Your Guide to the Best Live Indoor Hanging Plants
If you’re looking to add some green life to your home but don’t have much floor space, live indoor hanging plants are the way to go. From my experience decorating small apartments, hanging plants are basically a must-have for making tight spaces feel more open and airy. In this article, I’ll break down the different types of hanging plants you can find for sale and help you pick ones that will thrive indoors.
Top Indoor Hanging Plant Picks
- Pothos – Also known as devil’s ivy, pothos is one of the hardiest indoor hanging plants. These guys are pretty much un-killable! I’ve had the same pothos hanging in my kitchen for like 5 years with little care. They thrive in low to medium light.
- Philodendron – With their heart-shaped leaves, philodendrons come in many varieties and colors. Some varieties like micans and brasil will add a touch of elegance to your space. Philodendrons prefer medium to bright indirect light.
- Spider Plant – With their long grass-like leaves and tiny baby plantlets, spider plants have a sort of “aw shucks” charm to them. They do well in medium light and are super easy to propagate new plants from.
- English Ivy – These woody-stemmed cuties will trail down beautifully from hanging pots. English ivy tolerates low light but grows faster with medium light levels. It’s also pet-proof!
- String of Hearts – For a boho vibe, try this trendy trailing succulent. String of hearts thrives in bright, indirect light and is amazingly stunning when happy.
Now basically these are some of the best indoor hanging plants to start with based on my personal experience. They’re very low maintenance amd kinda hard to kill, ya know? But there are other options too depending on your space and lighting conditions.
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space
When selecting live hanging plants, one of the biggest things to consider is the light levels in your home. Indoor plant lighting situations can range from low to super bright, so it’s important to match plants to conditions. Here are a few tips:
Low Light – If you only get dappled sunlight or your home is generally dim, go for pothos, english ivy, or philodendron. These plants will survive with just a few hours of indirect light per day.
Medium Light – Areas that get indirect sunlight through a window are perfect for spider plants, philodendrons, ferns, and peperomias. Most household plants do well in medium light.
Bright Light– For south or west-facing windows, you can plant succulents like string of pearls, roses, or orchids. Be warned, these plants will burn if they get direct sun all day!
Kinda got distracted writing about plants cause it triggered this memory – back in college I had a weird south-facing dorm room that got hot afternoon light. I tried keeping a ficus there but it totally fried, RIP little guy. Shoulda gone with a pothos! Live and learn I guess.
Also think about the height and positioning of your hanging plant, yo. Like if your ceiling is low then trailing plants might smack you in the face. Spider plants and some ivy varieties are great for shorter ceilings. And don’t hang too close to light fixtures cause leaves could get crispy from the heat. Gotta think practical too!
Caring for Indoor Hanging Plants
Once you’ve selected your perfect hanging plants, keeping them happy indoors isn’t too tough. Here are the basics:
Watering– Check soil moisture with your finger and only water when the top inch is dry. Overwatering is the main cause of plant death. Let excess water drain out bottom of pot.
Fertilizing– During the growing season (spring-fall), use a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer every few weeks. Fertilizer helps keep plants looking lush!
Repotting– Repot annually in spring or when roots start growing out drainage holes. Use a pot just 1-2 inches larger to avoid root bound plants.
Pruning– Trim off any dying or diseased leaves or stems with clean shears. Pruning keeps plants looking tidy and encourages new growth.
Pests– Check foliage regularly for signs of pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Isolate and treat promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed. Prevention is key!
Man I totally messed up pruning my fiddle leaf fig once and it took forever to recover. Pruning skills kinda come with experience I guess, or you could end up with an oddly lopsided plant like mine was! But anyway, with just a little TLC your hanging plants should thrive.
Where to Buy Live Indoor Hanging Plants
Now that you know which plants align with your space and skills, it’s time to shop! Here are some top places online and local to find quality live indoor hanging plants:
– Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s usually have a good selection at affordable prices. Selection varies by season though.
