Are you hoping to design a beautiful indoor plant wall, or would you simply like to create an explosion of fresh green — perhaps sprinkled with a royal dose of colorful flowers — in your home?
Not all of the amazing climbing, creeping, or cascading vines that thrive in gardens can be grown as houseplants, sadly, but indoor plant “parents” who are itching to expand their collection still won’t have a shortage of choice!
Vines have always been popular as houseplants. Whether you’re happy to add the “staples” that have become ubiquitous in plant-loving homes to your own green space, or you’re on the lookout for more unusual vining plants that are bound to add a unique touch to your decor (and that’ll be a hit on Instagram, too), we’ve selected some of the very best indoor vining plants for you.
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Most Popular Indoor Vining Plants
Many of the most popular indoor vines have been treasured for decades — often because these vining plants are extremely well-adapted to being grown in homes, and are generally easy to care for.
Those people who decide to grow one or more of the most celebrated indoor vines will have an advantage, in that these vines are easy to find for sale. If some of your friends are already growing them, you may be offered cuttings as a gift, a great way to expand your indoor garden.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular indoor vining plants — many of which have unique subspecies or cultivars, if you’re after something a little less common — and explore what’s so great about them!
1. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Pothos, which is scientifically called Epipremnum aureum, is a gorgeous and large-leaved trailing vine that is absolutely perfect for just about anyone looking to grow an indoor vining plant for the very first time. Why? Pothos is notorious for being a very low-maintenance plant that most beginner gardeners won’t have any trouble with, because it tolerates most lighting conditions and doesn’t require much care. Pothos, also commonly known as Devil’s ivy, is native to the Solomon islands but popular as an indoor vining plant because of its lovely evergreen and heart-shaped leaves. Many people hope to get their hands on varieties that produce especially striking variegated leaves, but the solid-green varieties are no less gorgeous.
Do you want to bring a pothos home? Before you do that, you should know that:
- Pothos thrives in shadier areas and prefers partial shade, dappled sunlight, or deep shade. This doesn’t mean that your pothos plant doesn’t appreciate sunlight, but it favors indirect sunlight!
- Devil’s ivy prospers in occasionally dry soil. That means that even if you forget to water your pothos for longer periods of time, it can still stay healthy. In fact, some variants of this plant are very drought resistant!
- Pothos can grow to be around 13 to 40 feet (four to 12 meters) tall, and around six to eight inches (15 to 20 centimeters) wide, but these vines tolerate pruning, to impede their growth, very well.
- This plant isn’t picky about soil pH levels and will do perfectly fine in neutral to acidic soil. As pothos doesn’t tolerate extremely moist conditions, it’s important to choose a well-draining soil for your pothos, and to empty the tray after watering your plant. For the soil type, pothos prefers loamy or shallow rocky soil.
- Your pothos plant will appreciate a spot with a temperature that is consistently above 50 °F (10 °C).
- Any pet owners hoping to get this trailing vine should be aware that pothos is toxic to both cats and dogs!
2. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
The Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), also commonly called parlor ivy or the sweetheart plant, is a tropical evergreen climbing or trailing vine native to Mexico and tropical America. The plant thrives in temperate climates and is often picked as a houseplant for its gorgeous glossy green leaves. This vine is also special because it thrives in heavy shade. This philodendron can grow to be six feet (two meters) tall and wide, but can be pruned as desired.
Want to make the heartleaf philodendron yours? Make sure that you:
- Keep your parlor ivy’s soil moist while still making sure that it’s well-draining and that you do not drown your plant. Philodendrons definitely appreciate being misted regularly too!
- Place your heartleaf philodendron in a spot where it will receive partial to deep shade, as it does best in these conditions! If you need to, you can place a large towering houseplant in front of the window to make sure your philodendron doesn’t get too much sun.
- Know that sweetheart plants do best in room temperature — and should not be placed right above a radiator, or underneath a HVAC unit.
- Keep your furry friends away from the philodendron!
3. Creeping Fig (Ficus Pumila)
Ficus pumila, commonly called the creeping fig or climbing fig, is a popular vining plant among gardeners in warmer regions with extremely mild winters — and in these outdoor conditions, creeping figs can grow 15 feet (four and a half meters) long. Whether you live in a cooler climate where the creeping fig would perish outdoors, or you don’t have a garden, the fact that these lovely vines, some of which have sought-after variegated leaves, thrive as houseplants as well. Unlike many common garden vines, creeping fig vines won’t grow out of control and will look great in hanging baskets or in pots.
Here’s a quick look at the kinds of conditions Ficus pumila requires when it’s grown as a houseplant:
- The creeping fig prefers bright but indirect sunlight, filtered through blinds or a large tree growing in your garden.
- Creeping figs need well-draining soil, like most plants, but can otherwise thrive in any soil type. They’re not picky about pH levels at all.
