Fastest and Slowest Growing Houseplants: A Comprehensive Guide
Houseplants bring vibrancy and life to any indoor space, but not all plants grow at the same pace. Whether you’re looking to quickly fill out your indoor garden or you have the patience to watch slow growers thrive over time, understanding the growth rates of different houseplants can help you plan your green space better. In this guide, I’ll explore my collection’s fastest and slowest growing plants, offering tips on how to care for each and what to expect as they grow.
Fastest Growing Houseplants
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Light: Bright, indirect light to low light
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
Pothos is a go-to plant for anyone wanting to add greenery to their home quickly. Known for its vigorous growth, this vine can extend several feet in just a year, mainly when provided with bright, indirect light. Its trailing nature makes it ideal for hanging baskets or cascading down from shelves. Additionally, Pothos is low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of light conditions, although it will grow faster in brighter spots. This one has been growing fast for me. The bushy part has been slower, but the part with a vine has produced many new leaves.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
The Spider Plant is another fast grower, especially known for producing “pups,” or baby plants that dangle from the mother plant. With its arching and variegated leaves, the Spider Plant adds an elegant touch to any room. Given the right conditions, this plant can double in size within a year, making it a favorite for those who want a lush, full look quickly. Bright, indirect light and regular watering will encourage rapid growth. One of my spider plants has been increasing. The other one has been a little slower, but it is finally getting a pup.
3. Philodendron
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
Philodendrons are famous for their fast-growing vines and large, heart-shaped leaves. These plants are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in various indoor environments. Like Pothos, Philodendrons can grow several feet a year, making them perfect for creating a tropical vibe in your home. To keep your Philodendron thriving, provide it with bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist. Mine has been growing quickly since repotting into its own individual container.
4. Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
The Inch Plant is a colorful, fast-growing plant known for its purple and green striped leaves. It gets its name from rapid growth, which can add an inch or more length within a short period. This makes it a fantastic option for those looking to fill a space with trailing plants quickly. With bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, the Inch Plant will reward you with lush growth. Mine has been growing quickly, and I now have two because I propagated it.
5. Monstera Deliciosa
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
The Monstera Deliciosa, often referred to as the “Swiss Cheese Plant,” is known for its large, split leaves and relatively fast growth. Under optimal conditions, a Monstera can grow several feet in a single year. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates regular watering. Given space, a Monstera will quickly become a focal point in your home. Mine has finally put off its first two new leaves since getting it five months ago, so hopefully, now it will produce more quickly.
Slowest Growing Houseplants
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
Snake Plants are known for their hardiness and ability to survive in low light, but they grow quite slowly. A Snake Plant might only produce a few new leaves each year, making it ideal for those who want a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require frequent repotting. Despite its slow growth, the Snake Plant’s striking, upright leaves add a modern touch to any room. I have mainly focused on getting it healthier for mine, and it is so much better now than when I got it. There are a couple of new babies that have been growing quite quickly.
2. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Light: Bright, direct sunlight
- Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out
The Bird of Paradise is a stunning tropical plant, but it requires patience. This plant is a slow grower, especially indoors. A Bird of Paradise can take several years to reach its full height and maturity.
To encourage growth, place your Bird of Paradise in a spot where it receives bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day. Consistent watering is also crucial, but be careful not to overwater. While it may take time to see significant progress, the Bird of Paradise rewards patience with its lush, exotic appearance. I only got mine a few weeks ago but saw a new leaf forming.
3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Light: Bright, indirect to direct sunlight
- Water: Allow soil to dry out entirely between waterings
Aloe Vera is well-known for its medicinal properties but is also a slow-growing succulent. It can take years for an Aloe Vera plant to grow substantially and thrive on minimal care. This plant is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance addition to their indoor garden. To promote growth, ensure your Aloe Vera gets plenty of bright light and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. I have barely noticed any new growth besides the middle part. It has become a lot healthier than when I first got it.
4. Burgundy Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
The Burgundy Rubber Plant is a striking houseplant with deep green to burgundy leaves. While it can grow to a considerable size, it does so at a slow to moderate pace, particularly indoors. To encourage growth, place your Rubber Plant in bright, indirect light and water it when the soil dries out. Pruning can help shape the plant and promote bushier growth but be prepared for a gradual transformation. I don’t know why this plant has been growing fast for me.
5. Tree Houseleek (Aeonium arboreum)
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Light: Bright, indirect light to direct sunlight
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Tree Houseleek is a slow-growing succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy leaves. This plant grows slowly, especially indoors, and can take years to develop into a mature specimen. However, its unique appearance makes it a captivating addition to any succulent collection. To keep it healthy and growing, provide it with bright light and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
6. Gasteraloe
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Light: Bright, indirect light to direct sunlight
- Water: Water when the soil is completely dry
Gasteraloe, a hybrid between Gasteria and Aloe, is another slow-growing succulent that requires minimal care. Like other succulents, it thrives in bright light and prefers to be watered sparingly. Gasteraloe’s slow growth and compact size make it an excellent choice for small spaces or as part of a succulent arrangement. I have noticed no difference since getting this plant.
7. Striped Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
The Striped Dracaena is a slow-growing houseplant known for its attractive striped leaves. It’s an excellent choice for low-light areas, but its growth will be slow, especially in less-than-optimal light conditions. To encourage growth, place your Dracaena in bright, indirect light and water it regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. I have noticed no difference since getting this plant.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for fast-growing plants like Pothos and Philodendrons or have the patience for slower growers like Snake Plants and Aloe Vera, understanding the growth rates of your houseplants can help you plan your indoor garden more effectively. Fast-growing plants can quickly fill out a space and provide instant gratification, while slow growers offer long-term rewards with steady, measured growth.
Each plant brings its unique charm and benefits, from air purification to low maintenance care. By tailoring your care routines to suit each plant’s needs, you’ll be able to enjoy a thriving indoor garden, no matter how fast or slow your plants grow.
