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Vining plants, also known as climbers or creepers, are a versatile addition to any garden or indoor space. These plants grow long stems that can climb structures, trail along the ground, or become more compact and bushy with proper pruning. Whether indoors or out, vining plants use supports like trellises, moss poles, or even tree branches in their natural habitat to thrive, thanks to their unique growth mechanisms such as tendrils, aerial roots, or twining stems. Perfect for adding vertical interest, vining plants are typically easy to care for. They flourish with moderate to bright indirect light, need watering when the top layer of their well-draining soil dries out, and benefit from feeding during the growing season.

Author

Denine Walters

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Date

August 1, 2024

Category

Health and wellness

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Immunity, Lifestyle, Longevity

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What Is a Vining Plant? A Beginner’s Guide

Immunity, Lifestyle, Longevity

Page Author

Author

Denine Walters

August 1, 2024

Denine Walters

Vining plants continue to be a popular choice for plant parents. They fit almost any aesthetic and can be prim and proper or grow wildly depending on how you prune these plants. I’ve always been a fan of vining plants with their trailing vines and lush foliage that can transform any indoor or outdoor space into a green oasis. But precisely what is a vining plant?

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor garden, understanding vining plants can help add a touch of nature’s charm to your home. So, let’s dive into the basics and benefits of these stunning climbers and creepers.

A Christmas cactus plant with bright pink flowers is hanging from a tree branch. The plant is in a black pot and has long, segmented stems. There is also a Tillandsia air plant growing on the branch below the cactus. The background shows a tree trunk and some blurry foliage.

Christmas cactus - Photo by Denine

Vine Basics at a Glance: What Are Vining Plants?

Vining plants, also called climbers or creepers, grow long stems that can climb up structures, trail along the ground, or grow more dense and bush-like if you prune them that way. A plant that vines use various methods, such as a tree stem or branch in the wild, plant trellis, or moss pole, to support their growth, which are their tendrils, aerial roots, or twining stems.

A vine is the perfect plant to create vertical interest indoors or outdoors. Most vining plant species are also easy to care for, needing moderate to bright indirect light, watering when the well-draining topsoil is dry, and feeding during the growing season.

Defining Vining Plants

Before you rush out and purchase a plant, hoping it will turn into a beautiful vining plant, there are a few things you should know about vining plants, such as the types and whether your plant is a climbing vine or a creeper (or both). But don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Jade Plant - Photo by Denine

What Makes a Plant a Vining Plant?

So why do some plants make vines while others don’t? It all comes down to their habitat and genetic evolution. Some plants grow where they can’t compete with the surrounding plants, such as in rainforests where the trees far exceed the average plant’s growth height.

Instead of trying to outgrow the trees, these plants began to grow onto them, letting the larger plants support them and carry their weight while also helping these vines reach new heights (always heading up to the light).

But what is a vining plant? It’s a plant with a flexible stem that usually can’t support its own weight like a bush or tree would. Instead, this plant relies on nearby plants, objects, and coarse surfaces to help it anchor and grow. 

The vines grow roots or anchors that help them attach to their host surface. Because the plant doesn’t have to develop a hardened stem, it can put all its energy into forming vines, which can grow endlessly. These vines can be pruned back, but they can also be trained into fabulous shapes, forms, and topiaries.

Types of Vining Plants

Vining plants can be categorized into two types: climbers and creepers. However, some vining plants can trail (or creep) and climb!

Climbers

Climbing plants grow upward by attaching themselves to supports. They use their tendrils or twining stems to grip onto surfaces like walls, plant trellis, and other vertical structures.

Pothos is a natural climber; however, you can train the plant to trail down a floating shelf or kitchen counter.

Creepers

Creeping plants make great ground cover or look stunning in hanging baskets or trailing down a surface. These plants spread horizontally (or vertically when the vines hang) and root at intervals to secure themselves as they grow.

A creeping fig (it’s all in the name, right?) is an example of a trailing or creeping vining plant.

Benefits of Growing and Collecting Vining Plants

Why pick a vining plant from all the plants you can choose from? Perhaps it’s because we get a thrill from training the vines to grow in a particular shape or across various supporting trellises? Yet, there are many benefits to growing and collecting vining plants.

Aesthetic Appeal

A well-cared-for vining plant is a visual spectacle that thrills, draws the eye, and entertains. There are many ways to train vines and create unique planted creations, so it’s naturally an aesthetic appeal. Nothing is more pleasing than a lush pothos plant trailing from a high shelf in a cascade of emerald leaves that brings life into your home.

the photo features the leaves of the Climbing Fig 'Quercifolia' which look small, lobed, and deeply indented, giving them a distinct, almost miniature oak leaf appearance. These leaves are dark green and with a leathery texture.

Climbing Fig - Photo by Denine

Air Quality Improvement

As all plant keepers know, an indoor plant is perfect for improving and purifying air quality at home. Plants are oxygen factories, and they also suck up all the nasties like CO2 and other airborne chemicals.

Since vining plants are often prolific growers, they increase the surface area where gas exchanges happen, making the plant a bigger filter that better keeps indoor air healthy.

