I’ve always been fascinated by the magical blend of nature and architecture that tree houses represent. Adding plants to these elevated sanctuaries creates an even more enchanting escape that feels like a secret garden in the sky.
From my experience designing tree house interiors, I’ve discovered that choosing the right plants isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a sustainable environment that can thrive in unique conditions. Whether you’re dealing with filtered sunlight through tree canopies or adapting to varying humidity levels, selecting plants that complement your tree house requires careful consideration of several factors.
Key Takeaways
- Tree house plants require special adaptations to thrive in elevated environments with filtered light, varying temperatures, and unique growing conditions.
- Popular plant choices include low-maintenance options like Pothos, Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, and Air Plants, which adapt well to tree house conditions.
- Proper container selection and support systems are crucial – use lightweight pots with drainage holes and ensure adequate structural support for plant weight.
- Climbing plants like Morning Glory, English Ivy, and Star Jasmine can transform tree houses into natural sanctuaries while providing privacy and shade.
- Safety considerations are essential: ensure proper structural support (40-50 lbs/sq ft), install adequate drainage systems, and use protective railings (minimum 36 inches).
- Regular monitoring of water needs and temperature conditions (60-80°F optimal range) helps maintain healthy plant growth in tree house environments.
What Are Tree House Plants
Tree house plants are specially adapted species that thrive in elevated outdoor living spaces with filtered light, variable temperatures, and unique growing conditions. These plants combine aesthetics with practical attributes suited for tree house environments.
Popular Tree House Plant Species
I’ve identified these resilient plant species as top performers in tree house settings:
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Cascading vines that adapt to varying light conditions
- Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) – Air-purifying hanging plants with arching foliage
- Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) – Humidity-loving plants with feathery fronds
- Air Plants (Tillandsia) – Soil-free plants that attach directly to wood surfaces
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) – Drought-tolerant succulent with trailing stems
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – Low-light tolerant plants with patterned leaves
- English Ivy (Hedera helix) – Climbing vines that create natural privacy screens
- Light Exposure
- Morning sun or dappled shade
- Protection from harsh afternoon rays
- Temperature Range
- 60-80°F (15-27°C)
- Protection from extreme temperature fluctuations
- Watering Schedule
- Weekly watering during growing season
- Reduced frequency in winter months
- Container Selection
- Lightweight plastic or fabric pots
- Proper drainage holes
- Support Systems
- Trellises for climbing varieties
- Hanging baskets for trailing plants
| Plant Care Factor | Minimum Requirement | Optimal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Light Level | 100 foot-candles | 200-400 fc |
| Humidity | 40% | 50-70% |
| Soil pH | 6.0 | 6.0-7.0 |
| Fertilizer (NPK) | 5-5-5 | 10-10-10 |
Best Climbing Plants for Tree Houses
Climbing plants transform tree houses into enchanted forest dwellings by creating natural living walls that blend with the surrounding canopy. I’ve identified the most resilient climbing varieties that excel in elevated outdoor spaces.
Flowering Vines
The top flowering vines for tree houses offer vibrant blooms with strong climbing abilities:
- Morning Glory: Produces trumpet-shaped blue flowers that bloom at sunrise
- Clematis: Features large purple star-shaped blooms from spring through fall
- Climbing Roses: Develops clusters of fragrant flowers in pink red or white shades
- Honeysuckle: Creates sweet-scented yellow orange blossoms that attract hummingbirds
- Jasmine: Displays white aromatic flowers perfect for evening enjoyment
- Wisteria: Forms cascading purple flower clusters in spring
- English Ivy: Maintains dense green foliage in temperatures from 45-80°F
- Chinese Virginia Creeper: Creates a thick wall of leaves that turn red in fall
- Star Jasmine: Produces glossy leaves with white flowers in summer
- Climbing Hydrangea: Develops strong aerial roots with white lacecap blooms
- Boston Ivy: Forms a solid green covering that requires minimal maintenance
| Climber Type | Growth Rate per Year | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Glory | 10-12 feet | 15 feet |
| English Ivy | 6-8 feet | 50+ feet |
| Wisteria | 15-20 feet | 30 feet |
| Climbing Hydrangea | 3-5 feet | 60+ feet |
| Star Jasmine | 3-6 feet | 20 feet |
Low-Maintenance Tree House Plant Options
My experience with tree house landscaping reveals that selecting low-maintenance plants reduces the time spent on upkeep while maintaining a lush environment. These plants adapt easily to elevated environments with minimal care requirements.
