10 fast-growing houseplants
- Philodendron
They also look great in hanging planters, with their long trailing stems cascading down. They do best in a bright spot (but watch out for direct sunlight), though they also tolerate shady spots. There, however, new growth will not be as rapid, and colorful varieties will lose some of their color. They thrive in higher humidity. They appreciate a potting mix with added peat. Some species can be poisonous if swallowed.
Philodendron Xanadu
- Epipremnum/pothos
The genus Epipremnum also includes several diverse species, and most of them are beautifully colored. It is a low-maintenance plant that can climb any support or trail down, forming long, lush vines. It will thrive in a bright spot without direct sun. It will also survive in shady spots, but the leaves will be smaller and variegated varieties will not be as colorful. It likes higher humidity, but water it only once at least the top layer of the potting mix has dried out. Repotting roughly once every two to three years is enough, and only when the roots grow out of the planter and it gets really tight.
- Scindapsus
A genus of fast-growing vines whose leaves are often finely velvety and interestingly colored. The leaves can even be heart-shaped, which gives the whole plant a curiously romantic feel. Again, it also suits shady spots, but the variegation still stands out more if we grow it in a brighter spot. It does not like overwatering, so let the potting mix dry out well between waterings. It likes higher humidity and having its leaves misted. As with the plants mentioned above, we do not need to be afraid to cut it back (and then propagate it): the plant will become bushier and more compact. In April or May, we can cut the main shoots back by up to half.
- Hoya/wax plant
These plants come from the Far East and are called wax plants because the surface of their leaves is glossy, even waxy. H. carnosa in particular is an attractive climbing plant that is easy to grow, and with the right care it will reward you with fragrant flowers. But be careful when it grows long bare vines: do not cut them. New leaves will appear on them over time. Do not remove the stalks of spent flower clusters either, because new flowers will form on them again. It is important to let the plant dry out between waterings and give it plenty of indirect sunlight. You can also mist it now and then, but not the flowers. Wax plants do not like pruning, so at most remove dead leaves. Over the years, they grow into really large plants.
- Ceropegia/string of hearts
This interesting, delicate plant has long stems with tiny heart-shaped leaves. That is why in English it is called “string of hearts,” while in Czech it is called svícník (candlestick), because its upright flowers resemble candles. The stems grow to extreme lengths, and if we trim them, they are easy to propagate. String of hearts comes from Africa and is a succulent, so keep that in mind when watering: water really only sparingly, and only once the potting mix has dried out. It will even ask for water itself: its leaves start to curl. From mid-fall to spring, water it rarely. To thrive and grow well, it needs plenty of sunlight, and it copes well even with direct sun. The plant is poisonous, so be careful especially with children and pets.
Ceropegia woodi variegata
- Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
This plant is sometimes called Monstera minima, because it resembles a mini version of Monstera deliciosa, which, unlike this plant, does not grow nearly as fast. Rhaphidophora forms beautiful long stems that spread out when there is enough light. It appreciates consistently moist soil and misting, but be careful not to overwater it. You can tell by the brownish-yellow spots that start to appear on the leaves.
- Syngonium
The genus Syngonium comes from the tropics of Central and South America. That means they like high humidity, and misting them is a must at home. They are basically climbing plants, so it does no harm to give them a support to grow on, such as a moss pole. They usually need repotting every year in spring. But if they grow too fast, we can repot them twice a year. As soon as the leaves start to fade, the plant needs fertilizing as well as repotting, and more often than usual, which as a rule means once a month. For nicely colored leaves, they need enough light, but not direct sun, which could scorch the leaves.
Syngonium podophyllum White Butterfly
- Maranta
Marantas are without a doubt among the most striking houseplants. The pattern on their leaves is so interesting that few plants can match it. It is also known as the prayer plant, because it raises its leaves at night, resembling hands joined in prayer. During the day, the leaves droop and spread out. Marantas love high humidity and do well in potting mix that is always slightly moist. They even tolerate shady spots, where their bold colors stand out. In a year, they grow about ten new leaves, which are rolled up at first and gradually unfurl.
- Spiderwort/inch plant/Tradescantia
Tradescantia is sometimes nicknamed “crazy,” because it really does grow like crazy. It is low-maintenance and rewarding. In a single season, it can easily grow 30 cm. There are several varieties with beautifully colored leaves. It forms long stems that look great in hanging planters or along the edge of furniture. If we pinch it back, it becomes bushier, and this is also an easy way to propagate it. It likes potting mix that is always moist (careful with watering in winter) and occasional misting, especially in summer. If you have bought a more strikingly colored variety (striped, pink, etc.) and after a while only green leaves appear on it, remove them, otherwise they could soon take over the plant and it would turn plain green all over. The plant should usually be replaced with new cuttings after two to three years, otherwise it may get leggy.
Tradescantia Nanouk
- Peace lily/spathe flower/Spathiphyllum
This perennial houseplant is almost indestructible. With the right care, its elegant leaves and beautiful, delicate flowers can delight us all year round. It tolerates partial shade and even shade, but it likes more humid air, which is why it is often grown in bathrooms or hallways, where we can pamper it with misting. But be careful never to mist the flowers, as they could turn brown. Besides misting, it is a good idea to wipe the leaves with a cloth to keep them nice and glossy. During one growing season it usually doubles in size, so do not be put off by how small it may be when you buy it. Water it only after the potting mix has dried out. It will even ask for water itself by drooping its leaves. It is a low-maintenance plant for any beginner, and it looks stunning. There is also a rarer variety with variegated leaves, which needs more light, though.
Spathiphyllum Diamond variegata
Alžběta Lacinová