20 Best Fast Growing Indoor Plants to Transform Your Home into a Lush Jungle Quickly

Tired of staring at empty corners and bare shelves in your living room, wondering when you’ll finally have that vibrant, green oasis you’ve been dreaming about? 😩 What if you could turn your home into a thriving indoor jungle in just a few months—without spending a fortune on mature plants or waiting years for growth? The secret lies in choosing fast growing indoor plants that deliver quick, visible results and fill your space with lush foliage faster than you ever thought possible. 🌱💚

As a certified horticulturist with over 15 years of experience guiding thousands of plant enthusiasts—from beginners to seasoned collectors—in creating stunning houseplant collections, I’ve seen firsthand how the right fast-growing varieties can completely transform a home. These plants not only provide instant gratification but also purify your air, boost your mood, and create that coveted biophilic design everyone loves. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore the 20 best fast growing indoor plants, backed by real growth rates, care tips, and expert insights to help you succeed right away.

By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to select, care for, and accelerate the growth of these speedy houseplants—turning your space into a lush paradise quickly and confidently. Let’s dive in! 🚀

What Makes a Plant “Fast-Growing” Indoors? 🏃‍♂️💨

Not all houseplants grow at the same pace. A “fast-growing” indoor plant typically produces new leaves or extends vines every 1–4 weeks under optimal conditions, adding several inches (or even feet!) of growth per month during the growing season (spring through fall).

Key factors that determine speed include:

• Genetics: Some species, like pothos or tradescantia, are naturally vigorous.
• Light: Bright, indirect light fuels photosynthesis and rapid development.
• Humidity and Temperature: Tropical plants thrive in 60–80°F with 50%+ humidity.
• Soil and Nutrients: Well-draining, nutrient-rich mixes with regular fertilization.
• Pot Size: Slightly root-bound plants often grow faster upward.

For comparison:

Fast growers give you that “wow” factor quickly—perfect for impatient plant parents! 🌟

Benefits of Choosing Fast-Growing Indoor Plants 🌟

Why prioritize speed? Beyond aesthetics, these plants solve real problems:

• Quick Gratification: See new leaves weekly, motivating you to keep caring.
• Air Purification: Many top the NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study (still relevant in 2025) for removing VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene—though real-world impact requires multiple plants.
• Mental Health Boost: Studies show houseplants reduce stress and improve focus.
• Budget-Friendly: Buy small starters cheaply and watch them explode in size.
• Space Filling: Create privacy screens or natural room dividers rapidly.
• Easy Propagation: Most produce offsets or cuttings for free new plants.

In 2025, with urban living on the rise, fast-growing houseplants are essential for bringing nature indoors efficiently. 🏡

Top 20 Fast-Growing Indoor Plants: Detailed Reviews 🌿

Here are my top 20 picks for 2025, selected for proven speed, ease, and popularity. Each can add significant growth in months!

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 🏆

The ultimate beginner-friendly trailer—often called the fastest-growing houseplant! Varieties like Golden, Marble Queen, or Neon can trail 6–12 inches monthly.

• Growth Rate: Extremely fast; new leaves every week in bright light.
• Mature Size: Trails 10+ feet indoors.
• Care: Low to bright indirect light; water when top soil dries. Tolerates neglect.
• Pro Tips: Propagate cuttings in water easily. Wipe leaves for shine.
• Pet Safety: Toxic (ASPCA)—keep out of reach.
• Air Purification: Excellent for formaldehyde.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) 🕷️

Produces “babies” (pups) in weeks—perfect for propagation!

• Growth Rate: Fast; arches and pups quickly.
• Mature Size: 2–3 feet wide.
• Care: Bright indirect light; even moisture.
• Pro Tips: Hang for cascading effect; pups root fast.
• Pet Safety: Safe! 🐶🐱
• Air Purification: Top NASA performer.

3. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria) 🐍

Surprisingly quick upright growth for a “low-maintenance” icon.

• Growth Rate: New leaves every few weeks.
• Mature Size: 3–4 feet tall.
• Care: Low light tolerant; infrequent watering.
• Pro Tips: Great for bedrooms (releases oxygen at night).
• Pet Safety: Toxic—mild GI upset.
• Air Purification: Excellent.

4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) ✨

Low-light champ that pushes glossy shoots rapidly.

• Growth Rate: Steady fast in good conditions.
• Mature Size: 3–4 feet.
• Care: Very drought-tolerant.
• Pro Tips: Perfect for offices.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.
• Air Purification: Good.

5. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) ❤️

Vining speed demon—similar to pothos but with heart-shaped leaves.

• Growth Rate: 6–12 inches/month.
• Mature Size: Long trails.
• Care: Low to bright light.
• Pro Tips: Climb or trail.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.
• Air Purification: Strong.

6. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) 🧀

Iconic fenestrations develop fast in bright light.

• Growth Rate: Large leaves unfurl monthly.
• Mature Size: 8–10 feet indoors.
• Care: Bright indirect; consistent moisture.
• Pro Tips: Support with moss pole for bigger leaves.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.
• Air Purification: Good.

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) 🌸

Blooms and grows rapidly with moisture.

