Plants or Jade Trees, are adaptable plants from the succulent family. As such, they need plenty of sunlight to live long and happy lives (two-six hours of direct sunlight a day).
If treated right, they can live exceptionally long lives! They do not do well in humid settings and prefer cool temperatures. Be careful not to overwater your Jade Plant, as they need drier soil to stay healthy.
Cut the leaves to easily propagate.
Styling tip: Jade Plants are another great option for Bonsai trees! Learn how to start growing your Jade Plant Bonsai tree here.
Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
Another plant from the succulent family, Aloe Vera is beautiful and functional! The gel inside this plant’s leaves is soothing for the skin and can be used in food and to treat mild burns and cuts. (It’s helpful for acne, too!)
Give your Aloe plenty of sun, with a couple hours of direct sunlight. When watering, make sure the soil has completely dried out.
Styling tip: Give your Aloe Vera a home on your kitchen counter to take advantage of its healing qualities in the case of an oven mishap.
How Can I Keep My Indoor Plants Alive?
To be a successful “plant parent,” you must dedicate yourself to understanding a species’ specific needs. When deciding on an indoor plant for your home, do a little research to see which plants do well in the conditions you are able to provide.
If a plant species originates from a rainforest area, for example, you should make sure your home’s humidity levels are around the right place to keep it happy.
Performing other general care like regular dusting and pruning are additional steps you can take to keep your indoor plants healthy. Whatever plant you choose, make sure its container has proper drainage and be sure to check regularly for signs of pests.
If you haven’t had success yet, don’t fret. The perfect indoor plant for you is out there, whether you live in a sun-soaked beach house, or an apartment with little natural light
