Top 30 Climbing House Plants: Add Vertical Beauty to Your Home

Best Climbing Indoor Plants

Choosing the right climbing house plants is key to creating a lush, green sanctuary indoors. Here are some of the best options that thrive in indoor environments:

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Light: Low to bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

Pothos is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant, known for its heart-shaped leaves and ability to thrive in various light conditions. It’s a fast grower and can be trained to climb trellises or trail from hanging baskets.

2. Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

• Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum
• Hardiness Zone: 10-11
• Light: Low to bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 10-20 feet long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

The Philodendron is a classic houseplant, prized for its ability to adapt to low light and its lush, green foliage. It can climb with the support of a trellis or be allowed to trail freely.

3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Botanical Name: Hedera helix
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6-8 inches high, 15 feet long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

English Ivy is a vigorous grower that can quickly cover walls or trellises with its dense, green foliage. It’s an excellent choice for adding a touch of classic greenery to your home.

4. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

• Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet tall
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

The Monstera, or Swiss Cheese Plant, is known for its large, fenestrated leaves and impressive size. It can be trained to climb, making it a striking addition to any indoor space.

5. Climbing Fig (Ficus pumila)

• Botanical Name: Ficus pumila
• Hardiness Zone: 8-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 10-15 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Climbing Fig is a compact vine with small, heart-shaped leaves. It’s perfect for covering walls or growing up a trellis, and its delicate foliage adds a subtle touch of green to your home.

6. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

• Botanical Name: Ceropegia woodii
• Hardiness Zone: 10-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 2-4 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

The String of Hearts is a delicate vine with tiny, heart-shaped leaves. It’s a slow grower, making it perfect for small spaces where you want a subtle touch of greenery.

7. Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)

• Botanical Name: Jasminum polyanthum
• Hardiness Zone: 8-10
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Jasmine is cherished for its fragrant white or pink flowers and twining growth habit. It’s a great choice for brightening up a room with both its foliage and sweet scent.

8. Bougainvillea

• Botanical Name: Bougainvillea spp.
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 15-30 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Bougainvillea is known for its vibrant, papery bracts that add a burst of color to any space. While typically an outdoor plant, it can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.

9. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)

• Botanical Name: Passiflora spp.
• Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Water regularly during the growing season
• Mature Size: 10-15 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Passionflower is admired for its unique, intricate blooms and its vigorous climbing habit. It’s perfect for creating a tropical vibe in your home.

10. Mandevilla

• Botanical Name: Mandevilla spp.
• Hardiness Zone: 10-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 10-20 feet long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

Mandevilla is a tropical vine with large, trumpet-shaped flowers. It thrives in bright, indirect light and is perfect for adding a splash of color to your indoor garden.

11. Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)

• Botanical Name: Tradescantia zebrina
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

The Inch Plant is known for its striking, striped leaves with shades of purple and silver. It's a fast-growing vine that adds a pop of color to your indoor space.

12. Hoya (Hoya spp.)

• Botanical Name: Hoya spp.
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 2-4 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Hoya, often called the Wax Plant, is celebrated for its thick, waxy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. It's a slow grower but a rewarding addition to any indoor garden.

13. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Light: Bright to moderate indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 12-24 inches long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

The Spider Plant is a hardy indoor plant known for its arching leaves and small offshoots, or "spiders," that dangle like vines. It's an easy-to-care-for plant that adds movement and interest to any room.

14. Ficus Repens (Ficus pumila)

• Botanical Name: Ficus pumila
• Hardiness Zone: 8-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 10-15 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Ficus Repens, also known as the Creeping Fig, is a fast-growing climber with small, heart-shaped leaves. It’s ideal for covering walls or vertical surfaces.

15. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

• Botanical Name: Senecio rowleyanus
• Hardiness Zone: 10-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: 1-2 feet long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

String of Pearls is a unique plant with trailing, bead-like leaves that resemble a string of pearls. It's a striking plant that adds a touch of whimsy to hanging baskets or shelves.

16. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

• Botanical Name: Peperomia prostrata
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 1-2 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

String of Turtles is known for its small, round leaves that resemble turtle shells. It’s a slow grower that adds a unique texture to your indoor garden.

17. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Golden’)

• Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Light: Low to bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

Golden Pothos is a variegated variety of Pothos with green and yellow leaves. It’s as easy to care for as the regular Pothos, with the added appeal of its striking foliage.

18. Purple Passion Vine (Gynura aurantiaca)

• Botanical Name: Gynura aurantiaca
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 12-24 inches long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

Purple Passion Vine is a unique plant with velvety, purple leaves that stand out in any collection. Its bold color and texture make it a conversation starter.

19. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

• Botanical Name: Parthenocissus tricuspidata
• Hardiness Zone: 4-8
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 30-50 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Boston Ivy is a vigorous climber with lobed leaves that turn a beautiful red in the fall. While typically grown outdoors, it can be trained to climb indoors with proper care.

20. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)

• Botanical Name: Tradescantia pallida
• Hardiness Zone: 7-10
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

Purple Heart is a striking plant with deep purple leaves and stems. It’s a hardy plant that adds vibrant color to your indoor space.

21. Rex Begonia Vine (Cissus discolor)

• Botanical Name: Cissus discolor
• Hardiness Zone: 11-12
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6-8 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Rex Begonia Vine features heart-shaped leaves with a striking silver pattern. It’s a beautiful climber that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

22. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)

• Botanical Name: Hydrangea petiolaris
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 30-50 feet long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

Climbing Hydrangea is known for its large, fragrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves. It’s a robust climber that can make a stunning display in your home.

23. Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla)

• Botanical Name: Sollya heterophylla
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Bluebell Creeper is a delicate vine with small, bell-shaped blue flowers. It’s a lovely addition to any indoor garden, offering a subtle pop of color.

24. Climbing Snapdragon (Asarina scandens)

• Botanical Name: Asarina scandens
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6-8 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Climbing Snapdragon features delicate, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. It’s an easy-to-grow vine that adds charm to indoor spaces.

25. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

• Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet long
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

Sweet Potato Vine is a fast-growing plant with vibrant green or purple foliage. It’s a versatile plant that adds a splash of color and texture to any indoor garden.

26. Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)

• Botanical Name: Cissus rhombifolia
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Grape Ivy is a tough, easy-to-grow vine with glossy green leaves that resemble grape leaves. It's an excellent choice for adding greenery to indoor spaces with limited light.

27. Betel Leaf Plant (Piper betle)

• Botanical Name: Piper betle
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 10-15 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Betel Leaf Plant has heart-shaped leaves that are often used in traditional medicine and culinary applications. It’s a fast-growing climber that thrives indoors with proper care.

28. Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

• Botanical Name: Thunbergia alata
• Hardiness Zone: 10-11
• Light: Bright indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Mature Size: 5-8 feet long
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

Black-Eyed Susan Vine is a charming plant with bright yellow or orange flowers and a dark center. It’s a fast-growing vine that adds a splash of color to your indoor garden.

These climbing house plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also contribute to better indoor air quality. By selecting the right varieties, you can create a thriving indoor garden that reflects your personal style.

Let's now explore the various categories of the best climbing indoor plants that will help you decide where to display them and kind of give you some fresh ideas of how your indoor plants will fit in your space.

Climbing House Plants for Low Light

Some climbing plants are naturally adapted to thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for dimly lit corners of your home. Here’s a selection of climbers that will do well even with limited light:

Climbing House Plants Safe for Dogs

If you have pets, it's crucial to choose plants that won’t harm them if ingested. Here are some climbing plants that are safe for dogs:

Climbing House Plants Exterior

For those looking to extend their indoor gardening passion to outdoor spaces, these climbing plants are perfect for exterior walls, fences, or trellises:

Climbing House Plants Wall

If you want to create a green wall indoors, these plants are excellent for vertical growth and wall training:

Climbing Indoor Plants Low Light

These climbers are specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in low-light indoor environments, making them perfect for areas with minimal natural light:

Climbing Potted Plants

Potted climbers are a versatile option for those who prefer to keep their plants in containers. These plants do well in pots and can be trained to climb with proper support:

Indoor Climbing Plants with Flowers

Flowering climbers add an extra layer of beauty to your indoor garden. Here are some indoor climbers that produce stunning blooms:

Hanging Vine Plants Indoor

Hanging vines bring a dynamic, cascading effect to indoor spaces. These plants are perfect for hanging baskets or elevated planters:

Climbing Plants Indoor Ideas

Climbing plants can be creatively used indoors to enhance your décor. Here are some ideas and the plants that fit them perfectly:

Creating Climbing House Plants for Walls

Creating a living wall with climbing house plants is an excellent way to make a bold statement in your home. Here's how to do it:

1. Select Your Plants: Choose plants that are well-suited for vertical growth. Options like Philodendron, English Ivy, and Pothos are great for this purpose.
2. Install a Trellis or Support System: To encourage upward growth, install a trellis or use wall-mounted planters. You can also use hooks and wires to guide the plants.
3. Arrange Your Plants: Start by planting at the base of your trellis or support system. As the plants grow, gently train the vines to climb using ties or clips. Be patient, as it may take some time for the plants to fully cover the wall.
4. Maintain Regular Pruning: Regularly prune your plants to maintain the desired shape and encourage healthy growth. Pruning also helps to prevent the plants from becoming too heavy for the wall.
5. Water and Fertilize as Needed: Water your climbing plants according to their needs, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize during the growing season to promote lush growth.

A living wall can be a stunning focal point in any room, adding depth, texture, and a sense of tranquility. Whether you go for a small, subtle display or a large, dramatic statement, climbing plants on walls can transform your home.

If you're interested in making your own walls, we have interesting easy-to-go blog post on vertical wall DIY, check out Wooden Vertical Garden, Cedar Vertical Garden, and Indoor Vertical Garden

Climbing Indoor Plants: Creative Ideas

There are countless ways to incorporate climbing indoor plants into your home decor. Here are some creative ideas to get you started:

1. Green Walls: 

Use a combination of climbing plants to create a living wall in your home. This can be done on a small scale, such as a vertical garden in your kitchen, or on a larger scale, covering an entire wall in your living room. Mix different textures and shades of green for a dynamic look.

2. Hanging Gardens:

Suspend hanging baskets from the ceiling and allow your climbing plants to trail down, creating a lush, cascading effect. This works well in spaces with high ceilings or in corners that need a touch of greenery.

3. Window Displays:

Train your climbing plants to grow around windows. Not only does this add a natural frame to your view, but it also helps filter light, creating a softer, more diffused ambiance in the room.

4. Bookshelf Accents:

Let your vines trail over the edges of bookshelves, adding a touch of nature to your reading nook. Plants like Pothos or String of Hearts are perfect for this, as they grow well in indirect light and can easily be trained to drape down from shelves.

5. Room Dividers:

Use climbing plants to create natural room dividers. A trellis with climbing vines can separate different areas in an open-plan living space while maintaining a sense of openness and light.

6. Bathroom Oasis:

Bathrooms with natural light can be transformed into lush, green retreats with climbing plants. English Ivy and Spider Plants thrive in the humidity of a bathroom and can be trained to climb around mirrors, towel racks, or even shower curtains.

7. Above Cabinets:

The space above kitchen cabinets is often wasted, but it can be a perfect spot for climbing plants. Allow the vines to trail down over the cabinets, adding a touch of greenery to your kitchen.

8. Entryway Decor:

Welcome guests with a green entryway by placing climbing plants near the door. Use a trellis or wall-mounted planters to guide the vines up the walls, creating a fresh and inviting first impression.

These creative ideas showcase the versatility of climbing indoor plants, allowing you to incorporate them into any room in your home. Whether you have a small apartment or a large house, there’s always a way to add a touch of green with these adaptable plants.