Space Efficiency

Space is often at a premium in small homes or apartments. Thankfully, with one single pot, you can create a unique plant wall that grows vertically, taking up less space while still becoming a beautiful focal point.

Vertical gardening is all the rage, and with a uniquely trained vine, you are going to be the talk (and envy) of your friends

Quick Guide: Caring for Vining Plants

Vining plants are a broad group of plants, and each type has its own specific care requirements. The best option is always to check what a specific type needs to thrive.

However, the primary care requirements are pretty generic across most types of vining plants.

Light, Watering, and Soil Needs

Most vining plants grow toward the light and prefer bright, indirect light. Some grow well in low light conditions, but these are, at times, species-specific.

Never overwater your vining plants, as they quickly suffer root rot. Instead, lightly spray with water, as most prefer more humid growing conditions.

Grow the vining plant in well-draining soil in a pot or container with many large drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Pruning and Training

In nature, vining plants shed old leaves, which become part of the mulch layer that nourishes the plants. However, I like to keep things neat by snipping off any damaged, yellow, or dead leaves.

When training your vining plant into a particular shape or to get a specific growth pattern, prune the vine parts that aren’t suitable. In fact, if a vining plant has many vines that don’t have enough leaves, pruning will help encourage more lush growth since the plant won’t put all its energy and resources into maintaining so many vines.

Remember to use clean, sterilized shears or scissors to prevent bacterial or fungal infection. Pruning is best done in early spring, which allows the plant enough time to grow in spring and summer before the hibernation cycle of winter.

Training your vining plant is an art form. You will need hooks, trellises, soft ties, and patience. Each vine needs adequate support to prevent it from breaking when you lift it into position. Having an assistant to help you hold vines in place before tying or pulling them through a plant trellis is also invaluable.

Common Problems and Solutions

Vining plants are mostly easy to care for, but a few problems may crop up. Usually, you will find pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealy bugs tucked into the denser growth. Ants can also become problematic with vining plants that produce a sweet sap.

I regularly inspect my vining plants to identify problems before they cause damage. For insect pests, a mild solution of dishwashing liquid and lukewarm water usually sorts the issue, but larger pests like snails and bugs can require a plant-safe insecticide. I also like to use neem oil, which is great for deterring pests from returning.

Other problems include yellowing leaves, leggy growth, and poor growth. These are quick fixes that involve checking whether I’m watering correctly, whether the plant needs to be repotted because it is rootbound, or whether it gets enough quality light.

Popular Vining Plants for Indoor Spaces

Many popular vining plants are perfect for indoor spaces, and here are some of my favorites:

Pothos

the photo features the leaves of the scindapsus silver splash which are dark green with splashes, spots, and streaks of silvery-gray that give the plant a "splashy" appearance

Scindapsus Silver Splash - Photo by Denine

Scientific Name

Epipremnum aureum

Other Common Names

Devil’s ivy, devil’s vine, golden pothos

Identifying Feature

Elongated heart-shaped leaves

Mature Size

3-6 feet wide with 20-40 feet vines

Toxic?

Yes, to pets

Pothos is one of the easiest vining plants, making it popular among plant parents. The plant grows fast and is resilient, so it can grow in various light conditions.

The elongated heart-shaped leaves can be emerald green, and there are various variegated varieties, such as the marble queen’s white and green leaves, pearls and jade’s gray, green, and white variegations, and silver satin’s silver gray-green foliage. Even neon pothos’ bright yellow-green leaves look stunning with any decor scheme.

Heartleaf Philodendron

the photo features the leaves of the Heartleaf Philodendron which are glossy, dark green, and distinctly heart-shaped

Photo by Denine

Scientific Name

Philodendron hederaceum

Other Common Names

Sweetheart plant

Identifying Feature

Heart-shaped leaves

Mature Size

1-3 feet wide with 3-13 feet vines

Toxic?

Yes, people and fur-besties


The heartleaf philodendron is known for its beautiful heart-shaped deep green leaves. Its foliage, cascading from a hanging macrame basket planter or a plant stand, is something to behold. The plant is easy to care for, thrives in low to bright indirect light, and must be watered occasionally.

There are more than 450 philodendron varieties; some most stunning are the painted lady philodendron, the autumn philodendron, the prince of orange, the majesty, and the Xanadu philodendron.

Spider Plant

spider plant with long, arching, grass-like leaves

Photo by Denine

Scientific Name

Chlorophytum comosum

Other Common Names

Spider ivy, ribbon plant, airplane plant, hen and chickens

Identifying Feature

Green or striped green and white leaves that grow rosettes of leaves

Mature Size

1-2 feet tall with 1-2 foot long vines

Toxic?

No, but cats can experience mild tummy upset


I prefer the name “ribbon plant” because the spider plant has long ribbons for leaves. However, some plant parents say that the plant has the same creepy-crawly vibes as a spider - not that that’s meant to put you off this vining houseplant!

The trailing plantlets are unique, and if you want more spider plants, it’s easy to propagate them and make many more baby plants. The spider plant is easy to grow and grows fast, so you don’t have to wait forever to enjoy the little leaf rosettes.

