Across the globe, amid thousands of plant species, there exists one particular plant that distinguishes itself by its rapid growth rate compared to other plant species.
The world’s fastest-growing plant is Bamboo, specifically Madake (Phyllostachys reticulata). It can grow at an astounding rate of 35 inches (91 cm) per day.
- Daily Growth Rate – 2.91 feet (35 inches)
- Weekly Growth Rate – 15.33 feet (245 inches)
Two of the 1,000 Bamboo species Madake and Moso are the fastest-growing. These bamboo species can grow from a shoot to a fully grown tree in less than a year.
The slowest-growing plant belongs to the Cactus species. Cactus plants are known to be very slow growers. This is because of their lack of leaves or foliage and the fact that their natural habitats, which are arid regions, lack water and nutrients.
A cactus can only grow over 1 centimeter a year. If a cactus plant was planted today, it could take up to a whole year to reach the size of a marble. A three-centimeter vertical growth could take up to 3 years.
The cactus plant has always been very popular; what contributes to this fact is that they make the ideal houseplant. They grow very slowly and they only require moderate sunlight and very little watering.
Nowadays, giving cactus plants as gifts has become trendy. Not only because they are low maintenance, but also because they are affordable and they have unique appearances.
What is the fastest-growing indoor plant?
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is an extremely fast-growing vine plant. They only require moderate sunlight (without direct exposure) and water to maintain their health and good looks, so they are relatively easy to grow.
Pothos can grow up to 6 feet in less than a few weeks. If not maintained, they could reach 8 feet or more in length unless that is how you want them to be.
This plant has very attractive heart-shaped leaves that usually have gold, white, or yellow variegation. Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants in North America.
Indoor plants have lots of benefits to offer homeowners. They improve air quality, they help reduce stress, and they add life and color to your home. Having many houseplants has become a very popular way of decorating a home.
What are the top 10 fastest-growing plants and trees?
Bamboo
Being the world’s fastest-growing plant1, Bamboo is definitely number 1 on the list. Bamboo belongs to the grass family Poaceae. With a rhizome-dependent system, many of the world’s fastest-growing plants belong to bamboo species.
Bamboo grows so fast that if you have the patience to stare at one for a whole day, you could actually witness it growing.
Hybrid poplar
The Hybrid Poplar is a fast-growing tree known for producing good shade. It belongs to the Salicaceae family which can be found in temperate regions. Hybrid poplars can grow up to 10 feet a year.
The Hybrid Poplar is artificially created and not a natural species. Its purpose is to help regrow forests that have been harvested for lumber.
Algae
Algae are eukaryotes that grow tremendously fast. They can double their size within 24 hours. Even though they play an important role in the sustenance of the ecosystem, they are also potential threats to aquatic and human life.
Algae are not explicitly classified as a plant but have technical similarities that make them plantlike. It is difficult to identify one species of algae from another.
Duckweed
Duckweeds are mostly found in ponds or lakes. Depending on the conditions, they can double their size in less than 24 hours.
If this small flowering plant were to reproduce at its maximum efficiency, it could create 4 earth-sized masses in 4 months.
Eastern cottonwood
The Eastern Cottonwood plants are commonly found along streams, rivers, and lowland areas. They can grow up to 20-40 meters tall and have long lifespans. Per year, they can reach up to 5 feet even during unfavorable conditions,
Acacia
Acacia can be found in dry regions. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Belonging to the pea family, the Acacia plant can be described as a large genus of shrubs and trees.
It is a fast-growing species that can grow over an inch per day. In Sabah, Malaysia, an acacia falcata tree has been discovered to reach 35 feet in height in 13 months.
Acacia plants receive a lot of nutrition and rainfall every year which is why they get to have a perpetual growing season.
Giant sequoia
Sequoia trees are known to be massive in size. Not only do trees grow upwards, but they also grow sideways as well. The Giant Sequoia can grow 4 to 6 feet per year for 10 years.
For the following 30 years, they grow an estimated 2 feet per year. In just 6 to 8 years, a Giant Sequoia could reach its full size.
Additionally, their lifespans could extend between 1800 to 2700 years approximately.
Wisconsin fast plants
These plants were actually created by scientists at the University of Wisconsin who advertised them as “fast plants”. The Wisconsin Fast Plants are a type of mustard that can produce a brand new generation every five weeks.
They were made to protect cruciferous plants like broccoli, cabbage, mustard, and radish.
Kudzu
Kudzu is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. It is also recognized as a Japanese arrowroot. Kudzu can grow an entire foot per day in the right environment.
In one growing season, it can reach 60 feet in length. With its relentless growth, this plant is very difficult to kill. It tends to climb over everything that surrounds it and kills off other plants. Kudzu can be invasive and aggressive.
Transgenic eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree native to Australia. It is also fast-growing, but transgenic Eucalyptus is an artificially developed plant which makes it 30% faster compared to other trees when it comes to growth.
They are aggressive growers with a growth rate of 16 feet per year. Some plants also grow more than 100 feet in just five years.
Like the Hybrid Poplar, these trees are also great options for reforestation.
- Emma M., (2018) The Incredible Bamboo Plant – World’s Fastest Growing Plant. <https://www.ambientbp.com/blog/the-incredible-bamboo-plant> Accessed: 18-03-2024