Vine House Plants Identification

Identifying vine house plants can be tricky, especially since many varieties look similar. Here are some tips to help you identify common climbing indoor plants:

1. Leaf Shape and Size: The shape and size of the leaves are often the first clues in identifying a vine. For example, Pothos leaves are heart-shaped and vary in size depending on the variety, while English Ivy has lobed leaves that are more angular.
2. Leaf Color and Variegation: The color and pattern on the leaves can also help in identification. Pothos leaves, for instance, often have variegated patterns with shades of green, white, or yellow, while Philodendron leaves are usually solid green or sometimes red.
3. Growth Habit: Observe how the plant grows. Does it climb up trellises, or does it prefer to trail down? For example, Monstera plants tend to grow upward with the help of aerial roots, while String of Hearts prefers to trail down.
4. Stem Characteristics: The texture and color of the stems can also provide identification clues. Some vines, like the Climbing Fig, have woody stems, while others, like Pothos, have more flexible, green stems.
5. Flowering Patterns: If your vine is a flowering variety, the type, color, and season of its blooms can be critical in identifying the plant. For example, Jasmine is known for its small, fragrant white flowers, while Passionflower has large, intricate blooms.
6. Aerial Roots: Many climbing plants develop aerial roots that help them attach to surfaces and climb. The presence, absence, and type of these roots can aid in identification. For example, Philodendrons have prominent aerial roots that help them climb, while English Ivy uses small, clinging roots.

By taking note of these characteristics, you can more easily identify your vine house plants and provide them with the care they need to thrive.

Conclusion

Climbing house plants are a fantastic way to bring life, color, and texture into your indoor spaces. Whether you’re looking to create a dramatic green wall, add a touch of nature to your living room, or simply enjoy the beauty of flowering vines, there’s a climbing plant to suit every need and environment.

By choosing the right plants for your space and giving them the care that they need, you can transform your home into a lush, green sanctuary.

Whether you have a sunny room filled with natural light or a cozy, dimly lit corner, there are climbing house plants that will thrive and flourish, adding a touch of nature’s beauty to your living environment.

Incorporating climbing plants into your home décor not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also brings numerous benefits, such as improved air quality, a calming atmosphere, and a connection to nature. With the wide variety of climbing plants available, you can find options that are suitable for pet owners, low light areas, or even outdoor spaces, allowing you to create a cohesive and vibrant indoor garden.

FAQs

What is the easiest indoor climbing plant to grow?

Golden Pothos is one of the easiest indoor climbing plants to grow. It's very low-maintenance, adaptable to various light conditions, and can thrive with minimal care.

What is the fastest-growing vine indoor plant?

The Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina) is a fast-growing vine that can quickly fill a space with its trailing, colorful foliage. It's a great choice if you want a plant that grows rapidly and adds visual interest.

What is the best vine houseplant?

Philodendron is often considered the best vine houseplant due to its lush, heart-shaped leaves, adaptability to various indoor conditions, and ease of care.

What plants are good for indoor trellis?

Plants like English Ivy, Climbing Hydrangea, and Ficus Repens are excellent choices for indoor trellises. They are natural climbers and can be trained to grow vertically, adding a beautiful green display to your home.

Final Thoughts

As you begin your journey with climbing house plants, consider experimenting with different types of supports, such as trellises, hanging baskets, or wall-mounted planters, to see what works best in your space.

 Don’t be afraid to mix and match different varieties of climbing plants to create a dynamic and visually interesting display. And remember, patience is key—these plants may take some time to establish themselves and grow, but with consistent care, they will reward you with lush, cascading foliage and beautiful blooms.

For those who are new to indoor gardening, starting with low-maintenance options like Pothos or Philodendron can be a great way to build confidence and develop your green thumb. As you become more experienced, you can explore more exotic varieties and experiment with creating intricate designs, such as living walls or hanging gardens.

So go ahead, bring the outdoors in, and enjoy the beauty and serenity that climbing house plants can offer. With a little creativity and care, you can transform any indoor space into a vibrant oasis filled with life, color, and the soothing presence of nature.

If you're interested in learning more about indoor gardening, check out our comprehensive guides on:

Read Next:

• Garden Kits for Beginners
• Growing Cilantro from Seed
• Growing Rosemary from Seed
• The Best Indoor Plants for Small Spaces.

These resources offer valuable tips and insights that can help you expand your indoor garden and create a thriving, green environment in your home.

Happy gardening!

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For more inspiration, check out these additional resources on climbing indoor plants to perfect your gardening skills

• How to Create a Trellis for Indoor Plants
• Indoor Vine Plants That Are Stylish