A lovely alternative for giving our garden or house a unique feeling is hanging plants. They’re not only helpful to embellish a place but also they are the ideal space savers.
So, if you want to discover several types of hanging plants and how to decorate your home with them our blog is perfect for you.
First of all, we’ll talk about the benefits of having hanging plants at home. After that, you’ll find a top 5 hanging plants to brighten up your home with colors and 6 more, perfect for the outside. To end with strategies that you can use to give your houseplants the spotlight.
Table of Contents
Why have hanging plants?
- To save space: Hanging plants are a great option for utilizing those spaces that would otherwise have no use. This is why, whether you live in a small place or you think you’re running out of room for new plants, we’re sure a hanging plant is the best for you.
- To bring a unique style: We can agree that plants in hanging pots and other types of items provide any place with a fascinating style. That ́s why this type of potted plant not only allows us a better appreciation of their shapes but also, brings an exotic and diverse feeling which is highly positive for homes.
- To improve the air quality: This is thanks to plants’ photosynthesis capacity, by which they transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, cleaning toxins in the air and offering a less polluted space. As well as people, plants produce CO2, but they do it in a fewer amount. This means that you can even add one to your room without threatening your health.
- As a stress-relieving: If you ́re lucky enough to have your own garden at home or just a few plants, you’d already know that taking a few minutes out of your day to visit, watch and water them is an excellent mood booster.
5 indoor hanging plants
This is our top 5 indoor hanging plants for your home where you’ll see how beautiful they are. Dare to get one, and you’ll see their great potential as a decorative item.
Elkhorn Fern
Also known as Staghorn Fern is an epiphyte fern, which means that it grows attached to other plants and objects, although it uses them only as a support. This fern, native to Asia and Australia, is widely used as a hanging plant thanks to its large leaves, better known as ̈fronds ̈.
The Elkhorn fern has 2 types of fronds. The first type is small, flat, round-shaped, and brown. They overlap each other while creating a nutrient absorbing and supporting cover.
Furthermore, emerging from the center of the plant, you can find large and green leaves which resemble a stag or moose antlers. They also have a protective thin fluff cover.
How to care for the Elkhorn Fern
Light: A good spot for your plant should provide good lighting, but avoid direct sunlight or its leaves may burn. Besides, it prefers humid environments. If you want to keep it outdoors, make sure it is partially or totally covered and there are no strong airflows.
Watering: In warm conditions, once per week and during cooler months every 2 weeks should be enough. Our best advice is to let the soil dry before moistening again.
To water them, humidify the substrate or, in case it ́s attached to a trunk, the best is to submerge the plant into the water for 10-15 minutes.
Soil: As we mentioned, this fern can grow on a trunk. Yet, if you rather have a pot with a substrate, we recommend you to use a special one for epiphytes, or one for orchids even.
Reproduction: Unlike most plants, this fern doesn’t generate seeds. However, it grows and spreads small sprouts around itself. With a sharp knife or pruning shears remove the young shoots; try to take a chunk of the roots attached to it so you can sow or attach them to a trunk.
For this, take a piece of material such as a cord that you could use to tie the shoot; it must be soft so you don’t strain the sprouts, as a wire would do. After that, you’d only need to fasten it to a tree or wooden trunk. Eventually, its roots will start growing and holding around by themselves.
Furthermore, behind its leaves, you’ll see spores that look like small brown dots. And, even though ́it is not a successful reproduction method, do not remove them; they’re beneficial for plant health.
Pests: Although the Elkhorn fern is usually pest-free, it can be infected with mites by other already diseased houseplants. Use ecological pesticides such as neem oil and potassium soap to prevent this.
Photos
Also called golden photos or devil’s vine, it’s a plant with green, shiny, pointed leaves which resemble the shape of a heart. It may have a few streaks, thin stripes, or white, yellow, or light green spots. It’s native to Southeast Asia.
It’s a vine by nature and doesn’t produce flowers. Although it can reach long lengths, you can make it as large as you want by pruning it.
