Abstract: Abstract Aims This research provides theoretical support for exploring the multidimensional characteristics of plant biomass and root structure, as well as for developing urban greening strategies. Methods Two widely used vining plants in landscape applications in eastern China, the cascading Vinca major ‘Variegata’ and the climbing Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Variegatum’, were selected as experimental subjects. The study compared their three-year growth dynamics, root architecture, and biomass changes in different substrates and predicted their longevity under these conditions. Important findings (1) Plant biomass and root architecture followed a single-peak growth curve, characterized by rapid increase followed by decline in the traditional mixed substrate, whereas in the novel medium, they exhibited a linear and gradual growth trend. (2) Correlation and principal component analyses of plant biomass and root architecture in different substrate types revealed significant variations in root length, root tips, root forks, root surface area, and root volume. These parameters were identified as key indicators for modeling plant longevity, with differing indicator functions: root surface area and root volume were stable, systematic assessment parameters, while root length and root tips were highly sensitive evaluation parameters. (3) Growth curves of the plants in the novel container medium predicted peak growth periods of 6.99 and 10.77 years, respectively, far exceeding the 2-3 years observed in the traditional mixed substrate. The optimal compaction and nutrient content of the novel medium enhanced root vitality and turnover, thereby extending plant lifespan and the duration of ecological services. By revealing and quantifying the complex structure and function of the root system of urban greening vines, this study helps to build a more stable and efficient plant community, which can improve the level of urban biodiversity, and at the same time provide experimental theoretical support for iterative greening camping techniques for special habitats such as green roofs and vertical green walls.

Key words: root architecture, biomass, solidifiable soil substrates, root domain restriction, root economics spectrum, habitats, urban ecology