10 Fast-Growing Houseplants – Indoor Plants That Grow Quickly and Look Stunning
- Foliage Factory
- Apr 20
- 22 min read
Updated: Sep 23
When you bring home a new plant, you don’t want to wait years before it shows results. That’s where fast-growing houseplants shine: they quickly push out fresh leaves, new shoots, and sometimes even baby plants you can share or repot. For beginners, these quick growers are some of the best indoor plants to start with, because visible progress builds confidence fast.
Fast growers don’t just fill empty corners — they create energy and movement in your space. A vine stretching toward the ceiling, offsets spilling over a pot, or clumps thickening week by week all add a sense of momentum to your indoor jungle. Many are also among the easiest houseplants to propagate: a single cutting in water can turn into another thriving plant.
Botanically, growth speed depends on genetics, light, water, nutrients, and room for roots. Research backs this up: a meta-analysis of 65 trials found that doubling pot size can boost plant biomass by more than 40%. In plain terms: give a vigorous plant space and light, and it will take off.
But remember — “fast” indoors is still relative. Even the speediest houseplants add growth in centimeters per week, not overnight jungles. Most also slow down during darker winter months, even if conditions stay steady.
In this guide, you’ll find 10 of the fastest-growing indoor plants. Some are forgiving vines perfect for beginners, others are bold climbers or clumpers that fill space in record time. Along the way, you’ll get science-based insights, practical care tips, and propagation tricks to keep your collection multiplying.
Contents
What “Fast Growth” Really Means Indoors
When people search for “fast-growing indoor plants,” they usually mean species that show steady, visible progress under average household conditions. Some, like Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), send out offsets almost year-round. Others, like Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) or Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), add vine after vine once given light and a pole to climb.
📌 The bottom line: “fast” means a plant noticeably rewards you every month — not just surviving, but actively expanding.
🔗 If you’re unsure whether your window gives enough light, walk through our practical benchmarks in How much light do houseplants really need?
Growth Strategies at a Glance
Not all quick houseplants grow in the same way. Most evolved in tropical understories, where competing for light meant growing fast — either climbing trees, spreading across soil, or multiplying by offsets. That’s why these species adapt so well indoors, even in moderate light.
Typical strategies include:
Trailers: Pothos, philodendron, and tradescantia extend cascading stems, perfect for shelves and hanging baskets.
Climbers: Monstera deliciosa, Syngonium podophyllum, and creeping fig grip poles or trellises, shooting upward once established.
Clumpers: Asparagus fern thickens rapidly with dense sprays of fine stems from tuberous roots.
Mat-formers: Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) spread into lush carpets in terrariums or shallow pots, while Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla) shoots new stems outward for quick coverage.
Knowing which strategy a plant uses helps you pick the right fast grower for your space — whether you want trailing vines, vertical greenery, or a compact mat that fills a pot in months.
🔗 For a deeper look at aroids as adaptable climbers and trailers, skim our primer Aroids – the fabulous Arum family
Speed Comes With Trade-Offs
A plant that grows fast indoors isn’t always the one that stays beautiful or sturdy forever. Speed often comes with quirks:
Short-lived bursts: Tradescantia zebrina can explode with growth in one season but tends to get leggy and brittle without regular pruning.
🔗 If vines are stretching with small gaps between leaves, use the fixes in Leggy plant growth: causes, fixes, prevention
Steady but slower: Monstera deliciosa adds leaves more gradually, but rewards patience with decades of life and iconic fenestrations.
Offset producers vs. climbers: Spider Plant races to multiply baby plants, while philodendrons and pothos channel energy into stretching upward.
Fragility factor: Many rapid growers have thinner stems or softer tissue, which makes them more prone to snapping, pests, or drying out if neglected.
📌 The takeaway: quick-growing houseplants deliver instant impact, but often need more trimming, repotting, or refreshing from cuttings. Slower growers may be less dramatic at first, but they usually demand less upkeep and last longer.
The Role of Environment
Indoors, growth speed is always relative — and heavily shaped by conditions. Even the best beginner plants slow down in poor setups.
Factors that drive or limit growth speed:
Light intensity: Bright, indirect light fuels leaves and vines. A pothos in low light might trail only a few centimeters, while the same plant in good light can climb meters in a year.
🔗 Before you move a plant, sanity-check your exposure with Understanding window orientations & plant selection
Container size: Bigger pots = more root space = more growth. Research shows that doubling pot volume can increase biomass by ~40%pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Cramped roots mean stalled shoots.
