Wall Creeper Plants | Creeper Plant on Wall
Introduction to Wall Creeper Plants
Wall creepers, scientifically termed as Ficus pumila, are interesting plants that belong to the Moraceae family. Known as Creeping Fig or Wall Creeper, these semi-evergreen perennial vines are well-known for their capability of growing dense green foliage whenever it is placed on vertical structures such as walls. Growth patterns and ornamental value of these plants make them popular among gardeners and landscapers. This article looks at the wall creeper plants, their features, how to grow them, the benefits they provide, and wall creeper plant care in detail.
Characteristics of Wall Creeper Plants
Growth Habit
Like other vines, wall creepers have a creeping or vining type of growth. They extend along the surface of the substrate horizontally or grow vertically against support walls through the nodal roots as suckers which aids in the attachment to the substrates and covers naked walls, fences, and other structures with small attractive green leaves. As a vine type of plant, it can grow as tall as 15 meters if conditions allow making it suitable for living walls or green facades.
Leaf Structure
The leaf structure of the wall creeper comprises small, heart shaped and glossy leaves that are relatively small in size. Off these leaves, an average wall creeper can produce leaves that have a length of 2 to 5 centimeters. The “wall creeper” houses a thick green cover which adds onto the aesthetic beauty of this wall climbing plant allowing it to become more pleasing while being incorporated in any garden. Furthermore the wall creeper shed off their leaves in winter whilst retaining their colors. This action classifies them into the evergreen bracket meaning that they are operational for the entire year.
Flowering
Even though Wall creepers are much more famed for their foliage, flowers tend to grow if the conditions are suited for them, but flowering isn’t the selling point for the wall creeper. There are a few certain flowering bushes on this plant, however due to their size, they are overlooked as they contribute little in terms of the wall creepers ornamental benefits.
How to Grow Wall Creepers?
Wall creepers, also known as climbing plants, have their specific requirements for planting, so let’s take one step at a time for the better and effective covering of the desired area they are supposed to grow on.
Preparatory Stage
1. Pick an Appropriate Site:
- When choosing a location for the climber, opt for a wall or a fence that gets enough sunlight depending on the particular type of climber to be planted. It is observed that most climbers thrive in full sun or some can do with partial shade.
- Make sure that the place has a decent drainage system and growth of nearby trees or shrubs does not have any root competition with the selected area.
Image Credit: Pexels, Lum3n
2. Gather all Necessary Items Needed for the Task:
- Supporting structures for the plant (Trellis, wires or bamboo canes).
- Spade specially designed for gardening purposes.
- Organic matter (for example compost or manure that has rotted well).
- Fertilizer that is slow to dissolve.
- A watering can or even a hose will do just fine.
Steps For Planting:
3. Digging the Holes for Planting:
- The hole that is to be excavated, should measure approximately 2 times the width and 1.5 the depth of the climber’s root ball. In doing so, better growth and expansion of roots becomes possible.
- If the hole is put away from the wall/ fence distanced approximately 30-45 cm (1-1.5 ft), the quality of soil will not be compromised and also rain water will be able to reach the roots directly.
4. Prepare the Soil:
- Add more nutrients and improve the fertility of the soil by adding organic material to the dug soil.
- If it is heavy clay, break the sides and bottom of the hole using a fork in order to help the drainage.
5. Ensure Correct Depth of Plantation:
- Prior to placing the climber in a hole, remove the congestion at the roots to ensure the new roots grow outwards.
- Now place the plant in the hole to again evaluate its placement. Most plants require and are placed at neutral levels without any specifications of upwards or downwards. However, mollis clematis is intended to be placed approximately 6-15 cm (2.5-6 in) below the neutral clay surface in order to prevent any future infections or diseases on the plant.
6. Filling and Positioning Climbers:
- With this being completed, the climber is then placed within the hole at the angle of 45 degrees in the direction where the supporting structure is located.
- The already mixed soil is then added into the hole while slightly compacting the mixture with the palm in order to remove air gaps within the soil.
7. Water the Plant:
- In conclusion, post the planting, an abundant amount of water has to be offered to ensure that the soil within the mixture and around the roots is dampened.
What Needs to be Done After the Planting (Post Planting Care)?
8. Covering the Base of the Plant:
- At last, cover the stem of the young plant with mulch roughly around 5-8 cm or 2-3 inches to keep maintaining moisture and to prevent weeds from forming.
9. Providing Supports:
- If the trellis or wires will be used, they should be put just before or immediately after planting. They should be put in place adequately for your climber to attach to them without any difficulties.
