Plants come with a natural beauty that makes everything around them look nice. Ornamental plants need to grow quickly in order to bring in the desired look and several plants grow quickly, making them ideal for adding a splash of color to your home or garden. Here are some of the fastest growing apartment plants:
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This hardy plant can tolerate a wide range of conditions and grows quickly, reaching up to 24 inches in height. The spider plant is easy to care for and produces dangling spiderettes that add interest to any room.
The spider plant has many different varieties that range in appearance from solid green to variegated with creamy yellow or white stripes. You can also grow spider plants indoors year-round by digging up a small plant in the fall and bringing it inside for winter care.
Benefits of spider plant
- Air purifier: The spider plant efficiently removes toxins from the air, making it a good choice for homes with pets or smokers.
- Easy to care for: This plant is forgiving and can tolerate low light levels and drought.
How to grow spider plants fast
- Give it bright light: Spider plants grow best in bright, indirect light. They are sensitive to direct sunlight, so keep them away from windows or glass doors.
- Water sparingly but consistently: Misting the leaves occasionally with clean water is all the care these plants need. It dislikes being overwatered and will rot if the soil is too wet for too long.
- Pinch out growing tips: Pinching off growing tips causes the spider plant to produce more side shoots for a bushier look, although this can be done at any time of year. Continue pinching until midsummer to promote flowering spiderettes, which collectors highly prize.
The spider plant is an excellent choice for people who are new to gardening, as it is one of the easiest plants to grow. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy this beautiful houseplant for many years.
Disadvantages of spider plant
- Invasive: The spider plant can be invasive, so it’s not a good choice for small spaces. The spider plant is ideal for growing in hanging baskets, resting on tabletops, or sitting on the floor.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston fern is so named because it was first discovered in the wild in Boston in the mid-1800s when it became popular as a garden plant. It can grow up to 36 inches tall and spreads quickly when grown indoors. The Boston fern is easy to care for but must have high humidity to thrive.
Boston ferns are one of the most popular types of ferns and are known for their graceful leaves. They thrive in moist, shady areas but can also be grown in containers indoors.
Benefits of Boston fern:
- Easy to care for: Boston ferns are tolerant of high light levels and require minimal watering. They can also withstand periods without water, making them ideal for people who travel frequently.
- Attractive appearance: The Boston fern’s graceful fronds make it a beautiful addition to any room or garden. It is one of the few plants that can grow indoors year-round.
How to grow Boston ferns fast
- Keep plant moist but not soggy: Watering this plant once every two weeks is usually sufficient unless you live in an arid area or have very low humidity. This plant prefers misted leaves rather than damp soil, so avoid getting the roots wet when you water.
- Give it plenty of indirect light: Boston ferns need bright, indirect light to thrive. Place them in a spot where they will receive several hours of sunlight each day.
- Fertilize regularly: Fertilize your Boston fern every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep it healthy and grow quickly.
Boston ferns are easy to care for and make beautiful additions to any home or garden. With a little bit of attention, you can enjoy these plants for many years.
Disadvantages of Boston fern
- This plant is poisonous if eaten.
- Boston ferns are not suitable for small spaces or homes with pets.
3. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
This fast-growing plant can reach up to 36 inches in height and is perfect for hanging baskets or container gardens. The leaves are variegated with green, blue, and purple shades, making them a beautiful addition to any garden.
Benefits of Wandering Jew:
- Easy to care for: Wandering Jew is one of the most drought-tolerant plants around and requires only moderate watering. It also does well in high light levels and can be grown as a houseplant.
- Attractive appearance: The trailing vines of the Wandering Jew plant make it an attractive addition to a garden or container. The leaves are colorful and can be used to create a contrast in your garden.
How to Grow Wandering Jew fast
- Keep soil moist but not wet: Wandering Jew does well in moist soil but does not like to be soaked for long periods. Water it once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil type.
- Give it plenty of light: This plant needs plenty of direct sunlight to thrive. Place it in a sunny spot where it will receive at least four hours of sunlight each day.
- Fertilize regularly: Fertilize your Wandering Jew every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep it healthy and grow quickly.
Wandering Jew is an easy-to-care-for plant that adds beauty to any garden or container. You can enjoy this plant with a little bit of attention for many years.
Disadvantages of wandering jew
- This plant can be invasive and is not suitable for small spaces.
- It is poisonous if eaten.
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a fast-growing vine that is perfect for growing in containers or hanging baskets. It thrives in shady areas but can also be grown in direct sunlight. This plant grows quickly, reaching up to 36 inches in height.
