A Guide to Different Types of Hanging Plants with Pictures
If you’re looking to add some greenery to your home but don’t have much floor space, hanging plants are a great option. They come in a variety of styles and require very little floor room while giving you the beauty and benefits of plants. In this article, I’ll go over some of the most popular types of hanging plants and provide pictures so you can easily identify them. I’ll also give care tips for each one and explain which environments they thrive in best.
Pothos
Pothos, or devil’s ivy, is one of the hardiest and easiest hanging plants to care for. It comes in various varieties like marble queen, neon, and golden, each with their own distinctive leaf patterns (see pictures below). Pothos is very low maintenance and tolerates a wide range of light conditions from low to medium light. It can even do well in low light office environments! Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Prune off any wilted or brown leaves. Pothos is a vigorous grower that trails beautifully down and makes a great choice for hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant.
From left to right: Marble queen, neon, and golden pothos varieties.
Philodendron
Philodendrons come in many varieties beyond the common heartleaf philodendron. Some hanging options includebrasil, micans, and scandens (see below). They have gorgeous leaves in various shapes and textures. Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light and humid conditions. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Many varieties are climbing plants that can grow quite long, adding lush greenery to any space. Their tolerance of lower light makes them great for rooms that don’t get tons of sunlight.
From left to right: Brasil, micans, and scandens philodendrons.
English Ivy
With its cascading vines covered in small, dark green, glossy leaves, English ivy (pictured below) looks stunning trailing down from any height. It thrives in medium to low light and tolerates lower temperatures better than some other houseplants. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Prune regularly to maintain its shape. English ivy is extremely hardy and a great choice for low maintenance hanging baskets. However, be aware that it can be invasive if planted outside, so keep it potted indoors.
English ivy vines.
Wandering Jew
Also known as inchplant or wandering sailor, wandering Jew (see pictures) comes in several leaf color varieties like purple, white, pink, and green. It does well in medium to low light and is quite drought tolerant once established. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Trim regularly to maintain its shape. Wandering Jew trails beautifully in hanging pots or baskets and adds vibrant pops of color. Its ability to tolerate lower light makes it a great choice for shaded patios or indoor spots without a lot of sunlight.
From left to right: Purple, white, and green wandering Jew varieties.
Spider Plant
Spider plants (shown below) are tough, hardy hangers known for their long, grassy green leaves and petite plantlets that form on stems coming off the mother plant. These plantlets can then be easily propagated into full plants. Spider plants do well in a variety of light conditions from medium to low light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Their tolerance and easy care make them a low maintenance choice for hanging baskets. The trailing foliage looks lovely dangling down and their ability to multiply makes them great for gifting too.
Spider plant.
Peperomia
Peperomias come in a stunning variety of leaf shapes and colors like red, lime green, dark green, and more (seen below). They range from simple oval leaves to beautiful veined or rippled foliage. Peperomias prefer medium to low indirect light. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Trim off any brown or dying leaves periodically to maintain their shape. These pepper-like plants add lush texture and unique colors when used in hanging planters or baskets. Their diverse, eye-catching foliage makes peperomias a real showstopper.
From left to right: Red, lime green ripple, and dark green peperomia varieties.
Prayer Plant
Also called maranta leuconeura, prayer plants (below) get their name from the way their delicate oval leaves fold up in the evening hours like hands in prayer. They come in various leaf color patterns from green and pink veining to solid pink or white. Prayer plants prefer medium to low indirect light. They are sensitive to dryness so water when top inch of soil feels dry. Their unique movement and gorgeous leaves lend an enchanting accent to hanging pots. However, they require a bit more attention than some hardier varieties.
Prayer plant.
String of Hearts
With its strings of tiny heart-shaped green leaves, string of hearts (pictured below) looks adorable spilling from any hanging container. It does best in bright, indirect light. Water infrequently, only when soil is completely dry. Trim off any brown leaf strands as needed. String of hearts cascades so beautifully making it perfect for hanging baskets. The trailing stems and miniature foliage add lush fullness at any height.
String of hearts.
