Landscaping a living space is not only aesthetics, but also a way to improve the microclimate, increase mood and create a feeling of comfort. However, not everyone wants to wait years for a small sprout to develop into a full-fledged plant. Fortunately, nature has provided many species that are distinguished by rapid growth, active development and the ability to decorate a windowsill, shelf or corner interior planter in the shortest possible time. In this article, we look at the best fast-growing houseplants, talk about their features, growing conditions and share care tips.
Why it's important to know about plant growth rates
Before moving on to specific species, it should be understood that "fast-growing" plants are not just a decorative whim. They are indispensable in the following situations:
- For landscaping an empty room after renovation or moving.
- For vertical landscaping, when you need to quickly close a wall, arch or corner.
- For impatient beginners who want to see the results of their efforts in a couple of months.
- To zone space with green screens, especially if you need quick changes.
Rapid growth does not mean difficulty in care. On the contrary, most of these plants are hardy, unpretentious, with a high ability to adapt.
10 unpretentious and rapidly developing species
1. Pachira aquatica
Height: up to 2 meters in 1.5-2 years with good care.
Features: characteristic trunk weaving and large palmate leaves.
Growth rate: fast in bright diffused light.
Pahira is ideal for creating an accent in the interior. It is undemanding to watering, calmly tolerates dry air and easily adapts to the conditions of the apartment. To accelerate growth, ensure regular feeding from spring to autumn.
2. Scindapsus
Height: up to 1.5-2 m during the year.
Features: curly shoot with mottled heart-shaped leaves.
Growth rate: very fast, especially with vertical support.
Scindapsus is a real find for vertical landscaping. It does not require bright light, is resistant to overdrinking, and cuts well. Suitable for beginners and busy people.
3. Ficus benjamina
Height: up to 30-50 cm per year.
Features: many small leaves, branching.
Growth rate: Consistently fast in good light.
Ficus is a classic of offices and living rooms. It grows quickly in breadth and upward, amenable to formation, can be used as a bonsai or large-sized. Loves bright light and stable conditions.
4. Crested chlorophytum (Chlorophytum comosum)
Height: up to 40-50 cm in diameter in 3-5 months.
Features: forms a lush "hat" and "kids" on a long mustache.
Growth rate: rapid.
Chlorophytum is the champion in growth rate. It cleanses the air perfectly, reproduces easily and feels great in hanging planters. Loves light, but calmly tolerates partial shade.
5. Monstera deliciosa
Height: up to 1 m per year under ideal conditions.
Features: large, dissected leaves with characteristic "holes."
Growth rate: Fast, especially at a young age.
Monstera became the star of interior solutions. With support and regular watering, it grows rapidly. Requires space, but pleases with a tropical appearance. Responds well to moist air.
6. Pilea cadierei
Height: up to 20-30 cm in a few months.
Features: silver pattern on leaves, compact shape.
Growth rate: Fast with regular pinching.
Pilea is a miniature green rug with decorative foliage. It grows quickly, forms easily. Great for window sills, kitchens and tables.
7. Coleus
Height: up to 50cm per season.
Features: brightly colored leaves of all kinds of colors.
Growth rate: Very fast, especially in summer.
Coleus is a real living ornament. It is decorative due to colorful foliage, does not require special conditions, but needs regular pinching for bushiness. It can be grown as an annual or renewed with cuttings.
8. Tradescantia
Height: up to 60 cm in length in 3 months.
Features: Ampel shape, juicy stems with lanceolate leaves.
Growth rate: rapid.
Tradescantia quickly braids suspended planters, forming green cascades. Very easy to draw, loves light and regular watering. Some species have lilac or silvery foliage tones.
9. Epipremnum aureum
Height: up to 1 m in 6 months.
Features: curly shoot with mottled green leaves.
Growth rate: One of the fastest among creepers.
Epipremnum is often confused with scindapsus - they are similar in appearance and care. But the epipremnum can grow a giant if given space. Suitable for hanging planters, walls, shelves.
10. Sour (Oxalis)
Height: up to 30 cm in 1-2 months.
Features: Butterfly-shaped leaflets, often purple.
Growth rate: Fast, especially in spring and summer.
Sour is decorative all year round, and in good lighting it quickly builds up foliage. Loves light, moderate watering, easily multiplied by dividing tubers.
Tips to boost houseplant growth
Even the fastest-growing species can slow development when resources are scarce. To make your "green sprinters" delight with growth, follow the following rules:
- Lighting. The more light, the more intense the photosynthesis and growth. But avoid direct midday rays.
- Top dressing. In spring and summer, feed the plants 1-2 times a month with complex fertilizers.
- Watering. Lack of moisture inhibits growth. But the overflow is even worse. Focus on soil moisture.
- Air. Humidifying the air is especially important for tropical species.
- Flight connections. The limited volume of the pot inhibits the development of roots, and therefore the growth of shoots.
Plants that are not suitable for fast green composition
Not all houseplants tend to grow at the rate of the scindapsus. Here are some popular slow-growing species:
- Zamiokulkas is beautiful, but grows extremely slowly.
- Sansevieria - gives 1-2 sheets per year.
- Rubber-bearing ficus - develops slowly, especially in the shade.
- Succulents and cacti - nature set them up for economical growth.
They are ideal for undemanding areas, but will not solve the problem of quick landscaping .