An empty spot in your home can feel bare, but the right plant can bring it to life in no time. Some houseplants grow much faster than others, making them great for filling gaps without a long wait. Whether you are working with a small shelf or a wide-open corner, certain varieties quickly spread, climb, or stretch to cover space. These plants also add color and texture while staying easy to care for. Let’s take a look at some of the quickest growers that brighten up a room with very little effort.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants grow fast and send out long arching leaves with baby plantlets on hanging stems. They do well in bright, indirect light and are forgiving if you forget to water now and then. These plants help clean the air and grow quickly when kept in slightly moist soil. Spider plants also look great in hanging baskets or on tall shelves. Their spreading shape helps fill space fast without getting messy. They thrive indoors all year long.
2. Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
Trailing jade is a small-leaved vine that grows fast and forms a soft green curtain when given time. It prefers bright, filtered light and slightly moist soil. This plant is perfect for shelves, hanging pots, or even as a tabletop accent. Its delicate stems quickly spill over edges and fill space without needing much room at the base. It grows best when temperatures are steady and warm. Trailing jade is easy to trim and shape.
3. Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum diversifolium)
Kangaroo ferns have long, shiny fronds that grow in a hopping pattern, just like their name suggests. This plant enjoys moderate light and consistent moisture. It grows quickly and spreads outward, making it a great choice for empty corners or low planters. Unlike some ferns, it does not need constant misting. Its firm leaves hold up well in indoor air. It also works well in mixed plant displays.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is known for its upright stems and waxy, deep green leaves. It grows fast in the right conditions and does not need much water. Even in low light, it stays full and strong. Its thick roots store moisture, which makes it perfect for busy households. The ZZ plant is tidy and fills narrow spaces easily. It is also known for being very hard to kill.
5. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
Swedish ivy grows fast and trails down in thick green layers. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. This plant works well in hanging baskets or on shelves. Its round leaves and soft stems spread fast to fill gaps. Pinching back the stems helps it grow fuller. It is easy to care for and grows well all year indoors.
6. Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)
The inch plant has striped leaves in shades of green, purple, and silver. It grows quickly and trails beautifully from pots and planters. It likes bright, indirect light and moist soil. This plant is easy to trim and grows even faster when pinched back. The inch plant is perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. It adds fast color and fills space in only a few weeks.
7. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Heartleaf philodendrons grow fast and can handle a wide range of indoor conditions. Their soft green, heart-shaped leaves trail down quickly from hanging pots or shelves. They prefer low to medium light and slightly moist soil. This plant fills vertical space well and responds nicely to pruning. You can also train it to grow along a trellis. It is one of the easiest vining plants to grow.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a classic trailing plant that grows fast and climbs or spills over pots. It does best in bright light but will tolerate lower light for a while. Ivy spreads quickly and can fill space on a wall or bookshelf in a short time. It likes cooler indoor temperatures and light watering. Trim it often to control its growth. It is also helpful for improving indoor air.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are known for their full, feathery fronds that grow in soft green arches. They fill space quickly when placed in bright, indirect light with high humidity. Keep the soil moist and avoid dry air. These ferns work well in hanging baskets or on plant stands. They grow outward in all directions and can double in size within a season. Mist regularly for best results.
10. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca palms grow in tall, feathery clumps and are one of the fastest indoor palms. They thrive in bright, filtered light and enjoy steady moisture. These palms can reach several feet high in a few years. Their wide spread helps fill large gaps in corners or entryways. Make sure the pot has good drainage. They also add a tropical look to the room.
11. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants grow upright with large, glossy leaves. They grow fast in bright light and can reach ceiling height over time. These plants need well-draining soil and steady watering. As they grow taller, you may need to stake them for support. Their strong structure helps fill vertical space quickly. Wipe the leaves to keep them shiny and healthy.
12. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Fiddle leaf figs are bold plants with large, violin-shaped leaves. They grow quickly when placed near a sunny window and given even watering. These plants can grow tall and wide, making them great for filling empty corners. They do best in warm rooms with stable light. Keep the soil slightly moist and avoid moving the plant too often. Prune to shape as needed.
13. Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)
Umbrella plants have shiny green leaves that fan out like an umbrella. They grow quickly in bright, indirect light and need regular watering. These plants fill out in all directions and can grow into small indoor trees. They are great for large empty spots near windows or sofas. You can prune the top to control height. They also handle indoor air well.
14. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Peace lilies have dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom throughout the year. They grow fast in low to medium light and enjoy moist soil. Their full, arching shape helps fill table or floor space fast. These plants also clean the air and are safe for bedrooms or bathrooms. They droop when thirsty, making watering needs easy to track. Avoid cold drafts to keep them healthy.
15. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Bamboo palms have long, thin stems with soft green fronds that fan out as they grow. They like bright, indirect light and moist but well-drained soil. These palms fill tall spaces quickly and bring a soft, calming look. They are great for filling corners or placing behind furniture. Regular feeding helps speed up growth. They are also good for filtering indoor air.
16. Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Bird's nest ferns have wide, wavy fronds that grow out from a central rosette. They grow quickly in warm, humid rooms with soft light. These ferns do not like dry air or cold drafts. Their strong, upright leaves help fill centerpieces or table areas. They need consistent moisture and good drainage. You can place them in bathrooms or grouped with other tropical plants.
17. Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)
Grape ivy grows with soft, three-part leaves and climbs or trails as it spreads. It prefers medium to bright light and moist soil. This plant is fast to cover trellises or drape from shelves. It grows bushier when trimmed often. Grape ivy does well in rooms with steady warmth. It is low fuss and fills space fast with a gentle, leafy look.
18. Silver Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Silver satin pothos has velvety leaves with silver spots and grows in long vines. It likes medium light and moist, loose soil. This plant trails quickly and fills vertical or hanging spaces with ease. It grows fuller when pruned or trained along a support. It is also a low-care plant that adapts well to indoor settings. Let the topsoil dry out between waterings.
19. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palms are slow to start but grow steadily into bushy green clusters. They enjoy low to medium light and moist soil. This palm stays compact but full, making it perfect for small corners. It also handles dry air well. Regular feeding helps it grow faster indoors. It is a great pick for bedrooms or offices with soft light.
20. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas are known for their bold leaf patterns and rich colors. They grow quickly in humid rooms with filtered light. These plants like moist soil and do not handle dry air well. Their wide leaves spread outward and fill table or floor space in a short time. Keep them in rooms with stable temperature and high humidity. Mist the leaves often to keep them healthy.
21. Elephant Ear (Alocasia or Colocasia spp.)
Elephant ears grow fast and develop large, bold leaves that make a big impact. They need bright, indirect light and rich, moist soil. These plants take up lots of space as they spread outward and upward. They do best in warm, humid rooms. Some types have glossy leaves while others are more matte. Use a large pot to support their quick growth.
22. African Mask Plant (Alocasia amazonica)
The African mask plant has dark green leaves with bold white veins. It grows fast in warm, bright rooms with high humidity. This plant needs moist, well-drained soil and dislikes cold air. Its upright leaves make it perfect for filling narrow, vertical spots. It adds a dramatic touch without taking up much floor space. Keep the soil slightly moist and avoid letting it dry out fully.
23. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
Dumb cane plants grow upright with wide, colorful leaves. They grow quickly in medium light and warm rooms. These plants enjoy slightly moist soil and good drainage. They spread out to fill floor or desk space in only a few weeks. Make sure to keep them out of reach of pets or small children, as their sap can irritate skin. Prune old leaves to keep the plant looking neat.
24. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Cast iron plants grow slowly at first but speed up in steady indoor conditions. They tolerate low light, dry air, and missed waterings better than most. These plants form a thick group of upright leaves over time. Their dark green color adds contrast to brighter plants. They are perfect for tough spots like hallways or corners. They also resist pests and disease.
25. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreens come in many leaf colors, from dark green to pink or silver. These plants grow slowly at first but take off with enough warmth and light. They handle low light but grow faster near a window. Their upright, bushy shape helps fill floor space in bedrooms or living rooms. These plants also help clean the air. Make sure the soil stays just slightly moist.
Greenery That Grows With You
Fast-growing houseplants do more than just fill space. They make your home feel alive and welcoming. These plants grow quickly with the right light, water, and care, bringing full, lush greenery in just a short time. Whether you choose vines, ferns, or upright leafy plants, each one on this list offers something unique. With a little attention, they can turn any dull corner into a lively, natural spot. Growing plants indoors can be easy, rewarding, and beautiful.