Growing plants indoors offers many benefits for gardeners. By growing plants in a controlled environment, you can greatly reduce the risk of pests and climate-related problems. When determining the best types of indoor plants, it’s important to consider different growth characteristics, light requirements, and watering needs to better identify which plants can thrive indoors.
Shrubs and Ornamental Plants
Potted plants, such as shrubs and ornamental plants, provide homeowners with a pleasant decorative space, delightful fragrance, and an enjoyable year-round hobby. Many plants grow well in living spaces—especially tropical forest species that only need low, indirect light to thrive.
Agave:
Agave is a desert plant that requires little watering and thrives in warm conditions. These factors make it an ideal indoor plant because it can grow vigorously with minimal intervention. Agave needs average temperatures of 75°F (24°C) or higher and prefers abundant light—making it perfect for a windowsill or enclosed porch. It can grow well year-round. In warm summer months, consider placing it outdoors so it can receive maximum sunlight and warmth. In winter, the plant grows more slowly and becomes more susceptible to rot and mold because it doesn’t use much water. Therefore, keep the soil moist but not wet, and allow it to dry completely before watering again. During winter, agave only needs temperatures around 55°F (13°C), so it’s best to move it to a cooler area.
Peperomia:
Peperomia is an ideal houseplant for beginners or those seeking a low-maintenance indoor plant. It is known for its resilience and ability to adapt to various light, temperature, and watering conditions. However, to truly thrive, it needs low to medium indirect light and temperatures around 70°F (21°C). Watering needs are moderate—about once every three days, or whenever the leaves visibly droop.
Dracaena:
Dracaena includes many different species, some of which can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. Be sure to choose an indoor space with plenty of room for the plant to reach its full potential. It requires light watering and low indirect light. Because its water requirements are minimal, make sure to plant it in a pot with good drainage. Allow the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil to dry completely before watering again.
English Ivy:
English ivy is a beautiful plant that has become one of the most popular houseplants. It thrives in humid conditions, so remember to water regularly and mist it during the summer. It prefers bright but indirect light, and too much direct sunlight can actually harm the plant. English ivy requires plenty of nutrients, so consider feeding it with a nutrient-rich fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, every few months. As a vining plant, it will grow well with regular pruning.
Philodendron:
Philodendron is one of the most popular indoor plants because it is both attractive and extremely low-maintenance. In fact, it is one of the easiest plants to grow—ideal for both beginners and experienced botanists. Native to tropical rainforests, it prefers medium to low light, and direct sunlight will scorch its leaves. It thrives in temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21–27°C), though it can survive in temperatures as low as 60°F (16°C). Due to its low water needs, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. You can tell if the plant is overwatered when the leaves begin turning yellow; if the leaves are dry, the plant isn’t getting enough water. According to Sunset Garden magazine, well-draining soil is essential for philodendron health and can minimize the risk of root rot. To meet this requirement, use a loose, well-draining potting mix with plenty of organic matter.
Vegetables and Herbs
For those who want to reduce grocery costs but lack enough garden space to grow vegetables, cultivating vegetables and herbs indoors is an easy and sustainable way to enjoy fresh flavors year-round. Although many vegetables can be difficult to grow indoors due to their large size and inconsistent growing conditions, most herbs thrive in indoor environments. In fact, according to Cornell gardeners Dr. J. Robert Nuss and Dr. P.A. Ferretti, herbs can grow just as well indoors as they do outdoors, as long as their preferred conditions are accurately replicated.
Basil:
Basil is one of the best indoor plants because it thrives in warm, controlled environments. It needs plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures to grow, so consider placing the plant on a windowsill where it can receive abundant natural light. Basil requires frequent watering, so be sure to provide adequate drainage to prevent rot and mold.
Cherry Bell Peppers:
Although many types of peppers grow well indoors, cherry bell peppers are among the easiest because they require less maintenance. They prefer stable soil temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so place them on a sunny windowsill. Water enough to keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater.
Cilantro (Coriander):
When growing cilantro indoors, it is best to sow seeds because cilantro is known to be difficult to grow from transplants. Place the potted plant on a windowsill. Consider using a terracotta pot, as it allows more air and moisture to pass through the soil. Cilantro is prone to root rot, so good drainage is crucial. Use a soil mixture that combines sand and potting soil for maximum filtration.
Green Onions (Scallions):
Green onions are easy to grow indoors and require very little space. They need only about six inches of soil depth for their roots to spread fully. Green onions need about six to seven hours of good light each day to grow properly, so find a sunny spot indoors to keep them. The soil should remain moist but not soggy.
Radishes:
Radishes grow well indoors in containers because they do not require much space for their roots to spread. With about six inches of soil and plenty of light, radishes will grow healthily. They need abundant nutrients, so consider using a soilless compost mix instead of standard potting soil. Place gravel at the bottom of the pot to help slow drainage. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout their growing cycle.
What Are The Most Fast Growing Indoor Plants
Gardening Favorites – Fast-Growing Indoor Plants
One of the greatest joys of indoor gardening comes after sowing seeds or planting roots—the wonderful anticipation of seeing the first sprouts break through the soil. Indoor gardeners often choose fast-growing plants to enjoy quick, beautiful results. It’s important to note that plants grown from roots typically develop faster than those grown from seeds. This is true for herbs, vegetables, evergreens, and flowering plants grown indoors.
