Are you looking for the perfect houseplant that won’t outgrow its allotted space, but will still provide plenty of eye-catching foliage? Look no further.
The slowest growing plant in the world may be exactly what you need. I know how difficult it can be to find plants that fit perfectly into your home or garden.
This article will give you all the details on these unique specimens; their growth rate, growth zone, and growth size. Learn about the characteristics of these special plants and see if they would make a great addition to your home.
Slowest Growing Plant in the World
Here are 18 of the slowest-growing plants in the world:
Wisteria Floribunda
Otherwise known as Japanese Wisteria, this plant is a deciduous vine that belongs to the pea family. Its scientific name comes from the Latin words “flora” and “bunda,” meaning “abundant flowers.”
This name is fitting for the plant, as it produces stunning purple, lilac, and white blooms. The plant is native to Japan, but it can be found in other parts of Asia as well.
It only grows up to 5 feet every year and takes 5-10 years to mature. This makes it an excellent choice for creating a beautiful garden arbor or pergola.
Wisteria Floribunda grows in hardy zones 5-9 and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Aside from its visually stunning blooms, the plant offers several benefits, such as attracting bees and hummingbirds to the garden and providing shade during the hot summer months.
Jade Plant
Another member of slow-growing plants is the Jade plant, also known as Crassula ovata. It is a succulent native to South Africa.
It has a growth rate of 5-20 centimeters per year and a life span of up to 100 years.
Its fleshy, oval leaves are a dark green shade and can grow up to two inches long. Not only does the Jade plant add an aesthetically pleasing touch to indoor and outdoor spaces, but it also has benefits for its owners.
The plant is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and abundance to those who care for it. The Jade plant also has air-purifying capabilities, making it a great choice for those who want to breathe cleaner air.
Saguaro Cactus Plants
These are a set of unique and fascinating plants that have captivated humans for centuries. They are known for growing slowly due to their lack of leaves, with a growth rate of just one centimeter per year.
Cacti are very noticeable because of their sharp spines and colorful flowers that bloom at certain times. These plants are most likely to grow in arid and semi-arid areas where water is scarce.
They are able to store water in their stems and survive in harsh conditions. Cactus plants are low maintenance, making them a popular choice for those who aren’t avid gardeners.
Money Tree
People think the money tree, scientifically known as Pachira aquatica brings good luck and makes them rich. That’s why they often keep these plants inside their homes.
With its braided trunks and broad leaves, it is visually appealing and adds a touch of greenery to any space.
While these trees can grow up to 59 feet in the wild, they typically reach a height of 9 feet domestically. In addition to aesthetics, money trees also provide the benefit of air purification.
Their bright-colored flowers only add to their charm, making them a great addition to any plant lover’s collection.
Devil’s Ivy
Pothos, also known as Devil’s ivy, is a wonderful indoor plant that can add life to any space. This plant, with the scientific name Epipremnum Aureum, has a growth rate of 12 inches per month during its growing season.
The Devil’s ivy is a plant that grows really big in tropical places. It can get up to 60 feet tall there.
While indoors, it can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has green leaves shaped like hearts and pretty variegations on its leaves too.
Pothos can purify the air, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, and has been shown to reduce airborne pollutants. It can also reduce stress levels and boost productivity.
Pothos is the perfect plant to add some greenery to your indoor space while also providing several benefits for your overall well-being.
Snake Plants
What is a snake plant? Also referred to as Mother In Law’s Tongue, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp, or St. George’s Sword, the snake plant has an interesting and intimidating name. But rest assured, taking care of it is fairly easy.
It’s a slow grower, achieving only 4-12 inches per year, and its growing size can reach up to 8 feet. The snake plant prefers bright indirect sunlight, minimal watering, and well-draining soil, making it a low-maintenance plant.
Adding a balanced fertilizer to the soil every once in a while can help it thrive. It also produces small white uncommon flowers.
It is toxic so keep it out of reach of pets and children who may be tempted to chew on its leaves.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig, or the banjo fig, is a stunning indoor plant with origins in tropical Africa. Its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves make it an eye-catching addition to any space.
While it has the potential to grow up to 50 feet in the wild, this domesticated plant typically reaches no more than 10 feet in height. An impressive growth rate of 12-18 inches per year indicates it is a slow-growing plant.
Speaking of which, fiddle leaf figs require ample sunlight and a consistent watering schedule to ensure optimal health.
Gold Thread Cypress
Scientifically known as Chamaecyparis pisifera, the gold thread cypress is a type of coniferous shrub native to Japan. Its unique appearance comes from the bright gold foliage that grows in a soft, thread-like fashion.
