Indoor Climbing Plants

Looking for a simple way to bring life to your indoor walls? Indoor climbing plants are the perfect, easy-care greenery for walls that can turn any blank space into a living tapestry. They add a touch of nature’s calm without demanding constant attention, making them ideal for busy plant lovers and beginners alike.

These versatile plants use walls, trellises, and shelves to grow upwards, saving valuable floor space. With the right choices and a little know-how, you can enjoy lush, vertical gardens inside your home. This guide will help you pick the best plants and show you how to care for them successfully.

Not all vines are created equal, especially for life indoors. The best indoor climbers are adaptable and resilient. They tolerate the lower light and drier air found in our homes compared to a tropical forest. Here are some top performers known for their easy-going nature.

Top Picks for Beginners

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Often called Devil’s Ivy for a reason—it’s almost impossible to kill. It thrives in low to bright, indirect light and forgives occasional missed waterings. Its heart-shaped leaves come in varieties like golden, marble queen, and neon.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): Similar to pothos but with slightly softer, darker green leaves. It’s a fast grower that happily trails or climbs and is very forgiving of imperfect conditions.
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii): Known for its unique leaves full of natural holes. It’s a vigorous climber that prefers bright, indirect light. It’s more distinctive than common pothos but still quite low-maintenance.
English Ivy (Hedera helix): A classic climber with elegant, lobed leaves. It prefers cooler temperatures and consistent moisture, making it great for less sunny rooms. Be sure to check for pests like spider mites occasionally.

Climbing Plants for More Light

If you have a brighter spot, like near an east or west-facing window, you have even more stunning options. These plants often have more dramatic foliage.

Monstera deliciosa: The famous “split-leaf” philodendron. It develops large, fenestrated leaves as it matures and climbs. It needs a sturdy support and bright, indirect light to look its best.
Hoya (Wax Plant): Known for its thick, waxy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. Hoyas prefer to dry out between waterings and love bright light. They are slow growers but very long-lived.
Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum): For something fragrant, try this climber. It produces clusters of pinkish-white flowers that smell incredible. It needs several hours of direct sun daily and cooler nights to bloom well.

Choosing the Right Support

Your plant needs something to hold onto. The support also helps you guide its growth and create the look you want. Here are common options:

Moss Pole: The best choice for many climbers. The rough, moist surface encourages aerial roots to attach, mimicking the plant’s natural habit. You must keep the pole damp.
Treillis or Wire Grid: Great for creating a flat, green wall effect. You can attach a small trellis to the pot or install a larger one on the wall itself.
Wall Hooks and Guides: Simple clear hooks or clips can gently train vines along a wall or around a window frame. Use care to avoid damaging walls with adhesives.

Essential Care Guide

Keeping your climbing plants healthy is straightforward. Follow these basic steps for a thriving green wall.

Lighting Needs

Most indoor climbers prefer bright, indirect light. This means no hot, direct sun which can scorch leaves, but not a dark corner either. A spot near a window with a sheer curtain is often perfect. Low-light plants like pothos can survive further from a window, but their growth will be slower and leaves may be smaller.

Watering Correctly

Overwatering is the most common mistake. Always check the soil first. For most varieties, let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering thoroughly. Ensure the pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape. In winter, reduce watering frequency as plant growth slows down.

Soil and Feeding

Use a well-draining potting mix. A standard houseplant mix with a handful of perlite added for extra drainage works well. Feed your plants during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, about once a month. There’s no need to feed in the fall and winter.

Humidity & Temperature

While adaptable, many climbers appreciate higher humidity. You can mist leaves occasionally, group plants together, or use a humidifier. Average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) are suitable. Keep plants away from cold drafts and heating vents, which can cause stress.

Training Your Plant to Climb

You’ll need to gently guide your plant. Don’t worry, it’s simple. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Insert your chosen support (like a moss pole) into the pot at planting or repotting time. Place it near the center, being careful of the roots.
Identify the main vines you want to train. Soften them up by misting with water so they are less brittle and more flexible.
Gently tie the vines to the support using soft plant ties, velcro strips, or even old nylon stockings. Avoid using wire or string that can cut into the stem.
Attach the vine loosely in a few key places. The plant should be secure but not strangled. As it grows, new leaves will emerge and aerial roots may attach.
Continue to check on your plant every few weeks. Attach new growth and adjust old ties as needed to prevent constriction.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even easy-care plants can have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common signs.

Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering. Check soil moisture and ensure proper drainage. Could also be from lack of nutrients if it’s been years since repotting.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips: Usually caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity or check your watering schedule.
Leggy Growth with Small Leaves: This means the plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location.
Pests: Look for spider mites (fine webbing), mealybugs (white cottony spots), or scale (brown bumps). Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap or neem oil treatment.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning keeps your plant looking full and controls its size. Use clean, sharp scissors. You can cut back any long, leggy vines to a leaf node (the point where a leaf joins the stem). New growth will emerge from that node, creating a bushier plant. Don’t be afraid to prune—it’s good for them. You can also propagate the cuttings you take to make new plants.

FAQ

What are the best low light indoor climbing plants?
Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron are the top champions for low-light conditions. They reliably grow even in rooms with north-facing windows or office lighting.

How do I get my indoor vine to attach to the wall?
It’s better not to let them attach directly to drywall or paint, as aerial roots can cause damage. Instead, use a removable support like a trellis, wire grid, or hooks to train the plant along the wall surface without direct contact.

What is the fastest growing indoor climbing plant?
Pothos, Philodendron, and some types of Ivy are notably fast growers under good conditions. You can see several inches of new growth per month in the spring and summer.

How often should I water my wall climbing plants?
There’s no universal schedule. Always check the soil. For most, watering once a week in summer and every 10-14 days in winter is a rough guide, but it depends on your home’s light, temperature, and humidity.

Can I use command hooks for climbing plants?
Yes, small clear Command hooks are a great, damage-free solution for guiding lighter vines along a wall or window frame. Just ensure the hook’s weight rating is sufficient for the mature vine’s weight.

Adding indoor climbing plants to your space is a rewarding project. With minimal effort, you can create a beautiful, living feature that improves your air and your mood. Start with a resilient pothos, give it a moss pole to climb, and enjoy watching your easy-care greenery for walls flourish year after year.