The Best Indoor Hanging Plants That Thrive in Low Light or No Sunlight Conditions

12 Amazing Indoor Hanging Plants That Thrive Without Direct Sunlight

If you live in an apartment or home with little natural light, you may think growing plants is impossible. But that’s not the case! There are actually quite a few beautiful hanging plants that can thrive indoors even in low-light conditions. In this article, I’ll cover 12 top picks for indoor hanging plants that don’t need direct sun, along with care tips to help them grow.

1. Pothos

Pothos, or devil’s ivy, is one of the hardiest and easiest indoor plants you can find. From my experience, it’s pretty much impossible to kill! Pothos thrives in medium to low indirect sunlight. It does well in bathrooms and is very tolerant of dry conditions between waterings. Just water when the top inch of soil is dry. Pothos comes in various leaf color varieties like neon, golden, and manjula.

2. Snake Plant

Snake plants, or mother-in-law’s tongue, are incredible air purifiers. They can go weeks without water and do well in very low light. I keep several snake plants under my staircase that gets less than an hour of direct sun per day yet they’re thriving! Just water every few weeks. Snake plants are attractive with thick strap-like green or golden leaves and can grow over 6 feet tall.

3. Chinese Evergreens

Chinese evergreens come in many colorful varieties and are quite hardy. I’ve read they can even tolerate fluorescent light. Place them in bright indirect light for beautiful leaf color and pattern variations. Water only when the top inch is dry. They’re spreading plants that look gorgeous hanging or cascading over a shelf. Some popular varieties are silver bay, green, tri-color, andpurple passion.

4. Peace Lily

Peace lilies not only add beauty to a space but are terrific for improving air quality. They’re sensitive to direct sun but do great in medium to low indirect light. White or off-white flowers bloom mid-summer and last a few weeks if given adequate light. I water mine when the top inch of soil feels dry. Signs it needs watering is when the leaves start to droop. Peace lilies rebloom if given sufficient light and fertilized spring through fall.

5. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is practically un-killable. It can go weeks or even months between waterings! They grow well in very low light conditions like under furniture or in a basement. Just water when the soil is totally dry. In my experience, ZZ plants prefer to be on the dry side. Their green or variegated leaves with a unique zigzag pattern make them a beautiful twist on the usual greenery. ZZ plants can grow over 3 feet tall but work well as a tabletop or hanging plant too.

6. English Ivy

With its ability to climb and trail, English ivy is perfect for hanging planters or draping over shelves. It grows well in low to medium light and is very tolerant of lower light. Water when the top inch is dry. Leaves may become lighter green without sufficient light levels but it won’t die. English ivy thrives on neglect and cleans the air too! It comes in deep green or golden variegated varieties that add beauty without fuss.

7. Philodendron

There are many types of philodendron to choose from, but they all tend to do well with minimal sunlight. The heartleaf philodendron has lovely heart-shaped green leaves. I also love silver sword philodendron with its silvery foliage. Most philodendrons prefer indirect sunlight but can tolerate quite dark conditions. Water when the first inch or so of soil is dry. Cut off any yellowing leaves to keep them looking their best with infrequent waterings.

8. Spider Plant

Spider plants are effortless indoor plants. I have one hanging basket that’s been thriving with almost no direct sun. Just give it medium to low indirect light and water when soil is mostly dry. Leaves may be paler without bright light but it tolerates shadowy spots well. They’re known to multiply via plantlets that form at the ends of leaf stems. Removing these lets you start new plants for gifts! Spider plants are great for purifying air too.

9. Chinese Money Plant

Also called pilea peperomioides, the Chinese money plant has adorable round coin-shaped leaves. It prefers light shade but can handle quite low light. Leaves may be smaller without as much light but it’ll still grow well. Water when top inch is dry. In summer, mist the leaves occasionally too. Money plants are fast growers that look whimsical cascading over a shelf or in a hanging basket. Their unusual leaves brighten up any space.

