Bringing nature indoors often starts with a few potted plants on a windowsill, but if you truly want to transform your living space, it’s time to look up. Climbing houseplants offer a dynamic way to add lush, vertical greenery to your home, turning bare walls into living tapestries.
Whether you have a bright sunroom or a cozy corner with low light, there is a climbing plant perfectly suited to your environment.
Why Choose Climbing Plants?
Climbing plants are more than just beautiful decorations; they are versatile tools for interior design. By utilizing vertical space, you can create a high-impact "jungle feel" even in small apartments.
According to recent indoor gardening trends, vertical greenery can significantly improve the perceived "flow" of a room. Furthermore, many popular climbers are known for their resilience and ability to adapt to various indoor conditions.
Top Climbing Houseplants for Every Home
Choosing the right plant depends on your light levels and how much time you want to spend on maintenance. Here are four of the most popular choices:
1. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Perhaps the most iconic climbing plant, the Monstera is loved for its large, heart-shaped leaves with natural holes (fenestrations).
Care Tip: These plants use aerial roots to climb. To reach their full potential, provide them with a moss pole or trellis for support.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Often called the "cubicle plant," Pothos is nearly indestructible. It features waxy, heart-shaped leaves that can be variegated with yellow or white.
Care Tip: While they can trail from a hanging basket, training them upward on a support will actually encourage the leaves to grow larger over time.
3. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Frequently confused with Pothos, the Heartleaf Philodendron has thinner leaves and a more delicate stems. It is incredibly fast-growing and handles low-light conditions better than most climbers.
4. Hoya Carnosa (Wax Plant)
For those who want flowers, the Hoya is a fantastic choice. This semi-succulent vine produces clusters of star-shaped, fragrant blooms.
Care Tip: Hoyas prefer bright, indirect light and need to dry out between waterings.
How to Support Your Climbing Plants
Climbing plants don't just go up on their own; they need a structure to grab onto. Depending on the look you want, you have several options:
-
Moss Poles: Ideal for plants with aerial roots, like Monsteras and Philodendrons, as they can dig into the damp moss for moisture and stability. You can find affordable and bendable moss poles at Walmart using this link!
-
Trellises: Great for vining plants like Hoyas or Ivy that prefer to wrap around thin supports. Many sellers on Etsy offer a variety of different trellises, ranging in sizes from small to XL
-
Wall Clips: If you want your plants to "trail" across a wall, small adhesive clips can guide the vines in specific patterns without damaging your paint. You can find many different and fun wall clips on Amazon through a quick search!
Essential Care Tips for Vertical Growth
Light is Key: Most climbing houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves, while too little light will lead to "leggy" stems with very few leaves. Consider trying out a grow light to ensure your plants get the light they need to thrive. The Soltech Highland offers great full spectrum LED lighting for climbing plants as it is a track light system that connects to your ceiling or any other lifted area!
Strategic Pruning: Don't be afraid to trim your vines. Pruning encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a fuller, bushier appearance.
Regular Feeding: Because these plants often grow rapidly, they require regular fertilization during the spring and summer months to sustain their lush foliage.
In conclusion, climbing houseplants represent a dynamic shift in interior design, transforming flat walls into vertical landscapes. By moving beyond traditional potted plants, you can effectively utilize vertical space to create a lush "jungle feel," even in compact environments.
