If you’ve ever stared at one of your houseplants, silently wishing it would just get on with it already, and grow large and bushy, you’re not alone.
You’re also in luck; not every houseplant is out here taking its sweet time. There are quite a few with some serious hustle, putting out new growth faster than you can say, “Where did I put the fertilizer?”
Whether you’re after that lush, jungle vibe or just prefer the instant gratification of speedy greenery, fast-growing houseplants are the way to go.
Let’s take a look at a few of the speediest houseplants you can grow and a few tips to help them grow even faster.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos are the classic “set-it-and-forget-it” plant. These guys can easily grow several feet in just a few months. All they need is bright, indirect light and a bit of water when the top inch of soil dries out. Bonus: They’re ridiculously easy to propagate. (I walk you through how to do that here.)
Growth rate: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per month
Notes: Very fast; can grow over 3 feet in one growing season with ideal care.
Philodendron (Heartleaf or Split-leaf types)
I have a heartleaf philodendron in my bathroom that would easily take over the space if I didn’t trim it every couple of months. Like pothos, philodendrons are rapid growers that thrive on a bit of humidity and bright, indirect light. (Hence my choice of putting mine in the bathroom.) They’re forgiving, fast, and love to sprawl. The more you prune them, the bushier they get.
Growth rate: 10–16 inches (25–40 cm) per month
Notes: Similar to pothos; weekly growth is common during warm months.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This is one plant that comes with a reputation. Outdoors, everyone knows this stuff can be bad news, easily taking over garden beds and covering entire buildings. But bring it indoors and you get the perfect fast-growing climber. It likes to be slightly root-bound and responds well to a little fertilizer. Train it up a small trellis or let it cascade from a shelf. You may need to prune it regularly to keep it well-behaved.
Growth rate: 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per month
Notes: Grows faster when slightly root-bound and regularly fertilized.
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Monstera is one plant that has earned its status as an icon among houseplant enthusiasts. There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching a new leaf unfurl, unless it’s two new leaves unfurling at the same time. With consistent moisture and bright, indirect light, young monsteras can push out a fresh, fenestrated leaf every couple of weeks. Give it room to climb and watch it go wild. Consider my DIY anti-tip Monstera pot.
Growth rate: 1 new leaf every 2–4 weeks
Notes: Each leaf can be 6–12 inches; stem and aerial root growth add vertical speed.
Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
These guys can be a bit fussy when it comes to getting their water right, but when they’re happy, they grow fast and tall. Perfect for adding tropical flair. Keep it in bright, indirect light and don’t let it dry out completely.
Growth rate: 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) per year indoors
Notes: Can reach 6–7 feet over several years in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
If you want a plant with a lot of character and shine, consider a rubber plant. These beauties thrive in warmth and bright light and can shoot up fast. Keep the leaves dust-free (see how here) and rotate regularly for even growth.
Growth rate: 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) per year
Notes: Can grow several inches per month in spring and summer.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
These guys are one of the easiest to grow on this list. Spider plants send out long runners with little “pups” that root easily, whether it’s right back in the same pot or creating a whole new plant. Keep them in moist soil to keep them happy and growing.
Growth rate: Sends out pups every 4–6 weeks
Notes: Runners can reach 12–18 inches in a few months under good light.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
While it’s technically not a true bamboo species, it’s certainly a speedy grower like its namesake. While it may not be a large plant, if what you’re after is quick growth, lucky bamboo is hard to beat. Plus, they’re a good option if you tend to overwater your plants.
Growth rate: 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) per month
Notes: Grows faster when kept in water and moderate indirect light.
How to Supercharge These Fast-Growing Plants
Okay, it’s one thing to say these plants are fast growers, it’s another to know what they need to do all that growing. Just like with any other houseplant, if they aren’t given the proper care, then they can’t thrive and grow quickly. So, here are a few tips to ensure you give these little speed demons exactly what they need to get growing.
Bright, Indirect Light
This is huge when it comes to making sure plants can reach their full potential. After all, it’s the power behind all that growth. But what exactly does bright, indirect light look like?
You want the bright glow, without the burn of hard sunbeams. Can you read a book comfortably in that spot without a light? Perfect, that’s bright, indirect light. Ideally, you want your plants to be next to a window, rather than right in it. Keep about 1-3 feet from a south or west-facing window if possible.
Another great option is to use sheer curtains in front of super bright windows. The fabric diffuses the light, acting a bit like sunscreen for your plants.
Proper Nutrition
Just like you, your plants need the right nutrients to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during their active growing season (spring to early fall). Stop fertilizing during the dormant period (usually) in the winter.
The plant is resting, and the fertilizer can burn the roots. Think of the dormant period as a time for your plant to recuperate after all that crazy growth.
Clean Your Plants
You wouldn’t think so, but keeping your plants clean can play an important role in how quickly they grow. Dust build-up can actually slow your plant’s growth. As dust accumulates on the leaves, it becomes more challenging for your plant to carry out photosynthesis.
Depending on the size of the plant and its leaves, wipe down the plant once a month with a damp cloth, or you can put the whole plant in your shower and give it a thorough rinse.
Water Right, Not More
Getting each plant’s water needs right plays a big role in maximizing its growth. More water doesn’t necessarily mean faster growth. Instead, it can mean root rot and dead plants. While it’s good to have a consistent watering schedule, keep in mind that each plant has different watering needs. For instance, one plant might need watering every week, while another may only need to be watered every other week.
Learn the watering frequency for each of your plants, and always test the soil with your finger before watering.
Don’t Forget to Prune
For plants like pothos, philodendron, and other climbers, pruning can significantly impact their growth. Sure, you may have a fast-growing plant, but it might look pretty silly if you’ve only got two or three stems that are several feet long.
To give your plant more shape and encourage bushy growth as well as quick growth, prune the plant back. You can see that sometimes breaking the rules is necessary here.
These fast-growing houseplants are perfect for the impatient indoor gardener (hello, friend!) or anyone who loves to see progress. Many of these plants are great for beginners because they’re easy to take care of, and you get nearly instant results.
With the right care, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your space will green up. Whether you’re training an unruly English ivy up a bookshelf or watching your spider plant explode with tons of new pups, these plants are proof that houseplants don’t have to take forever.
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