Pothos varieties: Best for low light
As I mentioned above, golden, marble queen, and neon pothos varieties are very tolerant of low light conditions like typical office lighting. They’re easy to care for and will still look great with just indirect sunlight coming in through windows. From my experience over the years, pothos are some of the most reliable and trouble-free hangers for low light spots. Their ability to tolerate dull lighting makes them an excellent choice even for north-facing rooms with little direct sun exposure.
String of pearls: Best for bright light
On the other hand, string of pearls is not as shade tolerant as some other hanging plants. It prefers as much bright, indirect sunlight as possible to keep its tiny bead-like leaves rounded and plump. I’ve noticed string of pearls really thriving right next to an east or west window where they get morning or afternoon sun filtering through the glass. So if you have an area receiving several hours of unobstructed sun each day, string of pearls would do exceptionally well there.
Care tips to keep hanging plants thriving
Here are some general care tips that will help keep your hanging plants looking their best:
- Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, then allow it to dry out slightly before the next watering.
- Mist plants occasionally to raise humidity levels, which many varieties appreciate.
- Fertilize hanging houseplants every few months in the spring and summer with a diluted liquid houseplant food.
- Rotate the hanging pot periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure to prevent leaning.
- Prune off any brown or dying foliage to encourage new growth.
- Repot in fresh potting mix about once a year or whenever the plant seems pot-bound or soil is very dense.
Following these basic care tips will help your hanging plants remain lush and gorgeous for many months to come. The key is finding the right variety suited to your lighting conditions. With a little TLC, hanging plants can really elevate any space while requiring very low maintenance. I hope this comprehensive guide gave you a good overview of popular choices along with pictures so you can confidently pick some new hanging greenery for your home or office. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
10 Hanging Plant Options for Indoor Decor
| Plant | Care Level | Light Needs | Size | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Low | Low to Medium | Up to 6 feet | |
| Philodendron | Low | Low to Bright | Up to 6 feet | |
| Hoya | Low | Low to Medium | Up to 4 feet | |
| Spider plant | Low | Low to Bright | Up to 3 feet | |
| English ivy | Low | Low to Medium | Up to 10 feet | |
FAQ
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What types of hanging plants are popular?
Basically, some of the most common hanging plants are pothos, spider plants, english ivy and philodendron. These plants are really easy to care for and can survive with not much sunlight.
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How do I water a hanging plant?
Watering hanging plants is pretty much the same as other plants. You’ll want to check the soil and water when the top inch or so is dry. However, be careful not to overwater which can cause the plant or pot to be too heavy.
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What is the best type of pot for a hanging plant?
For hanging plants, you’ll want to choose a pot that has a hole for drainage. Plastic or terra cotta pots work well. Regardless, ensure the pot isn’t too heavy for the hanger or chain that will hold it. Perhaps plastic is the safer choice?
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How do I fertilize a hanging plant?
Fertilizing hanging plants is sort of the same as regular plants. You can use a general houseplant fertilizer diluted to the label instructions and apply it during the growing season – early spring to late summer. Just be sure not to overdo it with feeding, as that may cause damage. Moderation is key, right?
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What is the best way to display hanging plants?
There are many stunning ways to display hanging plants! You can hang single plants or hang several together to make an amazing hanging garden. Place them in entries, over tables, or on patios for stunning curb appeal. Hanging baskets can basically upgrade any outdoor living space.
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How do I care for string of hearts?
String of hearts is a super popular trailing plant that basically hangs down in long looping strings. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and normal indoor temperatures. Water when the soil is dry and keep the strands untangled so they can keep growing longer. These versatile plants add beauty wherever you display them!
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What types of indoor spaces work well with hanging plants?
Hanging plants are amazing for pretty much any space in your home. Try hanging planters over kitchen islands and dining tables to add some greenery. Display them from ceiling hooks in living rooms and bedrooms. Stunning hanging gardens can also upgrade stairwells, porches or any outdoor area that needs a creative touch of color. The possibilities are endless!
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How do I prune a hanging plant?
Every so often, hanging plants may need a little trimming to keep them looking their best. You can prune leggy stems, trim away damaged or diseased growth, or shape the plant. Use clean pruning shears. Cut stems back to a leaf node or above to encourage new growth. Hanging plants usually rebound fast from pruning. Make sure to discard prunings!