Benefits of English Ivy:
- Versatile: English ivy can be grown in a variety of locations, including indoors and outdoors. It does well in shady areas but can also tolerate direct sunlight.
- Easy to care for: This plant is easy to care for and can be grown as a hanging plant or in a container. It requires minimal watering, making it ideal for people who travel frequently.
- Attractive appearance: English ivy’s dark green leaves make it a beautiful addition to any room or garden. It is one of the few plants that can grow indoors year-round.
How to grow English Ivy fast
- Keep plant moist but not soggy: Watering this plant once every two weeks is usually sufficient unless you live in an arid area or have very low humidity. This plant prefers misted leaves rather than damp soil, so avoid getting the roots wet when you water.
- Give it plenty of indirect light: English ivy needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Place it in a spot where it will receive several hours of sunlight each day.
- Fertilize regularly: Fertilize your English ivy every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep it healthy and to grow quickly.
English ivy is an easy-to-care-for plant that adds beauty to any garden or container. You can enjoy this plant with a little bit of attention for many years.
Demerits of English Ivy
- This plant can be invasive and is not suitable for small spaces.
- It is poisonous if eaten.
5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that thrives in warm regions but cannot tolerate frost or snow. It has thick leaves which store water and release a cooling gel when cut or broken off the stem. This makes the aloe vera plant a popular choice for first-aid kits.
Benefits of Aloe Vera:
- Heals burns and skin irritations: Aloe Vera is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. It can be used to heal minor burns, sunburns, and skin irritations.
- Stores water for times of drought: The thick leaves of the aloe vera plant store water, making it ideal for hot, dry climates. It can go for long periods without water and remain healthy.
How to grow Aloe Vera fast
- Plant in a warm location: This plant needs plenty of sunlight and warmth to thrive. Plant it in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Keep soil slightly dry: Aloe Vera plant’s leaves store water, so the surrounding soil should only be slightly damp at all times. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill your aloe vera plant.
- Fertilize regularly: Fertilize your Aloe Vera every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep it healthy and growing quickly.
Aloe Vera is an easy-to-care-for plant that adds beauty to any garden or container. You can enjoy this plant with a little bit of attention for many years.
Demerits of Aloe Vera
- Cannot tolerate frost or snow: This plant needs plenty of sunlight and warmth to thrive. Plant it in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Keep soil slightly dry: Aloe Vera plant’s leaves store water, so the surrounding soil should only be slightly damp at all times. Overwatering can cause root rot and kill your aloe vera plant.
6. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant with colorful, bell-shaped flowers that bloom around Christmastime each year. This cactus plant blooms best in summer and blooms sporadically during other warm months of the year.
Benefits of Christmas Cactus
- Blooms during Christmas time: This cactus flower is popular for its bell-shaped flowers that bloom each year around Christmas.
- Prefers warm environments: Christmas cactus does best in a warm environment with plenty of sunlight. It cannot tolerate frost or cold weather.
How to grow Christmas Cactus fast:
- Plant in a pot with drainage holes: The pot should have several large drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and avoid causing root rot. Use a mix of half potting soil and half sand, perlite, or vermiculite to help with drainage.
- Keep soil slightly moist: Water your Christmas cactus plant thoroughly until the excess water drips out the bottom of the pot. Then allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
- Place in indirect sunlight: Sunlight helps encourage blooming, but you should avoid direct sunlight, which burns these plants. Instead, place them near a window but not directly in front of it.
- Fertilize regularly: Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during spring and summer when your plant is actively growing. Stop fertilizing during the fall and winter months when growth has slowed down.
Christmas Cactus is an easy-to-care-for plant that adds color and beauty to any garden or container. You can enjoy this plant with a little bit of attention for many years.
Demerits of Christmas Cactus
- Cannot tolerate frost or snow: This cactus plant cannot survive cold temperatures. It needs warmth and indirect sunlight to grow.
- Prone to molds: These plants are a common host for mold, which can cause the plant’s stems to rot. Keep it away from moist environments and provide plenty of air circulation around this plant where it lives.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies have large, dark leaves with white flowers that bloom on tall stems above the foliage during spring and summer months. The dark leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for its white flowers, making this an attractive choice as a houseplant. is one of the best plants to have in your home.
Benefits of Peace Lily
- Grows well in low-light conditions: The peace lily thrives best in indirect sunlight or artificial light, making it ideal for dimly lit areas of the home. It will even grow under fluorescent lighting. This plant prefers cool temperatures between 55 degrees F and 70 degrees F. The humidity level should stay around 50%.
