“Vines make a room feel more natural and relaxing,” says Maryah Greene, a plant expert who helps people pick and care for houseplants. She uses vines to “decorate” rooms by highlighting some parts and hiding others. Think of it like drawing attention with the vines! You can even use them to cover things you don’t want people to see, like radiators. Maryah makes a “vine curtain” on a shelf or wall above the radiator so people look at the pretty plants instead!
Vines can also make your room feel bigger! Maryah says they “trick” your eyes by growing up the wall toward the ceiling, making it look higher. Like magic, but with plants! 🪴
Ready to try some vines yourself? Here are some easy ones to start with:
Arrowhead Vine
The “Arrowhead Vine” or Syngonium podophyllym loves climbing and growing long! This fast-growing plant thrives indoors with bright, indirect sunlight, regular watering (not soggy!), and warm, moist air. It can climb up to 6 feet tall! Help it reach for the sky by giving it a moss pole or trellis to climb on, making your room feel like a real jungle. There are also different types of Arrowhead Vine with cool colors and patterns. The ‘Pink Splash’ has pink stripes on its green leaves, and the ‘Snow White’ has white speckles! Pretty neat, right?
Climbing Onion
The “Arrowhead Vine,” or Syngonium podophyllym, is a fast-growing plant that loves climbing and can grow up to 6 feet tall! It thrives indoors with bright, indirect sunlight, regular watering (but not too much!), and warm, moist air. To help it reach its full height, give it a moss pole or trellis to climb on, transforming your room into a jungle paradise. Additionally, there are different varieties of Arrowhead Vine with unique colors and patterns. For example, the ‘Pink Splash’ features pink stripes on its green leaves, while the ‘Snow White’ has white speckles, adding a touch of charm to any space.
Creeping Fig
Creeping fig, a.k.a. climbing fig, might look delicate, but don’t be fooled! This indoor vine thrives indoors for a few years, spilling charming heart-shaped leaves over pots or terrariums. Think of it as a cousin to fiddle leaf figs and rubber plants, but vining! It loves bright, indirect light, regular watering, and humid air. Just give it a trellis to climb like a champ and enjoy the greenery! Remember, though, you’ll want to use cuttings to sprout new plants every few years since it doesn’t last forever. Easy, fun, and perfect for adding a touch of green!
English Ivy
English ivy is your friend if you prefer cozy countryside vibes to wild jungles! Maryah, the plant stylist, says it adds a classic, clean look with a touch of sophistication. While it needs a bit more care than some vines, it rewards you with beautiful green (or even variegated!) leaves that look stunning with brass accents.
Want to fancy it up? Train your English ivy to climb a small trellis or topiary for a polished touch. Just choose a slow-growing variety with small leaves that’s easier to manage in a pot, and give it plenty of bright light. It’ll add a touch of timeless charm to your space!
Grape Ivy
Looking for a low-maintenance vine? Grape ivy is your answer! This old-fashioned favorite thrives indoors, even if you forget to water it for a few days. It loves to cascade from hanging baskets or shelves, spilling its pretty vines everywhere. You can even train it to climb a trellis or moss pole for an extra pop of green. Just give it some medium to bright light, well-draining soil, and an occasional drink when the soil feels dry. With vines reaching up to 3 feet long, it’ll add a touch of natural beauty to your space without any fuss!
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendron, also called the “sweetheart plant”, is a super popular vine for homes! It’s easy to care for and grows quickly, making it perfect for both plant pros and newbies. The leaves start out bronze and turn a deep green as they grow, and some varieties even have cool two-tone leaves.
With the right care (bright, indirect light, regular watering, and some humidity), this vine can grow up to 13 feet long indoors! That’s enough to climb shelves, walls, or even hang down from a basket, bringing a lush, green touch to your space. Pretty neat, right?
Hoya
Hoya, also known as the “wax plant”, is a super low-maintenance vine that’s perfect for busy plant parents! This fast-growing tropical climber can reach up to 8 feet long indoors, adding a lush, green touch to your space.
Think of it as a mix between a tropical plant and a succulent, so it needs less water than most vines. Just hang it in a basket and give it bright, indirect light for about 6 hours a day. No need to repot it constantly! Let its long vines climb picture frames, shelves, or anything you like. It might even reward you with sweet-smelling flowers sometimes!
Lipstick Vine
Lipstick plant lives up to its name with pretty red, tube-shaped flowers! Originally from Malaysia and China, it climbs trees and rocks in the wild, absorbing nutrients from the air. As a houseplant, it loves well-draining soil, bright, indirect light, and some humidity. Give it all that, and it’ll reward you with vibrant green leaves and those cool red flowers most of the year! Bonus tip: mist its leaves sometimes to keep it happy and thriving.
Monstera
Everyone knows the Monstera with its giant, tropical leaves, but did you know it’s actually a climbing vine? People usually keep them short and bushy, but in the wild, they climb trees and can get HUGE!
While letting it take over your wall might not be the best idea (it’s heavy!), you can still give your Monstera its climbing dreams. Just use a trellis, stake, or moss pole! The moss pole even helps keep the plant happy by holding moisture and giving its aerial roots something to grab onto. The vines will naturally attach, or you can gently tie them up with twine. So let your Monstera climb and explore its inner vine-self!
Pothos
Looking for an easy vine that grows like crazy? Pothos is your answer! It’s perfect for busy plant parents or anyone who wants instant greenery hanging around. Plant stylist Maryah even recommends it for filling empty spaces quickly. Bonus: it survives even in low light conditions, making it ideal for rooms that don’t get much sunshine.
Just remember, this vine likes to hang out downwards, not climb. So, help it by draping it over picture frames, stair railings, or anything else it can grab onto. Then, watch it grow beautiful, leafy vines up to 10 feet long! Easy, green, and perfect for bringing some life to your space.