Substrate & moisture balance: Airy mixes with good drainage let roots breathe and expand; compact or soggy soil suffocates them.
🔗 If you want faster, safer root expansion, start with the mixes in The ultimate guide to houseplant substrates
Nutrients: Consistent fertilizing supports steady growth. Indoors, feeding year-round works, but reduce frequency in darker winter months when plants naturally slow down.
🔗 For dosing without myths — soil and semi-hydro — follow The ultimate guide to fertilizing houseplants
Humidity: Many tropical fast growers (philodendrons, syngoniums, monsteras) slow down or develop crispy tips in dry, heated air. Extra moisture in the air keeps them pushing new leaves.
🔗 When dry indoor air slows growth, use the practical targets in Mastering humidity for healthier houseplants
These variables explain why one person’s pothos covers a wall while another’s barely trails a meter. By tuning light, pot size, substrate, nutrients, and humidity, you can transform a slow starter into one of the fastest-growing indoor vines or clumpers.
10 Fast-Growing Houseplants You Can Grow Indoors
Now that you know what “fast growth” really means, here are ten of the quickest houseplants to grow in your home. Each one has its own strategy — from sending out offsets to climbing poles or trailing down shelves — but all deliver visible progress in a short time.
Few indoor plants show quick rewards as clearly as the Spider Plant. A small rosette soon transforms into a cascade of arching leaves, sending out long stolons with dangling baby plants. Within months, one mother plant can multiply into dozens — perfect for gifting, swapping, or rapidly filling a hanging basket. That’s why it remains one of the best fast-growing indoor plants for beginners.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to southern Africa, Chlorophytum comosum thrives on woodland edges and grassy understories, where it spreads by runners to colonize open ground. Indoors, this adaptation becomes nonstop production of offsets. Mature plants typically reach 30–45 cm tall, while stolons can trail over a meter, making them striking in hanging displays.
Along with offsets, spider plants often produce small white flowers on their runners — a sign of strong growth.
Cultivars such as:
‘Ocean’ – green leaves with a white center stripe.
‘Variegatum’ – white margins with green centers.
Both combine vigorous growth with ornamental foliage.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Stolons with plantlets appear almost year-round in good conditions.
Root systems expand quickly, often filling pots within 12–18 months.
In bright light, new offsets may emerge every few weeks once the plant is mature.
Adapts to many environments but thrives fastest in bright, indirect light.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Place in bright, indirect light for the best speed; tolerates shade but slows noticeably.
Keep soil lightly moist — allow the top layer to dry between waterings.
Use soft or filtered water if possible; fluoride in tap water causes brown tips.
Repot or divide every 12–18 months, as roots easily crowd pots.
❗ Toxicity
Spider Plant is non-toxic to pets and people. Cats are often drawn to the leaves and may nibble them; while this is generally harmless, it can cause mild stomach upset or vomiting if eaten in quantity.
🚩 Common Issues
Brown tips → usually from fluoride or salt in tap water.
Few offsets → plant too young or lacking sufficient light.
Pale leaves → nutrient deficiency or root congestion.
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Offsets root readily in either soil or water. You can even leave spiderettes attached until they form roots, then pot them separately. This nearly effortless method makes Spider Plant one of the easiest.
🔗 New to dividing offsets and refreshing dense root balls? Use the steps in Repotting houseplants: a complete guide
✚ Extra Tip
When growth slows, the plant is often root-bound. Repotting not only revives speed but also gives you new divisions to expand your collection or share.
If there’s one plant that feels unstoppable indoors, it’s Pothos. This vigorous vine can quickly turn shelves or hanging baskets into cascades of glossy foliage. For beginners, it’s often the first plant that builds confidence: forgiving, resilient, and one of the fastest-growing indoor vines.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Epipremnum aureum originates from the tropical Pacific — most often attributed to the Solomon Islands, though wild populations are also naturalised across other Pacific islands. In rainforests, it climbs tall trees and develops leaves over a meter long.
Indoors, growth speed varies with conditions. In bright, indirect light, vines may extend up to 1–2 meters a year, while in dim corners growth may shrink to just a few centimeters per season. With a moss pole or trellis, leaves enlarge and vertical growth accelerates.
Popular cultivars include:
Golden Pothos – green with yellow splashes; usually the fastest grower.
