Some houseplants just look better when they have somewhere to climb. A sturdy support gives a climbing Monstera somewhere to grow instead o...
Some houseplants just look better when they have somewhere to climb.
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| A sturdy support gives a climbing Monstera somewhere to grow instead of spreading across the room.(AI Image) |
And you don’t need a giant house for it.
Even a small room can have that green, jungle-ish feeling with one good climbing plant.
But there’s something I wish more people knew before buying one.
Not every vine is a climber.
Some plants naturally want to grow upward. Others are perfectly happy hanging down from a shelf. Some can aAdo both, but they need a little help from you if you want them to climb.
I’ve made that mistake myself. You see a photo of a beautiful plant wrapped around a moss pole and think, “Yep, that’s what I want.”
Then you get the plant home.
It grows sideways.
Then toward the window.
Then somehow behind another plant.
Not exactly the look you had in mind.
The good news is that it’s usually not that hard to get the right result. You just need to pick a plant that suits your space and understand how it grows.
That’s what we’re going to look at here.
I’ll cover some of the best indoor climbing plants, what makes each one worth growing, which ones are easier for beginners, and which plants can give you those big tropical leaves everyone loves.
We’ll also get into moss poles, trellises, light, and what to do when your plant completely ignores the support you gave it.
One thing first, though.
There’s a difference between a climbing plant and a trailing plant.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Indoor Climbing Plants?
If you want a short list before we get into all the details, these are some of the best choices for a home:
Best overall: Golden Pothos
Best for beginners: Heartleaf Philodendron
Best for big leaves: Monstera deliciosa
Best flowering climber: Hoya
Best-looking foliage: Scindapsus pictus
Best fast grower: Syngonium
Best tropical look: Monstera
Best for small spaces: Pothos or a compact Philodendron
For most people, Golden Pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron, Monstera deliciosa, Hoya, and Scindapsus pictus are great places to start.
But don’t just pick one because it looks good.
Look at the light in your room first.
Think about how much space you actually have. Also be honest with yourself about watering. If you regularly forget your plants exist for two weeks, you probably want something forgiving.
I’m not judging.
It happens.
What Are Indoor Climbing Plants?
Indoor climbing plants are plants that can grow upward when they have something to support them.
In nature, many of these plants grow around trees and other plants. They use trunks, branches, and other surfaces to get higher.
Why?
Usually, they’re trying to reach better light.
That same habit can be encouraged inside your home. You can give the plant a moss pole, trellis, stake, or another support and guide it upward.
Pothos is a simple example.
You can let it hang over the side of a pot and make a nice trailing plant. Or you can give it something to climb and train the stems upward.
Philodendrons are another good example, although there’s a little catch.
Not every Philodendron grows the same way.
Some are natural climbers. Others have a more upright growth habit. So it’s worth checking the exact type before buying one.
That little bit of research can save you some frustration later.
Climbing vs. Trailing Houseplants
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| The same Pothos can trail from a shelf or climb when given a support.(AI Image) |
A trailing plant usually grows outward and then hangs downward.
That’s why trailing plants look so good in:
hanging baskets
shelves
plant stands
tall cabinets
A climbing plant can sometimes trail too, especially when it’s young. But when you give it something to hold onto, it can grow upward.
So you can take the same plant and get two very different looks.
Put it in a hanging basket.
The stems fall down.
Give it a moss pole.
Now the stems have somewhere to go.
It’s still the same plant. You just changed how you’re growing it.
That’s one of the fun parts, honestly.
You get to play around with the shape.
How Do Indoor Plants Climb?
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| Monstera aerial roots can help the plant attach itself as it climbs.(AI Image) |
Different plants use different methods. Some use aerial roots, while others use stems, nodes, or tendrils to help them hold onto a support.
Monstera is a good example.
If you’ve grown one before, you’ve probably noticed those weird roots sticking out from the stem.
The first time you see them, they can look a little strange.
You might even think, “Is my plant okay?”
Usually, yes.
