Everything You Need to Know About Hanging Plant Names
Ever wonder what those pretty plants dangling from your ceiling are called? Well wonder no more, friend – in this article, I’ll cover all the main hanging plant names and help answer any other questions you may have about caring for these beauties. Grab a drink and get cozy, because we’re going on a plant adventure!
Some Common Hanging Plant Types
- Pothos – You’ve probably seen this heart-shaped leaf vine all over Instagram. Also known as devil’s ivy, pothos are super low maintenance and thrive in low light. A classic choice!
- Swedish Ivy – Those crispy colorful leaves just scream boho chic. Swedish ivy tolerates neglect better than my ex-boyfriend! Its trailing vines add lots of visual appeal.
- Philodendron – With their big waxy leaves in shades of green, philodendrons breathe life into any room. Some varieties even have splits or holes in the leaves for an extra fun texture.
- Spider Plant – Those grass-like leaves dangling babies that multiply make spider plants quite the charmers. They’re hardy as heck too.
- English Ivy – Its evergreen deep green foliage stays lush year-round. English ivy thrives in low or high humidity and tolerates low light like a champ.
Those are some of the most common types you’ll see hanging around, but new trendy varieties pop up all the time too. Plant stores stay coming out with new hybrids and rare beauties on the reg. Kinda like what fashion brands do with jeans – they just tweak tiny details each season!
Caring for Hanging Plants
Once you’ve picked your fave vines, here are some care tips based on my years of experience keeping these cuties happy:
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out mostly between waterings, then give the plant a thorough soak until water dribbles from the drainage holes. Overwatering is an easy way to kill a hanging plant, so go slow.
- Light: Most common hanging plants like pothos and english ivy do well in medium to low light. Make sure they get at least a few hours of indirect sun each day. Keep them away from blazing hot southern windows.
- Fertilizer: Use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season for extra lush growth. Then cut back in winter when plants are less active.
- Pruning: Occasionally trim leggy vines or remove dead or diseased leaves and stems to keep hanging plants looking full and fresh.
- Repotting: Typically only needed every 2-3 years or when roots start growing from the drainage holes. Use a well-drained potting mix made for houseplants.
The key is not crowding hanging plants together, giving them enough space to breathe – just like friendships! I’ve seen too many plant parents make that mistake only for their vines to get limp and droopy. Space is care, my friends.
Unique Planters for Hanging Plants
Now that you’ve ID’d your perfect plants, the fun part is finding planters! Getting creative here really makes a statement. Macrame hangs and wooden hangers add modern bohemian flair. Glass terrariums with air plants suspended inside give a magical fairy garden vibe. And what about using repurposed objects like old watering cans, bird cages or baskets?
My neighbor Martha once hung english ivy in vintage tea cups – it looked like something out of a storybook! Get crafty and let your imagination run wild. The possibilities are endless for putting your own creative spin on hanging planters. Who says they have to be basic terra cotta or plastic?
From my experiences experimenting over the years, shattered or cracked pots can work too once you line them with plastic to prevent more damage. Just be sure drainage holes aren’t blocked. Hey, not all great art has to be pristine!
Dealing With Pests
No matter how well you care for hanging plants, pests are an occasional dilemma. The most common culprits are spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. Early detection is key, since these suckers can spread fast.
If you spot webs, sooty mold, or patches of flaky white dots – it’s time to take action. Isolate the infected plant, remove any heavily damaged leaves, and spray down both sides of all foliage with neem or insecticidal soap. You may need to treat twice a week for 2-3 weeks to fully get rid of a bad infestation. Persistence pays off!
As a last resort, there are also systemic pesticide soil drenches you can use. But those are harsh chemicals that aren’t good for kids or pets. I try natural remedies first whenever possible, since relying too much on pesticides ironically makes plants more vulnerable long-term by killing beneficial bugs too. There’s always lessons to learn, righ?
Does this help give you a well-rounded understanding of hanging plant basics? Let me know if you have any other questions! I hope these tips will have you developing a green thumb in no time. Having plants hanging around really boosts my mood – I bet they’ll bring you joy too. Now go hang out with your new viney friends!
Hanging Plant Care Guide
Plant Name | Light Needs | Watering | Fertilizing |
Pothos | Low to Medium | Allow soil to dry out between waterings | Spring-Summer |
Spider Plant | Medium to Bright | Water when top soil is dry | Spring-Summer |
Philodendron | Medium to Low | Water when top soil is slightly dry | Spring-Summer |
English Ivy | Medium to Bright | Water when top soil is slightly dry | Spring-Summer |
Peperomia | Medium to Bright | Water when top soil is slightly dry | Spring-Summer |
FAQ
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What are some common types of hanging plants?
Basically, some popular hanging plant types are pothos, english ivy, philodendron, spider plants, and succulents. These plants grow well hanging and look pretty hanging in a variety of spots.
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How do I care for a hanging plant?
Hanging plants pretty much need the same care as other houseplants. You gotta water them when the soil becomes dry, keep them in bright light, and fertilize occasionally during the growing season. They also need to be repotted if their roots fill the container. Does that help provide the basics of hanging plant care?
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What kind of pots work well for hanging plants?
Pots with drainage holes are best for hanging plants – they allow excess water to drain out of the soil so it doesn’t get soggy. Some popular pot types are hanging baskets, macrame hangers, and terra cotta pots with chains or rope attached. You can get creative with containers too, like repurposing old watering cans!
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When should I repot a hanging plant?
As a general rule, it’s good to check the roots of a hanging plant every year or so and repot it if necessary. If you remove the plant from its container and see a lot of roots growing out the drainage holes, then it’s time for a larger pot. Overpotting can lead to rotten roots, so using a container just big enough for the roots and a little extra room is best.
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Where can I put hanging plants in my home?
You can basically hang plants anywhere you want – on patios, decks, by windows, above the toilet, even from ceilings if strong enough. However, they’ll need at least partial sun to thrive. Areas like above kitchen sinks are popular, or group several pots together for impact. Get creative with hanging planters in odd nooks too for an “amazing” touch of green.
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Do hanging plants need fertilizer?
You know, it kind of depends. Most hanging plants can go a few months without fertilizer, but they’ll appreciate it during the growing season from spring to fall. Choose a balanced, water soluble houseplant food and use at half the dose suggested on the label. Fertilizing boosts growth and leafiness. But on the other hand, some experienced gardeners say their pothos and ivy seem fine without it – who am I to argue?!