Marble Queen – cream marbling, slower due to less chlorophyll.
Neon – chartreuse foliage, moderate speed.
Manjula – painterly white-green patterns, slower and more light-sensitive.
🔗 If you want the full backstory and detailed care breakdown, our feature Epipremnum aureum – the story covers everything from its Pacific origins to the many cultivars you’ll see in shops.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Vines extend node by node at high speed in good light.
Climbing boosts both speed and leaf size.
Every node can root in soil or water, making propagation nearly foolproof.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Place in bright, indirect light to fuel speed and keep variegation vibrant.
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry; yellow leaves may signal overwatering.
Use a moss pole if you want larger leaves and faster climbing growth.
Feed regularly throughout the year, but reduce strength or frequency in darker winter months.
❗ Toxicity
Like most aroids, Pothos contains calcium oxalates and is toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
🚩 Common Issues
Leggy vines → too little light.
Variegation fading → insufficient light or long, unsupported trailing.
Root rot → soggy soil or poor drainage.
Yellow, mushy leaves → combination of cold drafts and overwatering.🔗
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Take a cutting with one node and leaf, root it in water or soil, and new roots appear within weeks. For a fuller display, pot several cuttings together.
If you’re multiplying cuttings for a fuller pot, this walkthrough keeps it foolproof: Propagating plants in water
✚ Extra Tip
Solid green and Golden Pothos are the fastest forms. For speed and size, let your plant climb vertically rather than trail. Among the best trailing houseplants for beginners, Pothos stands out for sheer vigor and easy care.
Few plants make a statement like the Swiss Cheese Plant. With bold, perforated leaves and a vigorous climbing habit, Monstera deliciosa quickly becomes the centerpiece of any indoor jungle. Given space, light, and support, it can add 60–90 cm of new vine growth per year, making it one of the fastest-growing indoor climbing plants.
🔗 Want the full playbook — poles, pruning, aerial roots? Head to Monstera deliciosa: complete care guide
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America, Monstera deliciosa begins life rooted in soil and then climbs trees as a hemiepiphyte. Outdoors, it can scale up to 20 meters, with leaves that reach umbrella-like proportions. Indoors, mature leaves often span 30–60 cm, though with strong light and support they can grow even larger.
Fenestrations — the famous splits and holes — don’t appear right away. Most indoor plants need 1–3 years of growth before producing mature leaves with perforations.
✚ Fun fact: The name deliciosa refers to the edible fruit it produces in the wild, though it rarely fruits indoors.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Aerial roots grip supports, powering vertical growth.
Once established, vines extend quickly and leaves enlarge with each flush.
New leaves often surpass the size of the previous ones under good conditions.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Place in bright, indirect light; low light slows growth and limits fenestrations.
Train on a moss or coir pole to mimic natural climbing and encourage large leaves.
Use a chunky aroid mix for drainage and aeration.
Water when the top few centimeters of soil are dry; avoid waterlogging.
Maintain moderate humidity — dry air can crisp the leaf edges.
❗ Toxicity
Like most aroids, Monstera contains calcium oxalates and is toxic if ingested by pets and humans. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
🚩 Common Issues
No fenestrations → plant still juvenile, or lacking light/support.
Yellowing foliage → overwatering or compacted substrate.
Brown spots or black patches → usually cold drafts or fungal issues from excess water.
Crispy edges → dry air or missed watering.
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Cuttings with one node and ideally an aerial root root well in water or chunky soil. Large plants can also be divided at the root ball during repotting. Air layering is another reliable method for producing strong, pre-rooted cuttings from mature vines.
✚ Extra Tip
Patience pays off — juvenile leaves are simple hearts at first, but once your Monstera climbs in bright light, fenestrations appear. Each new leaf grows larger and more dramatic, making it one of the best large-leaf indoor plants for fast growth.
The Heartleaf Philodendron is a classic beginner’s plant — forgiving, adaptable, and always producing new growth. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves trail elegantly from shelves or climb poles with ease. Indoors, it’s among the best fast-growing houseplants for beginners, often adding 30–60 cm of vine growth per season in good conditions.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to Central and South America, Philodendron hederaceum is a tropical epiphytic climber that uses aerial roots to scramble up tree trunks toward filtered light. Indoors, vines can stretch 1.5–3 meters if left unchecked, and they accelerate when trained on a support.
Popular forms include:
Classic green heartleaf – the quickest grower.