Those are aerial roots, and they’re a normal part of the plant’s growth. They can help the plant attach itself while climbing.
Climbing Philodendrons can have similar growth.
So you don’t have to cut every aerial root off just because it isn’t pretty.
Actually, I’d leave them alone unless there’s a good reason to remove one.
Your plant is just doing what it naturally does.
It’s basically looking around your living room and asking:
“Okay, where’s the tree?”
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have a tree growing beside the sofa.
That’s where a moss pole comes in handy.
Do Indoor Climbing Plants Need a Support?
Not always.
A climbing plant can live while trailing from a pot. There’s nothing wrong with that.
But if you want the plant to grow upward, a support can make a big difference.
Climbing Philodendrons can be trained onto a trellis or another support. Some can also be left to trail if that’s the look you prefer.
Monstera is another plant where support can really help.
Without support, the stems can spread in all directions. As the plant gets bigger, that can become a bit messy.
Give it something sturdy to grow against and it can have a much more upright shape.
Just don’t choose a support that’s too small.
A thin little trellis might be fine for a young Hoya.
A large Monstera?
Yeah, I wouldn’t trust it.
That plant can get surprisingly heavy.
Why Do Some Climbing Plants Develop Larger Leaves?
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| Mature Monstera leaves become larger as the plant gets the right growing conditions.(AI Image) |
Young plants and mature plants don’t always look the same.
As some climbing plants grow older, their leaves can become bigger. They may also develop shapes or features that you don’t see on the younger leaves.
Monstera is probably the easiest example.
A young Monstera can have fairly simple leaves. As it matures, it can start producing those large leaves with splits and holes.
That’s the look most people are after.
Some Philodendrons change quite a lot too. Their young leaves can look very different from their mature foliage.
But there’s something else that matters here.
Light.
You can’t put a climbing plant in a dark corner and expect it to turn into a huge jungle plant.
It needs enough light to grow well.
When a plant isn’t getting enough light, it may become stretched and leggy. The spaces between leaves can get longer, and new leaves may stay smaller.
The Royal Horticultural Society also notes that low light can cause Philodendrons to become leggy and produce fewer, smaller leaves.
So if you’re hoping for those huge tropical leaves, buying the right plant is only part of it.
The growing conditions matter too.
You need suitable light.
You need to water it properly.
You need to give it support if it needs one.
And you need to give the plant enough room to grow.
This is where I think plant photos can be a little misleading.
You see a huge, beautiful Monstera online and think, “I want that.”
Fair enough.
But you don’t see the window behind the camera.
You don’t know how many hours of light the plant gets. You don’t know how old it is either.
Your plant has to grow in your home, not in somebody else’s perfect plant room.
So choose based on your actual space.
That usually works out much better.
The 20 Best Indoor Climbing Plants
Okay, now we can get to the plants.
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| Golden Pothos is an easy choice for beginners who want a forgiving climbing houseplant.9AI Image) |
If I did that, we’d probably end up choosing plants that look amazing in a photo but are annoying to grow at home.
Instead, I want this list to give you a few different options.
Maybe you want something easy.
Maybe you want huge leaves.
Maybe flowers are your thing.
Or maybe you live in a small apartment and just need a plant that won’t take over the entire room.
All of those situations are different.
Some plants on this list grow quickly. Others take their time. Some are forgiving when you forget about them for a few days. Others need a little more attention.
So before buying one, think about what you actually want from the plant.
Do you want a tall plant climbing beside a window?
Do you want something wrapping around a small trellis?
Or do you just want a vine that can hang down until you decide what to do with it?
There’s no wrong answer.
And we’ll start with one of the easiest choices.
Golden Pothos is a great first plant if you want to try indoor climbing without making plant care feel like a lot of work.
How to Train Indoor Climbing Plants to Grow Upward
So you bought a climbing plant. Maybe a Monstera. Maybe a Pothos. Maybe you saw one growing up a moss pole on Instagram and thought, “Yep, I want that.”