It also purifies the air and, as it is very hardy, is an excellent choice for beginners or those who cannot devote much time to caring for their plants.
How to take care of the Photos plant?:
Light: It does very well in bright, but indirect light. Too much sun will make the leaves look paler and, in a dark place, its growth will be delayed.
Watering: It doesn’t like to be in constantly damp soil as its roots may rot. If so, the plant will turn yellowish or show black spots on its leaves, so let the soil dry out completely in between waterings. If, on the other hand, the plant has been dry for too long, expect to see leaves with dry edges and a brownish tint.
Soil: You can actually use a universal substrate or a special potting soil. The key is that the container has drainage holes and that you don’t overwater. Also, it likes a slightly acidic pH, but not compulsorily.
Reproduction: You’ll need to take a stem from a healthy plant, which should have at least 2-3 leaves or several nodes where the aerial roots grow from. This cutting can be placed in water or directly in soil to start growing a new plant.
Pests: It can have problems with mealybugs, but nothing that you can’t solve with a homemade insecticide or one that you can find in stores.
Spider plant or ribbon plant
It’s a herbaceous perennial plant native to Africa. It has thin and arched green leaves with white lines. These leaves fall like a cascade and can measure up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) long.
Also, it produces small white star-shaped flowers in spring and around the mother plant it grows seedlings known as ” little spiders”.
It’s considered one of the more adaptable houseplants and one of the easiest to grow. Because of this, it’s a great choice for any beginner as it withstands being neglected and is therefore quite hardy. It even makes part of the plants you can have in your room as it eliminates airborne toxins.
How to take care of the spider plant:
Light: As we said, this plant is not too demanding, so it can be placed where it receives bright, but indirect sunlight. Similarly, you can place it in a shady or dark space, although it’ll grow more slowly.
It’s not recommended to expose it to direct afternoon sun as it can burn its leaves.
Watering: It needs slightly moist soil during the growing season, but not soaked or waterlogged. Later on, the plant will prefer that the soil dries out a little between each watering.
We do advise you to use rainwater or tap water that has been standing for at least 24 hours beforehand. This is because the fluoride and chlorine in tap water can cause the leaves’ tips to turn brown. Besides, you can use it on your other plants and they’ll appreciate it.
Soil: It can grow in a variety of substrate types, but prefers loamy soil that is loose and moderately drained. The pH can be slightly acidic or neutral.
Reproduction: It’s fairly easy to reproduce, just take some of the shoots or small spiderlings that spring up around the mother plant. Make sure it has roots and sow it in soil.
Pests: It’s generally healthy, but some common pests can affect it, such as aphids, whiteflies or spider mites. If you detect them in time, just wash the leaves very well or wipe them with a damp cloth.
Swiss Cheese Plant
It’s a glossy, evergreen vine native to various tropical regions of Central and South America. It’s a relative of the famous Monstera deliciosa but in a smaller version, and is therefore ideal as a houseplant.
It’s called Swiss cheese plant or five holes plant because of its heart-shaped leaves that have several holes in them. It rarely flowers when grown indoors.
How to take care of the swiss cheese plant:
Light: It likes bright indirect light. You can place it in a place where it receives a little sun in the morning, but avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight. In a poorly lit area, it will develop smaller leaves.
Watering: It’s a plant that suffers from excess water, as it actually likes to dry out a bit between waterings. Although the watering frequency depends on the climatic conditions of your home or the season of the year, you can insert a toothpick into the soil to make sure it is not lacking water.
Soil: You can use potting soil. Ideally, it should maintain humidity, since it’s a tropical plant, but should have good aeration and drainage. Avoid sandy soils and aim for a pH between 5.5 and 7.
Reproduction: The best way to propagate this plant is by stem cuttings, just like pothos. Ideally, it should have at least 2 nodes and you can put it in water for a few days to promote root development. You can also plant it directly in soil and use a homemade rooting agent.
Pests: You might have to deal with spider mites or mealybugs.
