Let’s be real—waiting months to see a single new leaf is the horticultural equivalent of watching paint dry. If you’re the type who wants to actually see your plants grow, who loves waking up to find a new unfurling leaf, who gets genuinely excited when those vines stretch another few inches, then you need fast-growing houseplants in your life.
These speed demons are the instant gratification champions of the plant world. We’re talking visible growth week after week, sometimes even day after day. They’re perfect for beginners who want to feel successful quickly, for experienced plant parents who love a good before-and-after transformation, or for anyone who just wants their space to feel lush and jungle-like now rather than next year.
The beauty of fast growers? They’re usually quite forgiving. Plants that grow quickly tend to be vigorous and adaptable—they want to thrive. Give them decent light, consistent water, and a little fertilizer during growing season, and they’ll reward you with abundant growth. Some might even grow so enthusiastically that you’ll need to prune them back or share cuttings with friends (which is a pretty great problem to have).
Ready to watch your indoor jungle explode into life? Let’s meet the speed champions.
10 Houseplants That Grow Fast
Pothos
Source Pinterest: elif
If houseplants competed in a growth race, Pothos would leave most other plants in the dust. This trailing vine is legendarily fast-growing—we’re talking several inches per week during peak growing season. You can practically watch it grow, and that’s not even an exaggeration. Plus, it comes in gorgeous varieties: golden, marble queen, neon, and more.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light produces the fastest growth, though it tolerates low light (just grows more slowly). Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. During spring and summer, feed with diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks—this really accelerates growth. Comfortable in temperatures between 65-85°F.
Growth Rate
Expect 12-18 inches per month during peak growing season (spring and summer) in good conditions. That’s up to 4-8 feet of growth in a single year! In optimal conditions with regular feeding, some people report even faster growth.
Pro Tip
If you want truly explosive growth, let your Pothos climb a moss pole or trellis instead of just trailing. Climbing Pothos produces larger leaves and grows faster than trailing specimens. Also, regular pruning might seem counterintuitive, but it encourages bushier, fuller growth. Those cuttings root easily in water or soil, so you’re essentially making more plants while shaping your original. Feed it consistently during growing season—Pothos is a heavy feeder when it’s actively growing.
Philodendrons
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The Philodendron family is packed with fast-growing beauties, from the velvety Philodendron micans to the vibrant Brazil variety with its lime-green and dark green variegation. These plants are closely related to Pothos and share that same vigorous growth habit. They’re reliable, beautiful, and absolutely explosive in the right conditions.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light keeps growth strong and variegation vibrant. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry—they like consistent moisture but not soggy soil. Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with half-strength liquid fertilizer. They love humidity (60%+ is ideal) and temperatures between 65-80°F.
Growth Rate
Heartleaf Philodendrons can grow 4-6 inches per week in optimal conditions. Climbing varieties like Philodendron Brazil can put on several feet of growth per year. Even the more compact varieties produce new leaves rapidly—you’ll have a noticeably fuller plant within months.
Pro Tip
The secret to maximum Philodendron growth? Humidity and consistent feeding. These tropical plants really thrive when humidity is high—consider grouping them with other plants, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier nearby. Give climbing varieties a moss pole to scramble up, and they’ll reward you with larger leaves and faster growth. Wipe down leaves monthly to remove dust and maximize photosynthesis efficiency.
Spider Plant
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Spider Plants are the overachievers of the houseplant world. Not only do they grow fast, but they also produce adorable plantlets (called “pups” or “spiderettes”) that dangle from long stems like little green fireworks. It’s like getting bonus plants for free. Those arching, striped leaves create a fountain-like effect that looks gorgeous in hanging baskets or on high shelves.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light produces the fastest growth and most vibrant leaf striping. Water when the top inch of soil is dry—they like consistent moisture but tolerate occasional drying out. Feed monthly during growing season. They’re happy in temperatures between 60-80°F and prefer moderate humidity.
Growth Rate
Mature Spider Plants can produce multiple new leaves per week and start generating plantlets within just a few months of establishment. A single plant can create 8-12 plantlets in a single growing season, and each plantlet can become a full-sized plant within 6-8 months.
Pro Tip
Spider Plants can get absolutely massive if you let them—we’re talking 2-3 feet wide with dozens of cascading stems. If yours seems to have stalled, it might be root-bound. These plants actually prefer being slightly root-bound (it encourages plantlet production), but if it’s been in the same pot for years, consider sizing up. Those plantlets are incredibly easy to propagate: just snip them off and place in water or directly in soil. Within weeks, you’ll have rooted plants ready to gift to friends or expand your own collection.