I get it. I've been there too.
But bringing the plant home is only the first step. The next part is figuring out how to get it to grow where you actually want it to go.
Because if you leave it alone, it may have other plans.
It might lean toward the window. One vine may head sideways while another hangs over the edge of the pot. Before you know it, the plant is growing in three different directions.
Not exactly the neat, tall plant you had pictured.
The good news is that most indoor climbing plants aren't that difficult to train. They just need the right support, enough light, and a little help from you while they're growing.
Before we get into moss poles, trellises, and tying vines, though, there's one thing worth clearing up first.
Climbing Plants vs. Trailing Plants: What's the Difference?
The two can look very similar, especially when they're young.
A climbing plant naturally wants to grow upward when it finds something to hold onto. In nature, many of these plants use tree trunks, branches, or other plants as support.
A trailing plant usually prefers to grow along the ground or spill down from a pot.
And then there are plants that can do a bit of both.
Pothos is a good example. You can let the vines hang from a shelf, or give them something to climb. With the right support, they can grow upward instead.
Monstera is a little different. It naturally has a climbing habit, so giving it a sturdy support can make a big difference in how it looks as it matures.
This is why choosing the right plant matters.
You can put a small trellis next to almost any vine, but that doesn't mean the plant will suddenly become a perfect climber.
Some plants just want to hang.
And honestly, that's fine too.
20 Best Indoor Climbing Plants for Your Home
Some houseplants simply look better when they have something to climb.
I really like that look. A plant starts in a small pot, then slowly works its way up a pole, trellis, or wall support. It can make an empty corner feel much greener without taking up a lot of floor space.
And you don't need a huge home for this.
Even a small room can get that little jungle feeling from one well-trained climbing plant.
Here are some indoor plants worth considering if you want to grow upward:
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera adansonii
Golden Pothos
Jade Pothos
Philodendron hederaceum
Philodendron Brasil
Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron Micans
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Scindapsus pictus
Hoya carnosa
Hoya pubicalyx
Syngonium
Cebu Blue Pothos
String of Turtles
English Ivy
Wax Plant
Climbing Fig
Vanilla Orchid
Dischidia
Not all of these will climb in exactly the same way.
Some use aerial roots. Some wrap or twine around support. Others need you to gently guide their stems as they grow.
That's why the support you choose matters almost as much as the plant itself.
Why Do Indoor Climbing Plants Need Support?
Think about what these plants are doing in nature.
They're not usually sitting in a pot on a windowsill.
A climbing plant may start near the forest floor and then find a tree trunk. Once it has something to grab onto, it can keep moving upward toward better light.
Your houseplant doesn't have a tree sitting beside it.
So you need to give it one.
Well, not literally a tree.
A moss pole, coir pole, trellis, plant stake, or another sturdy support can do the job.
Once the plant has something to lean against or attach to, it's much easier to guide new growth upward.
Moss Pole or Trellis?
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| Moss poles encourage a vertical natural look, while trellises give flexible vines more room to spread.(AI Image) |
A moss pole works especially well for plants that produce aerial roots, such as Monstera and many climbing Philodendrons.
The roots can grow toward the moist surface and help the plant hold onto the pole.
A trellis is useful when you want a wider shape. Instead of growing straight up one pole, you can guide the vines across several sections.
I like trellises for plants that have lots of thin vines.
If you're not sure which one to use, look at how your plant grows naturally.
Does it make aerial roots?
A moss pole may be a good choice.
Does it produce long flexible vines?
A trellis may be easier.
And if you're still unsure, don't overthink it. A simple support is better than no support at all.
How to Train Your Plant to Grow Upward
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| Guide new Monstera growth gently and use a loose soft tie to keep the stem near its support.(AI Image) |
That's probably the biggest thing to remember.
Start by placing the support close to the main stem.
Then gently guide the newest growth toward it.
Use soft plant ties if needed. Don't wrap them tightly around the stem. You want the plant to have room to grow.
As the plant gets taller, check it every week or two.
