15 Indoor Climbing Plants to Take Your Decor to New Heights
It's the best solution for a blank wall.
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Indoor plants are quite literally the gift that keeps on giving, from breathing life (and clean air) into your space to lesser-known benefits like reducing stress and boosting productivity. But who's to say they can't be stylish too? If you're looking to add some visual intrigue to your decor, level up with indoor climbing plants. For Allison Futeral, co-owner of the plant shop Crimson Horticultural Rarities, in Oakland, California, climbing plants have an otherworldly yet whimsical look that'll make you feel like you're strolling through a beautiful European garden. "Climbing plants can make a room feel full," she says. "It also feels very accomplished when you can actually see the growth."
Thanks to their vining nature, indoor vine plants pair nicely with trellises, staircases, and bookshelves. However, if you want to keep your climbing leafy greens in tip-top shape, Futeral recommends installing adhesive hooks to help them along the wall until they attach securely.
You might gravitate toward plants that will climb indoors for their charming looks, but you'll love them because they can adapt to a variety of spaces and exposures to light. "They are tropical plants that will thrive most in a filtered light with lots of humidity, but most will adapt and can do well with a little tweaking of your water schedule," Futeral says.
Generally, indoor climbing plants that are exposed to less light will require less water. Since these plants like to be on the drier side, Futeral recommends letting them dry out at least two inches before watering them again. "If they are getting spindly, cut them back and move them into more light." Afraid of making a mistake? Don't worry: Not only are they great low-maintenance houseplants, but they're also pretty forgiving. (Easy and aesthetically pleasing? Yes, please.)
Now that you know the basics, the only question that remains is also the most fun one: Which indoor climbing plant do you want to add to your space? To help, we're sharing 15 gorgeous, easy-growing options to consider.
For even more easy and statement-making houseplants:
Pros
- Air purifying
Cons
- Expensive
- Not pet friendly
Pothos is one of the more common indoor climbing plants, but there are so many types to choose from. Topping Futeral's list of must-haves is the Pothos Silver Splash, which is admittedly one of the pricier options but has "large and impressive" leaves. "The beautiful blue-gray tone with the silver streaking is just gorgeous," she notes.
Pros
- Air purifying
Cons
- Not pet friendly
From their penchant for climbing and vining to their can't-miss leaves, pothos are undeniably prolific plants. For a more nuanced take on the go-to green, Futeral recommends the Cebu Blue Pothos. "It has a blue-gray tone with a small leaf and has a more delicate feel," she says. As for the care instructions? Place it somewhere shady, water it infrequently, and you'll be good to go.
Pros
- Air purifying
Cons
- Not pet friendly
Another pothos to consider? The Hawaiian Golden Pothos, which Futeral says has a "tropical feel." "The leaves are huge, and it will make an immense impact on your space," she adds. Not only is this shade-seeking species low maintenance, but it also acts as a natural air purifier. Translation? It's poised to make your space look and feel like a vacation home. Though this species doesn't need a lot of water, you might want to invest in a humidifier if it's dry.
Pros
- Easy to care for
Cons
- Not pet safe
Though a Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is considered a miniature version of the monstera plant, this pick has plenty of climbing potential. "They are very unique looking and fast growing," Futeral explains. "You will have a beautiful jungle feel quickly." To take your Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma to new heights, plant retailer Hey Rooted recommends supporting this plant with a moss pole or plank of wood.
Related: How to Take Care of a Monstera Plant
Pros
- Pet friendly
Cons
- Leaves dangle down rather than vining upward
While most indoor climbing plants have clusters of smaller leaves, a spider plant has long, pointy ones that create a can't-miss effect when they reach a dangling length. Plus, this species eventually grows little plantlets on its leaves, which you can propagate into new plants. Oh, and did we mention that it's pet friendly? Now that's a spider's web we'd happily be caught in.