Most herbs grown from seed will germinate within five to seven days. Plants grown from roots can produce their first leaves in under five days. This depends on the growing environment. If all plant needs—such as temperature, light, and humidity—are met, indoor plants can germinate in as little as eight days.
From Sprout to Plant
What usually takes longer for indoor plants is the period between initial germination and when the sprout begins to mature. For most plants, maturation does not happen overnight. However, there are exceptions. For example, the spider plant grows from sprout to maturity in just under two to three weeks when room temperature is maintained at 18°C (65°F). This species can reach a full height of 60–90 cm when mature. Another fast-growing option is aloe vera. From the moment it sprouts, its leaves begin to spread outward. Aloe, like jade plants, is a succulent and has no problem growing quickly. It is long-lived and can reach up to 1.5 meters tall.
There is also the Ti Leaf plant. The Ti Leaf plant can shoot up to 3 meters tall with thick, lush green leaves in less than six months. It’s no surprise that this plant is the traditional source of Hawaiian hula skirts. Each leaf can grow up to 30 cm long from a stem that is only half an inch thick.
Treasure Trove of Fast-Growing Indoor Plants
Another fast-growing vine is the velvet-leaf passionflower, which spreads in all directions. However, nothing grows faster than bamboo. With just a single bamboo shoot, an indoor gardener can have a forest of bamboo in less than six months. Note that bamboo is invasive. If given the chance or planted near other plants, it can quickly become aggressive and take over indoor garden space. Keep bamboo far from your prized ornamental plants.
Fig trees take more time to adjust to indoor growing conditions. They are among the top tier of indoor plants. Along with hibiscus, figs are beloved for their vibrant foliage and colors. Once these two indoor plants acclimate to stable room temperatures and sunlight, they grow very quickly.
Enjoying Fast-Growing Indoor Plants
Creating a desert-style plant display indoors is easy. You’ll need a rectangular plastic tray about 30 cm long and 23 cm wide. Fill it with a mixture of sand and potting soil, mixing thoroughly. Add stones and gravel no larger than a lemon. Plant Lithops (also known as living stones) and Hens and Chicks to instantly create a miniature indoor desert.
Cacti are another type of fast-growing indoor plant that adds a rustic charm to any room. The Christmas cactus is especially bright and colorful, but it requires special care to bloom. Stop watering the plant every September and place it in a dark room or cover it to block out light. By December, it will bloom in vibrant shades of magenta, pink, or white.
The “Carefree” Indoor Herb Gardener
You can easily create a low-maintenance herb garden in a wide, deep pot. Fill the pot with soil. Sprinkle lavender and rosemary seeds “carefree” across the top of the soil and let them grow on their own. Plant curly parsley with oregano and thyme to create a fast-growing and interesting indoor garden. Purple sage, basil, and dill are other plants that grow quickly together in pots and attract attention.
Fast-Growing Feather Ferns
Ferns are another great option for fast-growing, low-maintenance indoor plants. Asparagus fern grows quickly and brings a tropical look. Boston fern looks beautiful when planted in a large pot placed on a pedestal. For indoor gardeners, some types of ferns do not require much sunlight. They are ideal for the shaded corners of a room.
Palms for the Indoor Garden
The areca palm is one of the most popular indoor palms, growing well with minimal care. Click here to see a list of palms suitable for indoor gardens. For a more striking palm, choose the Flame Palm with its red-tipped fronds. The Lipstick Palm is also beautiful with its symmetrical appearance.
Popular Fast-Growing Indoor Ornamentals
Among the most popular fast-growing indoor ornamental plants, the Peace Lily produces lovely white blooms with a delicate fragrance. Aglaonema, also called “Chinese Evergreen,” is one of the faster-growing ornamentals with speckled leaves. The Dragon Tree resembles a miniature palm with sharp green leaves. Pothos is practically a “must-have” indoor vine, growing quickly and reaching lengths of more than 1.8 meters. Sansevieria, or “Snake Plant,” grows taller when placed in a long cylindrical pot. Its leaves can grow more than six feet (about 60 cm) in length vertically.
Purple heart plants grow fairly quickly and produce many colors. However, their flowers have a relatively short lifespan. Dieffenbachia is another popular fast-growing ornamental with lush dark green or speckled leaves.
Fast-Growing Plants With Additional Features
Note that some indoor plants are toxic to humans and pets. Several others—such as Dieffenbachia, Snake Plant, Areca Palm, and Peace Lily—also have beneficial traits. These plants filter impurities from indoor air.
The Venus flytrap is believed to catch insects within its leaves. Geraniums repel mosquitoes. Meanwhile, the Giant Starfish Flower grows from the base of a cactus, although it is not related to cacti at all.
Conclusion
Growing plants indoors requires careful attention to several important factors to ensure healthy growth. Light is the most critical element, as plants need the correct intensity and spectrum to photosynthesize effectively. Temperature and humidity must stay within suitable ranges for each plant species to thrive. Proper airflow helps prevent mold, pests, and heat buildup around the foliage. Nutrients and watering schedules must be balanced to avoid overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Choosing the right soil or growing medium also plays a major role in root health. By managing these factors, indoor growers can create a stable environment for strong, productive plants. You can explore more about growing lights, accessories and more on our page here: Best LED Grow Lights Reviews