If a new section starts growing away from the support, gently guide it back.
That's basically it.
You're not teaching the plant overnight.
You're giving it a direction and helping it stay there as it grows.
Don't Ignore the Light
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| Bright indirect light helps climbing houseplants produce stronger, healthier growth.(AI Image) |
You can have the perfect moss pole, the cutest trellis, and the best plant ties in the world.
But if the plant isn't getting enough light, it may still grow badly.
Most indoor climbing plants prefer bright, indirect light.
If the light is coming strongly from one side, your plant may naturally lean that way.
That's normal.
You can rotate the pot every so often to encourage more even growth.
Just don't move it around constantly.
Plants need time to adjust too.
What If Your Plant Ignores the Support?
Yep, this happens.
You put the pole right beside the stem.
You carefully attach everything.
Then the plant decides to grow in the opposite direction.
Very helpful.
Before blaming the plant, check the basics.
Is there enough light?
Is the support actually touching the part of the plant that needs to climb?
Are you trying to train an older, stiff stem that doesn't bend easily?
Sometimes the answer is simply that the plant is still growing in a direction it was already used to.
New growth is much easier to guide than old growth.
So don't try to bend a thick, established stem into a completely different position.
You can damage it.
Instead, start guiding the newer growth as it appears.
Give It Time
This is probably the hardest part if you're impatient like me.
You may attach your plant to a moss pole today and expect it to look amazing next week.
Plants don't work like that.
The plant needs time to produce new growth and attach itself to the support.
Some plants take off quickly.
Others move at a much slower pace.
That's okay.
The goal isn't to make the plant climb overnight.
You're simply giving it the conditions it needs to grow upward over time.
And once it gets going, you'll probably notice a big difference.
A plant that once sprawled across the shelf can slowly become a much taller, fuller-looking plant.
My First Plant Disaster
Let me tell you about my first Monstera. I brought it home, put it on a shelf, and just waited. I thought it would grow upward on its own.
It didn't.
It grew sideways. Then it started trailing down. Then it looked like a confused octopus.
That's when I realized. These plants need help. Not a lot. Just a little push in the right direction.
You don't need to be a plant expert for this. Most climbing plants just need three things. A support. Some light. And a bit of guidance when new growth shows up.
Think of it like giving your plant a ladder. Not like training a dog. My dog still doesn't listen anyway.
1. Pick the Right Support
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| Choose a support based on the plant's expected size, not just how small it looks today.(AI Image) |
Six months later, that stick looked like a toothpick next to my plant. Don't be like me.
Pick a support that fits the plant's full size. Not the size today. The size it will become.
Here's what you can use:
Moss poles
Coir poles (like moss, but from coconut)
Trellises (wood or metal grids)
Bamboo sticks
Plant hoops (good for Hoyas)
Wall clips
For light plants like Heartleaf Philodendron, a small trellis works great.
For heavy plants like a big Monstera? Go strong. If your support bends, it's not a support. It's just... there.
Moss pole or trellis?
Both work. They just look different.
Moss poles are popular for aroids — Monsteras, Philodendrons, Rhaphidophoras. The plant's aerial roots grab onto the rough surface. It feels natural to them.
Trellises are good when you want a specific shape. Maybe a fan effect on your wall. Or you just want to control a wild vine.
Here's the simple rule. Want a tall, natural look? Go moss pole. Want a neat, shaped look? Go trellis.
2. Put the Support in Early
I made this mistake twice. You think, "I'll do it later." Then you blink, and your plant is a tangled mess.
Untangling vines is like untangling Christmas lights. Not fun.
A small plant is easy to guide. A big vine with long growth? That's a headache.
So put the support in early. Stick it near the main stem. Don't crush the roots. Then guide new growth toward it.
This helps with fast growers like Monsteras, Philodendrons, and Rhaphidophoras. Do it early. Thank me later.
3. Tie Stems Gently
Don't tie your plant tight. I did this wrong for a while.
