Climbing houseplants are a stunning way to add dimension, texture, and natural beauty to your home. With their ability to trail, climb, and cascade, these plants can transform any space into a lush indoor jungle. Whether you want to adorn your walls, decorate shelves, or create vertical greenery, climbing houseplants offer endless possibilities for styling your home.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best climbing houseplants, the benefits of growing climbing plants, and how to care for them so you can enjoy their beauty and vibrancy in your home. We’ll also cover how to use moss poles—a key tool for supporting your climbing plants and helping them grow.
What Are Climbing Houseplants?
Climbing houseplants, also known as vining plants, are species that have long, flexible stems capable of growing along surfaces or structures. These plants either need support, like a trellis, wall, or shelf, to climb, or they can trail beautifully from hanging baskets or containers. Some climbing plants have aerial roots that help them grip onto vertical structures, while others simply wind around support structures naturally.
Benefits of Growing Climbing Houseplants
There are several reasons why climbing plants are a fantastic addition to any home:
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Space-Saving: Climbing plants are ideal for small spaces because they utilize vertical space, making them perfect for apartments or homes with limited floor space.
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Aesthetic Appeal: The trailing vines and lush foliage of climbing plants create a relaxed, green atmosphere and bring a sense of nature indoors. They’re great for adding a touch of jungle vibes to any room.
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Air-Purifying: Like other houseplants, climbing plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to improved indoor air quality.
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Privacy: If you want to create some privacy in a room or separate spaces, climbing plants can be trained to grow around a trellis or frame, creating a natural partition.
The Best Climbing Houseplants for Your Home
There are many climbing houseplants to choose from, each with unique characteristics. Here are some of the best options for indoor spaces:
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the most popular and easy-to-care-for climbing plants. With its heart-shaped leaves and fast-growing vines, it can be trained to climb or trail in any direction. Pothos can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to low light, making it perfect for nearly any room.
Care Tips:
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Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
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Allow the plant to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
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Pothos can tolerate neglect, making it a great option for beginners.
2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a classic climbing plant with dark green, lobed leaves that can create a lush, dense curtain of greenery when trained to grow vertically. This plant is highly versatile and can be grown in a pot, hanging basket, or along a wall.
Care Tips:
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Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions.
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Water when the top of the soil is dry, but avoid overwatering.
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English Ivy benefits from regular pruning to keep it from becoming too leggy.
3. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
The Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a stunning climber that adds dramatic flair to any room. With its large, perforated leaves and vigorous growth habit, it can climb and spread across trellises or moss poles.
Care Tips:
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Prefers bright, indirect light.
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Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
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Monstera enjoys high humidity, so consider placing it in a more humid environment or using a humidity tray.
4. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Clematis is a flowering climbing plant known for its vibrant, colorful blooms. While clematis is traditionally an outdoor plant, many varieties can thrive indoors with the right care. These plants can create a stunning visual display when trained on a trellis or wireframe.
Care Tips:
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Requires a well-lit spot with direct or indirect sunlight.
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Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
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Prune after blooming to encourage new growth and prevent overgrowth.
5. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are versatile, low-maintenance climbing plants with heart-shaped or split-leaf foliage that adds elegance to any space. Some varieties, like the Philodendron Brasil and Philodendron Scandens, are excellent climbers that will easily grow up a trellis or pole.
Care Tips:
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Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light.
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Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
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Regularly prune to encourage bushier growth.
6. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
For a more unique and eye-catching climber, consider the String of Pearls. This succulent plant has long, trailing vines dotted with bead-like pearls that give it a distinct appearance. It’s ideal for hanging baskets or as a dramatic feature on a shelf.
Care Tips:
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Requires bright, indirect light.
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Water thoroughly, but let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
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Perfect for dry, low-humidity environments as it’s a succulent.
7. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Jasmine is a fragrant flowering vine that’s perfect for adding a sweet scent to your home. With its delicate white or yellow flowers, jasmine vines are perfect for training along trellises or hanging baskets.
Care Tips:
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Prefers bright, indirect light or some direct sunlight.
