15 Tropical Plants That Grow Quickly Indoors

Like discovering a hidden rainforest in your living room, growing tropical plants indoors can transform your space into an exotic oasis. You’ll find that many tropical varieties don’t just survive but actually thrive in indoor conditions, with some growing several inches per month. From the cascading vines of Pothos to the towering presence of Rubber Plants, these fast-growing species offer you endless possibilities for creating your own slice of paradise, and you’re about to discover which ones will work best in your home.

1. Fast-Growing Spider Plant

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are among the fastest-growing indoor tropical plants, capable of reaching maturity within months. These hardy plants feature long, arching leaves with distinctive green and white striping, and they produce hanging stems with baby plantlets that can be propagated easily. Spider plants grow rapidly under the right conditions and can fill out a hanging basket or pot within a single growing season, making them an excellent choice for quickly adding lush greenery to indoor spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate moderate light but avoid direct sun
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Average household humidity (40-60%)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; ideal for hanging baskets
• pH: 6.0-6.5

2. Fast-Growing Pothos

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the fastest-growing tropical houseplants, capable of producing vines that can grow several feet in a single growing season. This adaptable plant features heart-shaped leaves that come in various patterns and colors, including golden, marble, jade, and neon varieties. Known for its air-purifying qualities and forgiving nature, pothos can thrive in most indoor environments and is particularly popular for hanging baskets or climbing up moss poles.

• Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight; best growth occurs in medium to bright indirect light
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; tolerates occasional drought
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; prefers slightly acidic pH (6.1-6.5)
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
• Humidity: Adaptable to average indoor humidity; thrives in higher humidity
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Any well-draining pot with drainage holes; can thrive in various pot sizes

3. Fast-Growing Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is one of the fastest-growing tropical houseplants, capable of reaching maturity within a year under ideal conditions. This versatile plant features striking variegated leaves in patterns of green, silver, and sometimes pink or red, depending on the variety. As it grows, it develops a bushy appearance and can reach heights of 2-3 feet indoors, making it an excellent choice for filling empty corners or adding tropical flair to coffee tables and shelves.

• Light: Thrives in low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels around 60%
• Temperature: Maintains best growth between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Maintenance: Remove yellow or dead leaves to encourage new growth

4. Fast-Growing Rubber Plant

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular indoor tropical that can grow rapidly under the right conditions, potentially adding 24 inches or more in height per year. Known for its thick, glossy leaves and sturdy stems, this plant can reach impressive heights indoors, making it an excellent choice for creating dramatic vertical interest in living spaces. As a juvenile plant, it maintains a compact, bushy form before developing into a more tree-like specimen with proper care.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Keep soil moderately moist during growing season; allow top 2 inches to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite
• Humidity: 40-60% relative humidity; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Large pot with drainage holes; repot annually when young
• Air Quality: Good air circulation but away from cold drafts or heating vents

5. Fast-Growing Umbrella Plant

The Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola) is a rapid-growing tropical houseplant that can reach heights of 4-8 feet indoors when properly cared for. Its distinctive foliage consists of leaflets arranged in a circular pattern resembling the spokes of an umbrella, hence its common name. With proper care and ideal conditions, this plant can grow up to 2 feet per year, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quick results in their indoor gardens.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Pot Requirements: Container with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years
• pH Level: 6.0-6.5

6. Fast-Growing Snake Plant

The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is one of the fastest-growing indoor tropical plants, capable of reaching heights between 6 inches to 8 feet depending on the variety. Its sword-like, stiff leaves grow vertically in a rosette pattern, adding new leaves from the center while spreading through underground rhizomes. This hardy plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, can grow several new leaves per season under ideal conditions and produces offsets readily, making it an excellent choice for rapid indoor greenery.

• Light: Tolerates low light but grows fastest in bright, indirect light; can handle some direct sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water less in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; prefers slightly sandy soil
• Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C)
• Humidity: Adaptable to any humidity level
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; slightly root-bound conditions acceptable
• Propagation: Division of rhizomes or leaf cuttings in water or soil

7. Graceful Boston Fern

The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a classic tropical houseplant known for its elegant, arching fronds that create a cascading effect. This lush fern features delicate, sword-shaped leaves with small leaflets arranged in a symmetrical pattern, making it perfect for hanging baskets or elevated planters. Growing up to 3 feet in both height and width, the Boston Fern adds a soft, graceful touch to indoor spaces while effectively purifying the air.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist regularly to maintain humidity
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
• Temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C)
• Humidity: High humidity (50% or higher)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• pH: 5.0-5.5, slightly acidic soil

