by WHICH CLIMBING PLANTS YOU SHOULD OPT FORThere are multiple options of climbing plants to choose from, they are easily available in the market However choosing the right kind of plant based on your preference, the area you want to decorate it in is importantMONEY PLANTOne of the most commonly used, easy to take care of climbing plants is the money plant Bhagyashree G an interior designer shares The plant is loved for its simplicity yet attractive looks One interesting part of it is that it suits any kind of garden setting, can grow even without direct sunlight You can grow it in a pot in a hanging basket as a climbing vine or even in something as simple as a bottle You dont necessarily need a soil base for it as you can also grow it in water Put in moderate light water it when the soil is a bit dry or when the water level decreases trim those vines when required, you are good to go Apart from decorative purpose it is also considered as a sign of good luckAPARAJITA BUTTERFLY PEA VINEThere are other plants such as Aparajita curtain plant, Bougainvillea which can also prove to be good additions to your house Talking about the same Nidhi A founder of a decor outlet shares Aparajita is like the superstar of climbing plants with its stunning blue flowers that steal the spotlight Its not just beautiful traditional medicine also says its good for your health Put it where it can get some sunlight but not too much It likes its soil to be just right not too wet or dry Aparajita is like the talk of the town or at least your home, its easy to take care ofBOUGAINVILLEAIf you want a burst of colour indoors go for Bougainvillea Its colourful bracts, tiny flowers create a tropical feel It loves the sun so give it lots of sunlight, dont forget to water it when its a bit thirsty Pruning is like giving it a spa day shaping it up for a beautiful display Bougainvillea brings a bit of the tropics to your living roomCURTAIN PLANT FISHBONE CACTUSImagine stems that look like hanging curtains thats the Curtain Plant Its a bit dramatic but in a good way Put it where it gets some bright indirect light, use a cactus mix Water it but dont drown it let the soil dry out The Curtain Plant turns your place into a mysterious, exotic hideawaySTAR JASMINEStar Jasmine is like the celebrity of climbing plants with starshaped flowers stealing the show It likes bright indirect light, welldraining soil Water it but dont overdo it let the topsoil dry out The sweet fragrance makes your place a floral haven says NidhiCLEMATISAtreyee Choudhury principal interior architect shares some more picturesque climbing plants, says Clematis is a common vine in Bengaluru It produces fragrant white blossoms in clusters Clematis is known as the queen of climbers mainly originated from China, Japan This carefree perennial has vining stems that will happily scramble up trellises over arbours, through other plants to create a tapestry The starlike flowers bloom mainly in white colour Clematis is a woody vine that generally prefers sunny locations with light welldrained soils having average moisture, woody climber Although the flowers are shortlived the secret to their beauty lies in the longlasting petallike violet calyces which persist even after the flowers have fallen It needs sun, good soil to be seen at its best It is best grown in a partly shaded position with fertile welldrained soil Great for growing along arches trellises over pergolas, fences in tropical, subtropical climatesHONEYSUCKLEThis vine produces aromatic flowers mostly in cream, red colour throughout the year Climbing honeysuckles have thin flexible stems that twine around supports Grow them up walls, fences or on a gazebo to scent the air near a seating area Climbing honeysuckles have twining stems they have clusters of trumpetlike blooms with colours ranging from creamywhite through yellow to red that are often sweetly scented The flowers are usually followed by clusters of glossy red berries perfect for birds paradise bringing in a sense of warmth allowing you to feel the beauty of the surroundings through these extrinsic flowers These beauties are not difficult to care for however they require regular shaping to tame themBLEEDING HEARTIt is a twining evergreen vine They have heartshaped pendant magenta or white flowers with spurs at the base, fernlike attractive foliage This is a spectacular plant when in blossom It will bloom in clusters most of the year given sufficient light, warmth but is most prolific in summer A prodigal marvel of this exotic creeper is a vigorous grower when provided with sufficient water, fertilizer It needs direct sun to bloom well The ornate flowers are delicate, require protection from strong winds says ChoudhuryThis biophilic approach to home decor is not just pleasing to the eyes but also improves the air quality, gives your home a healthy look Guide these vines well, make them grow in a direction that is more attractive as per your house Prime locations include near windows shelves or trained along walls or trellises They can serve multiple roles such as room dividers, aiding in air purification among others Regular watering, periodic maintenance will ensure healthy climbing plants, a fresh home says BhagyashreeTIPS FOR CARING FOR CLIMBING PLANTSLight Find the right spot bright for some softer for othersWatering Dont want too much water or too little Find the sweet spotSupport As climbers grow help them out with stakes or trellisesFertilisation Give them a bit of plant food during the growing season This will keep them healthy, ready to shine
Published in The Times of India (Online) (26.07.2024)