To make indoor plants grow faster, increase the amount of bright light they receive, feed them regularly, repot in fresh soil, add fertilizer, and maintain proper watering and humidity levels.
Planting indoor plants is a great way to boost your home’s atmosphere and add some greenery. If you are looking for ways to grow them faster, this article has 11 easy tips to help make it happen.
Many factors can affect how fast a plant grows, from the type of plant to the amount of light and water it receives.
These problems might seem daunting, but being aware of them is half the battle. Once you know what to look for, you can take steps to ensure your plants are growing as quickly as possible.
Why Do Indoor Plants Grow Slower Than Outdoor Plants?
Houseplants typically grow slower than their outdoor counterparts for a few reasons.
Knowing the reasons why can help you take steps to combat them.
Indoor Plants Typically Receive Less Light Than Outdoor Plants
One of the main reasons why indoor plants grow slower than outdoor plants is that they generally receive less light.
This is because most homes don’t get much natural sunlight; even when they do, it’s often not enough to sustain plant growth.
If you want your indoor plants to grow faster, then you need to give them more light.
The best way to do this is to increase the hours of light exposure. This can be done by using grow lights or placing your plants near a window where they can get more direct sunlight.
Indoor Plants Are Often Pot-bound
Indoor plants are also often pot-bound, which means their roots are confined to a smaller space than outdoor plants.
This can impact the plant’s growth because it has less room to expand and grow.
If you want your indoor plants to grow faster, you must repot them into a larger pot. This will give them more room to grow and will also help to improve drainage.
However, be sure not to choose a pot that is too large. If the pot is too big, it will result in overwatering and damage to the plant.
The optimum pot size depends on the plant’s length and the pot type. Generally, a pot twice the size of the plant’s root ball is a good choice.
Indoor Plants May Not Receive the Right Type of Light for Optimal Growth
Another reason indoor plants may grow slower than outdoor plants is that they may need the correct type of light for optimal growth.
Different types of plants need different levels of light to grow. If a plant is not getting the right amount of light, it will grow slowly or not at all.
To ensure your indoor plants get the correct type of light, you need to know what kind of light they need.
For example, some plants need full-spectrum light, while others need only partial sun. Once you know your plant’s light requirements, you can ensure it is getting the right amount of light by placing it in an appropriate location.
Indoor Plants May Be Overwatered, Which Can Lead To Slower Growth
Watering indoor plants is often one of the most challenging aspects of plant care. This is because it is easy to overwater plants, leading to slower growth.
Always check the soil before watering to see if it is dry to prevent overwatering. If it is, water the plant until it is moist but not soggy.
It is also a good idea to water plants in the morning so they have time to dry out before nightfall.
Indoor Plants May Be Underwatered, Which Can Also Lead To Slower Growth
Underwatering is another common problem leading to slower growth in indoor plants.
This is often due to forgetting to water plants or not watering them enough.
If the soil is dry to the touch, your plant likely needs more water.
Be sure to check the soil before watering and only water when the soil is dry.
Some indoor plants, such as succulents, cacti, and air plants, need even less water than other plants.
If you think your plant may be underwatered, try these tips:
- Check the soil before watering. The soil should be dry to the touch before you water it.
- Water deeply and slowly so the water has a chance to reach the roots.
- Let the plant dry out between watering. This will help prevent root rot.
- If the leaves are wilting, this is a sign that the plant needs more water.
- Check for signs of dehydration, such as wrinkled leaves or stems.
- Use a moisture meter to help you know when to water.
- Try not to overwater, as this can also lead to slower growth.
Indoor Plants May Be Subject to Temperature Fluctuations That Can Impede Growth
Growing plants indoors can be challenging due to temperature fluctuations.
Indoor plants are often subject to drafts from doors and windows, as well as changes in temperature from the furnace or air conditioner.
These temperature fluctuations can impede plant growth in several ways.
First, plants may be unable to photosynthesize appropriately if the temperature is too cold. This can lead to slower growth.
Additionally, if night temperatures are too high, the plant will take nutrients and sugars from older leaves to help new leaves grow. This can lead to a loss of vigor and decreased growth overall.
To help plants in an indoor environment, it may be necessary to provide additional light, warmth, or humidity.
You can also try to minimize temperature fluctuations by keeping plants away from doors and windows and avoiding placing them near heaters or air conditioners.
Indoor Plants May Be Lacking Essential Nutrients That Are Necessary for Growth
A lack of essential nutrients can impact indoor plant growth in several ways. For example, a lack of nitrogen in the soil can slow plant growth.
The best way to increase plant growth is to add a high amount of nitrogen fertilizer.
You can also try using other fertilizers specifically designed for indoor plants.
Additionally, you can provide plants with additional nutrients by using compost or manure.
Finally, check the pH of the soil to ensure that it is not too acidic or alkaline, as this can also impact plant growth.
How To Make Indoor Plants Grow Faster
You can do several things to make your indoor plants grow faster.
Here are some tips to increase the growth rate of your plants:
1. Fertilize Regularly
Fertilizing your plants regularly is one of the best ways to promote growth. Use a high-quality fertilizer that is designed for indoor plants.
A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is a good choice.
Most houseplants need to be fertilized once a month during the growing season. But be careful not to overfertilize, as this can damage your plants.
2. Provide the Right Light Conditions
Houseplants need light to grow and thrive, so provide them with enough light. The amount of light a plant needs depends on the species of plant. Plants that come from shady areas will need less light than plants that come from sunny locations.
