Easy Climbers for Indoor Trellises

Climbing plants can make attractive additions to indoor container arrangements. They can be used to add height to displays, create screens to divide rooms or hide unsightly vistas and they can be used to frame doorways and entries. Consider using one of these easy climbers to add dimension to your indoor landscapes.

Oak Leaf Ivy

Oak leaf ivy is one of several species in the Cissus genus. Many of these varieties are also referred to as grape ivy. Oak leaf ivy has unique deeply lobed leaves that give them the appearance of oak leaves. The leaves are green but can be tinged slightly red with reddish stems. The tendrils curl easily up trellises and the full leaves make an attractive foliage display.

Oak leaf ivy likes moderate sunlight, even temperatures and evenly moist soil. Don’t let the plant stay too soggy. If it begins to drop leaves, you know you are watering too much.

Heart Leaf Philodendron

This plant is easy to care for and will quickly climb and fill a trellis. Its attractive heart shaped leaves will provide lush foliage for your space. In addition to its attractive foliage, this plant also has the advantage of naturally removing toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde from the air.

Its most persistent care need is pruning. Trimming it back regularly will help it stay full and healthy. The plant does not require much light. Too much light can burn the sensitive leaves. If the plant becomes gangly or the foliage too small, it is not getting enough light and you can expose it to a bit more.

The heart leaf philodendron will also let you know if you are watering enough. Yellow leaves indicate it is being overwatered and brown leaves are a sign of not enough water.

This plant can be toxic when eaten, so use it with care around children and pets.

English Ivy

English ivy is a common climber that is very attractive. There are many different varieties, some of which have beautiful white or cream variegation. This plant will climb as high as it is allowed and can be easily trained to climb a trellis. One advantage of growing English ivy indoors is that is does very well under florescent lights. It likes plenty of moderate light, but direct light can scorch the leaves. This plant also prefers the cooler temperatures that are often found in office complexes.

One challenge to keeping English ivy healthy is providing enough humidity. It prefers a moist environment and will benefit from a regular misting. You can also place a tray with pebbles and a few inches of water nearby to add moisture to the air around the plant.

This plant can be pruned back anytime, but wear gloves because the leaves can cause a mild skin irritation.

Algerian Ivy

Algerian Ivy is a unique alternative to English Ivy. It has shiny, dark green leaves with lighter colored prominent veins. The leaves are heart shaped with three to five lobes. The plant has brownish red stems.

It will climb vigorously even in low light. It prefers a well draining potting medium. Regular potting mix with a bit of perlite mixed in will work well. Algerian ivy likes plenty of moisture, but do not let it become very soggy.

An article from Globerove suggests that Algerian ivy grown indoors should be fertilized every two weeks. It can pruned back to maintain shape and encourage fuller growth. However, always wear gloves when handling this plant because, like English ivy it is slightly toxic and can cause skin irritation. Because of its toxicity this plant should not be used where children and pets are present.

Easy Additions to Indoor Arrangements

These plants have relatively few care needs and are adapted to grow easily indoors. Use them to add height and bright, full foliage to your indoor landscapes. What are your favorite climbers to use indoors?