8 Indoor Climbing Plants to Enhance Your Home's Vertical Appeal

1. Pothos

When people think of an indoor vining plant, the pothos is likely the first to come to mind. This evergreen favorite grows quickly and requires little maintenance, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. Pothos plants feature large, striking leaves with unique patterns in white, yellow, and varying shades of green. Their thick, sturdy stems make it easy to twirl them around a shelf or use hooks to train them up a wall without risk of damaging the plant.

2. Hoya Carnosa (Wax Plant)

Hoya is cherished for its deep green leaves and glossy sheen, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a vine with understated elegance. Unlike boho or jungle-inspired plants, hoya has a more modern vibe, with slender vines that blend effortlessly against walls or furniture. Plus, it's non-toxic, making it a safe option for homes with pets that might be prone to nibbling.

3. Arrowhead Plant

If you're in need of a plant that can thrive in a dim office or a windowless bathroom, look no further than the arrowhead. This low-light-tolerant vine showcases unique hues of pale green, emerald, and mauve. True to its name, arrowhead leaves are distinctively pointed, starting compact and then sprawling as it climbs, easily reaching upward with the help of a pole or hooks.

4. English Ivy

English ivy once had a bad reputation in the ‘80s and ‘90s, when faux versions crinkled at the slightest touch. The real thing, however, is far superior—and surprisingly easy to care for! A fast grower, English ivy quickly covers an empty wall or frames a window with its lobed leaves and rich green color. A word of caution: keep an eye on it, as it can get unruly—pruning regularly is key.

5. Spiderwort

This distinctive vining plant truly earns its mysterious name, with a color spectrum that spans from deep green to fuchsia and burgundy. It starts off beautifully dense before branching out, growing about an inch per week. Be sure to remove any dead leaves regularly, and keep this plant away from curious pets—some varieties can be harmful to them.

6. String of Hearts

For those whose decor leans towards cottagecore or coastal grandmother aesthetics, the string of hearts plant is a perfect match. Its heart-shaped leaves and long, wandering vines can grow up to 12 feet in length. However, this plant is more delicate than most, so while its trailing vines are perfect for adding visual interest, it's better to let them dangle from a high shelf rather than attaching them to walls.

7. Creeping Fig

A close relative of the temperamental fiddle leaf fig, the creeping fig is much more manageable and compact. Its delicate leaves and thin stems make it ideal for baskets or draping over a trellis or wall hooks. While it’s a fast grower for a few years, its lifespan is shorter compared to other plants. To keep your home filled with greenery, you can propagate new plants from its cuttings.

8. Heartleaf Philodendron

Heartleaf Philodendron is an easy-to-care-for and widely loved plant that can be found in nearly every plant shop, making it an excellent choice for purchasing or gifting to a fellow plant enthusiast. It’s versatile and can be styled in various places around your home, whether on the top shelf of a bookshelf or in a boho-inspired macrame plant hanger. Keep in mind, though, that the Heartleaf Philodendron is toxic to pets, so ensure that your furry friends are kept at a safe distance.