Place your plants in a well-lit area near a window, and move them as necessary to ensure they get the right amount of light.
Plants that need bright indirect light should be placed in an east- or west-facing window.
Plants that need low light can be placed in a north-facing window.
South-facing windows provide the most light and are best for plants that need direct sunlight.
3. Water Deeply and Regularly
Watering deeply and regularly is essential for plant growth.
Make sure to check the soil before watering and only water when the soil is dry. Water in the morning so the plants have time to absorb the water before the sun goes down. Avoid watering in the evening, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
It is also essential to ensure you are using the right type of water. Tap water that is high in chlorine or fluoride can damage your plants. It is best to use filtered or distilled water for indoor plants.
4. Prune Regularly
Indoor plants need to be pruned regularly to promote growth. Pruning helps to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. It also helps to encourage the plant to produce new growth.
Roots can also be pruned if the plant has outgrown its pot.
Pruning in the right season is essential for getting the best results. It’s generally best to prune in the late winter or early spring.
When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. This will help the plant to produce new growth more quickly.
5. Provide the Right Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity can impact indoor plant growth. Most plants prefer a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can help to maintain stable temperatures by keeping plants away from doors and windows and avoiding placing them near heaters or air conditioners.
Indoor plants also prefer high humidity levels. You can increase the humidity around your plants by misting them with water or placing them on a pebble tray.
A pebble tray is a tray filled with pebbles and water. The water evaporates and increases the humidity around the plants.
6. Use the Right Soil
Using the correct type of potting soil for your indoor plants is essential. Plants need a nutrient-rich soil mix to grow quickly. You can buy a potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts garden soil, perlite, and peat moss.
Make sure to aerate the soil before planting by mixing sand or vermiculite. This will help the roots to get the oxygen they need to grow.
You can also amend the soil with compost or other organic matter. This will help to improve drainage and add nutrients to the soil.
7. Repot as Needed
Indoor plants need to be repotted every one to two years. This is because they can quickly outgrow their pots. When repotting, choose a pot slightly larger than the current pot. This will help to prevent the roots from getting too crowded.
It is also essential to use a fresh potting mix when repotting. This will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow quickly.
8. Choose the Right Pot Size
When choosing a pot for indoor plants, selecting the proper size is essential. If the pot is too small, the plant will become root bound and unable to grow correctly. If the pot is too large, the soil will stay too wet, and the roots could rot.
It is best to choose a pot slightly larger than the current pot. This will give the roots enough room to grow without being too crowded.
9. Provide Good Air circulation
Good air circulation is essential for plant growth. Plants need CO2 for photosynthesis and the exchange of gases.
You can improve air circulation by using a fan or by opening windows. You can also place plants on a raised surface, such as a shelf or table.
10. Keep Your Houseplants Healthy and Free From Pests and Diseases
Indoor plants can be susceptible to pests and diseases. It is essential to inspect your plants regularly for signs of problems.
If you see any pests, such as aphids or spider mites, remove them from the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
You can also prevent problems by keeping your plants healthy. This includes providing the right amount of light, water, and nutrients.
The most common diseases that affect indoor plants are root rot and powdery mildew. Root rot is caused by too much water and can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Powdery mildew is caused by high humidity and can be prevented by increasing air circulation around the plant.
If you see any signs of disease, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, isolate the affected plant from healthy plants. You can also treat the plant with a natural fungicide such as neem oil.
11. Pick the Right Plant for Your Space
When making indoor plants grow faster, picking the right plant for your space is crucial. Not all plants are created equal, and some won’t do well in your home, no matter what you do.
When choosing a plant, consider the amount of light it needs to thrive. If you don’t have a lot of sunlight in your home, pick a plant that doesn’t require much.
You should also consider the size of the plant when it’s fully grown. Make sure you have enough room for it, which will be manageable for the space.
The most crucial factor in choosing a plant is access to light. The type of attention you want your plant to receive will also determine the kind of plant you should choose.
5 Fast Growing Indoor Plants
When it comes to fast-growing houseplants, there are a few that stand out from the rest. These plants are easy to care for and quickly fill up any space in your home.
Here are 5 of the best fast-growing indoor plants:
1. Pothos
Devil’s ivy is an excellent plant for beginners or those with a black thumb because it is tough to kill. Pothos is also a fast-growing indoor plant that can grow up to two feet in just a few months. They is easy to propagate from cuttings, making it even easier to grow
2. Spider Plant
Spider plants are easy to care for and can grow up to a foot in just a few months. These plants are also very easy to propagate, quickly filling up any space in your home.
3. Snake Plant
Snake plants are another easy-to-care-for plant that can grow up to a foot in just a few months. They are also great at cleansing the air and can help to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from your home.
4. Jade Plant
Jade plants are a bit slower-growing than the previous three but can reach up to a foot in height in just a few months. These plants are also very easy to care for and can tolerate neglect better than most other plants.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that is very easy to care for and can grow up to a foot in height in just a few months. The Aloe vera is also an excellent plant for healing wounds and can be used topically for burns, cuts, and scrapes.
Final Thoughts
Indoor plants can be a beautiful addition to any home, but they can take a while to grow in the right direction.
This guide has you covered with tips on making them grow faster so you can see results sooner!
From watering and light scheduling to providing nutrients and ensuring your plant is getting the exposure it needs, these tips will make it look great in no time!