Shade-Tolerant Varieties
I’ve found several shade-tolerant plants that excel in tree house settings with filtered light conditions:
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Survives in deep shade with growth up to 24 inches
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Tolerates low light environments with 3-foot maximum height
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Adapts to varying light levels with 8 different popular varieties
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Thrives in indirect light producing white blooms every 6 weeks
- Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa): Creates cascading effects with 12-inch foliage spread
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Stores water in thick leaves lasting 14-21 days between waterings
- Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus): Survives 30+ days without water in proper drainage conditions
- String of Buttons (Crassula perforata): Requires watering only once every 3 weeks
- Aloe Vera: Retains moisture for 21 days in its succulent leaves
- Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii): Blooms consistently with monthly watering schedules
| Plant Type | Water Frequency | Light Requirement | Maximum Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast Iron Plant | 14 days | Deep shade | 24 inches |
| ZZ Plant | 21 days | Low light | 36 inches |
| Jade Plant | 21 days | Bright indirect | 48 inches |
| Barrel Cactus | 30 days | Full sun | 24 inches |
| Peace Lily | 7 days | Indirect light | 36 inches |
Container Gardening in Tree Houses
Container gardening transforms tree house spaces into vibrant green sanctuaries through strategic placement of potted plants. I’ve developed effective methods for creating stable growing environments in elevated spaces that protect both plants and structures.
Plant Support Systems
Secure container systems prevent plant damage from wind movement at elevated heights. Here’s what I use to anchor containers:
- Heavy-duty mounting brackets rated for 50+ pounds secure large containers
- Adjustable plant hangers with 360-degree rotation maximize sun exposure
- Custom-built wooden shelving units attach directly to support beams
- Galvanized steel cable systems suspend lightweight hanging baskets
- Corner bracing units distribute weight across multiple anchor points
- Self-watering containers with 2-gallon reservoirs reduce manual watering
- Drip irrigation lines connected to main water sources deliver precise amounts
- Moisture meters monitor water needs in 3-5 containers simultaneously
- Catchment systems collect rainwater in 20-gallon storage units
- Sub-irrigation planters create 7-day water reserves for vacation periods
| Container Type | Water Capacity | Monitoring Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Self-watering | 2 gallons | Every 5-7 days |
| Standard Pot | 1 gallon | Every 2-3 days |
| Hanging Basket | 0.5 gallons | Daily |
| Sub-irrigation | 1.5 gallons | Weekly |
Safety Considerations for Tree House Gardens
Structural Support Assessment
Tree house gardens require proper structural evaluation to ensure safe plant installation. I recommend calculating the weight capacity for each platform, including:
- Dead load capacity: 15-20 pounds per square foot for basic structure
- Live load capacity: 40-50 pounds per square foot for people movement
- Plant load capacity: 10-30 pounds per container when fully saturated
Water Management Systems
Effective drainage prevents water damage to the tree house structure. Essential components include:
- Sloped platforms with a 2% grade for water runoff
- Catchment systems to collect excess irrigation
- Moisture barriers between planters and wooden surfaces
- Drip trays under each container to protect flooring
Fall Protection Measures
Plant maintenance requires secure working conditions at height:
- Installing 42-inch guardrails around gardening areas
- Using safety harnesses when working beyond railings
- Securing tools with lanyards during maintenance
- Creating designated paths for safe movement between plants
| Safety Feature | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Railing Height | 36 inches | 42 inches |
| Platform Load | 40 lbs/sq ft | 60 lbs/sq ft |
| Drainage Slope | 1% grade | 2% grade |
Plant Toxicity Awareness
Some common tree house plants pose risks to children pets:
- Philodendron: Causes oral irritation swelling
- English Ivy: Creates skin rashes allergic reactions
- Peace Lily: Triggers severe mouth burning
- Pothos: Induces throat irritation nausea
Weather Protection
Environmental factors impact plant garden safety:
- Wind barriers for exposed areas above 20 feet
- Lightning protection systems for metal components
- Frost covers for cold-sensitive plants
- Removable shade cloths for extreme heat periods
- Child-proof latches on garden storage units
- Locked chemical storage containers
- Restricted climbing zones near delicate plants
- Clear signage marking maintenance areas
Conclusion
Creating a thriving garden in your tree house is an exciting journey that combines creativity with botanical knowledge. I’ve found that selecting the right plants and implementing proper care systems transforms these elevated spaces into magical forest retreats.
Remember that success lies in choosing plants that match your tree house’s unique conditions and your maintenance capabilities. Whether you opt for low-maintenance succulents hardy climbing vines or shade-loving specimens you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful sustainable green space that enhances your tree house experience.
By following the guidelines and safety measures I’ve shared you can confidently start your tree house gardening adventure. I’m excited for you to discover the joy of bringing nature even closer to the sky in your own elevated garden paradise.
