If you’re like me, turning every nook of your home into a lush paradise is a lifelong mission. But when floor space is limited, climbing plants come right to your rescue. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless climbers and creepers across Delhi’s scorching summers, Bangalore’s drizzles, and Gurgaon’s…unpredictable weather. Let me share my top 10 picks—all hardy and perfect for Indian homes.
Moreover, I’ll let you in on a little secret, but for that, read till the very end!
Why Climbers and Creepers Deserve a Spot in Your Garden
Climbing plants add vertical drama to bland walls, create natural shade, and even camouflage fences. For urban gardeners battling space constraints, these plants are a blessing. Unlike fussy, exotic species, the climbers I’ll discuss grow just right in our climate, endure monsoon rains, and survive summer heatwaves with minimal care.
Top 10 Climbing Plants for Indian Gardens
Here’s my curated list of climbers and creepers that have passed the ultimate test: surviving my mom’s “water-only” care routine and still looking Instagram-worthy!
1. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is my go-to for year-round colour. These vigorous climbers produce papery bracts in vibrant pinks, oranges, and magentas. They’re ideal for covering fences or training over arches. Plant them in full sun and well-draining soil, as they will reward you with blooms even during Delhi’s peak summer. Prune after each flowering season to maintain shape. And bonus point - they are great privacy plants that can be used strategically to keep those pesky neighbours from peeking!
2. Madhumalti (Rangoon Creeper)
Madhumalti is a sensory delight. Its tubular flowers shift from white to pink to red as they mature, and their sweet fragrance intensifies after sunset. This fast-growing creeper thrives in humid regions like Bangalore but adapts well to North India’s winters just fine too. I train mine near my bedroom window.
3. Money Plant
No Indian home is complete without a money plant. Known scientifically as Epipremnum aureum, this climber is virtually indestructible. It grows in soil or water, tolerates low light, and removes indoor toxins. I’ve draped mine around my Bengaluru kitchen window using jute strings. For a unique twist, Urvann’s marble-variegated variety adds striking white-green patterns to your space.
4. Jasmine (Mogra)
Jasmine holds a special place in Indian traditions. Its tiny white flowers release an intoxicating scent at dusk, making it perfect for courtyards or balcony corners. Plant it in well-draining soil with morning sunlight. In colder regions like Punjab, protect the roots with mulch during winter. 
5. Passion Flower (Krishna Kamal)
With its intricate blue-white petals resembling divine symbols, the passion flower is a conversation starter. It thrives in humid climates like Kerala but can survive Delhi’s heat with afternoon shade. The plant also bears edible fruit! Urvann’s pruning tutorial helped me train mine into a heart-shaped bush—perfect for balcony focal points.
6. Betel Leaf (Paan)
Why not grow something useful? Betel leaf vines produce glossy, heart-shaped leaves used in traditional paan. They prefer indirect light and high humidity. In my Noida apartment, I grow them in hanging baskets from Urvann. The leaves can be harvested in 6–8 months and stay fresh for weeks.
7. Clitoria (Aparajita)
Aparajita’s vivid blue flowers are a visual treat and a healthy one, because they are used to make antioxidant-rich herbal tea. This creeper grows quickly in sandy loam soil and attracts pollinators like bees. Water it every alternate day for the best results. 
8. Cucumber & Bitter Gourd
Who said starting a kitchen garden requires a lot of space? Not us! Climbing vegetables are a smart way to maximise space. Train cucumber or bitter gourd vines on a sturdy trellis or wire mesh. They need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight and regular fertilization. 
9. Railway Creeper/Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea)
True to its name, the Railway Creeper races across walls and fences. Its heart-shaped leaves and purple trumpet flowers create a dense green curtain within months. To prevent overgrowth, ensure that you prune and trim the plant with care. 
10. Ampelopsis (Grape Ivy)
Ampelopsis is a beautiful rare climber that flourishes in winters and cold climates. Its serrated leaves turn crimson in cold weather, adding autumnal charm to dull walls. Urvann’s beautiful variety of Grape Ivy variant survives light frost, making it ideal for hill stations and cold weather. 
Why Choose Urvann
As a serial plant killer turned green thumb, I owe my success to Urvann. Here’s why it’s a rage across Indian cities:
- Climate-Adapted Plants: Our collection focuses on species suited to Indian weather. No more losing plants to unexpected monsoons or heatwaves.
- Next-Day Delivery: Ordered a Rangoon creeper on a Monday? It’ll be at your doorstep by Tuesday afternoon.
- Expert Guidance: Our round-the-clock support helps customers with any and all issues that they might have.
- Care Guide: With detailed videos on their YouTube and Instagram channels, Urvann’s socials are the perfect plantopedia guides. From plant specific care tips that are easy to execute by beginners to plant suggestions for one and all, you won’t need to go anywhere else to get the answers to your gardening queries.
Caring for Your Climbers: Pro Tips
- Soil is Key: Use Urvann’s universal potting mix for better drainage.
- Prepare for Monsoon: Elevate pots to avoid waterlogging.
- Training Tricks: Use soft cloth strips (old saree fabric works!) to tie stems to supports without damaging the plants.
Conclusion
After years of experimenting with climbing plants across India’s diverse climates, here is my list of the best climber plants that you can get your hands on quickly and easily.
The best part? You don’t need a green thumb to start. With hardy options like money plants that survive erratic watering or betel leaf vines that double as kitchen ingredients, India’s local climber plants are forgiving and fabulous. And when you’re ready to dive in, Urvann eliminates the guesswork as we bring to you curated climbers that arrive at your doorstep healthy and fresh!
I hope this was a fun read for you. If you’re overflowing with ideas, drop them below in the comments!
FAQs
1. What’s the best climbing plant for an Indian house?
The bougainvillea is a favourite in Indian households! It grows beautifully in full sun, handles heatwaves, and blooms year-round.
2. What’s the easiest indoor climbing plant to grow?
Money plant (Pothos) with a moss stick wins hands down as the easiest indoor climbing plant. It grows in soil or water, tolerates low light, and purifies air.
3. Which climbing plant grows the fastest?
Railway creeper or Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea) lives up to its name, as it can cover a 10-foot wall in just 3 to 4 months. Perfect for hiding that peeling paint or nosy neighbors!
4. Are there pet-friendly climbing plants?
Money plants and Aparajita (Clitoria) are safe for pets. After all, why can’t one be a pet parent and a plant parent?
5. Which flowering climber works for small spaces?
Madhumalti (Rangoon creeper) is fantastic for small, compact spaces! Its compact vines fit balcony railings, and the colour-changing flowers add drama. Urvann’s pre-potted options bloom instantly.
6. How do I protect climbers during monsoons?
Use Urvann’s ceramic pots with drainage holes for the best results. For heavy rain areas, mix cocopeat into the soil to prevent root rot. Additionally, make sure to snip excess foliage to improve airflow.
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