Philodendron hederaceum var. micans – velvety, bronze-toned leaves; slightly slower but highly decorative.
Variegated cultivars such as ‘Brasil’ – slower, due to reduced chlorophyll, but striking.
🔗 Many growers still know this plant as Philodendron scandens. If you’re curious how this species fits into the bigger philodendron world — from velvet-leaved types to rare hybrids — take a look at our Philodendron saga: scandens, hederaceum, and micans.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Keeps growing even in moderate household light.
Produces bigger, faster leaves once given a pole to climb.
Responds well to pruning, which stimulates bushy regrowth.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Prefers medium to bright, indirect light; in low light, growth may shrink to just a few centimeters per season.
Use an airy substrate and water when the top 2–3 cm are dry.
Provide a moss pole or trellis to speed up climbing growth.
Maintain moderate humidity for fuller, healthier leaves.
Prune regularly to prevent legginess and encourage branching.
❗ Toxicity
Like all philodendrons, this species contains calcium oxalates and is toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
🚩 Common Issues
Leggy vines → not enough light or overdue pruning.
Tiny leaves → plant wants to climb for support.
Yellowing leaves → overwatering or compacted soil.
Brown tips → dry indoor air or underwatering.
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Take stem cuttings with one node and leaf. Root them in water or moist soil, and roots usually form within 2–4 weeks. Plant several cuttings together for a full, lush effect.
✚ Extra Tip
While the Heartleaf looks attractive trailing, it grows fastest when climbing. Once supported, it quickly shows why it’s one of the fastest indoor vines for beginners.
If you want instant impact, the Inch Plant delivers. Its silver-striped leaves shimmer against purple undersides, and vines can grow at explosive speed. Within just a few months, it may cascade 60–90 cm, making it one of the fastest-growing indoor trailing plants. For anyone craving quick fullness and color, Tradescantia hard to beat.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to Mexico and Central America, Tradescantia zebrina creeps along the forest floor, rooting at nodes wherever stems touch soil. Indoors, this adaptation becomes rapid trailing growth — stems readily root if they contact substrate, creating dense mats or flowing baskets.
Popular cultivars include:
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Violet Hill’ aka 'Pink Joy' - Compact trailing plant with striped green, silver, and purple leaves that show soft pink tones in good light. Vigorous and easy to propagate, perfect for hanging baskets.
Tradescantia mundula 'Lisa' - A softer, more upright tradescantia with rounded green leaves brushed in cream and pink. Grows fast, forms dense clumps, and adds a pastel touch indoors.
Tradescantia zebrina 'Brightness' - Striking variety with extra vivid silver striping that contrasts sharply against dark purple undersides. Trails quickly and keeps color best in bright, indirect light.
⚠️ Note: Tradescantia is often short-lived indoors, typically thriving for 2–3 years before stems get woody and sparse. The good news: it’s one of the easiest plants to restart from cuttings.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Roots form at every node, multiplying coverage quickly.
Short internodes produce compact, lush growth.
Responds rapidly to pruning, bouncing back with new shoots.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Needs bright light to keep striping vivid; colors fade in low light.
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; roots rot quickly in soggy soil.
Pinch back stems often to prevent legginess and encourage dense baskets.
Moderate humidity supports fuller foliage, though average indoor levels are usually tolerated.
Restart older plants with fresh cuttings every couple of years for best results.
❗ Toxicity
Tradescantia is mildly toxic: its sap can irritate skin, and ingestion may cause stomach upset. Use gloves when pruning if you’re sensitive, and keep out of reach of pets.
🚩 Common Issues
Faded stripes → insufficient light.
Leggy, bare stems → natural with age; refresh by restarting cuttings.
Crispy tips → dry air or inconsistent watering.
Pale, mushy stems → overwatering combined with cold stress.
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Cut a stem with at least one node and leaf, place it in water or moist soil, and roots often appear within days. For dense hanging baskets, pot multiple cuttings together and rotate fresh ones in as older vines decline.
✚ Extra Tip
Think of Tradescantia zebrina as a renewable houseplant. Its short lifespan is part of the cycle — regular cutting and restarting is the secret to keeping it lush year-round.
