Updated: July 23, 2025

Incorporating greenery into interior spaces has become a defining trend in modern home design. Among various types of indoor plants, climbing plants stand out for their ability to add vertical interest, texture, and a touch of nature’s elegance to any room. Whether you have limited floor space or want to create a dramatic green feature wall, indoor climbers are versatile and visually appealing solutions that thrive inside contemporary homes.

This article explores some of the best indoor climbing plants that not only complement modern interiors but also bring health benefits, air purification, and a calming presence to your living space.

Why Choose Indoor Climbing Plants?

Indoor climbing plants are ideal for modern interiors for several reasons:

  • Space Efficiency: They grow vertically, making them perfect for small apartments or rooms with limited floor area.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Their trailing vines and lush foliage add dynamic shapes and softness against sleek furniture or minimalist décor.
  • Air Quality: Many climbers help purify indoor air by filtering toxins.
  • Mood Booster: The presence of greenery indoors can reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing.
  • Versatility: They can be trained on trellises, shelves, walls, or hanging baskets to suit your design preferences.

Now, let’s dive into the top indoor climbing plants that will thrive in modern interiors and enhance your home environment.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Overview

Pothos is arguably the most popular indoor climbing plant due to its hardiness and adaptability. It features heart-shaped leaves in vibrant shades of green, often variegated with yellow or white.

Care Requirements

  • Light: Thrives in low to bright indirect light.
  • Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Temperature: Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C).
  • Humidity: Tolerant of normal household humidity levels.

Why It Works for Modern Interiors

Pothos vines can be draped elegantly over shelves or trained along wall-mounted trellises. Its glossy leaves contrast beautifully with minimalistic furniture and monochrome color schemes. Plus, its low maintenance makes it perfect for busy urban dwellers.

2. Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Overview

Philodendrons have striking heart-shaped leaves similar to pothos but typically feature a deeper green coloration. They are vigorous climbers that create lush vertical displays.

Care Requirements

  • Light: Bright indirect light is ideal but tolerates lower light.
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
  • Temperature: Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C).
  • Humidity: Appreciates higher humidity but adapts well indoors.

Why It Works for Modern Interiors

Philodendrons offer a sophisticated leafy look that softens industrial elements like concrete and metal. Their trailing vines add dimension without overwhelming a clean-lined space.

3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Overview

English Ivy is a classic climber with small, pointed leaves and a fast-growing habit. It can form graceful cascades or climb walls with support.

Care Requirements

  • Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sun.
  • Water: Keep soil evenly moist.
  • Temperature: Prefers cooler temperatures around 50–70°F (10–21°C).
  • Humidity: Enjoys humid environments; mist regularly if air is dry.

Why It Works for Modern Interiors

English ivy brings an elegant, almost vintage charm that complements both modern and transitional styles. It’s commonly used to frame windows or accentuate architectural details indoors.

4. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

Overview

The String of Hearts is a delicate-looking vine with tiny heart-shaped leaves that trail gracefully from hanging baskets or planters.

Care Requirements

  • Light: Bright indirect light preferred.
  • Water: Allow soil to dry out between watering.
  • Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures between 60–80°F (15–27°C).
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity; avoid overly damp conditions.

Why It Works for Modern Interiors

This plant’s fine, trailing vines provide an airy contrast against bold furniture and geometric décor elements common in modern interiors. Its unique leaf pattern adds visual interest without overwhelming the design scheme.

5. Hoya (Hoya carnosa)

Overview

Hoya, also known as Wax Plant, features thick, waxy leaves and produces fragrant star-shaped flowers when mature. It’s a slow-growing climber known for its durability.

Care Requirements

  • Light: Bright indirect light.
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
  • Temperature: Prefers 60–85°F (16–29°C).
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity preferred.

Why It Works for Modern Interiors

Hoya’s glossy foliage adds shine and texture ideal for contemporary spaces. When blooming, its flowers introduce subtle natural beauty without cluttering minimalist setups.

6. Monstera adansonii

Overview

Monstera adansonii is distinguished by its unique perforated leaves and vining habit. Sometimes called the Swiss Cheese Vine, it’s an eye-catching plant favored by interior designers.

Care Requirements

  • Light: Prefers bright indirect light.
  • Water: Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
  • Temperature: Thrives between 65–80°F (18–27°C).
  • Humidity: High humidity enhances growth and leaf quality.

Why It Works for Modern Interiors

The architectural leaf pattern adds an exotic flair to minimalist rooms. Monstera adansonii climbs beautifully up stakes or walls—ideal for creative green statements in urban homes.

7. Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)

Overview

Indoor jasmine varieties offer fragrant white flowers alongside slender climbing vines. They make excellent statement plants with sensory appeal.

Care Requirements

  • Light: Bright light required; tolerates some direct sun.
  • Water: Water regularly during growing season; reduce in winter.
  • Temperature: Prefers cooler nights around 50–60°F (10–15°C).
  • Humidity: Likes moderate humidity levels.

Why It Works for Modern Interiors

Jasmine’s delicate blooms introduce a fresh scent element to interiors—a luxurious addition to sleek living areas or bedrooms seeking natural fragrance without artificial sprays.

Tips for Displaying Indoor Climbing Plants in Modern Interiors

  1. Use Vertical Supports Creatively
    Employ minimalist trellises, slim poles, wires, or wall-mounted hooks to encourage neat upward growth without cluttering spaces.

  2. Combine With Contemporary Containers
    Choose planters made of concrete, ceramic with matte finishes, or metal stands that complement your interior style seamlessly.

  3. Incorporate Lighting Thoughtfully
    Position climbers near windows with filtered sunlight or use grow lights integrated into shelving units to maintain healthy growth year-round.

  4. Prune Regularly
    Maintain shape and prevent overgrowth by trimming vines thoughtfully—this preserves clean lines desired in modern aesthetics.

  5. Mix Textures
    Combine climbers with other plant forms like succulents or large-leaf tropicals for layered visual interest within minimalist designs.

Conclusion

Indoor climbing plants are remarkable assets for modern interiors—they combine natural beauty with practical benefits while fitting perfectly into sleek urban lifestyles. Plants like pothos, philodendron, English ivy, and string of hearts bring life to walls and shelves without demanding extensive care routines.

When selecting your indoor climbers, consider lighting conditions and maintenance needs alongside your design goals to create harmonious green spaces that elevate both style and wellbeing at home. By integrating these versatile plants thoughtfully, you can transform ordinary rooms into refreshing sanctuaries that celebrate nature’s elegance in contemporary living environments.