- Leaves release oxygen at night: Peace lilies release large amounts of oxygen at night, which helps purify indoor air and can help those with breathing problems like asthma and emphysema to breathe more easily at night.
How to Grow a Peace Lily Fast:
- Plant in a pot with drainage holes: Use a pot with drainage holes so that the soil can dry out between waterings. The pot should also be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots as it grows.
- Keep soil moist: Water your peace lily regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot and death.
- Place in indirect sunlight: Peace lilies do best in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light conditions but will not flower as well in these areas.
- Fertilize every two weeks: Fertilize every two weeks during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing using a balanced fertilizer. Stop fertilizing during fall and winter.
Demerits of Peace Lily
- Can be toxic if ingested: The peace lily is poisonous if ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep this plant away from children and pets who may eat it.
- Prone to pests and diseases: This plant is prone to mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and other pests. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation. Peace lilies often suffer from root rot if they are kept too wet or if the soil is allowed to remain soggy after watering.
8. Philodendron
Philodendrons are a large family of tropical plants that are easy to care for and grow well as houseplants. They have large, shiny leaves and can be either vines or shrubs. Philodendrons come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes.
Some of the most popular types of philodendron are:
- Heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens) – This is a vine that has heart-shaped leaves and grows quickly. It prefers high humidity and indirect light.
- Split-leaf philodendron (Philodendroninnatifidum) – This is a shrub that has large, split leaves. It prefers high humidity and shady conditions.
- Elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) – This is a shrub that has large, elephant-ear-shaped leaves. It prefers moist soil and high humidity.
Benefits of Philodendron
- Grows well in low-light conditions: Most philodendrons grow well in low-light or shaded conditions. They do not require direct sunlight to thrive.
- Tolerates a wide range of temperatures: These plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool temperatures down to 50 degrees F to hot temperatures up to 90 degrees F.
How to Grow a Philodendron Fast:
- Plant in a pot with drainage holes: Use a pot with drainage holes so that the soil can dry out between waterings. The pot should also be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots as it grows.
- Keep soil moist: Water your philodendron regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot and death.
- Place in indirect sunlight: Most philodendrons do well in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light conditions but will not flower as well in these areas.
- Fertilize every two weeks: Fertilize every two weeks during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing using a balanced fertilizer. Stop fertilizing during fall and winter.
Demerits of Philodendron
- Can be toxic if ingested: The philodendron is poisonous if ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep this plant away from children and pets who may eat it.
- Prone to pests and diseases: This plant is prone to mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and other pests. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation. Philodendrons often suffer from root rot if they are kept too wet or if the soil is allowed to remain soggy after watering.
9. Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii) is a small, tropical palm that is easy to care for and grows well as a houseplant. It has long, slender leaves and grows quickly. The bamboo palm prefers high humidity and indirect sunlight.
Benefits of Bamboo Palm
- Grows quickly: This plant grows quickly and can reach heights of up to 6 feet tall.
- Tolerates low light conditions: The bamboo palm does well in low-light or shaded conditions. It does not require direct sunlight to thrive.
- Tolerates a wide range of temperatures: These plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool temperatures down to 50 degrees F to hot temperatures up to 90 degrees F.
How to Grow a Bamboo Palm Fast:
- Plant in a pot with drainage holes: Use a pot with drainage holes so that the soil can dry out between waterings. The pot should also be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots as it grows.
- Keep soil moist: Water your bamboo palm regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot and death.
- Place in indirect sunlight: Most bamboo palms do well in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light conditions but will not flower as well in these areas.
- Fertilize every two weeks: Fertilize every two weeks during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing using a balanced fertilizer. Stop fertilizing during fall and winter.
Demerits of Bamboo Palm
- Can be toxic if ingested: The bamboo palm is poisonous if ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep this plant away from children and pets who may eat it.
- Prone to pests and diseases: This plant is prone to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and other pests. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation. The bamboo palm often suffers from root rot if they are kept too wet or if the soil is allowed to remain soggy after watering.
10. Boston Fern
The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”) is a popular houseplant that is known for its oversized, green fronds. It thrives in moist environments and does well in indirect sunlight.
Benefits of Boston Fern
- Grows quickly: Boston ferns grow quickly and can reach heights of up to 3 feet tall.
- Tolerates low light conditions: The Boston fern does well in low-light or shaded conditions. It does not require direct sunlight to thrive.