English Ivy

An image of English Ivy (Hedera helix) growing in black plastic pots. The ivy features classic, deeply lobed leaves with a vibrant green color and light green veins. The leaves are lush and the plant appears healthy, ready for either ground cover or as a climbing vine

Hefera Helix - Photo by Denine

Scientific Name

Hedera helix

Other Common Names

Ivy, common ivy, European ivy

Identifying Feature

Three-lobed and heart-shaped base with dark green waxy leaves

Mature Size

3-5 feet wide with 20-80 foot vines

Toxic?

Yes, people and animals


While English ivy flowers, plant lovers buy this vining plant for its pretty foliage that’s kinda ever-growing. You can grow the ivy as a ground cover, and it also climbs. You may see house walls covered with the plant. But it’s just as dramatically stunning as a houseplant where you can let the vines trail down or train them to climb around windows or on trellises.

Important! English ivy is invasive to various areas, so check before you buy.

String of Hearts

The leaves of Ceropegia woodii are small, heart-shaped, dark green color with silver markings on the upper surface, giving them a marbled appearance. The undersides of the leaves are a purplish hue

Cerepegia Woodii - Photo by Denine

Scientific Name

Ceropegia woodii

Other Common Names

Rosary vine, Chinese lantern, chain of hearts

Identifying Feature

Petite heart-shaped leaves with silvery-white veins

Mature Size

1-2 inches tall with vines that grow 4-12 feet long

Toxic?

Nope

I adore the petiteness of the string of hearts with its delicate leaves. This plant and its trailing vines and a beautiful hanging basket are a match made in heaven; however, I also keep some of my string of hearts on shelves, the marble table by the entryway, and on my desk so I have something pretty to stare at when looking for writer’s inspiration.

The variegated string of hearts features pink and purple in the leaves and stem, and it’s stunning!

Creeping Fig

the photo features a Creeping Fig which is a small, heart-shaped, and slightly leathery, with a rich green color plant

Photo by Denine

Scientific Name

Ficus pumila

Other Common Names

Climbing fig, creeping fig vine, fig ivy

Identifying Feature

Deep green ovate, heart-shaped

Mature Size

8-15 feet tall with 3-6 foot vines

Toxic?

Yes, people and animals


The creeping fig grows like English ivy, attaching to support structures or walls with roots. But you can also let the delightful houseplant trail cascade downwards from a high location or use it as a groundcover in your garden.  

I also like the whimsy the creeping plant adds to an indoor space when grown on a moss form or moss ball, according to the Japanese Kokedama method. You can also make a plantscape with the creeping fig and other vining plants in a terrarium.  

The Bellus creeping fig, for example, has white-edged leaves, adding something classy to this vining plant.

Honorable Vining Plant Mentions

There are many beautiful vining plants, so I have to mention a few more:

Common Plant Name

Scientific Name

Type & Identifying Feature

String of pearls

Curio rowleyanus

Bead-like leaves

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea

Colorful foliage (pink, purple, orange, and more)

String of turtles

Peperomia prostrata

Turtle-shell patterned leaves

Wax plant

Hoya carnosa

Thick, waxy green leaves

Arrowhead plant

Syngonium podophyllum

Arrow or spade-shaped leaves

Wandering dude or inchplant

Tradescantia zebrina

Striped purple and green leaves

Grape ivy

Cissus rhombifolia

Leathery, serrated green leaves

Passion flower vine

Passiflora incarnata

Green leaves and beautiful purple flowers

FAQ

What are the easiest vining plants to grow indoors?

Most vining plants are suitable for beginner plant parents and those with a black thumb. Some of the easiest vining plants to grow indoors are pothos, heartleaf philodendron, string of hearts, and English ivy. These plants are forgiving and can adapt to low to bright indirect light and minimal watering.

Can vining plants grow in low light conditions?

Many vining plants can grow in low light conditions; however, they may grow more slowly and have less vibrant foliage than plants placed in a location with brighter, indirect light. Low-light vining plants include pothos, ZZ plants, spider plants, philodendrons, arrowhead plants, and peace lilies.

How do I support my vining plants as they grow?

Support vining plants by providing trellises, moss poles, hooks, and strings. Regularly guiding the vines can help shape the plant and encourage healthy growth. I love using decorative bamboo plant trellises to add aesthetic appeal while providing the necessary support my creepers and climbers need.

A detailed view of a succulent plant known as the Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra), characterized by its small, rounded, green leaves growing on reddish-brown stems. The leaves are dense and appear in clusters, forming a thick mat over the plant.

Elephant Bush - Photo by Denine

Vining Plant Wrap-Up

My vining plants are treasures, and whether they’re a common pothos variety or a rare string of pearls, I enjoy taking care of them and creating an environment that meets their needs. They return all my care and affection with beautiful displays of foliage and flowers, keeping me healthy with fresh air.

It’s quite a passion to help your vining plants reach their full potential with beautifully trained vines and unique supports. I especially love the vining supports from Floratrel, which are beautiful, won’t rot, and help keep vines growing as naturally and lushly as possible. Trellises are part of my indoor jungle design.

What’s your favorite part of owning extraordinary vining plants?

Page Author

Author

Denine Walters

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