10. Cast Iron Plant

As the name suggests, cast iron plants are super tough! I once had one living under my stairs getting about 30 mins of direct sunlight daily yet it thrived. They do fine in medium to low light. Water when top inch is dry and they can go quite a while without. Variegated or plain dark green leaves mean cast iron plants bring beauty and clean filtered air in shadier spots indoors. Their name truly sums up their resilience!

11. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen comes in a range of colorful leaf patterns from burgundy/green to all green. They enjoy bright indirect light best but tolerate low light well. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Chinese evergreen leaves may fade without sufficient light but it’ll still grow okay. Propagate by stem or leaf cuttings in spring. Display them hanging in colorful clusters for maximum visual impact!

12. Spiderwort

Spiderwort is a trailing groundcover with arching stems and thinner leaves than English ivy. It thrives in medium to lower light. Keep soil slightly moist. Cut back by a third after flowering to promote bushier growth. Spiderwort’s delicate flowers range from blue to white and bloom sporadically in spring and summer. It’s a charming addition for brightening dark nooks or adding soft movement dangling in a basket.

In summary, there are many gorgeous hanging and trailing plants that will add color and movement indoors without much direct sun input. Focus on low-light tolerant varieties and keep them in bright areas when possible but near indirect natural light sources. Most importantly, don’t overwater these sun-shy plants. Stick to watering when the top soil is dry to keep them happy and healthy for years to come!

I hope these ideas have given you some awesome optons for filling your home with living greenery even indoors. Please let me know if you have any other plant questions! I’d be happy to help further.

Indoor Hanging Plants That Don’t Need Sun

FAQ

1. What are some indoor hanging plants that don’t need sunlight?

   Pothos, spider plants, philodendron, andpeace lilies are some excellent choices for indoor hanging plants that can thrive with low or no direct sunlight. At the same time,Chinese evergreens and english ivy are also very tough plants that basically don’t mind if they don’t get much light.

2. Do hanging plants need to be watered differently than potted plants?

   Sometimes hanging plants may need a bit more frequent watering than potted plants due to their containers having better drainage. However, the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings for most indoor plants regardless of their container. It’s important not to overwater which can cause root rot.

3. How do I care for a hanging philodendron?

   philodendrons are very low maintenance plants that don’t demand much care. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, and use a loose potting mix. Provide indirect light and occasional fertilizer. You can trim brown or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Despite needing little care, philodendrons will reward you with an amazingly full and lush appearance!

4. What is the best way to add plants to a hanging planter?

   When putting together a hanging planter, start by lining the bottom with a layer of gravel or styrofoam for drainage. Then add your soil and insert your plants, such as ferns, ivies, or petunias. The heavier plants should go in the center. Use zip ties or twisting vines to style your arrangement. Make sure the planter has a saucer or is waterproof to avoid leaks. Ask your local nursery for planting advice tailored to your space.

5. Are there any indoor hanging plants I should avoid?

   Some plants aren’t suitable for hot, humid indoor conditions or may be toxic to pets or kids. Bamboo and spider plants can get leggy without enough light. Cacti and succulents generally need bright light. Perhaps English ivy could be risky if small children might try to nibble the leaves. Always research proper care requirements before choosing a hanging plant for your home.

   

6. What is the best way to display hanging plants decoratively?

   Get creative with placement of hanging planters! Try a ribbon or twine wrapped planter above a kitchen window, a woven rattan pot by the front door, or a macrame hanger clustered with vines in a bathroom. You can also combine textures, like a frayed jute planter with colorful wax begonias. For visual interest, vary the height and fullness of the plants. A moss ball adds an earthy accent. With some thought, hanging plants can be a stunning accent in any room.

7. How do I revive a limp hanging plant?

   If a hanging plant is looking lackluster, it may just need some TLC. Check the soil moisture and water if dry. Prune away any browned foliage. Repot into fresh soil if rootbound. Move it to a spot with more indirect light. As a last resort, try fertilizing monthly. With patience and care, many limp plants can be brought back from the brink. Don’t give up hope–that sad plant may surprise you with new growth!