Purple secretia
It’s a herbaceous, perennial plant endemic to Mexico. In nature, it’s a creeping plant and works well as a houseplant or for outdoor gardens. In addition, it’s perfect for potting since when planted directly in the ground it can easily spread and become invasive.
Its name comes from its iconic stems and leaves that are deep purple with lighter shades of turquoise-gray that darken as the foliage ages. It produces beautiful, small, 3-petaled flowers that only stay open in the morning. These can be white or pink.
We advise you to place it in a safe space where it won’t be moved constantly or can be knocked, as its stems are somewhat fragile.
How to care for the Purple secretia
Light: To receive some direct sunlight at any time of the day will be good, because in this way it will keep its beautiful purple color, otherwise, its leaves will be more green than purple, although it would not affect its growth.
Watering: It tolerates drought quite well so it doesn’t require constant watering. However, to ensure growth, it’s best not to let it dry out for long. To do this, water it once the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Soil: A light, moist and porous soil is fine. Actually, you can use any universal or potting soil.
Reproduction: Take a stem at least 10 centimeters long and with a few leaves on it. You can place it in water for rapid root development or directly in a pot.
Pests: It’s very resistant to pests or diseases, but it can become infected by nearby diseased plants.
6 outdoor hanging plants
Now, let’s show you our top 6 outdoor hanging plants you’ll surely love.
Garden Nasturtium
It’s a perennial plant native to the American continent and creeping or climbing by nature. It’s used in cooking to add a fresh and somewhat spicy flavor to salads or to give color to dishes.
Its leaves are rounded like those of small water lilies, and its flowers are red, orange or yellow. In addition, it has a long flowering period that goes from summer to the first frosts of autumn.
How to care for the Nasturtium
Light: A fully sunny location is ideal, but it also does well in semi-shade. When exposed to too much darkness, this creeping plant will seek its way to sunny spots.
Watering: When exposed to direct sun, frequent watering will be necessary, especially in summer. It is good to keep the soil moist, neither too dry nor soaked.
Soil: Curiously it grows well in soils poor in nutrients, but it’s good that they can retain moisture and drain water properly.
Reproduction: It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. In fact, its germination is so successful that few people actually choose to take cuttings to reproduce it. When the plant flowers you can take the seeds and sow them in a pot keeping the soil moist until they germinate.
Pests: It can be attacked by slugs, aphids and whiteflies due to its large leaves and exposure to open air. Therefore, we suggest you to check it every time you water it to detect any insect and fight it in time.
Surfinias
Also called hanging petunia, is a perennial plant widely used for its beautiful flowers to beautify balconies, terraces or other outdoor spaces. Its origin includes a wide area from Brazil and Argentina to the southern United States.
Its flowers have the shape of a trumpet and can be pink, purple, yellow, red or white. Its leaves are oval, but pointed at the tip and are dark green. In addition, it has a long flowering period that goes from summer to autumn or early winter.
How to care for the Surfinia
Light: It loves to receive the sun’s rays at any time of the day. However, it doesn’t withstand frost and doesn’t like low temperatures, so protect it during winter.
Also, if it rains often, try to keep the plant indoors or under some protection. This is because water can damage the petals.
Watering: During the warmer months it will need to be watered more frequently, so try to keep the soil moist, but never stagnant. Likewise, when watering avoid touching the flowers.
Soil: It prefers a well-drained substrate rich in nutrients that will allow it to enjoy a steady stream of water without having to suffer problems due to excess humidity. The pH should be preferably acidic.
Reproduction: It’s possible to reproduce by seeds or cuttings. The seeds can be collected from the dried flowers that have a small capsule inside and placed in a pot.
For cuttings, take a strong and healthy stem at least 10 centimeters long. Remove a few leaves from the base and plant it in a pot.
Pests: It can have problems with aphids and spider mites. It can also get fungal diseases from excess humidity such as powdery mildew.
Donkey tail
Also known as burro’s tail, it’s a succulent plant native to Mexico and Honduras. It has small, but very thick grayish-green leaves that are crowded around its long, hanging stems, which can grow to more than 90 cm. When it blooms, it bears small red or pink flowers.