Delicate in appearance but vigorous in growth, the Asparagus Fern quickly fills a pot with airy green sprays. In just a year, a small starter can double in size, often outgrowing its container and demanding division. Despite the name, it isn’t a true fern but part of the asparagus family. For anyone seeking a fast-growing indoor plant with feathery texture, this species is a standout.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to South Africa, Asparagus densiflorus thrives in scrublands and open woodlands. Its tuberous roots act as storage organs, fueling steady shoot production. Indoors, plants usually reach 40–60 cm tall and wide, though roots may press against pot walls as they expand.
Most popular cultivar is ‘Sprengeri’ – the classic, with arching, cascading stems, perfect for hanging baskets.
Note: Asparagus densiflorus is often mistaken for Asparagus setaceus (lace fern), but they are different species.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Tuberous roots act as energy banks for constant new shoots.
Dense clumping habit quickly fills space.
Can double in size within a year under good light and care.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Prefers bright, filtered light; grows slower in dim corners.
Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy — tubers rot in waterlogged soil.
Repot or divide every 1–2 years before roots overcrowd or break pots.
Tolerates average household humidity, but moderate to high humidity keeps fronds finer and fresher.
Expect slower growth in winter when light and temperatures drop.
❗ Toxicity
All parts of Asparagus densiflorus are toxic if ingested. The berries in particular can upset the digestive system, and stems may irritate skin. Keep away from children and pets.
🚩 Common Issues
Yellowing fronds → underwatering or too much direct sun.
Crispy tips → dry air or inconsistent watering.
Pale foliage → lack of nutrients or insufficient light.
Roots breaking pots → plant overdue for repotting or division.
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Division is the most reliable method. During repotting, split the root ball into sections, each with healthy roots and stems. Divisions settle quickly in fresh soil.
✚ Extra Tip
This is one of the best fast-growing indoor plants for small spaces — compact at first, but quick to fill out. Regular division not only controls its spread but also gives you new plants to share.
The Arrowhead Vine is a plant of transformation. It begins as a creeping groundcover, then shifts into a vigorous climber that can quickly scale poles and trellises. Indoors, it’s one of the fastest-growing houseplants with arrow-shaped leaves, rewarding growers who enjoy watching a plant change character over time.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to Central and South America, Syngonium podophyllum grows in tropical forests, spreading across the ground before climbing tree trunks toward the canopy. Juvenile leaves are simple arrowheads, while mature foliage develops deep lobes with age.
Indoors, leaves typically reach 7–15 cm, but vines can stretch 1.5–2 meters in just a few years with support. In optimal care, stems may add 30–60 cm of growth per season; in low light, progress slows dramatically and leaves stay small.
Cultivars vary widely:
Solid green forms – the fastest growers.
‘White Butterfly’ and other variegates – slower, but decorative.
Pink types – medium speed, grown mostly for color.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Juvenile plants pump out leaves quickly to establish themselves.
Aerial roots grip poles or trellises, accelerating vertical growth.
Once mature, climbing vines can double in size within a year.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Place in bright, indirect light; variegates need stronger light to keep their patterns.
Keep soil evenly moist in a chunky aroid mix; avoid standing water.
Average indoor humidity is tolerated, but higher humidity speeds growth and prevents crispy tips.
Train on a moss pole or trellis to encourage larger, lobed leaves.
Expect slower growth in winter when days are shorter.
❗ Toxicity
Like most aroids, Syngonium podophyllum is toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
🚩 Common Issues
Leggy vines → too little light or overdue pruning.
Variegation loss → insufficient light.
Yellowing leaves → overwatering or compacted soil.
Pale leaves → nutrient deficiency or too much direct sun.
Crispy tips → dry air.
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Stem cuttings root easily. Snip below a node with an aerial root, place in water or moist soil, and roots usually appear within weeks. Plant several cuttings together for a bushier look.
✚ Extra Tip
If speed is your goal, choose solid green varieties — they’re among the fastest-growing indoor climbing plants. Variegated and pink forms offer more color, but patience is part of the reward.
The Creeping Fig is the definition of unstoppable. With tiny juvenile leaves and wiry stems that cling to almost any surface, it can cover poles, trellises, or even indoor walls in record time. For plant lovers wanting dramatic vertical greenery, Ficus pumila is one of the fastest-growing indoor vines for walls and poles.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to East Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam), Ficus pumila uses adhesive aerial roots to scramble up trees, rocks, and buildings. In the wild, it can climb many stories high. Indoors, vines may reach 2–3 meters in a few years under good conditions, though growth can slow to just a few centimeters per month in low light or small pots.
Leaf form changes with age:
Juvenile phase – small, delicate leaves (1–2 cm), ideal for indoor displays.