Related: Spider Plant Care Guide
Pros
- Does well in low to medium indirect sunlight
Cons
- Toxic to pets
Looking for a low-maintenance option that shows results fast? Futeral is a big fan of the Philodendron Cordatum, a type of philodendron that has heart-shaped leaves and sometimes bronze stem tones. "It's a somewhat fast grower so you will see a noticeable increase in size pretty quickly," she says. Even better? This plant requires minimal waterings and can do well in low-to-medium indirect light.
Pros
- Hangs upside down
Cons
- Small
When you think of a cactus, you might envision a thick, spiky structure in the middle of an arid dessert. While mistletoe catcus the low-maintenance sentiment of the standard species—it can work well in bright sunlight and a range of humidity levels, not to mention occasional waterings—its trailing nature and thin, straight branches make this pick a subversive surprise. For an idea that truly defies gravity, place it in a hanging planter—just like you would a mistletoe sprig come the holidays.
Pros
- Can trail or climb
Cons
- Not pet friendly
Recreate an idyllic British countryside with help of English ivy. This vining pick might look small; however, it can grow up to 10 feet tall. (Talk about a statement wall!) English ivy might prefer shady spots, but like many of other popular climbing plants, it can survive in a myriad of different climates.
Related: How to Care for English Ivy
Pros
- Grows quickly
Cons
- Not pet friendly
- Requires pruning
Though Ficus Repens are typically spotted on exterior walls, Futeral says they're also fit for indoor use. "They are very cute and have a green leaf variety or a variegated leaf with white and green," she explains. "The thing with the Repens is that it will eventually cover a wall, so you definitely need to stay on top of it." Though the Ficus Repens favors bright direct sunlight, it can also grow in environments with less light.
Pros
- Air purifying
- Pet friendly
Cons
- Is relatively high maintenance
For an indoor climbing plant that appeals to all the senses, try a pink jasmine. (Yes, believe it or not, these blooms can blossoms on a vine!) Since producing a flowering jasmine plant will require a careful mix of sunlight, airflow, cool temperatures, and more frequent waterings, it's one of the higher maintenance plants on this list. However, the hard work will be worth it once your jasmine plant blooms and you get a whiff of that oh-so-sweet aroma.
Pros
- Air purifier
Cons
- Not pet friendly
There's a reason why the Senecio Rowleyanus plant is nicknamed String of Pearls. This vining plant features a bunch of teeny-tiny leaves akin to a pearl necklace. Best of all? It doesn't need much to thrive: Ample light, well-drained soil, and the occasional watering will get the job done.
Related: The Essential String of Pearls Succulent Care Guide
Pros
- Nontoxic to pets and humans
- Natural air purifier
Cons
Add a regal touch to your plant collection with the help of Hoya Krimson Queen. Hailing from Eastern Asia and Australia, this one has thick, waxy leaves that help it retain water. (Read: You won't have to obsessively water this plant.) Simply place your Hoya Krimson Queen in indirect, bright light, and watch it grow up to six feet tall.
Pros
- Natural air purifier
- Nontoxic to pets
Cons
Succulents might be small, but they can certainly pack a punch. Case in point: the Ceropegia Woodii, which is often called the String of Hearts. Perfect for bright, warm spaces—but not in direct sunlight—this option has the ease of your standard succulent. All you need to do is water it about once a week or whenever the top two to three inches of soil feel dry. From there, kick back and watch these climbing, heart-shaped leaves thrive.
Pros
- Natural air purifier
Cons
- Many say this plant is "mildly" toxic to pets
Craving a pop of color? Not only do bougainvillea plants produce flowers with a gorgeous pink or purple hue, but they're also pro climbers. You might often find bougainvillea plants gracing a home's facade, but they can also be grown indoors. Just place them in direct sunlight and water them every few weeks. (Yes, it can be that easy.)
Related: How to Grow Bougainvillea Plants
Pros
- Pet friendly
- Natural air purifier
Cons
If you're wondering why Peperomia Prostrata is nicknamed String of Turtles, just take a look at its leaves: The brown detailing mimics a tortoise's shell. And, just like a turtle, this plant is pretty resilient. Once you put it somewhere with indirect sunlight, water it once a week to let this plant slowly but surely climb.
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