For beginners, growing plants indoors often feels like a slow and frustrating process. Many people water their plants regularly and place them near a window, yet they observe very little growth. The truth is that indoor plants grow slowly primarily because their environment is limited compared to outdoor conditions.
After experimenting with various indoor plant care methods, one simple trick consistently helped plants grow nearly twice as fast: improving the system for nourishing the roots specifically by using nutrient-enriched water and optimizing lighting schedules.
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This guide explains this tried-and-tested trick, why it works, and how beginners can safely implement it.
Why Do Indoor Plants Grow Slowly?
Indoor plants face three common limitations when trying to grow:
• Limited sunlight
• Low nutrient availability
• Limited space for roots
Outdoors, plants naturally receive nutrients from rainwater, intense sunlight, airflow, and a vast expanse of soil. Indoors, however, they are entirely dependent on what we provide them.
If any one of these elements is lacking, the plant's growth slows down significantly.
Also Read : Do Bigger Pots Really Help Indoor Plants Grow Faster?
Also Read : Fast Growing Indoor Plants for Small Pots (Compact & Easy Care)
The Simple Trick That Accelerates Plant Growth
The most effective trick tested for accelerating indoor plant growth is this:
Occasionally specifically every 10–14 days use nutrient-enriched water instead of plain water.
Most people simply water their plants. However, plants also require a regular supply of nutrients to produce new leaves, roots, and stems.
Why It Works
When plants receive a steady supply of nutrients:
• Roots absorb minerals more rapidly
• Leaves produce more chlorophyll
• Photosynthesis improves
• Growth rates accelerate
Surprisingly, even low-light plants respond exceptionally well when provided with proper nutrition.
Which Chemicals Help Plants Grow Faster?
Plants require three primary nutrients, collectively known as NPK:
Nitrogen (N) = Promotes leaf growth
Phosphorus (P) = Strengthens roots
Potassium (K) = Enhances overall plant health
You can use:
• Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10)
• Seaweed extract
• Fish emulsion
• Organic compost tea
For indoor plants, liquid fertilizers work best because they are quickly absorbed within potted environments.
Essential Rules:
• Always dilute fertilizer to half-strength for indoor plants.
• Concentrated fertilizer can burn the roots within pots.
• How to Naturally Accelerate Plant Growth
If you prefer natural remedies over chemical solutions, several methods prove highly effective.
1. Banana Peel Water
Banana peels contain potassium and phosphorus.
How to Use:
• Soak banana peels in water for 24 hours.
• Strain the water.
• Use this water to nourish your plants every two weeks.
This provides natural nutrients for sustained growth.
2. Rice Water
The water used to rinse rice contains trace amounts of starch and minerals.
Use plain, unsalted rice water, and dilute it with regular water before applying it to your plants.
Benefits:
• Boosts beneficial soil microbes.
• Promotes root development.
3. Eggshell Powder
Crushed eggshells add calcium to the soil.
Dry the shells, grind them into a powder, and mix a small amount into the topsoil.
This strengthens the plant's structure and enhances its growth.
Also Read : Fastest Growing Indoor Plants (Quick Results at Home)
Also Read : 9 Indoor Plants That Grow From Cuttings Very Fast
How to Grow Potted Plants Faster
Growing plants in pots limits the space available for roots; however, you can still promote rapid growth by utilizing a few simple methods.
Use the Right Soil Mix
A good soil mix for indoor plants should contain the following components:
• Garden soil
• Coco peat
• Compost
The Correct Ratio:
• 40% Soil + 30% Coco Peat + 30% Compost
• This keeps the soil loose and rich in nutrients.
Repot When Necessary
If the roots fill the entire pot, the plant's growth slows down significantly.
Signs that your plant needs to be repotted:
• Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.
• The soil is drying out very quickly.
• Leaf growth has stalled.
Moving the plant to a slightly larger pot provides the roots with ample space to spread out.
Rotate the Plant Weekly
Indoor plants tend to grow toward sources of light.
Rotate the pots once a week to ensure that all sides receive equal exposure to light.
This promotes balanced growth and helps the stems grow stronger.
How to Grow Indoor Plants Without Sunlight
Some homes have very limited natural light. The good news is that many plants thrive even in low-light environments.
Examples include:
• Snake Plant
• ZZ Plant
• Pothos
• Peace Lily
• Philodendron
To encourage plant growth in low-light conditions:
• Place plants near the window that receives the most light.
• Utilize white walls to reflect light.
• Clean the leaves regularly to improve light absorption.
Also Read : indoorplantify
Using Grow Lights
If natural sunlight is extremely scarce, LED grow lights can help indoor plants grow more rapidly.
The benefits include:
• Control over light intensity
• Uniform plant growth
• Healthy leaf development
Position the grow lights approximately 12–18 inches above the plants and keep them switched on for 10–12 hours daily.
Growing Indoor Plants for Beginners
Beginners often face difficulties because they tend to attempt complex techniques too early on. Instead, follow these simple fundamentals:
1. Choose easy-to-grow plants (Snake Plant, Pothos, ZZ Plant).
2. Use well-draining soil.
3. Water only when the top layer of the soil has dried out.
4. Apply a small amount of fertilizer to the plants every two weeks.
5. Ensure that the plants receive at least some natural light.
Consistent care matters more than complex care techniques.
Bonus Tip : Deliver More Oxygen to the Roots
A lesser-known technique that enhances plant growth is periodically loosening the top layer of the soil.
Over time, the soil in the pot tends to become compacted.
Every few weeks, gently loosen the top 1–2 cm layer of the soil using a small stick or a fork.
Benefits:
• Improved oxygen flow to the roots
• Enhanced nutrient absorption
• Accelerated root development
Healthy roots invariably lead to faster plant growth.
Can Plants Really Grow Twice as Fast?
Yes but only if the plant receives the right combination of essentials:
• Consistent nutrients
• The correct amount of water
• Adequate light
• Healthy soil
When all these conditions are met, indoor plants can grow significantly faster than they would with standard care. Many gardeners observe a noticeable improvement in their plants within just 3–4 weeks of adjusting their fertilization and lighting regimens.
Final Thoughts
Indoor plants typically grow slowly primarily because they lack access to sufficient nutrients and intense light. The simple practice of regularly providing nutrient-rich water (suitably diluted) can significantly accelerate the plants' growth rate.
Furthermore, by ensuring the right soil composition, periodic application of natural fertilizers, and adequate lighting, your indoor plants will become healthier, larger, and grow much more rapidly.
Even beginners can achieve excellent results by consistently adopting a few simple care habits. Indoor gardening does not require complex tools; sometimes, making just a few minor adjustments can yield the most significant improvements in plant growth.
Written for IndoorPlantify, based on personal, real-world experience with indoor plant care.