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How to Get Vines to Grow on a Wall?

Published in Vining Plant Training 5 mins read

Getting vines to gracefully adorn a wall can transform any space, adding natural beauty and a lush feel. While some vines are self-clinging, many require a little guidance to grow vertically and spread across a surface. The secret to effectively training these vines, especially for precise directional growth, lies in using simple yet highly effective tools like wall clips.

Utilizing Wall Clips for Guided Growth

Wall clips are an excellent solution for guiding vines precisely where you want them to grow on a wall, preventing them from sprawling haphazardly and encouraging a desired pattern.

What Are Wall Clips?

Wall clips are simple, adhesive tools designed specifically for training vining plants. They are typically small, with an adhesive backing that sticks securely to a wall. A small clip or loop extends from the base, designed to gently hold onto a vining stem without crushing it. Some designs even mimic natural elements, such as little green leaves, allowing them to blend seamlessly with your plant and wall decor.

How Wall Clips Train Vines

The functionality of wall clips is straightforward yet highly effective:

  • Adhesion: They securely stick to the wall surface, providing a stable anchor point.
  • Support: The clip or loop gently cradles the vine stem, offering the necessary support to keep it upright or guide it horizontally.
  • Directional Control: By strategically placing these clips, you can dictate the exact path your vine takes, whether you want it to climb straight up, trail along a border, or even create intricate patterns like spirals or geometric shapes. This method is particularly useful for indoor vines or delicate varieties that don't have strong natural clinging mechanisms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Wall Clips

To successfully get your vines growing on a wall using clips, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare the Wall Surface: Ensure the wall surface is clean, dry, and free of dust or grease. This will help the adhesive clips stick firmly.
  2. Plan Your Design: Visualize the path you want your vine to follow. Sketch it out lightly with a pencil if needed, especially for complex designs.
  3. Apply the Wall Clips:
    • Peel the protective backing from the adhesive side of the wall clip.
    • Press the clip firmly onto the desired spot on the wall. Hold it for a few seconds to ensure good adhesion.
    • Start at the base of your vine and work your way up, placing clips at regular intervals (e.g., every 6-12 inches, depending on the vine's growth habit and weight) along the intended path.
  4. Secure the Vine Stems:
    • Carefully take a vining stem and gently place it into the clip, securing it without bending or breaking the stem.
    • Repeat this process for all main stems you wish to guide.
  5. Ongoing Maintenance: As your vine grows, continue to add more clips to guide new growth. Periodically check existing clips to ensure they are still securely attached and not too tight on the stems. Prune any errant growth to maintain your desired shape.

Other Effective Methods for Wall Vines

While wall clips are excellent for guiding growth, especially for non-clinging vines or indoor training, other methods are suitable depending on the vine type and the wall material.

Self-Clinging Vines

Some vines possess natural mechanisms to cling directly to surfaces. These include:

  • Aerial Roots: Vines like English Ivy (Hedera helix) and Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila) produce small aerial roots that secrete a sticky substance, allowing them to adhere directly to rough surfaces like brick, stone, or stucco.
  • Adhesive Disks: Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) use tendrils that end in small, sticky pads to attach themselves.

These types of vines require minimal initial training but can sometimes damage painted or delicate surfaces due to their strong adhesion.

Support Structures

For vines that climb by twining (wrapping around a support) or using tendrils (coiling around thin objects), providing a structure for them to grasp is essential.

  • Trellises: These can be made of wood, metal, or plastic and are mounted directly onto the wall. They provide a grid or lattice for vines like clematis, climbing roses, or morning glories to twine around.
  • Wires or Mesh: Running horizontal or vertical wires or a fine mesh across a wall can create an invisible support system for delicate twining vines. These are often held in place by small hooks or eye bolts.
  • Netting: Similar to mesh, horticultural netting can provide an extensive climbing surface for many types of vines.

Choosing the Right Vine and Ongoing Care

Selecting the appropriate vine is crucial for success. Consider factors like your local climate, the amount of sunlight the wall receives, and the vine's natural growth habit. Some vines are vigorous growers and may require frequent pruning to keep them in check, while others grow more slowly.

Regular maintenance, including strategic pruning, is vital to ensure your vine remains healthy and adheres to its intended design. Monitor the wall for any signs of moisture retention or damage, especially with very dense growth, and adjust your training or pruning methods as needed.