Want to bring some green into your home, but don't want to wait forever? Starting plant seeds that grow fast indoors is a great way to get a jump on things. You don't need a huge yard to enjoy growing your own plants. Some plants just shoot up super quick, which is perfect if you're a bit impatient, like me. Let's look at some of the best fast-growing indoor plants you can easily start from seeds. No matter if you're new to this or have a green thumb already, these plants will make your place feel like a lush paradise in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Heartleaf Philodendron is a top pick for quick indoor growth.
- Philodendron Brasil adds a nice splash of color with its leaves.
- Natal Ivy is good if you like plants that trail.
- Delicious Monster, also known as Monstera, can really make a statement.
- Calathea is known for its cool leaf patterns.
1. Heartleaf Philodendron
The Heartleaf Philodendron is a total classic for anyone into indoor gardening. I mean, who doesn't love it? Known for its super cute, heart-shaped leaves, this plant brings a bit of nature's charm to any room. It's also a fast grower, which is awesome if you're like me and want to see some green action, like, yesterday.
Why is it so great? Well:
- It's super easy to care for, which is perfect if you're just starting out.
- You can hang it in a basket or let it climb up something – it's pretty flexible.
- It does well in different light levels, so you don't have to stress too much about finding the perfect spot.
Pro Tip: If you're trying to make your home a bit more eco-friendly, the Heartleaf Philodendron is a great pick. It grows fast and doesn't need much attention, making it a winner for sustainable homes.
To keep it happy and growing, just keep the soil a little damp (but not too wet!), give it some plant food every now and then, and trim it if it starts getting too long. It's also great at cleaning the air, so your home will not only look better but feel better too!
2. Philodendron Brasil
Meet the Philodendron Brasil, a super cool plant that's like the Heartleaf Philodendron's fun-loving cousin. It's got these awesome leaves with splashes of yellow and green, kind of like it's wearing a little party outfit. Seriously, it's a fast grower, so you won't be waiting forever to see some action. Plus, it's not picky, which is always a win in my book.
One of the best things? It's really adaptable. It loves bright, indirect light, which keeps those colors popping. But, hey, if you've got a spot that's a little dimmer, it'll still hang in there, though the colors might not be quite as vibrant. Think of it as a plant that's happy to go with the flow. For the best results, give it bright, indirect light.
Here’s the lowdown on keeping your Philodendron Brasil happy:
- Light: Bright, but not direct. Think filtered sunlight.
- Water: Let the top inch of soil dry out before you water it. Nobody likes soggy feet!
- Humidity: It's a fan of humidity, so mist it now and then, especially if your place is dry.
- Soil: Use a well-draining mix. You don't want the roots sitting in water.
If your Philodendron Brasil is happy, it'll give you these long, trailing vines that you can easily snip and grow into new plants. It's like getting free plants! Seriously, just cut a stem with a few leaves, stick it in water or soil, and watch it go. It's a plant that just keeps on giving.
If you're after a plant that looks amazing and is easy to multiply, the Philodendron Brasil is a total winner. It's a plant that keeps on giving, letting you share its beauty with your friends or just make your own indoor jungle even bigger. It's a great way to add some tropical touch to your home!
3. Natal Ivy
Natal Ivy, or Senecio macroglossus, is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a plant that offers both rapid growth and a beautiful trailing effect. I've always loved how quickly it can cascade down from a hanging basket or climb up a trellis. It's super rewarding to watch it thrive indoors!
One of the best things about Natal Ivy is its adaptability. It's not too fussy about its environment, making it a great option for beginners. Plus, its glossy, ivy-like leaves add a touch of elegance to any room.
Here are a few tips to keep your Natal Ivy happy:
- Light: Natal Ivy loves bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate lower light conditions. Just keep an eye on the leaf color; if it starts to fade, it might need a bit more light.
- Watering: Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of caution. Care for indoor plants by adjusting watering based on the season.
- Pruning: Don't be afraid to trim your Natal Ivy to keep it looking its best. Pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents it from getting too leggy. You can even propagate the cuttings to create new plants!
With a little bit of care, your Natal Ivy will quickly become a stunning focal point in your indoor garden. It's a plant that just keeps on giving!
4. Delicious Monster
Okay, the Delicious Monster, or Monstera deliciosa, is next on our list, and let me tell you, this plant is a showstopper. It's not just fast-growing; it's also super dramatic with those iconic split leaves. I remember when I first got mine; it was just a little thing, and now it's practically taking over my living room – in the best way possible!
