If houseplants have overrun your floors, shelves and windowsills, the next place to go is up. The best hanging plants add lushness to your home, saving valuable floor space and creating spatial variety. And in many cases, a hanging arrangement can complement a plant’s shape and features better than a floor pot. When you elevate a Boston fern, for instance, you can get a 360-degree view of its cascading leaves. Similarly, the aerial element accentuates the trailing stems of a heartleaf philodendron.
The best hanging plants save space and create pleasing spatial variety.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
“I love how hanging plants bring a sense of relaxation while brightening the atmosphere,” says gardening expert and author Misilla Dela Llana. “The colors, shapes and textures give dimension while beautifying your living space, office space, deck or balcony.” Plus, hanging plants are “convenient to set up in small and large areas,” she adds. Before you set out to turn your home into a green oasis, consider the care and safety, as some plants require more frequent watering while others are toxic if ingested. With thousands of plant species, knowing where to start is hard. If you’re ready to transform your indoor and outdoor space, we’ve rounded up the best hanging plants to suit every room.
Pot size: 10 inches | Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight | Watering: 1-2 times per week
Boston ferns are identifiable by their brocading, swordlike fronds—a lush look that adds life to any part of the house. They are low maintenance and flourish in various conditions. The only trick is to keep the soil consistently moist for the healthiest results. This Boston fern is larger than average and comes in a 10-inch nursery pot with a sturdy removable hanger.
A Go-To Option For Beautiful Trailing Vines
Lowe’s
LiveTrends Heartleaf Philodendron
Pot size: 8 inches | Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect sunlight | Watering: Every 1-2 weeks
There are hundreds of philodendron species, but the aptly named heartleaf philodendron is among the most popular for indoor use. The thin, dangling stems are especially pleasant when the plant is hung. While the stems can grow to an astounding 20 feet long, they are usually a more manageable length of only a few feet. Keep in mind that philodendrons are toxic, so they are unideal for households with pets or young children.
A Hearty Plant That Blends Into Any Room
Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma English Ivy
Pot size: 6 inches | Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight | Watering: Once per week
Dela Llana says English ivy is “very aggressive” outdoors but more agreeable when cultivated as a houseplant. The evergreen climbing vine loves sunlight (albeit indirect), so try hanging it near a window. Luckily, it can survive in medium light if needed. If you don’t want to hang it from the ceiling, English ivy also looks wonderful trailing down a shelf.
A Resilient Option With Heart-Shaped Leaves
Lowe’s
Lowe’s Golden Pothos
Pot size: 6 inches | Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight | Watering: Every 1-2 weeks
As the name suggests, golden pothos are known for the golden specks on their waxy, heart-shaped leaves. It’s a plant where no two feel the same. Dela Llana appreciates that the golden pothos is “low maintenance” and adds that it “looks great in any setting,” partially due to the variegated leaves. Even though bright, indirect light is best, golden pothos are resilient enough to last in rooms with mild sunlight.
A Non-Toxic Pick That’s Safe In Any Household
Williams Sonoma Spider Plant
Williams Sonoma Spider Plant
Pot size: 6 inches | Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight | Watering: Once per week
Spider plants are perfect for hanging in a small nook or corner because they are lightweight and have a maximum height of around 2 feet. They don’t require pruning, but it’s easy to snip any dead or browning tendrils if needed. This spider plant from Williams Sonoma fits a 6-inch hanging planter and can be repotted every couple of years if you want it to grow.
A Unique-Looking Succulent That Blooms In Summer
Home Depot
Smart Planet String Of Pearls
Pot size: 6 inches | Sunlight: Direct and indirect sunlight | Watering: Every 2-3 weeks
A string of pearls is one of the most recognizable houseplants thanks to its trailing stems adorned with small round leaves. Some people call them pearls; others say beads or peas. No matter the name, it’s an easy plant to hang and nurture. It can handle more sunlight than an average houseplant, including occasional direct light, so it’s suitable for south-facing windows.
A Perennial With A Pop Of Color
Etsy
BearFootFarms Strawberry Begonia
Pot size: 2 or 4 inches | Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight | Watering: Weekly
Strawberry begonias have fuzzy, variegated leaves that are tinged white or pink depending on the season and level of sun exposure. Native to wet areas, the plant does best when the soil is consistently moist but not soggy. “They’re great for areas with bright indirect light or outdoors in the shade and are easy to care for,” says Dela Llana. She adds that the stolons, also called “runners,” can be propagated if you want more strawberry begonias around the house.
A Vibrant Flowering Plant That Can Go Indoors Or Outdoors
Etsy
MyGardenChannel Morning Glory
Pot size: 2.5 inches | Sunlight: Direct and indirect sunlight | Watering: 1-3 times per week
Frequently seen on porches and trellises, morning glories can grow inside too, granted they receive enough sunlight. You can choose from an array of bright colors, ranging from candy pink to blue. Expect wildlife visitors if you hang morning glories outside because they are a “valuable nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, moths and bees, “ says Dela Llana.
A Colorful Accent For Your Home
Amazon
Ella’s Homes Hanging Fuchsia
Pot size: Not specified | Sunlight: Direct and indirect sunlight | Watering: 2-3 times per week
Fucshia thrives outdoors but needs extra care if you hang it inside. Give it a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning or loads of bright, indirect sunlight throughout the day. Otherwise, you can hang the pinkish-purplish plant on your deck or windowsills. Dela Llana admires fuchsia’s “pendulous, multi-colored flowers, which bloom from summer to fall.”
A Multi-Functional Plant With Various Hues
Home Depot
Southern Living Trailing Verbena
Pot size: 6.5 inches | Sunlight: Direct sunlight | Watering: Weekly
You can find this lush, flowering plant in pinks, purples, blues and more. It’s easiest to grow verbena outside because it needs a lot of sunlight, which is why it’s commonly strung along porches and patios. Dela Llana says the plant has a long bloom period and visually pairs well with petunias. She recommends deadheading the plant regularly to encourage blooming.
A Sun-Loving Succulent With Dense Leaves
Etsy
BigChangeGarden Burro’s Tail
Pot size: 4 inches | Sunlight: Direct and indirect sunlight | Watering: Every 2 weeks
Burro’s tail, also referred to as a donkey’s tail, is one of the most popular succulents to hang indoors, whether it’s in a living room, kitchen or bedroom. The thick stems provide a burst of green without becoming unruly. Like most succulents, it’s a hardy plant that doesn’t require daily care. Less-experienced plant parents may want to give burro’s tail a shot.
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