10. First Training:
- When the climber becomes large enough to overgrow the support, use soft ties or twine to gently attach the climber to the support. This is necessary especially during the flowering season. Also, make sure that new growth is twisted in an upward direction to minimize tangling.
Image Credit: Pexels, Mathias Reding
Ongoing Maintenance
- Watering: To Maintain moist soil, watering should be done at regular intervals during dry conditions, and requirement of such watering is relatively high in the first season of growth.
- Fertilizing: Fertilizers of slow-releasing characteristics should be mixed with soil at the time of planting, then for plant growth pole fertilization systems should be used periodically against requirements for different types of plants.
- Pruning: Make sure to prune the growth of your climber on a yearly basis in order for new healthy ones to grow back and also to control the overall physical attributes of the plant.
Take these procedures into account and you will manage to plant the wall creepers in a way that will enhance the pleasantness of your greenhouse in the future.
Compound wall creeper planting Vs Normal fence planting
The planting of wall creepers on a compound wall has its techniques and considerations that are strikingly different from that of a standard fence, as the techniques differ for the two. Below is a detailed comparison and guide on each of the techniques.
Factors which differ between a Compound Wall and Normal Fence Planting
1. System and Strength
Compound wall: Usually constructed of bricks or other strong materials, they form a reliable backing for the growth of climbing plants. Their strength may not allow for rather fleshy climbers that require much support.
Normal fence: Consists of wood or less solid materials that may not allow climbers which are too weighty without extras that reinforce them and this might call for the use of trellises or wires.
2. Feeder distance
Compound Wall: It is recommended that climbers be kept at a distance of atleast 30-45 cm (1-1.5 ft) from the wall in order to provide space for root expansion while also protecting the wall from moisture, since this results in rot.
Normal fence: Same spacing is not entirely rule-of-thumb; however in some cases, one may use other types of fences to drain and enhance a plant stand.
3. Support Systems
Compound Wall: Supports like horizontal wires or trellises are generally fixed about 5 cm (2 inched) off the wall to allow free flow of air and free possible collection of moisture on the wall13. The lowest of the wires should be about 30 cm (1 ft) above the ground level.
Normal Fence: In some cases, the type of the walls determines the strength and the most effective means of placement of the support fence, while other cases the support fence is incorporated into the design of the wall itself. For example, wooden trellises can be mounted directly onto the fence.
4. Sunlight Exposure
Compound Wall: The orientation of any wall whether North South East or West clearly decides the amount of sunlight exposure to the wall. Climbers that prefer more light will probably not do well on the sub-climatic North as its walls receive little sunshine and are pretty cold1.
Normal Fence: Also, orientation of the fence is of importance; however, more often than not the height of the plants does not reach that of the height of the fence for plants to create a shade over the fence which has a bearing on the amount of sunlight that can reach the plants.
5. Soil Preparation
Both varieties demand that the soil should be well-drained and enriched with organic matter but additionally for compound walls, ensure all water collects before the structure
Advantages of Wall Creeper Plants
1. Aesthetic Benefits
One of the most important aspects about wall creepers is their most exceptional feature, which is to add beauty to the outdoor space. They provide a green cover for even dull walls which can now serve as vertical living walls. These plants when used in residential buildings, fences or any structures within the gardens provide a lot of beauty and character.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Sydchrismom
2. Environmental Benefits
There are various environmental advantages that can be attributed to wall creepers. These include:
- Improved Air Quality: These plants help in improving air quality as they take in carbon dioxide and during the process of photosynthesis, they release oxygen in the air.
- Temperature Regulation: In summer and winter, the dense leaves assist in insulating the buildings making the interior cooler and warmer respectively.
- Wildlife Habitat: Many species of birds and beneficial insects depend on wall creepers for shelters and food.
3. Low Maintenance
Wall creepers however require minimum care to tend to once they have been fully grown and established. There is less need for pruning and caring than some other climbing plants. As a result, they are great plants for gardeners who are busy or are gardening for the first time.
Caring For the Wall Creeper Plants
Watering Requirements
Before getting established, wall creepers generally prefer moist soil and can cope with dry conditions for some time. However, they should not be thoroughly watered since such conditions are conducive to root rot. Depending on climatic circumstances, the water requirement is likely to vary so for hotter periods during summer, it is appropriate to water them more frequently.
Pruning Practices
To save wall creepers from losing their shape and getting too tangled, regular pruning is required. *
- When: Wall creepers should be pruned towards the end of winter or in march as the signs of growth start to emerge.
- How: Remove dead or weakened stems and a lot of extra, trimming back overgrown areas will also help in making it bushier.