If you're looking for a plant that makes a statement and grows quickly, the Delicious Monster is a fantastic choice. Just be sure to give it plenty of space and something to climb on, and you'll be rewarded with lush, tropical vibes in no time. Plus, it's pretty low-maintenance once it gets going.
The Monstera deliciosa thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F, so it's pretty adaptable to indoor environments. It's a great way to bring a bit of the jungle into your home. I've found that mine really appreciates a good misting every now and then, especially during the drier winter months.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when growing a Delicious Monster:
- Give it bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Provide a moss pole or trellis for it to climb on. They love to climb!
- Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and looking their best.
5. Calathea
Calatheas are seriously cool plants, known for their super striking leaf patterns. I mean, who wouldn't want a plant that looks like it's been hand-painted? They can be a little dramatic, but honestly, aren't we all sometimes? The key with Calatheas is to mimic their natural environment as much as possible. They're native to tropical rainforests, so they love humidity and filtered light.
Think of them as the divas of the plant world – they need a little extra attention, but they're totally worth it.
To keep your Calathea happy, avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate leaves. Instead, place them in a spot with bright, indirect light. Calatheas thrive indoors with bright, indirect light and outdoors under filtered sunlight, like a tree canopy. Also, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. I usually water mine when the top inch of soil feels dry. And don't forget about humidity! You can increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, placing a humidifier nearby, or setting the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. These plants are sensitive to hard water, so using filtered or distilled water is best.
Here's a quick rundown of what they need:
- Bright, indirect light
- Consistent moisture (but not soggy soil)
- High humidity
- Filtered or distilled water
- Avoid cold drafts
With a little love and care, your Calathea will reward you with its gorgeous foliage and add a touch of the tropics to your home.
6. Coleus
Coleus! Oh, these plants are just bursting with personality. Seriously, if you want to add some instant color and pizzazz to your indoor garden, look no further. Coleus are known for their vibrant, patterned leaves that come in a wild array of colors. You can find them in shades of red, pink, green, yellow, and even purple. It's like having a living rainbow in your home!
Growing coleus from seed is surprisingly easy, which is always a plus, right? Just sprinkle the seeds on top of some well-draining soil, keep them moist, and give them plenty of light. They're pretty quick to germinate, so you won't be waiting forever to see some action. Plus, they're super versatile – you can grow them in pots, hanging baskets, or even mix them in with other plants in a larger container. Just make sure they get enough light; otherwise, their colors might start to fade. If you live in a colder climate, you might need to provide supplemental grow light in winter to keep them happy and thriving.
One thing I love about coleus is that they're so easy to propagate. If you have a plant that's getting a bit leggy, just snip off a stem, stick it in water, and it'll root in no time. It's like magic!
Here are a few things to keep in mind when growing coleus:
- Light: They need bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrant colors.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but don't let them sit in water.
- Pinching: Pinch off the tips of the stems regularly to encourage bushier growth.
7. Arugula
Okay, let's talk about arugula! I love this stuff. It's peppery, it's fresh, and it's surprisingly easy to grow indoors. Plus, you can have a salad ready in just a few weeks. Who doesn't want that?
Arugula is a great choice for indoor gardening because it grows quickly and doesn't need a ton of space. You can even grow it in a container on your windowsill. Seriously, it's that simple. I've had a lot of luck with it, and I'm no gardening expert, trust me.
Here's a few things to keep in mind:
- Arugula likes cooler weather, so don't put it in a super hot spot.
- Partial shade is your friend. Intense sun can make it bolt (go to seed), and that's not what we want.
- Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Nobody likes soggy roots.
I've found that starting arugula from seed indoors is way easier than trying to buy it at the store all the time. It's fresher, it tastes better, and it's way more satisfying to harvest your own greens. Plus, you can brag to your friends about your amazing gardening skills. Just kidding… mostly.
And if you're looking to grow arugula indoors year-round, just manage the lighting and temperature. You got this!
8. Beans
Beans are a fantastic choice for indoor growing, especially if you're looking for something that's both fast-growing and rewarding. Plus, there's nothing quite like harvesting your own fresh beans right from your kitchen! They're pretty easy to get going, and watching them climb is super satisfying.
Beans are a great option for adding some vertical interest to your indoor garden.
Here's why I think you should give them a try:
- They germinate quickly, so you'll see results fast.