Use soft ties. Plant clips work. Even old t-shirt strips work. The tie should hold the plant, not squeeze it. Leave room for the stem to grow thicker.
Check them now and then. A loose tie from six weeks ago might be tight now. Plants grow when you're not looking.
4. How to Get Big Leaves
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| Large Monstera leaves come with maturity and good growing conditions, so give the plant time.(AI Image) |
This is why we buy these plants, right?
You see a big Monstera online. Huge leaves. Beautiful splits. You think, "Mine will look like that."
Then your plant gives you a leaf the size of a saucer. And you wonder what went wrong.
I've been there. I asked my Monstera, "Why are you so small?" It didn't answer. Plants don't talk.
Here's what I learned:
It comes down to two things. Age and conditions.
Give it light
Light is food. Plants use light for photosynthesis. No light, no food.
If your plant lacks light, it grows weak and stretchy. Small leaves. Move it to a brighter spot. But do it slowly.
Don't throw a plant from shade into hot afternoon sun. That burns the leaves. Move it bit by bit.
Give it something to climb
For many climbers, support isn't just for looks. It lets them grow naturally.
Monstera uses aerial roots to climb trees in the wild. Give it a structure, and it says, "Oh, I can grow big here."
Fertilize smart
In spring and summer, a little fertilizer helps. But more doesn't mean bigger.
Overfertilizing burns roots. Follow the label. Doubling the dose doesn't double the growth. Plants don't work that way.
5. How Often to Water
Everyone asks this. There's no set answer.
It depends on:
The plant type
Pot size
Soil type
Your home's heat and humidity
The season
Light levels
Root health
So "water every Sunday" isn't useful. I tried it. My plants weren't happy.
Better idea: stick your finger in the soil. Check it yourself. Most tropical plants like the soil to dry a bit between waterings. They don't like wet feet.
The big mistake
Watering too often.
New plant owners worry about underwatering. So they keep the soil wet. But that cuts oxygen from the roots. Then you get root rot. Big problem.
Letting a plant go bone dry also stresses it. The goal is balance. Not too wet. Not too dry.
Long gaps between leaves can be a sign that a climbing plant is reaching for more light.9AI Image)
Common Problems
Yellow leaves
Could be overwatering. Could be bad drainage. Could be an old leaf dying. Could be not enough light.
Don't assume yellow means "water me." Sometimes it means the opposite.
Brown tips
Could be irregular watering. Dry air. Salt from fertilizer.
Look at the whole plant. One old brown leaf? No big deal. Every new leaf brown? Investigate.
Bare stems
Long gaps between leaves? The plant is reaching for light.
Check the light before you add fertilizer. More food won't fix low light.
Small leaves
Normal for young plants. But if an established plant keeps making small leaves, check: light, age, support, water, roots. One of those is the problem.
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| A freestanding trellis can give a climbing plant support without attaching it directly to the(AI Image) |
Good question. Especially if you rent.
Yes. Some plants can damage walls. Their aerial roots grip painted surfaces. Pull off paint. Leave marks.
Use removable supports instead. Don't let the plant attach to the wall.
Rental-friendly options:
Freestanding trellises
Tension poles
Removable clips
Plant stands
Moss poles in the pot
A freestanding trellis gives you a nice display without changing the wall. No awkward talks with the landlord.
.Do You Need a Moss Pole?
No. Really.
It's just one option.
Pothos can use a trellis
Philodendron can use a moss pole
Hoya might like a hoop
Big Monstera might need a wood plank
Just give your plant support. You don't need what every influencer uses.
Quick choice:
| Feature | Moss Pole | Trellis |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Aroids, natural look | Shaped displays |
| Looks | Natural | Decorative |
| Space | Vertical | Can spread |
| Aerial roots | They grab it | Not much |
| Monstera | Great | Good if strong |
| Small vines | Good | Great |
Pick moss pole if: You want a tall, natural plant with aerial roots.
Pick trellis if: You want control over the shape. Or you have a light vine.
Neither is better. The plant chooses.