Despite its delicate appearance, this plant is highly resilient and can grow in USDA zones 4-8. Its growth rate is slow, only approximately 2 inches per year, and it reaches a maximum height of 5 feet.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and visually appealing addition to your garden, the Gold Thread Cypress is a perfect choice.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo, scientifically known as Dracaena sanderiana, is also among the slowest-growing plants in the world. Originating from Southeast Asia, this plant boasts small pinkish leaves that grow up to three inches monthly.
Its unique appearance and growth rate add an exotic touch to any indoor setting. This plant is also a perfect gift for a housewarming.
This plant can make your home look nice and also bring good energy, like peace, tranquility, and growth. Incorporating Lucky Bamboo in your living or working space can be an easy but powerful way to attract good fortune.
English Ivy
Scientifically known as Hedera helix, English Ivy is an evergreen vine native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It has dull green leaves featuring light-colored veins that add charm and elegance to any space.
The vine has a growth rate of 50 – 70 cm per year and can quickly cover walls or trellises in a natural and striking way.
English Ivy is used as both a decorative plant and also provides numerous benefits to the environment. It can be used as a ground cover and also helps control erosion on slopes.
In addition, it can filter out air pollutants, reduce noise levels and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. English Ivy has also been known to help reduce the temperature in buildings during hot summer days.
Spider Plant
The spider plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum is also among the slowest-growing plants in the world. It hails from South and West Africa.
It bears narrow strap-shaped leaves clumping together to form a rosette that adds a beautiful touch to any room.
What’s interesting is that this plant prefers darkness over light. This makes it a perfect plant for those who like dimly lit rooms.
Plus, the spider plant has numerous benefits that make it a popular choice for both homes and offices. Not only does it purify the air by removing harmful pollutants, but it also has a knack for producing oxygen at night.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily, or Spathiphyllum wallisii, is a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Venezuela and Colombia. It was named after the German plant collector Gustav Wallis and is also known by the nickname ‘white sails’.
The plant has long, oval-shaped leaves that are a deep shade of green, making it a popular choice for those looking to add some greenery to their homes or offices.
Interestingly, the Peace Lily has a slow growth rate, with only 6 inches of growth per year. Despite this, its beauty and air-purifying qualities make it a beloved plant among many.
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen, also known by its scientific name Aglaonema commutatum, is a delightful plant, native to New Guinea and Asia. One of the most striking features of this plant is its glossy green color, which is often accented with shades of white, red, green, or pink.
The Chinese Evergreen has a growth rate of 8-12 inches per year and can grow up to 35-40 inches in size. With its unique appearance and impressive growth rate, it’s become such an ideal houseplant.
Staghorn Fern
The Staghorn Fern is a captivating ornamental plant that can add a touch of the exotic to your home. Also known by its scientific name, Platycerium bifurcatum, this plant originally comes from Australia.
One of the most striking features of the Staghorn Fern is its unique and fascinating appearance. Its leaves, or ‘fronds’, are divided into two different types: basal and foliar.
The round and flat fronds look like a shield. The other fronds look like antlers, which is why the plant is called “antler fern”.
This fern has a relatively slow growth rate, only growing about 5 inches per year, but can grow quite large with the right care.
Air Plants
Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are native to the West Indies and can be found in tropical climates. They have thin, long leaves that form into a rosette.
The rate of growth for air plants is slow but steady, as they typically grow no more than 6 inches in diameter. However, depending on the environment and care it receives, air plants can grow to be much bigger.
These plants require minimal care as they do not need soil and typically only need water sprayed onto the leaves a few times a week. They are very tough houseplants and can bounce back from being neglected for weeks at a time.
Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig is a type of plant from Southeast Asia and Australia. Its scientific name is Ficus Benjamina and it belongs to the Ficus genus.
Its unique appearance consists of glossy, dark green leaves that hang from thin stems, giving it an elegant and graceful appearance.
As for growth rate, the Weeping Fig is a moderate grower and can thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings. At maturity, it can reach heights of up to 30 feet, making it a spacious addition to any garden or room.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the Weeping Fig is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant to add to your collection.
Aloe Vera Plant
Known by its botanical name Aloe Barbadensis miller, the Aloe Vera plant hails from Madagascar. It features long linear leaves covered in prickly spines.
While it may be slow-growing, taking up to three or four years to reach maturity, this powerful plant contains numerous medicinal benefits.
The clear, gooey substance found inside its leaves has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for burns, cuts, and other skin irritations. When applied topically, Aloe Vera soothes and heals damaged skin, providing a cooling sensation and reducing inflammation.
