Climbing Plants: Overview
Turn your home or office living space into a jungle paradise with climbing plants.
Climbing and trailing plants come in small and large sizes. Some plants naturally have cascading strands of foliage, while others can be trained to either climb or trail. If you give them support, these plants will climb up moss poles or trellises, but they can also be grown in hanging baskets, with their vines falling over the sides. Wide tropical varieties with large, showy leaves, like Monstera, are better trained as climbing vines.
Indoor climbing plants have excellent air-purifying properties, while the aesthetic appeal of their cascading vines is ideal for greening up vertical spaces or filling empty corners. Trailing house plants can also be used to advantage in office spaces as natural dividers between desks or working areas. Climbing vines trained up trellises or poles can be grown vertically as floor plants, as well as in hanging containers.
Some of the best climbing plants include the sea-green Cebu Blue Pothos, the luxuriant Dragon Tail Plant, the beautifully variegated Philodendron Brasil, and the easy-to-propagate Purple Passion Plant.
Trailing and Climbing Plants: Care & Growing Guide
Indoor trailing plants are usually relatively easy to grow. Here’s what they need to thrive:
Watering and Light
Always check your plant’s particular watering needs before watering your vining plants. In most cases, the top few inches of soil should be dry before watering, as too much moisture can lead to root rot. Use pots with drip trays to avoid leaks.
Depending on their light requirements, different climbing house plants will need varying levels of light. Choose low-light trailing plants for northern or eastern windows, while placing sun-loving vines in bright light. Protect your indoor plants from direct sunlight, as it can scorch the foliage.
Humidity and Temperature
Tropical climbing plants grow best in high humidity; use a humidifier, place your plant in a humid room, such as the bathroom or kitchen, or mist it regularly.
Most indoor climbing plants in pots require temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. Keep your plants away from cold drafts from open windows. Remember to bring outdoor climbing plants indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F.
Repotting, Soil, and Feeding
When repotting, water in advance and gently ease the plant out of the pot. Then remove any supports, like moss poles or trellises. Avoid pulling them out, as this can damage the plant’s roots. Use well-draining soil.
Feed your climbing plants in containers monthly, using a balanced liquid or slow-release fertilizer.
Propagation
Many vining indoor plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Choose a stem with several leaf nodes attached. Then, place in fresh water until roots form.
Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues
Prune trailing indoor plants in the spring if the vines get too long to maintain their size. Remove any dead leaves or spent flowers.
Check regularly for pests like spider mites or mealybugs, and apply insecticide if necessary. Use a support for climbing plants, like a trellis or a moss pole, as unsupported plants may fall over under the foliage’s weight.
Explore Our Wide Selection of Climbing & Vine Plants
Climbing and trailing plants are unequaled in their ability to create a tropical ambience in a room. Choose the best trailing plants at Hey Rooted to fill your home or office with lush greenery.
Mini Monstera
Description: The Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) has perforated leaves that resemble a Monstera, although it belongs to a different plant family. This gorgeous vine makes a thoughtful and unique gift.
Philodendron Bronze
Description: The dramatic Philodendron Bronze (Philodendron 'Florida Bronze') is one of the best low-maintenance climbing plants that will look equally amazing on a shelf or in a hanging pot.
Monstera Thai Constellation
Description: The Monstera Thai Constellation (Monstera 'Thai Constellation') is a rare plant with stunning leaf variegation; it’s one of the slower-growing climbing plants for indoor spaces.
Hoya Silver Splash
Description: Hoya Silver Splash (Hoya pubicalyx) is a charming, drought-tolerant trailing plant with round clusters of purplish pink flowers; moreover, these full sun climbing plants are pet-safe, which makes them ideal for homes with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the easiest trailing plants to grow?
A: The much-loved Golden Pothos is one of the easiest trailing plants, tolerant of neglect and perfect for busy plant lovers or novice indoor gardeners.
Q: What climbing plants are safe for pets?
A: Hoya plants are amazing, pet-friendly climbing plants that can be trained to grow up a trellis or cascade downward from a hanging planter.
Q: What is the quickest-growing climbing plant?
A: Tradescantia are considered some of the fastest-growing climbing plants, followed by the popular Pothos.
Q: What are the best indoor vine plants?
A: There are great indoor vine plants out there. Some of the best that you can consider growing at home are Philodendrons, the stunning Satin Pothos, the beautiful Syngonium, and various Monstera plants.
Shop for stunning climbing and trailing plants at Hey Rooted today!