- Creeping figs are moisture-loving plants that will need to be watered regularly — keep their soil evenly moist at all times. These plants don’t appreciate being waterlogged, however, so make sure to empty the tray underneath the pot often.
- Creeping figs are native to the warmer regions of central and southern China, and thrive in temperatures between 65 and 85 °F (18 to 30 °C). This makes most homes a suitable growing environment for these beautiful vines.
- Ficus pumila is a fairly easy plant to care for. It does not need fertilizer to survive in your home, but grows more quickly if you do feed it a diluted liquid fertilizer once in a while. These plants can be pruned to impede their growth, if desired.
4. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus Pictus ‘Exotica’)
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the satin pothos is related to the pothos (Epipremnum aureum), but a quick look at its scientific name reveals that Scindapsus pictus belongs to in a different genus altogether. Like pothos, however, this plant is also rather easy to grow. The satin pothos is native to southeast Asia and has beautiful variegated leaves, unlike most pothos varieties. The plant can reach an ultimate size of around four to 10 feet (one to three meters), and is best grown in larger pots.
If you are interested in getting a satin pothos, you might want to know that:
- Satin pothos do not like wet or soggy soil and should be placed in well-draining soil — overwatering it can cause the vine to wilt! Water this plant whenever you notice the top two inches of soil are dry.
- When it comes to soil, satin pothos will do just fine in a potting soil mix. Its preferred soil PH levels range from 6.1 to 6.5.
- This plant needs bright light to survive, but it doesn’t like direct sunlight. It should be placed in an area where it can get indirect sunlight to keep it healthy.
- Because the satin pothos is a tropical plant, it will need to be placed in a humid and warm area.
5. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus Australis)
Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis) is also often called creeping Charlie, and although young Swedish ivy plants have a semi-upright growth habit, these plants will begin cascading when they are well-established. Unlike most of the indoor vining plants we’ve looked at so far, Swedish ivy has small, rough looking foliage and the plant produces amazing clusters of tiny purple flowers all through the year once it’s established. This makes the Swedish ivy an excellent choice for people who would like to bring the look of a wild cottage garden inside!
Need a little extra info before you give Swedish ivy a nice spot in your home? Let’s take a quick look at the conditions your new plant will do best in:
- These plants prefer partial shade, meaning around two to four hours of direct sunlight a day and some night shade in the afternoon!
- Choose a rich soil, high in organic matter, as your Swedish ivy’s potting medium.
- These plant’s are thirsty during their growth season, which lasts from spring to fall. Don’t let their soil dry out and water them often during this time. When they go dormant for winter, Swedish ivy only prefers to be watered occasionally.
- Keep your Swedish ivy happy with a 20-20-20 fertilizer program during the spring.
6. Split-Leaf Philodendron (Monstera Deliciosa)
Monstera deliciosa is known by many different names — ceriman, the hurricane plant, Swiss cheese plant, Mexican breadfruit, split-leaf philodendron, and even (yes, really) mother-in-law. Whatever you want to call it, this woody epiphytic vine — sometimes referred to as the split-leaf philodendron — is a wonderful plant to grow in your home. This fast-growing plant originates in the tropical areas of North and South America. It’s slightly harder to take care of than the other plants on this list, but beginners should still be able to grow the Swiss cheese plant successfully. The plant is a popular choice because of its beautiful, enormous, leaves.
If the Swiss cheese plant sounds delightful to you, you should know that:
- The split-leaf philodendron cheese plant thrives in moist, but well-draining, soil with a lot of organic matter. It does best in neutral (6.0 to 8.0) pH levels and loamy soil is a good choice for your ceriman.
- Your Monstera deliciosa will need to be placed in a location where it receives either partial shade or dappled sunlight.
- This plant also offers gorgeous and long-lasting white and green flowers in the mid-summer.
- Wear gloves when taking care of your split-leaf philodendron plant, because it does cause contact dermatitis!
7. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Adansonii)
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii) is similar to its cousin Monstera deliciosa but definitely has its own unique features. The main difference between the two is that this plant has smaller leaves than Monstera deliciosa, making it a great choice for those who don’t have as much space. It’s a tropical perennial and is often called the Swiss cheese plant because of the iconic holes in its leaves. It can be grown outdoors and as a houseplant.
If you are interested in the Swiss cheese plant, you might want to know that:
- The Swiss cheese plant will be able to show you its full beauty when placed in a spot with bright but indirect sunlight for it to stay nice and healthy.
- For this Monstera plant, a peat-based potting mix with a soil pH level of 5.5 to 7 is optimal.
- This jungle plant needs to grow in a high-humidity and warm area to feel happiest.
- Be careful with this plant if you have pets, as all Monstera plants are toxic to pets like dogs and cats!
8. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium Podophyllum)
Syngonium podophyllum, commonly called the arrowhead plant because of the shape of their leaves, is an attractive African evergreen with a trailing or climbing growth habit. Indoor gardeners are, sadly, unlikely to enjoy this plant’s pretty blooms, but the large foliage is amazing on its own — and if you get lucky, you may even be able to get your hands on a variegated arrowhead plant!
To give you a very quick arrowhead plant care 101, here’s what you’ll need know if you’d like to grow Syngonium podophyllum in your home:
- The arrowhead plant can grow to be up to six feet (two meters) tall with the right care. When it’s younger, this plant has an upright growth habit and does not look like a vining plant. The arrowhead plant only begins to cascade later, making a hanging basket a great choice.
- The arrowhead plant needs six consistent hours of indirect sunlight, and should be placed away from your windows.
- These plants are famous for being easy-going, but they’re susceptible to root rot and must absolutely be potted in a well-draining soil. It’s best to repot your arrowhead plant every 18 months or so to keep its roots healthy, and in the meantime, water the plant often in spring and summer, and sporadically during the winter period.
- Because the arrowhead plant is quite frost sensitive, don’t place it in hallways, garages, or anywhere else where you do not heat your home in winter.
9. Maidenhair Vine (Muehlenbeckia complexa)
The maidenhair vine (Muehlenbeckia complexa), also called the centipede plant, is perfect for people who love an abundance of small, green, leaves and aren’t looking for any of the large-leaved vines that are so popular. Grow the maidenhair vine, which is native to New Zealand, in a clay pot, and wait for the vines to begin drooping down.
These vines:
- Grow in literally any lighting condition — full sun, partial shade, dappled sun, and even deep shade. It’s best to place your maidenhair vine somewhere where it will receive two to four ours of indirect sunlight.
- Are drought tolerant and won’t protest if you are notoriously bad at remembering to water your houseplants.
- Produce tiny bell-shaped flowers that are distinctly unimpressive. Choose this plant for its foliage, not its blooms.
Unique Indoor Vining Plants You Won’t Usually See
People who don’t want to grow the same plants everyone else who’s serious about vining houseplants already has might like to choose from among these unusual vines — which are sure to turn heads, but still succeed in your home without any trouble!
- You only need to take one look at string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) to understand how this vining plant earned its name. This perennial daisy produces unique and fragrant spiky flowers that abound to turn heads. It’s native to South Africa, thrives in occasionally dry soil, and prefers partial shade. It’s a high-maintenance plant that novice gardeners shouldn’t bring into their homes, but if you know what you’re doing, string of pearls is a true eye-catcher.
- The inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina) is a low-growing perennial with a prolific creeping growth habit — perfect for people who love unusual leaves, as the foliage of this plant has distinct stripes.
- The black-eyed Susan vine (Thunbergia alata) is a beautiful flowering vine that can creep, climb, or cascade — and it’s especially treasured for its deep yellow to orange flowers, which bloom during the spring and the fall. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Vitis vinifera ‘Muscat of Alexandria’ — yes, a popular type of grapevine — can also be grown indoors! These woody vines need full sun and well-draining soil to thrive, and will require regular pruning.
What Should You Know Before You Choose the Right Vining Plants for Your Home?
You certainly wouldn’t be the first person to see a picture of an absolutely stunning vining plant and to decide that you absolutely have to grow one of your own. Needless to say, that can cause problems down the line — the vine might be much larger than you expected it to be, it may require full sun when you can only offer partial shade, or the vine could have special care requirements that you may not be equipped to handle.
There is ultimately no such thing as “the best indoor vining plants” — only the best vining plants for you and your home! Before adding any plant, no matter how desirable, to your collection, always consider:
- The plant’s mature size.
- The optimal lighting and, where applicable, temperature conditions for the vining plant you are thinking about bringing home. Assess whether you are able to meet these cultural conditions before buying the plant, rather than buying the plant and then looking for the right spot in your home.
- The level of care the vine requires — some plants are easy-going, low-maintenance, treasures that will thrive under conditions of benign neglect. These are best for beginning plant carers. Other plants constantly require pruning, fertilizer, watering, or pest control.
Be honest with yourself about your skill level and the amount of time and care you can invest into growing beautiful indoor vines, and it will become much easier to decide which vining plants should get a spot in your home!
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best vining plants to grow in your home, you are so spoiled for choice that it is difficult to choose! Surely, you’ll have room for at least three or four of these wonderful vines, each with their own unique characteristics?
People who are completely new to houseplants will likely want to stick to the most common choices — pothos or philodendrons — while more experienced indoor gardeners can try their hands at growing more exotic plants, like grapevines or string of pearl vines. To give your new vining houseplants the very best chance of succeeding, pick vining plants with similar care conditions.