The Aloe Vera plant can be helpful if you need natural remedies. It also looks nice and is a great addition to your collection of plants.
Puya Raimondii
The Giant Bromeliad Puya Raimondii, commonly called the titanka or queen of the Andes, is a stunning rare species plant native to South America.
Its remarkable appearance is hard to miss, with its unique towering height, panicle bearing numerous flowers, and spiky leaves.
In ideal growing conditions, Puya Raimondi can grow up to 30 feet tall over the course of 80-100 years. The flower cluster emerges after 80 years.
The growth rate of this plant is relatively slow, but it’s worth the wait to witness its majestic size and beauty. Visit the University of California’s Botanical Garden to see this rare tree species.
The Slowest-Growing Trees in the World
Trees are some of the oldest and most iconic forms of life on earth, with some species even surviving through centuries. While trees can grow to massive heights, there are also some species that take their time in doing so.
Though not popular and attractive as their taller counterparts, they have a significant impact on the environment and can live longer than most. Here are some of the slowest-growing trees in the world:
Magnolia Grandiflora
Native to parts of the southeastern US, Magnolia Grandiflora is a slow-growing tree that can take up to 20 years to reach its full size. Its large, glossy leaves and fragrant blooms make it a popular ornamental choice for gardens.
It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, so even though it may take longer than other trees to grow, it’s a worthwhile investment for any garden.
Oak trees
The Oak trees are some of the longest-living species on earth, and some may even reach up to 800 years old. For this reason, they can take a long time to reach their full size.
These trees prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, so placing them in an area with these conditions will help speed up their growth.
Juniper trees
Juniper trees are native to many parts of the world, and they have a slow-growing nature that makes them ideal for areas where space is limited. They can take up to 15 years to mature.
But even when small, these trees make excellent additions to any garden as they require very little maintenance and are quite hardy.
Eastern Hemlock Trees
Also known as Tsuga canadensis, the Eastern Hemlock is a coniferous tree. It is native to the eastern United States and Canada.
It is a long-lived tree, with some specimens known to live over 800 years. Eastern Hemlocks can grow up to 150 feet tall and have a spread of up to 50 feet.
They have sweeping branches and dark green, needle-like leaves. The needles are between ½ and ¾ inch long and are arranged in a flat, feather-like pattern along the branches.
Japanese Marple
These are slow-growing, graceful deciduous trees native to Japan and parts of China. They reach a mature height of 30-50 feet with a width of 10-15 feet.
Their barks are dark grey and deeply furrowed, with dark green leaves on top and silvery underneath. They also have small white flowers that blossom in the spring.
Don Egolf Redbud
This tree takes up to 15 years to reach its full size, which can be anywhere from 10-20 long. Don Egolf Redbuds are known for their beautiful pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in early spring.
These plants are able to grow in different types of soils and do not need much water. This makes them the perfect choice for areas with limited access to water.
Its dark green leaves add a perfect contrast to the colorful blossoms. What makes this tree even more impressive is its resistance to disease and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
White Cedar Tree
This is the slowest-growing tree in the world. White cedar, from the genus Cedrus, is a magnificent tree that can add an elegant touch to any landscape.
While its growth rate may be slow, ranging from 13 to 24 inches per year, it can reach a height of 30 feet.
What sets this tree apart is its longevity. With a long lifespan of up to 200 years, it can provide beauty and shelter for generations.
Its pyramid-shaped crown atop its white trunk adds to its distinctive appearance.
Serbian Spruce Tree
The Serbian Spruce Tree is a stunning evergreen that grows slowly but surely. Though it requires a bit of patience to watch it reach its full potential, once it does, it’s worth the wait.
With a growth size of up to 30 feet, this tree is tall and grand, making it a beautiful addition to any yard or landscape. Albeit its slow growth, it can live for up to 60 years.
Its uniform shape and dense, needle-like foliage make it a popular ornamental tree in many areas.
Japanese Snowbell Tree
Scientifically known as Styrax japonica, the Japanese Snowbell Tree is a beautiful addition to any garden. It has a slow growth rate and can grow to a mature height of 10-20 feet.
It has glossy green leaves with serrated edges and delicate white bell-shaped flowers that make it a stunning sight to behold.
Native to Japan and able to withstand USDA zones 5-8a, this tree truly thrives in cooler climates.
Fragrant Himalayan Champaca Tree
Known for its magnificent scent, this tree is native to Southern Asia and Southern China. This fragrant beauty can grow up to 25-30 feet tall, making it a stunning sight to behold.