Mature phase – larger, leathery leaves; usually outdoors or in very old plants. Indoors, most growers prune to maintain the charming juvenile look.
Variegated cultivars such as ‘Variegata’ combine rapid growth with cream-and-green patterns and are especially popular in homes.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Adhesive aerial roots let vines grip supports and climb steadily.
Dense branching creates quick, compact coverage.
Keeps growing even in average household light, faster with added humidity.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates medium light; dim corners slow it down.
Keep soil evenly moist but well-draining — avoid compact mixes that cause root rot.
Trim regularly to prevent tangling and maintain the juvenile phase.
Higher humidity encourages denser foliage and faster coverage.
Train on a frame, trellis, or moss pole for vertical growth.
❗ Toxicity
Creeping Fig produces a milky latex sap that can irritate skin and is toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
🚩 Common Issues
Leaf drop → drought or very low humidity.
Overgrowth → solved with hard pruning; plant rebounds quickly.
Crispy edges → dry air or irregular watering.
Yellowing leaves → compacted soil or poor drainage.
Pale leaves / weak growth → not enough light or nutrients.
Spider mites or scale → common fig pests indoors; check undersides of leaves.
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Cuttings root easily. Take a stem with at least one node, place it in moist soil or water, and roots usually appear within 1–2 weeks. Pot several cuttings together for faster, fuller coverage.
✚ Extra Tip
Think of Ficus pumila as “living wallpaper.” Indoors, it’s best guided with pruning and support. With structure it looks elegant; without it, it can become invasive.
Graceful white spathes (often mistaken for flowers) and lush green foliage make the Peace Lily a favorite in homes and offices. Beyond its looks, it’s also a fast-growing indoor foliage plant, expanding into full clumps within a year or two. With steady leaf production, Spathiphyllum wallisii can quickly double its size, making it one of the best flowering houseplants for beginners.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Peace Lilies belong to the arum family (Araceae). In their natural understories, they thrive in shade and humidity, pushing out fresh leaves from a central crown. Indoors, clumps can reach 60–90 cm tall and wide within 12–18 months, while cultivars like ‘Sensation’ may exceed a meter.
🔗 For history, bloom cycles, and realistic expectations, see The story of Spathiphyllum
🔗 If you’ve heard “air-purifying” claims, read the science in Do houseplants purify air?
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Crowns constantly push out new leaves.
Clumps expand outward, quickly filling pots.
Foliage continues growing even outside bloom cycles.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Grows best in medium to bright, indirect light; very low light slows growth and reduces flowering.
Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy; allow the top few cm to dry between waterings.
Sensitive to chlorine and fluoride — use filtered, rain, or distilled water if possible.
Repot or divide every 1–2 years as clumps fill containers rapidly.
Moderate to high humidity keeps foliage lush and prevents brown tips.
❗ Toxicity
Peace Lilies contain calcium oxalates and are toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
🚩 Common Issues
Drooping leaves → classic thirst signal; usually bounce back after watering.
Brown tips → hard tap water, fertilizer salts, or low humidity.
Black edges → chronic overwatering or soggy soil.
No blooms → not enough light or nutrients (Peace Lily not flowering indoors is a common issue).
Yellow leaves → often from poor drainage or overwatering (Peace Lily yellow leaves fix → repot into airy mix and adjust watering).
🔗 If fast growers stall because of pests, start with Thrips on houseplants, Scale insects on plants, and Conquering mealybugs
🔗 Prefer prevention? Introduce allies from Beneficial insects & biological control
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Best propagated by division during repotting. Separate crowns with roots attached; each establishes quickly in fresh soil.
✚ Extra Tip
To boost speed, provide steady light and water quality. Many growers ask “how to make Peace Lily grow faster” — the answer is simple: bright indirect light, clean water, and timely repotting. With this care, it remains one of the fastest-growing indoor plants for foliage and blooms.
For anyone who wants a fast-growing exotic aroid with bold appeal, Homalomena rubescens is a standout. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves rise on vivid red petioles, adding instant tropical drama indoors. Though less common than philodendrons or monsteras, it’s prized by collectors for its steady pace: under good care, it produces a new leaf every 3–4 weeks, making it one of the best statement houseplants for fast growth.
