Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

climbing house plants

Bring a fresh sense of dimension and lush greenery into your home with climbing house plants. Not only do these versatile indoor plants add a touch of vibrant nature to any space, but their trailing and climbing habits can transform ordinary walls, bookshelves, or hanging baskets into living works of art. Whether you're seeking a dramatic focal point or want to soften sharp architectural lines, climbing house plants provide endless possibilities for creative indoor gardening.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Ficus pumila, commonly known as Creeping Fig or Climbing Ficus, is a vigorous, evergreen climber popular in New Zealand for covering walls, fences, and trellises. It features small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves that mature into larger, leathery foliage. Fast-growing and self-clinging, it can create dense, green coverage in sun or partial shade. Preferring well-drained soil and regular moisture, it thrives in sheltered sites and requires pruning to manage growth. Ideal for decorative and functional vertical greening.

Buy Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

From $18.83

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 4.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Screening, Walls

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the plant matures. This fast growing plant adds a lush, jungle like feel to indoor spaces and sheltered NZ gardens. Ideal for climbing supports or large containers, it offers bold foliage and strong visual impact.

Buy Rhaphidophora decursiva

From $52.58

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 40 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Tolerances: Shade

Garden uses: Arches, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical, White

Why Choose Climbing House Plants?

Climbing house plants are renowned for their ability to grow upwards or trail gracefully, making them ideal for compact apartments as well as spacious homes. They naturally use aerial roots or tendrils to anchor themselves, allowing you to guide their growth along trellises, moss poles, or surfaces. Popular varieties also help purify the air and, with the right care, thrive in many indoor environments. Climbing house plants are perfect for anyone wanting to create vertical gardens or add greenery without sacrificing floor space.

Best Climbing House Plants for New Zealand Homes

Not all climbing house plants are created equal—some offer sprawling foliage, others delicate vines, and a few blend impressive leaves with intriguing textures. Here are several outstanding choices:

Rhaphidophora decursiva: Known for its striking, split leaves and robust climbing habit, this tropical beauty adds a bold statement to any indoor setting. Train it up a moss pole or let it cascade from a shelf.
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig): This gentle yet persistent vine excels at covering vertical surfaces with small, heart-shaped foliage. It’s perfect for creating leafy green accents or dressing up bare walls.
Hydrangea petiolaris: While often grown outdoors, this climbing hydrangea can thrive inside with sufficient light, offering beautiful textured leaves and a unique climbing habit for larger indoor spaces.

Creative Ways to Use Climbing House Plants Indoors

Climbing house plants will reward you with endless options for styling and display. Guide vines up trellises or along wire in sunny spots, drape them from indoor hanging baskets, or use them to soften the edges of shelving units. When paired with a variety of pots and supports, these plants can become stunning living installations that change and grow over time.

For those enchanted by climbing blooms, consider adding Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing or Rose Cecil Brunner to your collection—while these classic climbing roses are traditionally outdoor plants, they can bring fragrant beauty to conservatories or sunny indoor patios when provided with ample light and proper air circulation.

Caring for Climbing House Plants

Most climbing house plants prefer indirect sunlight, regular watering, and humidity, making them well-suited for New Zealand homes. Always research each species’ specific needs, such as light levels and soil preferences, to ensure healthy, vigorous growth. Prune and train your climbers periodically to keep them shapely and prevent tangles.

Explore Your Climbing House Plants Journey

Ready to elevate your indoor garden with climbing house plants? Our nursery offers a selection of remarkable varieties, including Rhaphidophora decursiva, Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig), and Hydrangea petiolaris, that are perfect for any space and skill level. Let your creativity flourish and discover the limitless possibilities of trailing and climbing greenery in your home.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.