8. Fast-Growing Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a striking tropical vine that can grow rapidly indoors, adding up to two feet in height annually under ideal conditions. Its large, glossy leaves develop distinctive splits and holes as they mature, creating the plant’s iconic fenestrated appearance. This vigorous climber naturally attaches to surfaces using aerial roots and can reach impressive heights when provided with proper support like a moss pole or trellis.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate moderate shade but grows fastest in well-lit conditions away from direct sun
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
• Humidity: Thrives in humidity levels above 60%; mist regularly or use a humidifier
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Support: Provide a moss pole or trellis for climbing
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes; increase pot size as plant grows

9. Fast-Growing Areca Palm

The Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) is one of the fastest-growing indoor tropical plants, capable of reaching heights of 6-7 feet when grown indoors. Its feathery, arching fronds create a lush, tropical appearance, making it a popular choice for brightening indoor spaces. This multi-stemmed palm produces new fronds regularly throughout its growing season, with young plants growing up to 6-10 inches per year under ideal conditions.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite
• Humidity: Minimum 40%; prefers 60-70%
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Container: Large pot with drainage holes to accommodate rapid growth
• pH: 6.1-6.5

10. Towering Bamboo Palm

The Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) is a graceful, tropical palm that can reach impressive heights of 7-10 feet indoors, making it an excellent choice for creating vertical interest in any room. With its multiple slender stems resembling bamboo and arching fronds of delicate leaflets, this palm adds an elegant, exotic touch while effectively purifying indoor air. Despite its towering potential, it maintains a relatively compact spread, making it suitable for corners and areas where floor-to-ceiling greenery is desired.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate moderate shade but may grow slower; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Deep pot with drainage holes to accommodate extensive root system

11. Climbing Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron Brasil is a fast-growing tropical vine known for its heart-shaped leaves featuring striking variegation patterns of dark and light green with yellow streaks. This climbing variety of philodendron can grow several feet long when properly supported and makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets or training up moss poles. The plant’s vining nature and adaptable growth pattern make it a popular choice for indoor spaces where it can add dramatic visual interest to walls, shelves, or vertical spaces.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate moderate light but may lose variegation in low light conditions
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-60%); tolerates average indoor humidity
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); avoid cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Support: Moss pole, trellis, or similar structure for climbing
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; size up gradually as plant grows

12. Lush Peace Lily Plant

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular tropical houseplant known for its elegant white flowers and glossy dark green foliage. This fast-growing plant can reach heights between 1-4 feet indoors and produces distinctive spoon-shaped leaves that grow from the base. The plant’s signature white “flowers” are actually modified leaves called spathes, which surround small, spike-like flower clusters. Peace lilies not only add visual appeal but also help purify indoor air by removing certain harmful compounds.

• Light: Bright indirect light; tolerates low light conditions but may not flower as readily; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist leaves regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-6.5)

13. Hardy Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) lives up to its name as one of the toughest and most adaptable indoor plants available. This slow-growing but virtually indestructible plant features dark green, sword-shaped leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in length, growing from underground rhizomes. Native to the forest floors of Japan and Taiwan, it earned its common name from its ability to withstand poor conditions that would kill most other houseplants.

• Light: Tolerates low light to partial shade; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; tolerates irregular watering
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; tolerates various soil types
• Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity levels
• Temperature: 45-85°F (7-29°C)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding every 2-3 months during growing season
• Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
• Container: Any well-draining pot with drainage holes
• Growth Rate: Slow but steady

14. Lush Dracaena Janet Craig

The Dracaena Janet Craig is a popular indoor tropical plant known for its deep green, glossy leaves that grow in elegant clusters atop sturdy canes. This variety of Dracaena reaches heights of 6-10 feet indoors, making it an excellent choice for filling empty corners or creating dramatic vertical interest. Its lance-shaped foliage grows in dense rosettes, creating a lush, tropical appearance that can thrive for many years as a houseplant.

• Light: Moderate to bright indirect light; can tolerate lower light conditions but may grow slower; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; sensitive to fluoride in tap water
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity but prefers 40-60%
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); avoid cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Soil pH: 6.0-6.5

15. Vibrant Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a striking tropical plant known for its large, paddle-shaped leaves and distinctive orange and blue crane-like flowers that resemble an exotic bird in flight. This fast-growing indoor plant can reach heights of 5-6 feet when grown in containers, making it an impressive architectural statement piece for any room. Native to South Africa, it has become a popular houseplant due to its dramatic appearance and relatively easy care requirements.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter
• Humidity: High humidity levels (50% or higher); benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Pot: Large container with drainage holes; repot every 18-24 months as needed
• Soil pH: 5.5-7.5