Indoor Plants to Make Your Home Look Greener Fast
If you’re dreaming of a lush, vibrant home but don’t want to wait months to see results, you’re not alone. Many indoor plant lovers crave the instant gratification of a green oasis without the slow and uncertain wait for growth. The good news? Some indoor plants grow fast, look fantastic, and can transform your space in just a few weeks. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the fastest-growing indoor plants, along with care tips to get the most out of their growth potential.
Why Choose Fast-Growing Indoor Plants?
Indoor plants bring beauty, serenity, and cleaner air into your home. But fast-growing varieties offer unique advantages:
- Instant Aesthetic Appeal: Quickly fill up empty corners or create lush plant displays.
- Motivation Boost: Seeing visible growth encourages new plant parents.
- Natural Air Purifiers: Many rapid growers also clean indoor air.
- Cost-Effective Decor: Fill your home without breaking the bank by propagating fast-growers.
Fast-growing indoor plants are ideal for anyone who wants a quicker payoff and ongoing satisfaction.
Our Top 10 Fast-Growing Indoor Plants for Instant Greenery
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Pothos is a prolific trailing plant that shoots out new vines rapidly, even in moderate conditions. Speed to Green: New growth in 2-3 weeks, lush trails in 2-3 months. Visual Impact: Perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, or training up walls. Care:
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Water: When top 2 inches are dry
- Soil: Well-draining
- Pro Tip: Fertilize bi-weekly during growing season. Best For: Beginners, low-light rooms, shelf decor.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Shoots out baby plantlets that can be easily replanted. Speed to Green: Babies appear in 4-6 weeks. Visual Impact: Bushy, vibrant, and great in hanging pots. Care:
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Water: Weekly
- Soil: Rich, well-draining
- Pro Tip: Use filtered water to avoid leaf tips browning. Best For: Hanging baskets, pet-safe homes.
3. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Grows heart-shaped leaves quickly along vining stems. Speed to Green: Noticeable growth in 2-4 weeks. Visual Impact: Elegant drapes or wall climbers. Care:
- Light: Moderate to low
- Water: When slightly dry
- Soil: Peat-based
- Pro Tip: Train it up a moss pole for faster growth. Best For: Living rooms, offices.
4. Tradescantia Zebrina (Wandering Jew)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Grows rapidly and propagates with ease. Speed to Green: Growth every week with proper light. Visual Impact: Purple-striped leaves add color and volume. Care:
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Water: Keep evenly moist
- Soil: Loamy and moist
- Pro Tip: Prune to encourage bushiness. Best For: Tabletops, vibrant spaces.
5. Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Expands quickly into a bush or vine. Speed to Green: Leaf expansion weekly. Visual Impact: Bushy or climbing structure. Care:
- Light: Low to bright, indirect
- Water: Moderate
- Soil: Rich and moist
- Pro Tip: Trim regularly to control shape. Best For: Flexible placement.
6. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Fast trails and eye-catching banana-shaped leaves. Speed to Green: Trails form in 3-4 weeks. Visual Impact: Hanging baskets with drama. Care:
- Light: Bright
- Water: Let dry between watering
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining
- Pro Tip: Avoid overwatering. Best For: Sunny windows.
7. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Vigorous climber with tiny lush leaves. Speed to Green: Rapid wall coverage in 1-2 months. Visual Impact: Natural green wallpaper. Care:
- Light: Bright to moderate
- Water: Keep moist
- Soil: Peaty mix
- Pro Tip: Prune to guide direction. Best For: Vertical green walls.
8. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Quick height growth in water or soil. Speed to Green: Shoots in 2-3 weeks. Visual Impact: Sculptural, Zen-like presence. Care:
- Light: Indirect
- Water: Keep base submerged
- Soil (optional): Loose and moist
- Pro Tip: Add pebbles for support in water. Best For: Desks, feng shui.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Quick leaf development. Speed to Green: 3-5 weeks for new shoots. Visual Impact: Bushy, colorful patterns. Care:
- Light: Low to moderate
- Water: Moderate
- Soil: Well-draining
- Pro Tip: Rotate weekly for even growth. Best For: Dim spaces.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why It’s a Speed Demon: Frequent leaf and flower production. Speed to Green: New leaves every 2 weeks. Visual Impact: Tropical, lush with white blooms. Care:
- Light: Low to bright
- Water: Keep evenly moist
- Soil: Rich, well-draining
- Pro Tip: Mist often for humidity. Best For: Bedrooms, bathrooms.
Beyond the Plants: Tips to Make Your Home Look Greener, Faster
- Group Plants: Use odd-numbered clusters of varying heights.
- Use Mirrors: Reflect light and greenery to amplify effect.
- Pot Size Matters: Right size helps roots develop faster.
- Propagate: Snip and grow new plants from existing ones.
- Optimize Light: Use grow lights if needed to boost speed.
- Fertilize Smart: Balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growth.
Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Green Makeover
- Overwatering: Causes root rot and stunts growth.
- Insufficient Light: Leads to leggy, slow plants.
- Poor Soil Choice: Blocks nutrients and airflow.
- Ignoring Pests: Bugs like spider mites halt plant health.
FAQ: Quick Greening Questions Answered
What is the fastest-growing indoor plant?
Pothos or Spider Plant—both show visible growth in weeks.
Can I speed up slow-growing plants?
Yes—by improving light, water balance, and adding fertilizer.
How long does it take to green a room with plants?
With the right plants, 4-6 weeks can make a noticeable difference.
Are fast-growing indoor plants high maintenance?
Not necessarily. Most are low-effort with proper conditions.
Conclusion
With the right indoor plants, a greener home is just weeks away. Whether you’re decorating a new space or breathing life into an old one, fast-growing varieties offer quick wins and lasting joy. Ready to start your indoor jungle journey?
Which of these fast-growing plants will you add to your home first? Share your choices in the comments below or download our free ‘Rapid Green Home Checklist’ to get started today!