- Tolerates a wide range of temperatures: These plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool temperatures down to 50 degrees F to hot temperatures up to 90 degrees F.
How to Grow a Boston Fern Fast:
- Plant in a pot with drainage holes: Use a pot with drainage holes so that the soil can dry out between waterings. The pot should also be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots as it grows.
- Keep soil moist: Water your Boston fern regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot and death.
- Place in indirect sunlight: Most Boston ferns do well in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light conditions but will not flower as well in these areas.
Demerits of Boston Fern:
- Can be toxic if ingested: The Boston fern is poisonous if ingested and can cause
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep this plant away from children and pets who may eat it.
- Prone to pests and diseases: This plant is prone to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and other pests. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation. The Boston fern often suffers from root rot if they are kept too wet or if the soil is allowed to remain soggy after watering.
11. Cast-Iron Plant
The cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a hardy houseplant that does well in low light conditions and dry soil. It has dark green leaves that can grow up to 1 foot long.
Benefits of Cast-Iron Plant
- Grows quickly: Cast-iron plants grow quickly and can reach heights of up to 2 feet tall.
- Tolerates low light conditions: The cast-iron plant does well in low-light or shaded conditions. It does not require direct sunlight to thrive.
- Tolerates a wide range of temperatures: These plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool temperatures down to 50 degrees F to hot temperatures up to 90 degrees F.
How to Grow a Cast-Iron Plant Fast:
- Plant in a pot with drainage holes: Use a pot with drainage holes so that the soil can dry out between waterings. The pot should also be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots as it grows.
- Keep soil moist: Water your cast-iron plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot and death.
- Place in indirect sunlight: Most cast-iron plants do well in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low light conditions but will not flower as well in these areas.
Demerits of Cast-Iron Plant:
- Toxic if ingested: The cast-iron plant is poisonous if ingested and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Keep this plant away from children and pets who may eat it.
- Prone to pests and diseases: This plant is prone to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and other pests. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation. The cast-iron plant often suffers from root rot if they are kept too wet or if the soil is allowed to remain soggy after watering.
12. Money Tree (Pachira)
The money tree (Pachira aquatica), sometimes called a Malabar chestnut, is a tropical houseplant that grows in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. It can be planted outdoors in summer or brought indoors for winter.
Benefits of Money Tree (Pachira)
- Grows quickly: The money tree is known for growing quickly, sometimes up to 3 feet tall in a single year. As an added bonus, the roots are easy to propagate. Cut off a stem with leaves at the base, put in soil, and within weeks you’ll see new shoots emerge from the root system.
- Tolerates low light conditions: The money tree does well in low-light or shaded conditions as well as full sun exposure. If left outside during the summer months, it prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Tolerates a wide range of temperatures: This tropical plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from hot conditions up to 105 degrees F and cool conditions down to 50 degrees F.
How to Grow a Money Tree Fast
- Plant in a pot with drainage holes: Use a pot with drainage holes so that the soil can dry out between waterings. The pot should also be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots as it grows.
- Keep soil moist: Water your money tree regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot and death.
- Place in indirect sunlight: Most money trees do well in bright, indirect sunlight or full sun exposure.
Demerits of Money Tree (Pachira):
- Prone to pests and diseases: This plant is prone to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and other pests. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation.
- Root rotting: The money tree often suffers from root rot if they are kept too wet or if the soil remains soggy after watering.
13. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The areca palm (Dypsis lutescens), also known as the golden cane palm, is a tropical palm that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. It has feathery leaves that grow up to 6 feet tall.
Benefits of Areca Palm
- Grows quickly: The areca palm grows quickly, sometimes up to 2 feet tall in a single year. As a bonus, the roots are easy to propagate. Cut off a stem with leaves at the base, put in soil, and within weeks you’ll see new shoots emerge from the root system.
- Tolerates low light conditions: The areca palm does well in low-light or shaded conditions as well as full sun exposure.
- Tolerates a wide range of temperatures: This tropical plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from hot conditions up to 105 degrees F and cool conditions down to 50 degrees F.
How to Grow an Areca Palm Tree Fast:
- Plant in a pot with drainage holes: Use a pot with drainage holes so that the soil can dry out between waterings. The pot should also be large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots as it grows.
- Keep soil moist: Water your areca palm regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can cause root rot and death.
Demerits of Areca Palm:
• Prone to pests and diseases: This plant is prone to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation and treat using insecticidal soap or neem oil solutions if necessary.