- They don't need a ton of space, especially if you choose bush varieties.
- Fresh beans taste amazing, way better than store-bought!
Growing beans indoors is a fun project that can bring a little bit of the garden inside, no matter the weather. It's a great way to enjoy fresh produce and add some green to your living space.
Consider pole beans for an increased yield in a smaller space. You can even try sprouting seeds for an extra boost of protein and nutrients!
9. Beets
Okay, so beets! I know, I know, some people aren't fans, but hear me out. Growing beets indoors can be surprisingly rewarding, and you get to enjoy those earthy flavors fresh from your own little indoor garden. Plus, the greens are edible too, so it's like getting two veggies for the price of one!
Beets are cool-season crops, so they actually do pretty well indoors, especially if you don't have a ton of direct sunlight. They're not super picky, which is always a bonus. You can harvest them at different stages, depending on what you're after. Baby beets are tender and sweet, while mature beets are great for roasting or pickling.
Growing beets indoors is a fun way to add some color and nutrition to your life, even if you only have a small space. It's a great project for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Plus, you get to impress your friends with your homegrown beet creations!
Here's a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose a container that's at least 8 inches deep to give the roots room to grow.
- Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
- Provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light.
With a little bit of care, you'll be enjoying fresh, homegrown beets in no time! You can even try different varieties, like golden beets or Chioggia beets, for a bit of extra fun. Check out this step-by-step instructions for growing beets indoors year-round.
10. Annual Phlox
Okay, so you're looking for a flower that's gonna pop? Annual Phlox is where it's at! These guys are super easy to grow, and they'll give you a burst of color in no time. Plus, they're annuals, which means they bloom like crazy all season long. What's not to love?
Annual Phlox are a great choice if you want something that's going to give you a lot of bang for your buck. They're not too fussy, and they'll thrive in a variety of conditions. Just make sure they get enough sunlight and water, and they'll be happy campers.
Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season, allowing you to enjoy your garden sooner!
Here's a few things to keep in mind when growing Annual Phlox:
- Planting Time: You can start these guys about 4 weeks before your last frost date. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, you can even sow them in the fall.
- Soil: Phlox thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soil. Water at the base to prevent mildew on leaves.
- Sunlight: They love the sun, so make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is never fun.
With a little bit of care, you'll have a garden full of beautiful Annual Phlox in no time! They're a great way to add some color and cheer to your home, and they're sure to bring a smile to your face. You can find [annual flower seeds] that are suitable for indoor seeding.
Wrapping It Up: Your Indoor Garden Journey
So, there you have it! Growing plants from seeds indoors is a really fun and rewarding thing to do. It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or if you've been doing this for a while, picking the right fast-growing seeds can make your home feel super green and lively in no time. You get to watch these tiny seeds turn into awesome plants, and honestly, there's nothing quite like it. So go ahead, grab some seeds, get your hands a little dirty, and enjoy the amazing feeling of growing your own indoor jungle. Happy planting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best types of plants to grow quickly indoors?
For quick growth indoors, try plants like Heartleaf Philodendron, Philodendron Brasil, Natal Ivy, Coleus, Arugula, and Beans. These are known to sprout and grow pretty fast, making them great choices for indoor gardening.
How can I make my indoor plants grow faster?
To help your indoor plants grow fast, make sure they get enough light (either from a sunny window or a grow light), use good quality potting soil, and water them regularly but don't drown them. Also, keep the room at a comfortable temperature, not too cold or too hot.
Are there any edible plants that grow quickly indoors?
Yes, many herbs like basil, mint, and chives, along with leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach, do really well indoors. They can provide fresh ingredients for your meals right from your kitchen!
How long does it usually take for indoor plant seeds to sprout?
The time it takes for seeds to sprout varies a lot by plant type. Some, like arugula, can pop up in just a few days. Others might take a week or two. Always check the seed packet for the best idea of how long to expect.
What basic supplies do I need to start growing plants from seeds indoors?
You'll need pots with drainage holes, a good seed-starting mix (not regular garden dirt), a watering can or spray bottle, and a light source. If you don't have a super sunny window, a simple grow light can make a big difference.
How can I tell if the seeds I'm buying are good quality?
When buying seeds, look for packets with clear dates and high germination rates (this tells you how many seeds are likely to sprout). It's also a good idea to buy from trusted garden stores or online sellers who have good reviews. Fresh seeds are usually the best!