Peace Lily
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Peace Lilies bring both speed and elegance with their glossy, dark green leaves and stunning white spathes (the “flowers”). While they’re famous for those blooms, the foliage growth is impressively fast too. A Peace Lily in the right conditions can nearly double in size within a single growing season, creating a lush, full presence.
Best Conditions
Medium indirect light is ideal—too much direct sun scorches leaves, but too little slows growth. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—Peace Lilies are dramatic about drying out (they’ll wilt noticeably) but bounce back quickly with water. Feed every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. They adore high humidity and temperatures between 65-80°F.
Growth Rate
In optimal conditions, expect 1-2 new leaves per month during growing season. A small Peace Lily can grow from 12 inches to 24+ inches in a single year with proper care. The plants also multiply by producing new crowns, so what starts as a single plant can become a thick cluster.
Pro Tip
Want maximum growth? Size up the pot. Peace Lilies genuinely thrive in larger containers and can become quite dramatic specimens—some varieties reach 3-4 feet tall. They’re also one of the few plants that will tell you exactly when they need water: when leaves start drooping, water thoroughly and they’ll perk up within hours. Don’t make a habit of letting them wilt (it stresses the plant), but that dramatic feedback makes them nearly impossible to kill from underwatering. For more blooms, make sure they’re getting adequate light—Peace Lilies bloom more prolifically with brighter (but still indirect) light.
Monstera
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The Monstera—especially Monstera adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine) and Monstera deliciosa—is fast, bold, and absolutely architectural. Those iconic split and perforated leaves create instant jungle vibes, and the climbing growth habit means you can train it up a moss pole or let it cascade dramatically from a shelf. Watching new leaves unfurl from their protective sheaths is genuinely thrilling.
Best Conditions
Bright, indirect light produces the fastest growth and most dramatic leaf fenestrations. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season—Monsteras are hungry plants when actively growing. They love humidity (60%+ ideal) and temperatures between 65-85°F. Give them a moss pole or trellis to climb for maximum growth.
Growth Rate
Monstera adansonii can grow 1-2 feet per month during peak growing season. Monstera deliciosa produces a new leaf every 4-6 weeks in good conditions, and each leaf can be 12+ inches across. Young plants might take a year or two to really hit their stride, but once established, growth is explosive.
Pro Tip
The absolute secret to massive Monstera growth? Give it something to climb. In nature, Monsteras climb trees, and that upward growth triggers the production of larger, more fenestrated leaves. A moss pole (kept moist) or wooden plank allows aerial roots to attach, which accelerates growth dramatically. Also, Monsteras are sensitive to water quality—if you notice brown leaf edges, switch to filtered water. Regular misting or a humidifier keeps those huge leaves looking pristine and supports faster growth.
Ferns
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Ferns bring that soft, feathery, almost ethereal quality to a space, and many varieties grow surprisingly fast. Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) are classics that can become massive, cascading specimens. Kangaroo Paw Ferns (Microsorum diversifolium) grow more slowly than Boston Ferns but still put on impressive displays relatively quickly with their unique, fuzzy fronds.
Best Conditions
Medium, indirect light works best—too much direct sun scorches delicate fronds. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—ferns hate drying out completely. High humidity is crucial: 50-80% is ideal. Mist regularly, use pebble trays, or group with other plants. They prefer temperatures between 60-75°F and appreciate good air circulation.
Growth Rate
Boston Ferns can produce several new fronds per week during active growth. A small fern can double or triple in size within a single growing season. They spread both upward and outward, creating that classic full, cascading look.
Pro Tip
Ferns have a reputation for being fussy, but the key is really just consistent moisture and humidity. If your indoor air is dry (especially in winter with heating), Boston Ferns will develop brown, crispy frond tips. Combat this with daily misting, a humidifier, or by placing in a bathroom with natural light. Trim off completely brown fronds at the base to encourage new growth. Feed lightly but consistently—every 4-6 weeks during growing season with half-strength fertilizer keeps fronds lush and green. Don’t let these dry out, but also don’t let them sit in water—they need that Goldilocks zone of “moist but not soggy.”
Hoya
Source Pinterest: Chelsea Mom’s Plant – HOYA
While Hoyas have a reputation for slow growth, certain varieties—especially Hoya carnosa and Hoya pubicalyx—can actually grow quite quickly once established. These beauties produce trailing vines covered in thick, waxy leaves, and if you’re lucky, clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. They’re called Wax Plants because those leaves look almost artificial in their perfection.
Best Conditions
Bright, indirect light is essential—Hoyas need good light to grow quickly and produce flowers. Let soil dry out between waterings (they’re semi-succulents and hate wet feet). Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with diluted fertilizer. They appreciate warmth (65-80°F) and moderate to high humidity.
