Living in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have a gorgeous garden – I promise!
When I started growing plants on my walls, my whole home changed. My kids love our “jungle walls,” and guests always ask how we did it.
Today I’m sharing my favorite plants that grow great on walls and don’t need much baby-sitting!
15 Best Plants for Vertical Gardens
1. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
I absolutely adore English ivy – it’s basically the superstar of vertical gardens! This easy-going plant creates a gorgeous green backdrop that makes any wall look like it belongs in a fairy tale.
It’s perfect if you’re busy like me since it thrives in partial to full shade and basically takes care of itself. As a bonus, it actually helps clean the air in your home!
2. Boston Fern
My bathroom went from boring to spa-like when I added Boston ferns to a hanging planter. Their soft, feathery fronds create the most beautiful waterfall effect.
These ferns love humidity, which makes them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Just give them indirect light, and they’ll reward you with lush, green growth.
3. Golden Pothos
If you’re new to plant parenting, golden pothos is your new best friend! Trust me, I managed to keep mine alive even during my sleep-deprived newborn days.
Its heart-shaped leaves trail beautifully down walls, and it somehow manages to stay alive even in the darkest corners of your home. It’s literally the “set it and forget it” of plants!
4. Philodendron
My first philodendron was a housewarming gift, and now I’m obsessed! These tropical beauties bring such a jungle vibe to any room.
They’re incredibly forgiving if you forget to water them (which happens more often than I’d like to admit with three kids running around). Whether your room is bright or dim, these plants just keep on thriving.
5. Stonecrop (Sedum)
When my sister told me about stonecrop, I couldn’t believe how perfect it was for my sun-drenched balcony wall. With its chubby, succulent-like leaves, it looks like living art!
I love that it doesn’t throw a fit during dry spells. With over 500 varieties available, you can create amazing patterns and color combinations.
6. Mint
Let me tell you about the best decision I made for my kitchen vertical garden – planting mint! Not only does it smell amazing, but it’s also always ready for my morning tea or weekend mojitos.
Fair warning though, mamas – this plant spreads like gossip at a PTA meeting! Keep it contained in its own planter, or it’ll try to take over everything.
7. Spider Plant
Spider plants hold a special place in my heart because they were my first successful plant babies. Those cute little “spiderettes” hanging down make any vertical space look magical.
My kids love watching the baby plants dangle, and I love how easy they are to maintain. Plus, they help clean the air – win-win!
8. Bird’s Nest Fern
Want to feel like you’re in a tropical resort? Add a bird’s nest fern to your vertical garden! These stunning plants have the most beautiful wavy fronds that add instant drama.
They’re perfect for that spot in your home that gets filtered light. I have mine near my reading nook, and it makes me feel like I’m relaxing in a fancy spa.
9. Clematis
If you’re dreaming of a vertical garden that looks straight out of a romantic movie, clematis is your answer! This flowering vine puts on the most spectacular show of blooms.
I planted mine along our fence, and now every spring, we get the most gorgeous purple and pink flowers. It’s like having our own secret garden!
10. Orchids
Now, don’t let orchids intimidate you – they’re not as high-maintenance as everyone thinks! My vertical orchid display always gets “oohs” and “aahs” from visitors.
These elegant bloomers don’t need deep pots, making them perfect for wall mounting. Just give them bright, indirect light and watch the compliments roll in.
11. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Looking for year-round color without the fuss? Heuchera is your plant! The leaves come in the most incredible colors – from deep purple to bright lime green.
I have several varieties in my outdoor vertical garden, and they look stunning even in winter. They’re like nature’s version of abstract art!
12. Sweet Potato Vine
The sweet potato vine in my vertical garden grows so fast, I swear you can almost watch it happening! Its bright or deep purple leaves create the most amazing cascading effect.
This is definitely one of those “big impact, little effort” plants that makes everyone think you’re a gardening genius.
13. Begonia
Begonias are my go-to when I want to add a pop of color to a shady spot. These cheerful plants bring such life to any vertical garden with their bright blooms and interesting foliage.
They’re perfect for busy moms because they don’t mind if you forget to water them occasionally. Plus, they bloom for months!
14. Morning Glory
My morning glory vines make me smile every single day. There’s something magical about watching new flowers open up each morning while I’m having my coffee.
These fast climbers can reach impressive heights, and with so many varieties available, you can create your own personal rainbow on a wall.
15. Treehouse Leek (Aeonium)
Last but definitely not least, treehouse leeks add such a cool, modern vibe to any vertical garden. Their rosette-shaped leaves look like living sculptures!
These water-wise plants are perfect if you tend to forget about watering (guilty as charged!). They bring a touch of desert chic to any space.