Hanging Plants Guide: Best Trailing Plants for Indoor Gardens
Hanging plants add a whole new dimension to indoor gardening. By utilizing vertical space, you can dramatically increase your plant collection without taking up valuable floor or shelf space. Trailing plants cascade beautifully from hanging baskets, creating living curtains and green waterfalls that soften any room. Whether you have a sunny window or a dim corner, there is a hanging plant variety that will thrive in your space.
The spider plant is one of the most popular and forgiving hanging plants. Its arching leaves produce baby spiderettes that dangle from the mother plant, creating a cascading effect that is both elegant and whimsical. Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light but tolerate lower light conditions. They are non-toxic to pets and excellent air purifiers. Spider plants prefer evenly moist soil but will tolerate occasional neglect. The plantlets can be easily propagated by placing them in water or moist soil, making spider plants perfect for sharing with friends.
String of pearls is a unique succulent that features bead-like leaves strung along thin stems. This trailing plant creates a stunning visual effect, with strands that can grow several feet long. String of pearls requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Unlike most trailing plants, it prefers to be on the drier side. Water only when the soil is completely dry, about every two to three weeks. The leaves will pucker or flatten when the plant is thirsty, giving you a clear visual signal. Handle string of pearls gently, as the delicate stems break easily.
Pothos varieties are excellent choices for hanging baskets. Golden pothos, marble queen, neon pothos, and satin pothos all trail beautifully. These plants are incredibly forgiving and can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright indirect light. They grow rapidly, with vines that can reach six to ten feet indoors. Pothos are very low maintenance, requiring water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Prune the vines occasionally to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
The heart-leaf philodendron is another classic trailing plant that is perfect for hanging baskets. Its heart-shaped leaves grow on long, slender stems that cascade elegantly. This plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light but also tolerates low light. It is very forgiving of irregular watering, making it ideal for beginners. The heart-leaf philodendron can climb a moss pole if you prefer a vertical look, but it truly shines when allowed to trail. Pinch back the growing tips to encourage fuller growth.
Other excellent hanging plants include the burro tail sedum with its trailing braided stems of plump leaves, the Boston fern with its lush, arching fronds, and the wandering Jew with its striking purple and silver striped leaves. When creating a hanging plant display, consider grouping plants with similar light and water needs together. Use lightweight pots and proper hanging hardware to ensure safety. Rotate your hanging plants every few weeks to ensure even growth on all sides. With the right plant choices and care, a hanging plant garden transforms any room into a vibrant, living space.