• Growth Rate: Fast in humid spots.
• Mature Size: 2–4 feet.
• Care: Low to medium light; droops to signal water.
• Pro Tips: Blooms year-round.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.
• Air Purification: NASA top pick.

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) 🎨

Colorful varieties bush out quickly.

• Growth Rate: Steady and fast.
• Mature Size: 2–3 feet.
• Care: Low light tolerant.
• Pro Tips: Variegated types need more light.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.
• Air Purification: Excellent.

9. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum) ➡️

Shape-shifting vine with arrow leaves.

• Growth Rate: Very fast viner.
• Mature Size: Trails or climbs.
• Care: Medium light.
• Pro Tips: Leaves change shape as it matures.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.

10. English Ivy (Hedera helix) 🍃

Rapid climber or trailer.

• Growth Rate: Aggressive.
• Mature Size: Long vines.
• Care: Cool temps, medium light.
• Pro Tips: Great for topiaries.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.
• Air Purification: Good.

11. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) 💜

Explosive purple-striped growth—one of the absolute fastest!

• Growth Rate: Inches per week.
• Mature Size: Trailing.
• Care: Bright light for color.
• Pro Tips: Pinch for bushiness.
• Pet Safety: Mildly toxic (skin irritation).

12. String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) 📿

Beads multiply fast in bright light.

• Growth Rate: Quick trailing.
• Mature Size: Long strings.
• Care: Succulent-like.
• Pro Tips: Avoid overwatering.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.

13. Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant) 🥞

Pups galore—easy to share!

• Growth Rate: Fast offsets.
• Mature Size: 12–18 inches.
• Care: Bright indirect.
• Pro Tips: Rotate for even growth.
• Pet Safety: Safe! 🐶🐱

14. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) 🐦

Dramatic height gains indoors.

• Growth Rate: Fast in bright light.
• Mature Size: 5–6 feet.
• Care: Lots of sun.
• Pro Tips: Rarely blooms indoors but grows tall.
• Pet Safety: Mildly toxic.

15. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) 🌳

Bold glossy leaves weekly.

• Growth Rate: Upward fast.
• Mature Size: 6–10 feet.
• Care: Bright light.
• Pro Tips: Prune for shape.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.

16. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) 🙏

Folding leaves and quick spread.

• Growth Rate: Bushy fast.
• Mature Size: Low grower.
• Care: Humidity lover.
• Pro Tips: Night movement is cool!
• Pet Safety: Safe.

17. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) 🌿

Lush fronds in humid homes.

• Growth Rate: Fast with moisture.
• Mature Size: 2–3 feet.
• Care: Indirect light, high humidity.
• Pro Tips: Bathroom star.
• Pet Safety: Safe.

18. Alocasia (Elephant Ear varieties) 🐘

Huge leaves unfurl rapidly.

• Growth Rate: Very fast new leaves.
• Mature Size: 3–6 feet.
• Care: Bright, humid.
• Pro Tips: Dormant in winter.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.

19. Calathea (various species) 🎨

Patterned beauty with steady growth.

• Growth Rate: Moderate-fast.
• Mature Size: 1–2 feet.
• Care: Humidity essential.
• Pro Tips: Prayer-like movement.
• Pet Safety: Safe.

20. Dracaena ‘Lemon Lime’ 🍋

Bright, upright, and fast.

• Growth Rate: Quick height.
• Mature Size: 4–6 feet.
• Care: Medium light.
• Pro Tips: Colorful stripes.
• Pet Safety: Toxic.

How to Make Your Indoor Plants Grow Even Faster 🚀

Even the fastest-growing houseplants need the right conditions to reach their full potential. Here are expert-level strategies to supercharge growth and get that lush jungle look ASAP.

Optimal Lighting Strategies 💡

Light is the #1 growth driver indoors. Most fast growers thrive in bright, indirect light (think east or west-facing windows with sheer curtains).

• Best Placement: 2–5 feet from a south-facing window (filtered) or use grow lights.
• Grow Light Recommendations (2025): Full-spectrum LED grow lights (20–40W) like the Sansi 36W or Spider Farmer SF-1000. Run 12–16 hours/day for dramatic results.
• Pro Tip: Rotate plants weekly for even growth. Use a light meter app to aim for 200–800 foot-candles.

Best Soil and Potting Mix Recipes 🪴

Fast growers hate wet feet—use a well-draining mix.

• Universal Fast-Grow Mix: 50% potting soil + 30% perlite + 20% orchid bark or coco coir.
• For Trailing Plants (Pothos, Philodendron): Add extra perlite for aeration.
• For Big-Leaf Plants (Monstera, Alocasia): Include a handful of worm castings for slow-release nutrients.
• Repotting Rule: Move up one pot size every 6–12 months when roots fill the pot—spring is best.

Fertilizing Schedule for Explosive Growth 🌱

Feed them right and watch them explode!

• Best Fertilizer: Liquid balanced (20-20-20) or organic fish emulsion diluted to half strength.
• Schedule: Every 2 weeks during spring/summer; monthly in fall; stop in winter.
• Pro Tip: Use a slow-release granular fertilizer at potting for steady nutrition. Over-fertilizing causes leaf burn—always dilute!