Growth Rate
Once established (usually after the first 1-2 years), Hoyas can produce 1-2 feet of vine growth per year. During peak growing season, you might see new leaves appearing weekly on active vines. Hoya pubicalyx is generally faster than carnosa, and both are much faster than slower-growing varieties like Hoya kerrii.
Pro Tip
Patience with Hoyas pays off. That first year of seemingly no growth is the plant establishing its root system—don’t give up! Once it takes off, growth can be impressive. If you want flowers (and you do—they’re spectacular and fragrant), don’t cut off the peduncles (flower stalks) after blooming. Hoyas produce new flowers from the same stalks year after year. Also, Hoyas bloom more prolifically when slightly root-bound, so don’t rush to repot. Give them something to climb or trail from, and be consistent with bright light and feeding during growing season.
Grape Ivy
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Grape Ivy is an underrated speed champion. This graceful trailing vine grows with impressive enthusiasm, producing glossy, compound leaves on red-tinted stems. It’s particularly vigorous during warm months and can cover a trellis or fill a hanging basket quickly. The tendrils add a charming detail—they’ll grab onto anything nearby.
Best Conditions
Bright, indirect light produces the fastest growth. Water when the top inch of soil is dry—it likes consistently moist soil during active growth but tolerates brief dry periods. Feed every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer. Prefers temperatures between 65-80°F and appreciates moderate humidity.
Growth Rate
Expect 3-6 inches of new growth per week during peak season (late spring through summer). A young plant can easily produce several feet of vine length in a single growing season. Growth slows dramatically in winter, which is normal—reduce watering and stop feeding until spring.
Pro Tip
Grape Ivy grows so fast that it can get leggy and sparse if conditions aren’t quite right. Regular pinching or pruning of growing tips encourages bushier, fuller growth and prevents that sparse, straggly look. If you notice lots of leaf drop, check for spider mites (they love this plant) or adjust watering—both overwatering and underwatering can cause leaves to drop. Give it a trellis or moss pole and it’ll climb enthusiastically, or let it trail from a hanging basket for a cascading waterfall effect.
Syngonium
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Syngoniums are wonderfully versatile fast growers with arrow-shaped leaves that come in gorgeous colors—from classic green to pink, white, and even chocolate brown varieties. They start compact and bushy, then develop a climbing/trailing habit as they mature. That growth transformation is part of their charm.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light maintains the best color and growth speed—variegated varieties need more light to maintain their patterns. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season. They love humidity (50-60%+) and temperatures between 60-80°F.
Growth Rate
Young Syngoniums can produce 1-2 new leaves per week during active growing season. As they mature and develop vining growth, expect several feet of vine length per year. Variegated varieties generally grow slightly slower than solid green types but are still impressively fast.
Pro Tip
Syngoniums are incredibly easy to shape and control. Want a compact, bushy plant? Keep pruning it back—it’ll respond with fuller growth. Want long, trailing vines? Let it do its thing or give it a moss pole to climb. The cuttings root easily in water or soil, so pruning is essentially free plant propagation. If you notice the arrowhead leaves transitioning to more lobed, mature leaves, that’s normal as the plant ages—you can trim back to maintain the juvenile leaf shape if you prefer it, or embrace the transformation.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)
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This trendy darling has taken the plant world by storm with its perfectly round, coin-shaped leaves on delicate stems. It’s sometimes called the UFO Plant, and you can see why—those leaves look almost otherworldly. Beyond being Instagram-famous, it’s also a surprisingly fast grower that produces adorable baby plants (pups) from the base.
Best Conditions
Bright, indirect light is crucial—this plant needs good light to maintain compact growth and produce those large, round leaves. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season. Rotate the plant regularly (weekly) to maintain even growth—Pileas lean toward light sources. They like temperatures between 60-75°F.
Growth Rate
In optimal conditions, expect 1-2 new leaves per month from the main plant, plus multiple pups appearing throughout the growing season. Each leaf grows larger than the last as the plant matures. A small Pilea can produce 6-8 pups in a single year, and each pup can become a full plant within months.
Pro Tip
Chinese Money Plants are sensitive to water quality—if leaves develop brown spots or edges, switch to filtered water. They’re also hungry plants when actively growing; consistent feeding really makes a difference in growth speed and leaf size. Those pups that emerge from the base can be left to create a fuller mother plant, or separated once they’re 2-3 inches tall with their own root systems. Gently dig down to find where the pup connects and snip it off—instant new plant! Regular rotation prevents the plant from becoming lopsided as it grows toward light sources.