7 Fast-Growing Indoor Plants That Will Fill Your Home With Color ASAP

Pothos

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a favorite for a reason—it's easy to care for, and is remarkably fast-growing. "Given regular moisture, it can grow 6 to 12 inches a month!" says Niki Jabbour, founder of Savvy Gardening. "Over many years, the vines easily reach lengths of 20 feet or more."

Hancock notes that growth rates do depend on the variety. "In general, the more variegation they have, the slower they grow." He recommends Baltic Blue and Global Green.

• Size: Up to 20 feet long
• Care requirements: Low to bright, indirect light; water when the soil is dry to the touch

Heartleaf Philodendron

Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) doesn't grow at the breakneck speed that pothos does, but it's another great option for impatient gardeners. "It's beloved for glossy green leaves produced on long, 10 to 12-foot vines," Jabbour says.

Like pothos, it's also easy to grow, so it's an enjoyable houseplant even if you're a beginner.

• Size: 3 to 13 feet long
• Care requirements: Bright, indirect light; water when top inch of soil is dry

Peace Lily

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are symbols of tranquility, and they're great beginner houseplants. Hancock counts them among his favorite fast-growing options. They can even bloom all year if you provide them with the right care.

• Size: Up to 3 feet tall
• Care requirements: Bright, indirect light; water them when the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil dries out

Dieffenbachia

Also called dumb cane, Dieffenbachia is a tropical plant that adds color and vibrancy to any room. "My grandmother had a huge plant in her house—it grew so fast, it seemed to get bigger with each visit, eventually touching the ceiling," says Jabbour.

• Size: Up to 10 feet tall
• Care requirements: Bright, indirection light; maintain a lightly damp growing mix.

Swedish Ivy

Jabbour describes Swedish ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) as a "carefree and attractive" plant with "shiny, scalloped leaves." If you'd like, there are even varieties with variegated, white, or yellow leaves.

"The fast, trailing growth fills out a hanging basket nicely, and it's easy to propagate and share with friends," she says.

• Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
• Care requirements: Bright, indirect light; consistent moisture, but don't overwater. Maintain a lightly damp growing mix.

Monstera

Some Monstera varieties are very fast-growing. Hancock recommends Monstera deliciosa, Little Swiss, and Peru. "Like pothos, variegated types will be slower than green types," he says.

Jabbour says Monstera adansonii, or Swiss cheese vine, is another excellent choice. "Expect a healthy plant to grow a foot or more a year, up to 12 feet or so at maturity," she says. "It's a good choice for growing up a trellis or moss pole—or let the vines drape over shelves and windowsills."

• Size: depends on variety
• Care requirements: Bright, indirect light; water when top inch of potting soil is dry, soak the mix completely

Spider Plant

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are easy to maintain and grow quickly. "I have to divide mine every year or two to ensure they have enough root space," says Jabbour. "That means I always have spider plants to share with friends and family."

She recommends fertilizing in late winter and again in early summer. But don't overdo it!

• Size: Up to 2 feet tall
• Care requirements: Bright light, keep potting soil lightly damp.