🌍 Natural Habitat & Growth Habit
Native to Southeast Asia, Homalomena rubescens thrives along riverbanks and damp forest understories. Indoors, plants usually reach 60–90 cm tall and wide, expanding into clumps as crowns multiply. Vigorous cultivars like ‘Maggy’ — often searched as Homalomena Maggy care — are especially valued for oversized foliage and intense petiole color.
❓ Why It’s Considered Fast
Produces new leaves regularly throughout the year.
Expands outward by clumping, quickly filling its container.
Thrives in the same airy, moisture-retentive mixes used for other aroids.
💡 Care Tips for Quick Growth
Place in bright, indirect light for fastest growth; tolerates medium light but slows and produces smaller leaves in low light.
Use a chunky, moisture-holding aroid mix; keep soil evenly moist but never soggy.
Repot or divide every 1–2 years as crowns expand.
Average humidity is tolerated, but moderate to high humidity keeps leaves lush and reduces crispy edges.
Feed with balanced fertilizer during active growth to maintain monthly leaf production.
❗ Toxicity
Like most aroids, Homalomena rubescens is toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
🚩 Common Issues
Yellowing leaves → overwatering or compacted soil.
Crispy tips → dry air or fertilizer buildup.
Leaf spotting → inconsistent watering or sudden temperature drops.
Slowed growth → low light or depleted soil nutrients.
🌱 Propagation Made Easy
Best propagated by division during repotting. Each clump with roots and leaves establishes quickly in fresh substrate.
✚ Extra Tip
If you’re seeking something different from mainstream aroids, Homalomena rubescens combines monthly new growth with exotic red stems — a plant that delivers both speed and rarity.
Which Fast Grower Fits Your Space and Lifestyle?
Each of these ten plants grows quickly, but in different ways. Some trail, some climb, some clump — all of them bring fresh energy to your space faster than most houseplants. The right choice depends on your style, light levels, and how much care you want to give.
Quick Comparison: 10 Fast-Growing Houseplants
Plant | Best For | Growth Speed & Notes |
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Beginners, pet owners, hanging baskets | Produces offsets almost year-round; multiplies rapidly, non-toxic |
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Low-maintenance growers, trailing vines | Extends up to 1–2 m/year in bright light; roots easily from cuttings |
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) | Statement lovers, large spaces | Adds 60–90 cm vine growth per year; fastest indoor climbing plant with fenestrations |
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) | Beginners, small-space growers | Trails or climbs 30–60 cm per season; thrives even in medium light |
Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina) | Color lovers, quick impact | Trails 60–90 cm in months; short-lived (2–3 years) but easy to restart from cuttings |
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) | Fans of feathery textures | Clumps can double in size in a year; tuberous roots expand aggressively |
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium) | Collectors, climber enthusiasts | Adds 30–60 cm per season; shifts from arrow-shaped to lobed leaves as it matures |
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) | Vertical gardeners, “living wallpaper” | Climbs 2–3 m in a few years; very fast indoors but needs pruning to avoid invasiveness |
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) | Bloom + foliage seekers, low-light homes | Clumps can double in 12–18 months; spathes (not flowers) appear in cycles |
Homalomena rubescens | Collectors, tropical statement plants | Produces a new leaf every 3–4 weeks; steady clumping with striking red petioles |
Conclusion: Choose Your Fast Grower With Confidence
Fast-growing houseplants give instant reward. Whether it’s a Spider Plant raining offsets, a Pothos covering a shelf, a Monstera climbing toward the ceiling, or a Peace Lily doubling its clump size in a year, these species prove that you don’t need to wait long for impact.
Beginners thrive with forgiving growers like Spider Plant, Pothos, or Heartleaf Philodendron — the best low-light fast-growing houseplants.
Collectors can explore less common gems like Homalomena rubescens or the shape-shifting Arrowhead Vine.
Flower fans enjoy spathes and foliage from the Peace Lily.
Statement lovers can let Monstera or Asparagus Fern dominate a corner with bold presence.
Quick color hunters will find Tradescantia or Creeping Fig deliver impact in weeks — perfect indoor plants that grow quickly from cuttings.
✚ Final Tip: Growth speed means more propagation material. Cuttings, offsets, and divisions let you share plants with friends or expand your indoor jungle for free.
Wondering how to make fast-growing houseplants thrive even faster?
Focus on bright indirect light, airy soil, adequate space, and steady watering — and don’t forget that each species has its own natural habitat and growth strategy. By copying those conditions at home, your indoor garden won’t just survive, it will race ahead.
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