Humidity & Temperature Hacks 🌫️

Tropical fast growers love 60–80% humidity and 65–80°F.

• Easy Boosts: Pebble trays with water, humidifiers, or grouping plants together.
• Bathroom Bonus: Steam from showers is perfect for ferns, calatheas, and prayer plants.
• Winter Tip: Keep away from cold drafts and heat vents.

Pruning and Propagation for Bushier, Fuller Plants ✂️

Pruning encourages branching and faster fill.

• How-To: Cut just above a node (leaf joint) with clean scissors.
• Propagation: Root cuttings in water or sphagnum moss—most fast growers root in 2–4 weeks.
• Pro Tip: Propagate extras to create instant fuller displays or share with friends!

Common Mistakes That Slow Growth Down ⚠️

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Overwatering → root rot slows everything.
• Too little light → leggy, slow growth.
• Ignoring dust → blocks photosynthesis.
• Not rotating or pruning → uneven, sparse look.

Fix these and your plants will take off! 🚀

Best Fast-Growing Plants for Specific Situations 🎯

Not sure which ones fit your space? Here’s a quick guide:

Low Light Warriors 🌑

• Snake Plant
• ZZ Plant
• Pothos
• Chinese Evergreen
• Dracaena ‘Lemon Lime’

Pet-Safe Options 🐶🐱

• Spider Plant
• Pilea Peperomioides
• Boston Fern
• Prayer Plant
• Calathea

Bathroom & High-Humidity Lovers 🛁

• Boston Fern
• Peace Lily
• Prayer Plant
• Calathea
• Arrowhead Plant

Hanging & Trailing Beauties 🪜

• Pothos
• Spider Plant
• Wandering Jew
• String of Pearls
• English Ivy

Large Statement Plants for Quick Impact 🏡

• Monstera Deliciosa
• Rubber Plant
• Bird of Paradise
• Alocasia
• Dracaena ‘Lemon Lime’

Where to Buy Healthy Fast-Growing Indoor Plants 🛒

Healthy starters grow faster—here’s where to shop in 2025:

• Online (Fast Shipping): Etsy, The Sill, Bloomscape, Costa Farms, Planterina.
• Local: Independent garden centers, plant swaps, or nurseries—inspect for pests.
• Big-Box Stores: Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA—good for budget, but check for health.
• What to Look For: Firm leaves, no yellowing, new growth emerging, pest-free soil.

Pro Tip: Buy from reputable sellers with good reviews to avoid stressed plants that take longer to recover.

Expert Tips from a Horticulturist 🌟

After 15+ years working with indoor plants, here are my top insider secrets:

• Seasonal Growth: Most fast growers slow in winter—reduce water and fertilizer.
• Grow Lights Are Game-Changers: Even in low-light apartments, 12–16 hours of LED light can double growth rates.
• Troubleshooting Yellow Leaves: Usually overwatering or poor drainage—let soil dry out between waterings.
• Leggy Growth: Too little light—move closer to a window or add a grow light.
• Dust Buildup: Wipe leaves monthly with a damp cloth to maximize photosynthesis.
• 2025 Trend: Variegated fast growers (e.g., Variegated Monstera, Marble Queen Pothos) are still hot—expect higher prices but stunning results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

What is the absolute fastest-growing indoor plant?

Pothos and Wandering Jew (Tradescantia) are neck-and-neck—both can add 12+ inches per month in ideal conditions.

Can fast-growing plants become invasive indoors?

Rarely. They may outgrow pots quickly, but they won’t take over your home like outdoor invasives. Repot or prune as needed.

How often should I repot fast growers?

Every 6–12 months or when roots circle the pot. Spring is ideal.

Are fast-growing plants harder to care for?

Not necessarily—many (pothos, spider plant, snake plant) are low-maintenance. The “fast” part just means you’ll see results sooner!

Which fast growers purify air the best?

Spider Plant, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, and Pothos rank highest in NASA studies.

Do fast-growing plants need more fertilizer?

Yes—regular feeding every 2–4 weeks during growing season keeps them vigorous.

Can I grow these in low light?

Yes—pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, and Chinese evergreen are excellent low-light options.

How do I make trailing plants bushier?

Pinch tips regularly to encourage branching and fuller growth.

Do any of these bloom quickly?

Peace Lily and some Aglaonema varieties flower reliably indoors.

What’s the best starter plant for beginners?

Pothos—nearly impossible to kill and grows like crazy.

Conclusion: Start Your Indoor Jungle Today! 🌴

There you have it—the definitive guide to the 20 best fast growing indoor plants to transform your home into a lush, vibrant jungle in record time. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned plant parent, these speedy growers deliver quick wins, beautiful results, and a healthier, happier living space.

Pick 2–3 from the list that match your light and lifestyle, grab some healthy starters, and start today. You’ll be amazed at how fast your space fills with green life! 🌿💚

Have you tried any of these fast growers? Which one are you most excited to add? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your progress and help you troubleshoot along the way! Subscribe for more expert plant care guides and let’s grow this jungle together. 🌱