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One of the latest trends in gardening is hanging indoor plants.
Houseplants have become part of a home’s décor, so hanging plants is just a natural part of expressing your decorating style.
Interior decorators use vertical space to add dimension and texture to a room.
Hanging plants indoors creates the same effect.
It can take a blank, empty corner and transform it into a warm, inviting space.
Plants that have a trailing, vining growth habit are ideal for adding a vertical element to your indoor living space.
The most obvious way to display most of these plants is to hang them from a bracket in front of a window.
It allows the plant to maximize the light that passes through and it is visually pleasing to the eye.
Many of these plants are sold in hanging baskets so it is the easiest way to display them.
However, potted plants can easily be hung by adding a “plant hanger.”
These are available in various materials and finishes to complement any décor.
More than Just for Hanging
I have always been a bit hesitant to drill holes in my walls and ceilings.
So displaying plants in ways that keep holes out of my walls is always preferable.
Provided they have adequate light, vining and trailing plants are just as comfortable on a shelf, filing cabinet, or counter.
Indoor standing trellises with brackets to support potted plants are also becoming popular.
It is part of the trend to bring a bit of the outside to the inside and create a bit of an indoor jungle.
Which Plants Are Good to Hang Indoors?
Houseplants that have a vining or trailing growth habit are ideal for hanging.
They will create that “wow” factor in your décor.
The following plants are a great place to start.
They are tried-and-true and generally easy-to-grow.
Each one has a different leaf texture and color so adding different hanging plants can further enhance the unexpected beauty of your indoor garden.
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila or Ficus repens)
Creeping fig is a dainty, small-leaved vine that resembles ivy.
It’s ideal for smaller spaces that can highlight the intricacies of its beauty.
As a member of the Ficus genus, it does require medium to high levels of light.
This is a key component of maintaining its health.
It will decline (yellow leaves that drop) in low-light environments.
Creeping fig likes high humidity and should not completely dry out.
Fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer to maintain the dark green foliage.
Rex Begonia Vine (Cissus discolor)
The heart-shaped, striking leaves of the Rex Begonia Vine will turn the head of most any plant enthusiast.
Although it isn’t a begonia, it resembles one.
It can be grown vertically along a trellis/pole or in a hanging basket.
This plant prefers bright indirect light and can burn in full, direct sun.
The leaves can become damaged if the soil dries out, so keep moist.
It grows best in a high humidity environment.
The leaf edges may turn brown in dry,
arid climates.
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus)
Swedish ivy is a strong trailing plant and therefore is commonly sold in hanging baskets, so it is ready to go for hanging.
It is known for being low maintenance and relatively easy to grow.
There are many different varieties, each with unique leaf color, texture, and shape.
This makes for a great opportunity to have a collection of proven performers.
Swedish ivy is adaptable to various light levels.
As with most plants, it will grow better in medium to high light levels but will adapt to a low-light environment.
It has medium water requirements, so the top inch of soil should dry in-between watering.
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus plumosus)
Asparagus fern has trailing light green plumes that will bring a unique texture to an indoor garden.
The plant has a modern vibe, although it could work nicely as an accent to compliment more traditional-looking houseplants.
As a young plant, its growth habit may be more upright, but as the plant matures it takes on a more arching, trailing shape.
It thrives on medium light levels and medium moisture.
If it isn’t happy, it will let you know by yellow leaves that eventually drop.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata)
Boston fern is a traditional, classic hanging plant.
These are often seen on front porches to create a welcoming, inviting feel.
Boston ferns can create the same mood inside.
The key to their care is consistent moisture, but not waterlogged.
As with most ferns, they like high levels of moisture which can be challenging to provide indoors.
Placing them in areas away from air vents and other draft sources will prevent leaves from drying out.
Baby’s Tears, Irish Moss (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Baby’s tears is a compact hanging plant that is ideal for a low-light room.
It only grows to 3 inches high and 12 inches long and it prefers low-light conditions as the sun can burn it.
The leaves are small and dainty creating a moss effect.
It likes to be moist (not soggy), so it is commonly used in terrariums.
Since it is small, it is best displayed in an area where it can be viewed close-up.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a quintessential vining houseplant.
Since it is adaptable to low-light levels and low maintenance, it is perfect for the beginner and a favorite of seasoned gardeners.
It is one of the most versatile indoor plants.
There are many different ways it is grown: in hanging baskets, up poles, in pots vining along walls, shelves, etc.
Also, the variegated foliage adds contrast and color to a room.
Water pothos once the top inch or more of soil is dry, but don’t allow to completely dry out.
They are quite durable and can withstand a bit of neglect and prefer to not be overwatered.
Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron)
Another classic indoor plant for hanging is the heart-leaf Philodendron.
It is extremely easy to grow and tolerates low-light conditions.
Water once the top inch or more of soil is dry.
They prefer not to be overwatered, so err on the side of under-watering.
Heart-leaf Philodendron can vine to 20-30 feet so it is ideal for hanging baskets, bookshelves, cabinets, any location that gives it plenty of room to grow.
It also responds well to trimming if you want to maintain it at a shorter length.
Tradescantia or Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)
Tradescantia has striking variegated purple leaves that add a pop of color to a room.
As a strong trailing plant, they are often sold in hanging baskets.
They are known for being easy-to-grow, low maintenance, and adapting to low-light conditions.
Light pruning will keep the plant compact and maintain the length.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
The spider plant is an arching plant that produces trailing “babies” that resemble spiders.
This creates an overall growth habit that is graceful, yet dramatic.
Spider plants are ideal for hanging baskets, but can also be displayed on a plant stand to allow more room for the arching leaves and branches.
They are known for being adaptable to low-light conditions and easy to grow.
A higher humidity level is one of their requests if you can accommodate them.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is not often thought of as an indoor plant.
However, it makes a great houseplant for hanging indoors.
There are different varieties with unique leaf shapes and colors that grow well in the home environment.
The classic, traditional feel of English ivy can bring cottage garden inspiration to any room.
English ivy is often used for creating topiaries, so the vines are well-suited for growing along a wire trellis and other support systems indoors.
English ivy prefers medium light levels, however, it can adapt to low-light rooms.
Water when the top 1 inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Hanging plants indoors is a great way to add to the beauty of your home.
Hanging baskets are one common method of displaying vining and trailing plants, but many thrive on plant stands, shelves, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture.
Pothos and heart-leaf Philodendron are two of the most common vining houseplants that are sure to grow almost anywhere.
Swedish ivy, English ivy, Boston fern, spider plant, and wandering Jew each have unique colors and textures that will create interest and dimension while being low-maintenance.
There are unique plants such as asparagus fern, creeping fig, and baby’s tears that add something different and unexpected to your plant collection.
The only limit is your creativity!
Thanks, Shannon–I thought this article was informative, and the topic is one I’ve been thinking about lately. Another topic that I would like to know more about is how to propagate new plants from my existing ones. I have had some luck with propagating my pothos and spider plants, and I am now in the process of propagating my aluminum plant. Always eager to get more tips!
Thanks for the feedback, Lisa! I will definitely work on that!