Control Of Pests Infestation
Being this way stated, wall creepers are more resistant to pests getting’s red infestation nipping their growth enhancing them, however, in cases they may attract aphids or spider mites:
- Prevention: Along with understanding how frequently to water the wall creeper plants, also check the plants regularly for any signs of pests.
- Treatment: If pest infestation is observed, wash them off with spray insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Money plant wall creeper
Commonly known as a money plant which is of Epipremnum aureum species, it is a popular wall creeper as it can withstand a variety of conditions making it suitable for indoor or outdoor vertical gardening. Money plant is a climber in contrast to other creepers which grow parallel to the land as it has very weak stems which can’t grow erect without some sort of aid in this case walls or trellises.
This hardy plant can withstand different light conditions and is often utilized to enhance areas by providing rich green walls and it also has the ability to purify the air therefore it can be used in closed areas. The growing popularity of this particular wall creeper is enhanced by its low maintenance needs and adaptability to varying temperature ranges.
Best Wall Creeper Plants | Best Creeper Plants for Walls
Best creepers plants in India for outside walls
Here’s a list of some of the best creeper plants ideal for walls and vertical gardens in India:
- Bougainvillea – There are many pink, orange and white bracts covering her fast growing climber. She will be the first source of color in walls.
- Madhu Malti (Rangoon Creeper) – This is a fast growing plant and its clusters of pink and white flowers make it relevant to quickly cover spaces.
- Devil’s Ivy (Money Plant) – This is a stout climber with heart-shaped leaves. It is excellent for putting both indoors and outdoors as it grows well in varieties of places.
- Orange Trumpet Vine – This is a vigorous climber that bears trumpet shaped flowers of bright orange which are attractive to the pollinators giving a feel of tropical.
- Passion Flower – This plant is known for its flowers which have irregular shapes and complex structure, but they are dangerously beautiful when put on walls. It can also yield fruit that is edible.
- Mandevilla – It is another climber that has large sized flowers in different colors and is ideal for planting on the walls for the beautiful sight and color splashes.
- Krishna Kamal (Passion Flower) – Though it is a variety of the normal passion flower but the flowers that it has is comparatively more beautiful giving a sense of tropical appeal.
- Climbing Rose – Having Climbing Rose is a no brainer if one wants a wall or fencing covered with a flowering vine vertical gardens are usually the best option for people because with it’s hard work they won’t have to smell the roses any longer.
- Morning Glory – For this plant, it takes only a small amount of time to grow some very big colorful trumpet like flowers which further give liberal pops of colors to your garden.
- Curtain Creeper – For the common people, the name is obvious that it has an ability to decorate in itself but more importantly, if it grows on walls it will surely form an eye-catching green outdoor curtain.
These creepers beautify the outdoor walls of Indian gardens, maintaining them is also very easy, so they are ideal for use as borders to outdoor walls.
Common Uses Of Wall Creeper Plants
Vertical Gardening
Wall creepers are perfect for vertical gardening owing to the fact that these are climbing plants. They can be used on trellises or let loose to cover walls and enhance beauty vertically, which saves space and enhances the green cover in the space.
Image Credit: Pickpik.com
Privacy Screens
Homeowners can effectively design their landscape and enhance their exterior while also obstructing the view of their neighbors by growing wall creepers along fences.
Erosion Control
Due to their wide root, wall creepers are able to prevent soil erosion which also makes them ideal for growing on steeps and embankments where erosion is a threat.
Must Read,
✔️ How to Add Minerals to RO Water?
✔️ Cocoa Mass: A Key Ingredient in Chocolate Making
Conclusion
To sum up, Ficus pumila, or wall creeper, have various roles and ornamental purposes and are easy to maintain, thus making them an asset worth having in any style of gardening. As with most plants, they do not require much maintenance and are great for light weeding, decoration and are beneficial to the environment. If you wish to beautify the exterior of your home or wish to create a natural screen that blocks view from the outside, wall creepers are a great choice and get the job done.
With the right care, don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful wall creeper plants that you can use to enhance your outdoor scenery throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best types of wall creepers for beginners?
In terms of wall creepers, newbies may consider Bougainvillea, which is easy to grow and tends to produce flowers in vivid colors; Ivy, which grows by itself and doesn’t require many care and support; and Madhu Malti (Rangoon Creeper), which is attractive as well as fast-growing. Other easier options in taking care of wall creepers are Virginia Creeper and Clematis, both of which are managed easily providing the wall with lush green leaves and beautiful flowers.
How do I train wall creepers to grow upwards?
In order to help wall creepers grow upward, you must first fasten a support such as a trellis or wires to the wall as a starting point. As the plants’ tendrils start reaching the support, use a soft tie or twine to gently fasten the stems without causing any damage to them. Monitor the new growth regularly and continue to do so until they reach the support and then gradually tie them there as necessary while allowing sufficient space for the plant to stretch.