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Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
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Needs humidity to thrive, so mist regularly or place in a bathroom.
How to Care for Climbing Houseplants
Climbing houseplants generally have the same care needs as other houseplants, but there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind when it comes to supporting their growth.
Step 1: Choose the Right Support for Your Climbing Plant
One of the most important factors in caring for climbing houseplants is providing the right support. These plants are naturally designed to climb, but they need structures to latch onto.
Options for Support:
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Moss Poles: Ideal for plants like Monstera Deliciosa and Philodendron. Moss poles mimic the natural environment and encourage plants to grow upwards, promoting larger leaves and healthier growth.
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Trellises: Great for plants like English Ivy or Clematis. These create a vertical surface for your climbing plants to latch onto, giving them room to spread out.
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Walls or Shelves: You can also let your climbing plants grow along walls or shelves using wall hooks or plant ties for guidance.
Pro Tip: Ensure your climbing plant’s support structure is sturdy and tall enough to accommodate its growth.
Step 2: Provide the Right Light Conditions
Just like other houseplants, climbing plants need appropriate lighting to grow. While most climbing houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light, there are some that can tolerate low light. Make sure to match your plant’s light needs to the right location in your home.
Lighting Needs for Climbing Plants:
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Bright, Indirect Light: Most climbing plants, including Pothos, Philodendron, and Monstera, thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near windows with sheer curtains or in rooms that get natural light without direct sun exposure.
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Low Light: Some climbing plants, like the ZZ Plant or Snake Plant, can tolerate low-light conditions. These plants can be placed in rooms with less sunlight, such as bathrooms or dark corners.
Pro Tip: Rotate your plants every few weeks to ensure even growth and prevent them from leaning towards the light source.
Step 3: Water and Humidity Management
Climbing houseplants, especially tropical varieties, love consistent moisture and humidity. However, it's important not to overwater them. Here’s how to manage watering and humidity effectively:
Watering Tips:
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Check Soil Moisture: Most climbing plants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Use your finger to check the top 1-2 inches of soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
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Water Evenly: When you water, ensure the water reaches the roots evenly. Water thoroughly until the excess flows through the drainage holes.
Humidity Tips:
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Many climbing plants, especially Monstera, Philodendron, and English Ivy, appreciate higher humidity levels. To maintain the right humidity:
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Use a humidifier to boost moisture in the air.
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Place plants in naturally humid rooms like bathrooms or kitchens.
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Consider using a moss pole, which naturally increases humidity around the plant.
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Pro Tip: Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water to prevent root rot. Always ensure your plant pots have proper drainage.
Step 4: Regular Pruning and Maintenance
Climbing houseplants can grow quickly and may need some maintenance to keep them healthy and looking their best. Regular pruning not only keeps them neat but also encourages healthier, more robust growth.
Pruning Tips:
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Trim Dead or Yellowing Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain the plant’s appearance and prevent the spread of disease.
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Encourage Growth: If your plant becomes too leggy, prune back the vines to encourage new growth. Some climbing plants, like Pothos, will respond well to occasional cutting and can even be propagated to grow new plants.
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Reposition Vines: As your climbing plant grows, reposition the vines to follow the support structure. You can use plant ties or clips to secure them in place.
Pro Tip: For plants like Monstera Deliciosa and Philodendron, prune to encourage their natural shape. A well-pruned climbing plant will have fuller foliage and look much more attractive.
Conclusion: Adding Climbing Houseplants to Your Home
Climbing houseplants are a perfect way to bring greenery into every corner of your home. With their ability to grow vertically, they add visual interest and can help create a more dynamic and natural space. Whether you choose the classic Pothos, the striking Monstera Deliciosa, or the fragrant Jasmine, there’s a climbing plant to suit every style and space.
Moss poles are a fantastic tool to support your climbing plants, encouraging them to grow stronger and more beautifully. So, whether you want to create a lush indoor jungle or simply add some vertical interest to your home, climbing plants and moss poles are the perfect pairing.
Ready to add some vertical greenery to your home? Explore our collection of climbing houseplants and start growing your indoor jungle today!