How to Prune
Pruning isn't punishment. It's shaping.
Use clean, sharp scissors. Cut what you need:
Dead or damaged leaves
Long, messy stems
Crowded parts
Pruning can make the plant fuller. With good light, it grows back nicer.
Save the cuttings!
Many plants like Pothos and Philodendron are easy to propagate. One plant becomes many.
Great... until you have twelve plants. Happened to me. No regrets.
Are They Safe for Pets?
Check this before you buy. Always.
Many popular plants — Philodendrons, Pothos, Monsteras — have calcium oxalate crystals. If pets chew them, it causes mouth pain. Vomiting. Other issues.
If you have curious pets, don't trust a "safe plant" label. Check the exact species. Use a reliable source.
When in doubt, keep the plant away. A beautiful plant isn't worth a vet visit.
Common Mistakes
I've made all of these. So don't feel bad.
1. Buying before checking light
Biggest mistake. You buy a plant. Find out it needs more light. Then wonder why it won't grow.
Do it backward. Check your light first. Pick the plant second.
2. Small support for a big plant
Plan for the future. That small Monstera will get big. A lot bigger.
3. Watering on a schedule
Plants aren't machines. Your calendar doesn't know if the soil is wet. Check the plant.
4. "Low light" means no light
No. Low light means less light. Not darkness. If you can't see the plant without a lamp, it's too dark.
5. Expecting big leaves fast
Those big leaves you see online? From mature plants. Years old. Your baby plant isn't broken. Just give it time.
Buyer Guide
Ask yourself five questions before buying.
1. How much light do I have?
First question. Not "which one is cutest?" That's how people end up with dead plants.
2. How much space?
Think floor space and height. Some get big. Really big.
3. Flowers or leaves?
Flowers? Try Hoya or jasmine. Leaves only? More choices.
4. Fast or slow grower?
Fast means more pruning. Slow means less work. Pick what fits you.
5. Do I have pets?
Check safety first. Always.
Best Plants: Quick Look
| Plant | Best For | Light | Growth | Beginner? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Pothos | Easy care | Low–Bright | Fast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Heartleaf Philodendron | Easy climbing | Medium–Bright | Fast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Monstera deliciosa | Big leaves | Bright | Medium–Fast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Monstera adansonii | Smaller look | Bright | Medium–Fast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scindapsus pictus | Silver leaves | Medium–Bright | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Syngonium | Fast grower | Medium–Bright | Fast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hoya | Flowers | Bright | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rhaphidophora | Tropical look | Bright | Fast | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Philodendron micans | Soft leaves | Medium–Bright | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| English Ivy | Classic vine | Bright | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Golden Pothos is the best for beginners. Monstera is great if you want big leaves and can be patient.
Quick FAQs
Easiest plant?
Golden Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron.
Best for low light?
Golden Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron. But they still need some light.
Need a trellis?
No. Use moss poles, hoops, stakes. Or let them trail.
How to make it climb?
Give support. Guide new growth. Good light helps too.
Growing sideways?
Reaching for light. Move it to a brighter spot.
Can Pothos climb a moss pole?
Yes. Any support works.
Can Monstera climb indoors?
Yes. Give it a sturdy support.
How often to water?
No set schedule. Check the soil.
Safe for pets?
Not all. Check the exact species.
Final Thoughts
Here's what I've learned from all my plant mistakes.
The best plant isn't the rarest. Or the biggest. Or the one with the most likes online.
It's the one that fits your space. And your life.
Want something tough? Golden Pothos.
Want a classic vine? Heartleaf Philodendron.
Have room and want drama? Monstera.
Want flowers? Hoya.
Pick your plant. Give it light. Give it support. Water smart. And give it time.
That's the fun part. You're not just buying a plant. You're giving it somewhere to go.
Watching it grow? That's pretty satisfying.
And if you mess up sometimes? That's fine. We all do. Just keep going. Your plant will figure it out. Eventually.
Good luck. You got this. 🌱
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