One of the unique things about this tree is its fragrance, which has earned it the nickname “Joy Perfume Tree.” The scent of the Champaca flower is said to be similar to jasmine, with notes of spice and citrus.
No wonder it has been used for centuries in perfumes and essential oils. Whether you’re a botanist or simply an admirer of nature, the Himalayan Champaca tree is definitely worth a closer look.
What are the Fastest Growing Plants in the World?
Duckweed
Duckweed is an aquatic plant that belongs to the family Lemnaceae. Its botanical name is Lemna minor.
It is also referred to as water lentils or bayroot. Surprisingly, it can double its biomass in just a few days.
Duckweed comes in different sizes. Some are tiny, like a pinhead. Others can be as big as several centimeters wide.
Duckweed has many uses, including water purification, animal feed, and human consumption. It is also a rich source of protein and is used as a feed supplement for livestock and fish.
In some parts of the world, duckweed is consumed by humans as a vegetable and is used in soups, salads, and other dishes.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. Its scientific name is Bambusoideae, and it is a member of the Bambuseae tribe.
Bamboo is native to many regions of the world, including Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. There are over 1,000 different species of bamboo, with varying growth rates and sizes.
It has a rapid growth rate, with some species capable of growing up to 91 cm (36 inches) in one day. It’s also versatile and can grow in a wide range of soil types and environments.
Once established, it can form dense, tall stands that can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet) in height.
Bamboo has many uses, including construction, food, and decoration.
In some cultures, bamboo is considered a symbol of strength and flexibility. Bamboo shoots are a common ingredient in many Asian dishes, and the plant is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Tips To Speed Up The Growth Rate Of Plants
Watering: Make sure to keep the soil of your plants wet, but not soggy. Watering regularly provides a steady supply of moisture which helps speed up growth. Adding compost to the soil can help balance out the water levels. This helps make a healthier place for plants to grow.
Pruning: Pruning your plants on a regular basis helps to promote new growth, as well as remove any dead or dying leaves. This can help speed up the rate of growth and make sure that your plants are healthy.
Fertilizing: Adding fertilizer to the soil can help provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow. There are different types of fertilizers available, so make sure you choose one that is appropriate for your specific plant.
Choosing suitable species: Choosing a species of plant that is suitable for your climate and growing conditions can help to speed up the growth rate. You should also consider if the species needs full sunlight or shade in order for it to thrive.
Meeting soil requirements: The soil needs to be rich in organic matter and well-drained in order for plants to grow quickly. Adding mulch can help keep the soil moist while adding compost can help create a suitable balance of nutrients.
Enough growing space: Making sure that you give your plants enough space to grow can help speed up the rate at which they grow. Overcrowding can cause some plants to be stunted, so ensure each plant has plenty of room.
FAQs
What is the slowest-growing houseplant?
Chinese evergreen is the slowest-growing houseplant. This hardy houseplant is known for its low maintenance and longevity. It grows slowly, but steadily, up to 8-12 inches a year in ideal growing conditions. It is also attractive and has variegated leaves that come in a range of colors, from dark green to silver, white, and pink.
What is the slowest flowering plant?
The slowest flower to grow is the Puya Raimondii. It has beautiful purple, type-like petals that make it an interesting sight to behold. It will only bloom once in its lifetime and then die shortly after. The plant itself can live for up to 100 years but the average lifespan of the Puya Raimondii flower is much shorter than that.
Do slow-growing trees live longer?
Yes, slow-growing trees do tend to live longer than fast-growing trees. This is because slow-growing trees are denser and have thicker barks which provide better protection from disease, pests, fire, and other environmental threats. Slow-growing trees also put more energy into developing a strong root system which helps them stay healthier for longer.
Do slow-growing plants live forever
Slow-growing plants do not necessarily live forever. While some slow-growing plants can have a longer lifespan than others, all plants have a maximum lifespan. Some plants can live for hundreds or even thousands of years, such as certain species of trees, but eventually, even these plants will die. So, the answer to your question is no, slow-growing plants do not live forever.
Conclusion
The slowest-growing plants in the world may seem like they take forever to grow. However, their long lifespans and unique features make them fascinating and worthy of admiration.
These plants can grow in places where it is hard to get food and water. That is why they grow slowly.
From the towering baobab tree to the tiny cacti plants, these plants remind us of the importance of patience and perseverance in the natural world.
Because they grow slowly, we need to protect these species. That way, they can stay around for future generations to enjoy.
Overall, these plants serve as a testament to the wonders of nature and the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
Interesting read: Best Plants for Shallow Pots