Ultimately, we had to include at least 1 succulent in this top. Likewise, we invite you to visit our blog about succulents, there you’ll find 3 other hanging succulents that are perfect for your home.
How to care for the Donkey Tail
Light: It likes semi-shade or partial sun. That is, you can place it where it receives only morning or afternoon sun. If you notice the plant turning gray or a dull shade of green, it’s probably a sign that it’s getting too much direct light.
Now, although it thrives best in warm light and outdoors, you can also have it as a houseplant.
Watering: Although it is a succulent, this plant appreciates a generous stream of water, but it will never like to be waterlogged. Therefore, soak the soil well and don’t water it again until the top soil layer has dried out completely.
Soil: It likes to be in a light, porous substrate with good water drainage. If you don’t have special soil for succulents, make sure the pot in which it is in has appropriate holes in the bottom.
Reproduction: The propagation of succulents is spectacular since all it takes is to pick up a leaf for them to reproduce. Even sometimes because of the friction one healthy leaf may fall off. So leave them in the pot and you’ll see that in a few weeks they’ll have taken root and a small sprout will have started to grow. Later you can move the shoots to new pots to continue growing there.
Pests: It usually has problems with mealybug and mosaic virus. Anyway, check your plant constantly and take action as soon as you detect a problem.
Balsam
It’s a herbaceous and perennial plant native to Africa but has been introduced as ornamental in many tropical parts of America, especially in countries such as Mexico and Brazil. It also receives the name of the joy of the house.
It has flat flowers ranging widely in colors such as red, pink, orange, purple and white. Therefore, it’s also often combined in pots to enjoy the variety of this plant.
How to care for the Balsam
Light: It’s best if it receives partial sunlight or is located in a semi-shade, as the bright sun can burn its flowers.
Watering: Water your plant thoroughly to moisten the soil evenly, but not enough to stagnate the water.
During warmer times you’ll probably need to increase the frequency, while in cooler conditions the amount of water will be less. The best way to tell is from the appearance of the soil.
Soil: Likewise, a well-drained soil that holds moisture but has good aeration is important. A universal or potting soil will work perfectly for it.
Reproduction: It’s one of those plants that self-seed as they drop the seeds that produce flowers. However, another alternative is to use cuttings at least 10-15 centimeters long with some leaves on it.
Pests: It can suffer from insects such as aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. Also, if it has problems from excess moisture it will be prone to fungal diseases such as mildew.
Common vervain plant
It’s a perennial herb native to Europe that can grow up to 1-meter high. Its flowers are usually formed by clusters of small petals whose color varies between blue, violet, pink or red.
This plant has medicinal properties for the treatment of headaches, fever, and exhaustion, among others. However, it’s best to consume it in tea intermittently to avoid side effects that can paralyze the nervous system. So, first, consult your doctor.
How to care for the Vervain
Light: It can be under full sun without any inconvenience, it even likes to receive 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day. Less light means that the flowering will be reduced.
Watering: When the plant is growing it should receive some humidity, and once it’s established, watering can be less constant. In addition, it will tolerate short periods of drought; however, regular watering always provides pleasing results.
Soil: It’s not picky about soil, it can even grow in nutrient-poor soils. What you do have to consider is that it is a porous soil and that it can drain water properly.
Reproduction: Propagation can be done by seeds, cuttings or by division. As we have already mentioned the first 2 methods, we’ll explain how the division is done.
It’s very simple, it basically consists of taking the plant out of the pot, as if you were going to transplant it. Now, you need to identify the different main stems that have grown, they can also be small shoots, and you have to separate them with the help of pruning shears or a knife if necessary.
Each division should have its own roots and then sow them in new pots so that new plants will grow from there.
Pests: Although it’s actually resistant to pests, it can have problems with aphids and spider mites. As for diseases, it can suffer from fungi such as powdery mildew.
Ivy leaf geranium
This African native ivy leaf geranium, also known as cascading geranium, has fleshy and star-shaped oval-tipped leaves. It produces a huge variety of flowers in shades of lavender, pink, red, white, and orange.
