When a plant develops slowly, we often interpret this as an indication that something is wrong with it. Our fast-paced and full-fledged environment causes us to gravitate toward the sensation of needing things immediately. We want immediate pleasure. We want to water our plant as well as wake up to vibrant foliage and flowers aplenty the following morning. That is not nature works for some plants, and that is just OK.
While many homeowners are on the lookout for fast-growing plants that will quickly fill in their landscape and create the garden of their dreams, if you have a little patience, there are many slow-growing plants that may serve as show stoppers in your garden.
And the same is true for indoor plants. Indeed, if you are a plant enthusiast but not a fan of the upkeep associated with plants, a variety of slow growing plants may become your new best friend.
We have compiled a list of 10 of the plants that grow slowest in the world, a mix of indoor and outdoor varieties, for you to consider while making your next green buy at the shop.
The World’s Slowest Growing Plants
1. Magnolia Grandiflora
When in bloom, this tree, sometimes known as the southern magnolia, has stunning large white blooms. They are native to the southeastern United States and are most common in zones 7-10, which includes southern Mississippi, eastern Texas, Alabama, Georgia, central and north Florida, and as well as Virginia and certain areas of Louisiana. They are present in other areas as well but are most tenacious in them.
Magnolia trees may reach quite a height, usually between 60 and 80ft, but have been known to hit heights of up to 120ft. With that stated, it is considered a slow growing tree, often growing at a rate of less than a foot each year.
They do bloom as young plants, therefore if you do not mind waiting for their shaded canopy to emerge as they get larger, these trees will make an immediate and stunning addition to your environment.
2. Aloe Vera
These succulents grow very slowly and are extremely simple to care for. They make an excellent addition to any home plant collection and are very trendy right now. Aloe grows wild across the globe in dry, semi-tropical, and tropical regions.
While it is often used medicinally, it is also frequently used decoratively due to its popularity as an indoor-grown potted plant. Aloe vera gel may be used to treat sunburns and is often found in lotions, cosmetics, and even drinks.
Aloe vera plants usually take approximately three to four years to mature from pupa to fully grown adult. Adult plants have leaves that are about 8-10 inches in length. Propagating new plants from adult plants is as simple as taking the pups from the parent plant’s base and replanting them inside their own container. With a little patience, you might acquire a whole army of those beauties for the price of one.
3. Wisteria Floribunda
This plant often referred to as Japanese Wisteria, is native to bad Japan and was brought to the United States in the 1830s.
In the United States, wisteria is hardy in zones 5-9. It’s woody vine-like climbers generate some of the most magnificent blooms you are likely to see. Typically blooming in from beginning to mid-spring in shades of blue, pink, violet, or white, the wisteria’s blossoms are the longest of any flower, reaching a length of about 18 inches.
It may reach a height of 30 feet and usually lives for more than fifty years; however, it takes about ten to twenty years to achieve full maturity, and flowers may not emerge until five to ten years after planting. However, it is the most romantic flower as well as is well worth your wait.
4. Snake Plant
The snake plant is one of the most traditional houseplants. The reason it is such a popular option among both indoor plant aficionados and novices is due to its ease of maintenance, or lack thereof.
Snake plants, so-called because of their stiff, long leaves with snake-like patterns, can tolerate dryness well in their natural environments, which means they may go for extended periods without being watered inside those pots.
They usually attain a height of 2–3 feet but may reach a height of 6 feet. They are regarded as some of the indoor plants that have the slowest growth. With being stated, they tend to grow more quickly when planted in full sunlight and may need yearly division and repotting.
5. Cactus
The majority of cactus species are very sluggish growers. Most cacti develop a marble-sized sprout six to twelve months after planting, which takes about 2 to 3 years to reach some centimeters in height. This, of course, varies by species but is not unusual for cacti in general.
There are a few causes for the sluggish growth of the cactus. To begin, the plant is in survival mode due to its natural environment in the desert, and so its primary emphasis is on survival rather than development. The second reason for this is because cacti lack leaves. Because leaves are high in chlorophyll, the chemical found in plants that converts sunlight to energy, a cactus has much less green tissue than some other plants, making it sluggish growing.
6. Jade Plant
The jade plant is a popular potted plant found in homes and offices alike. Known as a sign of good fortune and a bringer of riches and success, the jade plant is a typical potted plant seen in homes and workplaces alike. Because jade plants need strong sunshine, they are often seen on windowsills, where they get the most amount of light from the outside. Their fleshy oval leaves form clusters at the ends of their stems.
Jade plants are very simple to care for, since they do not need a lot of water, often only having to be watered when the top layer of soil looks dry. While some plants remain dormant for years each time, when they do bloom, they produce tiny white or pink flowers at the branch tips.
They often reach a height of approximately two to four feet, but only grow between 5 and 20 centimeters each year.
7. Money Trees
Apart from the luck and wealth connotation, one of the most distinctive characteristics of a money tree plant is the meticulously braided trunks, which are really several trees woven together by hand as they develop. Braided money tree plants are typically between 1 and 8 feet tall, although they may reach a height of 59 feet in the wild.
Another significant advantage of this plant is that this plant has been ranked as one of the most effective natural air filters in NASA research. They are also qualified as pet-friendly, which means that if your furry companion chooses to nibble, the worst-case scenario is that it may cause stomach distress and is deemed non-toxic.
8. Gold Thread Cypress
The gold thread cypress, actually native to Japan, and is a very hard-to-be evergreen shrub that thrives in zones four-eight in the United States. It is drought resistant and low care, requiring just a normal amount of water, and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Pruning is only necessary if there are dead or damaged branches on this plant.
It is usually between 1 to 5 feet tall, along with an equal spread. Having said that, gold thread cypress grows at a pace of about 1.5 to 2 inches each year. Indeed, a slow growth!
9. Fiddle Leaf Fig
This is a good plant. It is indigenous to tropical Africa, where it may reach a height of about 50 feet. In the United States, fiddle leaf figs are a popular option for indoor potted plants. Their enormous brilliant green leaves are highly veined and, because of their size and form, have been dubbed ‘violin’ leaves.
The majority of indoor fiddle leaf figs reach a height of about 10 feet and need strong but indirect light to avoid scorching those large, gorgeous leaves. When you have one of those in your house, you can be certain that it will get some attention.
10. Devil’s Ivy
Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is a common starter plant for people beginning an indoor potted collection. It is due to there is very minimal maintenance and have a modest growth rate. While you should avoid direct sunshine, devil’s ivy thrives in a broad range of light conditions.
Devil’s ivy may reach a height of more than 60 feet in the wild. It is prohibited to grow outside in certain jurisdictions because of the degree to which it may spread. When grown as an indoor potted plant, devil’s ivy typically grows to a height of 6 – 8 feet, with elegant arrow-shaped leaves that alternate in position.
One thing to keep in mind is that devil’s ivy is toxic to people and domestic animals, therefore if you have young children or pets, keep it away from them or choose another plant from the list.