Hanging plants that require low maintenance are perfect for those who want to add beauty to their homes while keeping it simple.
Most plant growers like myself do not have a lot of time to care for and maintain plants. Yes, we love them, but in reality, it’s difficult to give plants time, especially with family and other commitments.
Or, some of you reading this are new to plants. You want an easy start to your plant journey to gain confidence and experience.
Well then…keep reading.
My aim today is to walk through some of the easier hanging plants to grow, how to care for them while also giving simple tricks I wish I knew.
Let’s dive in.
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Why choose to hang plants?
There are several reasons you should choose a trailing plant.
The modern lush design they give to your home is one of the obvious reasons. Their beauty, greenery and attractive foliages will help add warmth, touch and colour to your living space.
Ideal if no space
But their beauty alone is not the only reason you should choose a hanging basket.
For those who live in apartments and are restricted to limited space, it may be difficult to find room to pot your plants. The space will look cramped, and it may look like you have overfilled your apartment with plants even if you have not.
I remember visiting a friend’s apartment and they had plants potted everywhere. On the windowsill, tables, benches etc. and to me, it never looked appealing nor comfortable.
Also, it is not healthy for plants to be clustered too close together. They need their own space.
Hence, varying between potted and hanging is a good option if there is little space.
Eliminates pests
Pests will always be a constant problem for plants. Hanging plants high up will eliminate most pests as plants will be out of reach. It is a very simple method to control pests.
However, some pests will eventually climb up and be of nuisance. Hence, before hanging your plant, it is best to rub neem oil on the leaves or spray it with a pesticide.
Hanging plants are healthy for you
There are more and more studies today that congress that plants do YOUR HEALTH a lot of good.
Aesthetic beauty reduces stress, tension, and worries. Plants help to uplift mood and are a useful method to control anxiety, depression and behaviour.
Plants are not only gorgeous to look at but they also help make you feel good!
Plants eliminate air pollutants. They purify the air and get rid of carbon dioxide while increasing oxygen levels. NASA studies have described plants as ‘natural filters’ for the air and long term, this will have a real positive effect.
Where to hang indoor plants?
It is imperative to take into consideration factors such as light and water before you decide where to hang your plant.
Think about it, with a potted plant, you can move from a to b with ease. But with a hanging basket, it will be a bit more tricky.
Below are factors that can affect plant growth:
Light
Plants need light. It’s a simple rule to follow. Home decor may be your goal here, but please do not grow somewhere with full shade just because it looks good!
Your plant will end up horrible, defying its purpose and will eventually die.
Plants such as Monstera or Succulents grow well in the light. Hence, it is best to place somewhere that receives a good amount of indirect light.
Good Tip!
Make sure plants do not receive direct light. It will burn the leaves and cause damage.
Long Foliages on Hanging Plants
Trailing plants such as a String of Hearts have beautiful foliages that can grow over 5 feet downwards.
The thinking here is- if you are growing plants that will have long foliages, then hang them high. The ceiling is another good option, but it all depends on your design and the outlook you want from trailing plants.
Space out your Plants
Hanging plants will drape downwards. But some will grow sideways first before trailing. Hence, keep enough width space just in case your plant grows sideways initially.
Over time, as your plant grows, it will get heavy. Hence, hang your basket securely.
Find a stud in your wall by using a stud finder or a ceiling joint. These two are the best locations to drill into when you plan to hang plants. It will keep the plant secure eliminating the risk of a basket falling on you, especially when it gets big and heavy!
Good Tip!
Use a stud finder to locate wall studs or ceiling joints. Purchase a ceiling hook kit or wall bracket to hang your plant.
What to keep in mind?
There are hanging plants that require low maintenance but relatively, growing a hanging plant may not be as easy when compared to growing a plant from a pot. Think about it, you will need to water it, trim it or even prune from time to time. Hence, keep in mind:
The Sun
The sun can be intense in summer. I do not recommend direct sunlight for plants such as Monstera or Succulents. You can use a swivel bracket to rotate your plant to keep it out of the sun to avoid direct light.
