When most people think of plants, they imagine a slow and methodical process: a seed germinates, sprouts a small set of leaves, grows taller day by day, and flowers produce offspring. But there is one plant that bucks the trend. What is the fastest-growing plant on Earth? According to the Guiness Book of World Records, it’s the bamboo!
Bamboo can grow an astonishing three feet in just twenty-four hours!
However, there’s another contender that grows faster. It’s duckweed.
Learn which one is truly the fastest plus a list of additional plants will make either an instant garden or instant fence for your yard.
What Is the Fastest-Growing Plant?
Common Duckweed (Lemna minor) and certain species under the genus Wolfia are two of the fastest-growing plants in the world. They can both double their biomass in less than 12 hours.
Duckweed is a common plant that can be found in fresh or brackish water bodies all over the world. It is a small, green, floating plant that often goes unnoticed because it’s so tiny. But don’t let its size deceive you – duckweed is a powerhouse when it comes to growth!
Duckweed floats on water though and doesn’t grow as fast once it covers the surface of a pond.
Bamboo is also a major contender for the world’s fastest-growing plant. This plant grows vertically into the air at rates of up to 91 cm (3 ft) per day (source)!
Bamboo is a giant grass that can reach heights of over 30 m (100 ft). There are many different species of bamboo, and they all have different growth rates.
Why Is Duckweed Seen as The Fastest-Growing Plant?
One of the reasons duckweed is seen as the fastest-growing plant is because it can double its biomass in such a short amount of time. Duckweed can achieve this growth rate due to its simple structure.
Duckweed is a small, green plant that floats on the surface of water bodies. It has a very simple structure with just one leaf and a root. This simple structure means that duckweed can grow quickly and doesn’t need much energy to do so.
Why Is Bamboo Seen as The Fastest-Growing Plant?
Bamboo, on the other hand, is a giant grass that can reach heights of over 30 m (100 ft). There are many different species of bamboo, and they all have different growth rates.
Bamboo is seen as the fastest-growing plant because it can grow up to 91 cm (3 ft) in a single day! This fast growth rate is because bamboo has a very efficient way of growing.
Bamboo grows by producing new shoots from its underground rhizomes. These new shoots then grow very quickly, reaching their full height in just a few months.
Bamboo is such an efficient grower that it has been used in many different ways. It is often used as a building material because it can be grown so quickly. It is also used to make paper and furniture.
What Are Some Other Fast-Growing Plants?
There are many other fast-growing plants out there, though not all of them grow as quickly as duckweed or bamboo.
Here are some other fast-growing plants that you may be interested in:
Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of over 30 m (100 ft). It is native to Australia but has been introduced to many other parts of the world.
Paulownia – Paulownia is another fast-growing tree that can reach heights of over 30 m (100 ft). It is native to China but has been introduced to many other parts of the world.
Poplar – Poplar is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of over 30 m (100 ft). It is native to Europe but has been introduced to many other parts of the world.
Willow – Willow is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of over 30 m (100 ft). It is native to Europe but has been introduced to many other parts of the world.
As you can see, there are many fast-growing plants out there! If you’re looking for a plant that will grow quickly, then one of these may be a good option for you.
17 Fastest-Growing Plants and Flowers for A Quick Garden
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Ageratum
- Portulaca
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Larkspur
- Morning Glories
- Petunias
- Impatiens
- Snapdragon
- Celosia
- Cosmos
- Zucchini
- Bush Beans
- Pumpkins
- Radishes
These are some of the fastest-growing plants and flowers that you can grow in your garden! If you want a quick and easy garden, then these are some great options for you.
7 Fast-Growing Plants for Instant Privacy Fencing
- Bamboo
- Willow
- Fast Growing Privet
- Chocolate Vine (AKA five-leaf akebia)
- Lilac
- Cypress (especially Leyland Cypress)
- Hydrangeas
These are some of the fastest-growing plants that you can use for instant fencing! If you need a quick and easy fence, then these are some great options for you.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many fast-growing plants out there! If you’re looking for a plant that will grow quickly, then one of these may be a good option for you. Whether you need a quick and easy garden or a fast-growing fence, these plants will get the job done!