What kind of soil is best for planting wall creepers?
For wall creepers, the best type of soil is the one that has a good mix of organics solid and which allows for good drainage. A mix of garden soil and compost with, sand is able to do the trick while also ensuring very fast drain. This particular combination prevents the soil from becoming water clogged which is very important for climbing plants.
How often should I water newly planted wall creepers?
Wall creepers that have recently been installed should be watered on a regular basis to keep the ground moist but not too wet. Depending on the temperature or level of humidity, water them thoroughly once or twice per week and during hot or dry periods a little more often. If the top layer of soil is dry, it is time to water the wall creepers.
What are common mistakes to avoid when planting wall creepers?
Some of the common mistakes to be avoided while planting wall creepers include overcrowding, a tendency to plant them too close to the wall, which may limit the nourishment of the roots as well as drainage; rot caused by excessive moisture, and not providing enough anchors to the climbing plants. There are other factors to consider such as spacing between plants for better access to light and air because if they are too close to one another they will not fully grow.
Finally, verify the ideal planting location according to the amount of sunlight as unsuitable conditions will impede greenness and flower growth.
What are the best supports to use for wall creepers?
When planting wall climbers, the following big stakes, twisted wires, and bamboo poles should be set up as primary supports. Climbers of various kinds can attach themselves to the built structure that trellises provide, while horizontal wires placed against the wall provide a degree of flexibility for the vines. Strong wall supports are essential for robust climbers such as roses or wisteria. Fastening several pads or buffers aids the plants and also tends to be more pleasing to the eye.
Can wall creepers thrive in shaded areas?
In their natural habitat, wall creepers appear to tolerate some level of shading within the canopy but their ability to do so is competitive plant species dependent. Most of the climbers such as Ivy and Virginia Creeper grow well in the shade. They can be quite vigorous. However, shade tolerant types might not succeed or bloom if too much shade is provided. When selecting climbers for continuous growth in poorly vertically wrapped spaces, it is best to choose varieties with more shade tolerance.
How can I create a beautiful green wall using money plants?
Using the money plants (Epipremnum aureum) to create a green wall entails putting up a first round frame or making an additional support on the wall. Next, in the mass of this or other frame, as the lower fence, space money plants with each other far enough.
In subsequent growth, as they stretch out the stem, tie them with soft ties or twine to the support frame. Any cuts that could be many will be done to the overgrown ones that grow horizontally so that the rest would grow vertically and neatly as possible. Water your money plants wall improvise regularly and fertilize them once in a while and your money plants will grow a nice vertical green wall.
What are the benefits of growing money plants indoors?
Money plants are some of the commonest houseplants for good reason. Indoor Money plants provide several advantages, including improving air quality, reducing stress, and beautifying a room. Decoratively enhancing a room is positive energy with good luck since the best place to plant them in the house according to Vastu is the South-East corner of a room.
Plants like Money plants are also popular because they require little effort, and make any space feel better with their dense green leaves and adding to a person’s general well being. Money plants also have the added benefit of being attractive to look at as they go a long way in cleaning indoor air from pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene chemicals which creates a cleaner indoor atmosphere.
How do I prune money plants to keep them bushy?
Regular pruning is required to maintain the bushy appearance of money plants. When pruning, avoid cutting all the branches simultaneously but cutting the branches about one-third to encourage growth in new sections of the plant. This technique is particularly beneficial for some areas of the plant that may have become too leggy or overgrown because it promotes a denser appearance. These leaves will diminish air circulation while limiting the plant’s health, thus it is useful to remove them as well. Most importantly, pruning is best done during spring and summer as it allows the plant to recover rapidly and develop new growth.
Can money plants survive in low-light conditions?
Since money plants do best in low-light situations, they are perfect to grow indoors. They are flexible to survive indirect sunlight but even through such, growth is quite sluggish. Hence to make certain that they grow well, position them by the windows so they can be filtered through glass otherwise they need to be placed in brightly lit rooms. They do not mind being in the dark for long periods of time but they do appreciate light as it can enhance their foliage color and overall vitality.
What are some creative ways to display money plants in my home?
To create a green wall with money plants, you need to set up a trellis or a wall mounted planter first. Then, plant a few money plants at the bottom of the trellis or in the pockets on the wall. Start training the vines to crawl up the structure as it grows. The ropes used to tie them should be loose enough to hold them and sturdy enough to not destroy the stem. The tips can be cut to ensure new, fresh growth and a fuller look. Different kinds can also be used in order to make a money plant vertical garden, which would serve as wonderful decor in your house.