In short, this bushy plant grows rapidly in spring and blooms handsomely in the summer. The blooming period may even last longer depending on the weather’s warmth.
How to care for the Ivy leaf geranium
Light: Although it tolerates full sun, it can be also placed in partial shade. To keep a good leaf color and flower production, it should receive at least from 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering: Water it regularly, allowing the substrate surface to dry out between each watering.
Soil: Ensure that the root has the aeration needed by using a loose substrate. Likewise, to prevent the plant from rotting, it’s vital to avoid excess humidity by providing drainage. The substrate pH should be from slightly acid to slightly alkaline, from 6.5 to 7.5.
Reproduction: Root cutting is an easy method of propagation, although seed germination works as well. The germination period may be from around 2 weeks to 3 months.
Pests: This plant may have pests such as slugs, whiteflies and aphids, so try to check frequently the back of the leaves in search of insects. Besides, if the plant shows spots on them or contracts fungus it may be caused by excess humidity.
Methods to hang your hanging plants
As promised at the beginning, before finishing we want to show you some ways in which you can show off hanging plants in your home both indoors and outdoors.
Hanging plants on trellises
There are different types of trellises for climbing plants that you can get in the market, or that you can even make with your own hands if you have some tools. They are made of different materials such as metal, wood, plastic and even bamboo.
If you dare to try to build your own trellis, the most practical way will be with thin wooden boards. For example, if you have a total of 10 boards, you can arrange 5 of them diagonally, parallel to each other and facing to the right. Then, place the other 5 boards in the same way, but in the opposite direction, that is, leaning to the left. That way, you’ll form a diamond grid.
Use laces and secure the boards well so that they don’t fall apart. Then, install at least 2 anchors on the wall where you want to set up the trellis, so that it can be held up on the spaces where the rhombuses are.
Finally, you may incorporate some of the climbing plants we mentioned before. Likewise, you can also install wall hangers and use them to hang pots with hanging plants, as shown in the image.
Hanging plants on wooden or plastic stairs
If you probably have an old ladder in your house that is not in use anymore, it will work as a great support for your beautiful plants. Clearly, those with 4 legs won’t pose any problem as they are totally steady.
If, on the other hand, you have a 2-legged ladder, place it diagonally against the wall and anchor the two upper ends. It’s also worth placing something at the base to support it so that it will never fall.
Finally, if the ladder doesn’t have wide rungs, you can choose to use the wall hooks we previously recommended and use them to place your hanging pots.
Hanging plants on clothes racks
That’s right, both the standing hangers and those that are fastened to the walls will add a distinct touch to your hanging plants. If you don’t have one at home, you can buy it online at a low price or put it together in a few simple steps.
Basically, you’ll need a horizontal board (you can paint it or decorate it if you like) on which you’ll place wall hooks leaving enough distance between them, and considering the size of your pots.
To finish, attach a rope to your clothes rack to hang the pots and arrange your plants.
Hanging plants on shelves or furniture
Well, this method is not really much of a science, but a hanging plant on a shelf or a tall piece of furniture will always look great.
Similarly, you can take a thick horizontal board and fix it on the wall with the help of an “L” of those used for shelves.
Hanging plants in hanging pots
Technically you can use any pot for your hanging plants, bearing in mind the display you want to achieve. You can even create hanging pots out of recycled material. However, in stores, you’ll find all kinds of containers designed for these plants and for different prices.
Final recommendations.
Although we have explained how watering works for each outdoor hanging plant, keep in mind that it may differ if they are placed where they receive rainwater. This way, you may not even have to water them, but it all depends on the climate zone you are in.
And, although rainwater is wonderful for any plant, try to shelter them if there are very strong winds or heavy rainfall.
In conclusion, we hope that through this blog you got to know some of the hanging plants that you can have in your home and that, as you have seen, are very easy to care for. So, we hope you will be encouraged to have some of these varieties in your collection.
Also, you already know that there are several ways in which you can display these plants and we’re sure that they will provide a great appearance to your home and even help you save space.