Plant height
Try not to place your plant too high. Every so often, you will need to unhook it, water and trim it. If you decide to grow a plant that has long draping foliages, then you probably will have to hang high up or even on the ceiling. Invest in a stepladder to make it easy to unhook your basket when required.
Avoid contact with electrical light
Try not to place your trailing plant close to a bulb. I’ve seen people make this mistake. The issue is- a light bulb emits light and heat. Over a prolonged period- the plant leaves will receive more heat and light than they should. Plant foliages will turn yellow and dry up.
Trust me- this will not look pretty.
Top dressing with rocks
You can top dress your hanging baskets with rocks or pebbles to a decorative touch. You may have already seen succulents with a top dressing to compliment the leaf colour or the room it is grown in.
However, with hanging plants, I would avoid this.
Firstly, the basket will be high up and the soil or the contents of the basket will not be visible. Yes, if you decide to have a very long hanging basket that you can look down at or is at eye level, then go ahead. Othwerise, it is best to avoid.
Secondly, rocks or pebbles will make your basket heavy. This is unnecessary weight added to your basket.
Care for hanging plants
Care for hanging plants will differ from normal indoor plants you pot on the windowsill or table, for example. The air is warmer higher up and will dry a lot quicker. Thus, you may need to adjust the care of the same plant depending on whether you grow hanging or lower.
How to water hanging plants
Plants higher up need to be watered slightly more often because the air is drier and warmer.
So unhook your hanging plant at least once a week and then allow the water to drain before hanging back up again.
Drainage is crucial for certain plants such as succulents. Certain plants dislike moist soil and encourage drainage. Do not make the mistake of ruling out drainage because water will leak from your basket.
How to avoid water leaking during drainage?
If you want to water while your plant is hanging, then invest in a drip tray or a long-neck watering can.
I like to keep it simple. I would recommend bringing your plant down, watering it and then letting it drain in the sink before hanging it back.
Easy hanging plants that require low maintenance
Now we have understood where to hang a basket and what factors to keep in mind. The next step would be to find the right plant to grow.
Below are some simple, low maintenance hanging plants:
Spider Plant- Chlorophytum Comosum
These curve-shaped leaves are impressive once they grow. Offshoots grow from the main plant and give a bushy, full look.
- Famous in the 70s, the Spider plant is very easy to take care of.
- Prefers indirect sunlight
- Give a little shade at times- can still grow well with little light
- Needs space to grow out sideways
- Can propagate the leaves too if you want to grow or give away.
Satin Pothos – Scindapsus Pictus hanging plant
- Great for decorative purposes- looks gorgeous trailing downwards
- Variegated with green and silver leaves
- Very easy to grow.
- Can grow in low light but can grow faster and better with more light.
Devil’s Ivy
This plant gets its name from the fact it is practically impossible to kill. This will perhaps be one of the easiest low maintenance hanging plants to grow.
- The plant does not need a lot of sun.
- Green colour remains even with very little light.
- Doesn’t need to be watered often. Once a week should be enough.
- Heart-shaped leaves- a great decorative plant to grow with lush green leaves.
WARNING– toxic to cats and dogs.
Boston Fern
- Prefers moist soil BUT can also grow with dry soil.
- Favours medium indirect light.
- The plant likes humidity. Use a dehumidifier or spray with water if you do not have one.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron plants are one of my favorite! And the Heartleaf Philodendron is a versatile beauty that you could grow as a trailing plant. It has beautiful heart-shaped leaves with a glossy, shiny appearance. This plant is an evergreen climber but can be grown downwards if there is no surface for it to cling onto.
- Prefers medium sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Water often at least once a week.
- Prefer medium to high humidity.
WARNING– Toxic to cats and dogs
Final words
Hanging plants are lush, and it doesn’t surprise me that their popularity is soaring. They do so well to add a stylish, comforting look to your home.
And for those of you who live a busy life, do not feel you cannot have a piece of the pie.
The trailing plants I have mentioned above are some of the easiest plants you can grow! Even if you are a beginner and feel you know nothing, the steps above will be a guide for you, helping you along the way. I have listed 5 of the easiest low maintenance hanging plants you can start with. It may be best to start with one of those.
Good luck!