– Local independent plant nurseries often have more unique varieties than big boxes. A bit pricier but you get experts on hand.
– Etsy has lots of small plant shops shipping good quality hanging plants. Just check reviews and shipping details beforehand.
– Amazon actually has decent options too if you’re an Prime member. Though it’s a gamble on plant health from third party sellers.
– Plant delivery services like The Sill or Horti make buying online super easy. Variety is great but prices higher without sales.
But honestly you never know what beautiful plants you might stumble on at a random yard sale or flea market too! Sometimes the most random spots have amazing finds. It’s kinda part of the adventure of plant shopping if you ask me!
So in summary, those are the key things to consider when choosing hangers and caring for them indoors. With just a little effort, live hanging plants will seriously upgrade your home – they’re like living art that cleans the air! Hopefully this guide has helped answer your questions and get you started on your plant journey. Good luck and happy planting!
Top 10 Indoor Hanging Plants for Home Decor
| Plant | Care Level | Light Needs | Watering | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Low | Low | Let dry between waterings | 6 inches to 3 feet |
| Philodendron | Low | Low to medium | Let dry between waterings | 2 to 6 feet |
| English Ivy | Low | Low to medium | Let dry between waterings | 3 inches to 10 feet |
| Spider Plant | Low | Medium | Let dry between waterings | 2 to 3 feet |
| Chinese Evergreens | Low | Medium | Let dry between waterings | 1 to 3 feet |
FAQ
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What kinds of indoor hanging plants are available for sale?
There are pretty much endless options when it comes to live indoor hanging plants. Some of the most common and easy to care for varieties include pothos, philodendron, spider plants, english ivy, peace lilies, and chinese evergreens. Basically you can find anything from trailing vines to flowering plants suited to hanging baskets.
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How much do hanging plants typically cost?
Prices can vary depending on the size and rarity of the plant. Nevertheless, in general you can find small to medium sized hanging plants for under $20. However pricier exotic varieties or larger specimens may set you back $50 or more. At the same time, discount stores and online retailers often offer deals that allow you sort of plant your space on a budget.
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What kind of containers can I use for hanging plants?
You’ve got lots of options when it comes to hanging planters. Traditional hanging baskets work great, but you can also try macrame hangers, wire baskets, ceramic pots with drainage holes, or even repurposed household items like wooden crates or glass jars hung with chains or rope. On the other hand, avoid non-porous containers that don’t allow water to escape.
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Do hanging plants require drainage?
The short answer is yes – your hanging planters need holes to let excess water out. Is that fair? Otherwise the soggy soil can cause root rot. Most store-bought hanging baskets already have drainage, but if you use homemade planters be sure to drill or cut holes in the bottom. Perhaps a few pots come with trays that catch drips, but drainage is still important for long term plant health.
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What is the best location for indoor hanging plants?
In general, bright indirect light is best. Direct hot sun through a south or west-facing window may scorch more delicate foliage. At the same time, plants tucked in dark corners won’t thrive. Take your cues from where your other houseplants look happiest – above kitchen sinks, near skylights, or grouping a few together under a light fixture. You may also want to rotate pots weekly so all sides get sunlight evenly. Whatever works best with your space!
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How often should I water hanging baskets?
The frequency of watering depends on the plant type, container size, and indoor conditions. As a general guideline, check the soil every few days – when the top inch feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Some signs that plants need a drink are drooping leaves or wrinkled foliage. Be sure to water thoroughly until excess runs through the drainage holes. Then dump out any standing water in the saucer or tray below. Over time you’ll get to know each plant’s individual watering needs.
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What other care tips should I know about hanging plants?
Besides watering appropriately, hanging plants need occasional fertlizer feedings during the growing season to look their best. Prune off any dead or diseased bits too. Amazingly, these fast growing tropicals will also benefit from an annual repotting into a larger container in spring. Stunning! Just be sure to start with healthy specimens from a local garden center to avoid any potential pests or diseases. Staying on top of basic care will make your hanging jungle last for years to come!