When floor space is limited, think vertical. Climbing and trailing houseplants offer a dynamic way to bring greenery into your home—adding height, movement, and lush texture to walls, shelves, and hanging displays.
Climbing plants can be trained to cover trellises, frames, or bare corners, while trailing varieties gracefully spill from planters and baskets. Together, they help you create layered, living designs that draw the eye upward and make any room feel more vibrant.
In this article, discover 6 climbing houseplants and 7 trailing varieties for vertical spaces—and learn how to style them for maximum impact in your home.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos, often referred to as the “Devil’s Ivy,” is loved for its low-maintenance charm and air-purifying qualities. Its heart-shaped leaves create a cascade of greenery, ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves. It thrives in indirect light, making it perfect for those less sunny spots. This plant’s ability to grow long vines means it can gracefully drape down or be trained to climb. Bonus: It tolerates occasional neglect, bouncing back with minimal fuss. A true household favorite, its adaptability to various conditions makes it a versatile choice for both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike.
English Ivy
English Ivy offers a classic charm, reminiscent of old stone cottages. This climber is superb for creating lush green walls indoors, lending an English garden vibe. It clings naturally to surfaces, making it ideal for vertical spaces. Although it thrives in bright light, it adapts well to low-light conditions. A favorite for its ability to purify air, it’s both decorative and functional. Be cautious, though, as it’s a fast grower and might need regular trimming. Its timeless appeal and cascading foliage make it a beloved choice for adding elegance to any room.
Monstera Deliciosa
Known for its dramatic, split leaves, Monstera Deliciosa adds a tropical flair to any space. This climbing plant loves to reach upwards, making it perfect for a striking vertical display. It flourishes in bright, indirect light and appreciates a regular misting. The fenestrations in its leaves not only capture attention but also allow light to penetrate through. While it grows, it offers a dynamic visual experience, with each new leaf unfurling like a piece of art. An enduring symbol of indoor gardening, it’s a must-have for creating an indoor jungle.
Philodendron Scandens
The Heartleaf Philodendron, with its effortlessly chic appearance, is a climbing plant favorite. Its deep green, heart-shaped leaves provide a soft, natural look as they trail or climb. This plant is notably tolerant of various light conditions, even thriving under fluorescent lighting, making it an office favorite. Low maintenance by nature, it requires minimal watering and care. Its vining habit is perfect for creating living walls or simply adding greenery to a bookshelf. The simplicity and elegance it brings make it a staple in both homes and workspaces.
Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing Hydrangeas are known for their breathtaking blooms, offering a unique twist to vertical gardening. These climbers put on a show with large clusters of white flowers that appear in early summer. They naturally cling to walls and trellises, adding a romantic touch to any vertical landscape. Best suited for outdoor spaces with partial to full shade, they require a bit more patience to establish. However, the visual reward is worth the wait. Adding this plant to your collection promises a spectacular floral display that enhances any vertical garden.
Jasmine
Jasmine vines are celebrated for their intoxicating fragrance and delicate flowers, offering an aromatic experience. These climbers prefer a sunny spot, rewarding you with starry white blooms. They climb easily, making them perfect for trellises or pergolas. Jasmine can transform an ordinary balcony into a fragrant haven. While they enjoy a good soak, they don’t appreciate soggy roots. Regular pruning will help keep their growth in check and promote bushy development. The blend of visual beauty and fragrant blooms makes jasmine a delightful addition to your vertical space.
String of Pearls
The String of Pearls is a quirky plant with bead-like leaves that dangle elegantly, making it a unique addition to any collection. Perfect for hanging pots, this succulent thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate minimal watering, as it prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. This plant is not just about looks; it adds a playful touch to any space. Its cascading nature is both visually striking and conversation-starting. Easy to propagate, it allows you to share its charm with others.
Spider Plant
Spider Plants are the epitome of easy-going houseplants. With their arching leaves and cute little ‘spiderettes,’ they bring a playful energy to any environment. Growing well in a range of light conditions, including artificial light, they are highly adaptable. Known for their air-purifying qualities, they contribute to a healthier indoor atmosphere. Their offshoots can be repotted to create new plants, making them a favorite among those who love to share their green companions. The Spider Plant is both resilient and rewarding, embodying the spirit of indoor gardening.
String of Hearts
The String of Hearts is a delicate, trailing plant renowned for its charming, heart-shaped foliage. Its slender vines can grow quite long, making it perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves. Preferring bright, indirect light, this plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring infrequent watering. Its leaves, adorned with subtle silver markings, create a visually captivating display. Ideal for those who love a touch of whimsy, the String of Hearts adds a romantic element to your decor. Not just a visual treat, it is simple to propagate, sharing its beauty easily with others.
Trailing Jade
Trailing Jade is a robust plant with fleshy leaves that cascade with elegance, ideal for modern interiors. This trailing succulent enjoys bright, indirect light and minimal watering, making it a practical choice for busy individuals. Its thick leaves store water, providing resilience in fluctuating environments. The simple yet striking beauty of Trailing Jade complements contemporary decor. As it grows, it offers a lush, cascading effect that can transform any shelf or wall. Its hardy nature and striking appearance make it a sought-after option for those looking to add effortless green style.
Creeping Fig
Creeping Fig is a versatile climbing plant, perfect for adding texture to vertical surfaces. With its small, dense leaves, it creates a lush, green blanket over walls and fences. This plant thrives in diverse conditions, tolerating shady spots as well as partial sun. Its rapid growth means it can quickly cover large areas, offering a natural and beautifully chaotic look. While it requires regular trimming to maintain its shape, the effort is well worth the green transformation it provides. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners who crave a sense of wilderness.
Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are beloved for their lush, feathery fronds that add a burst of green to any setting. Perfect for hanging pots, they prefer a humid environment and indirect light. Regular misting helps keep their fronds healthy and vibrant. Known for their air-cleaning abilities, they are as functional as they are beautiful. Their dense foliage creates a soft, natural look that brings warmth and coziness. While they require a bit more attention to humidity levels, their beauty and air-purifying benefits make them a rewarding choice for plant enthusiasts.
Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew is a striking plant with its boldly colored foliage, featuring shades of purple, green, and silver. This trailing plant is perfect for adding a splash of color to your space. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering to maintain its vibrancy. Its fast-growing nature allows it to cascade beautifully from hanging pots or high shelves. Easy to propagate, it’s a wonderful choice for those who love to share their plant collections. The dynamic colors and growth habit make the Wandering Jew a standout addition to vertical gardens.