Best Indoor Hanging Plants for Low Light and Small Spaces

Indoor hanging plants are one of the easiest ways to add greenery to apartments, small spaces, shelves, offices, and indoor living areas without taking up valuable floor space.

From trailing pothos and spider plants to dramatic ferns and string plants, hanging houseplants add texture, softness, and natural color while making indoor spaces feel more alive.

This guide covers some of the best indoor hanging plants for beginners, low-light rooms, bathrooms, offices, and small-space indoor plant styling.

Quick Answer: Best Indoor Hanging Plants

Indoor Hanging Plants at a Glance

What Are Indoor Hanging Plants?

Indoor hanging plants are houseplants grown in suspended containers, hanging baskets, wall planters, or ceiling-mounted displays. Some trail downward with long vines, while others create fuller cascading foliage that adds height and texture to indoor spaces.

Benefits of Hanging Plants in Interior Spaces:

• Space-saving: Perfect for small apartments or rooms with limited floor space
• Air purification: Many hanging plants are excellent at filtering indoor air pollutants
• Stress reduction: Studies show that indoor plants can lower stress levels and improve mood
• Increased humidity: Some hanging plants can naturally increase air moisture, benefiting both you and other plants
• Aesthetic appeal: They add a unique decorative element to any room

Top 11 Indoor Hanging Plants for Beginners

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Shop Succulents Spider Plant, Hanging Live Indoor Plant, Easy Care Hanging Trailing Houseplant in Nursery Pot, Air Purifying Plant in Soil, Housewarming, Home Décor, Trails 4-6 Inches

• Easy to grow: One of the most beginner-friendly indoor hanging plants.
• Produces spiderettes: Mature plants create baby offshoots that can easily be propagated.
• Air-purifying: Helps add greenery while naturally improving indoor spaces.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

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• Very adaptable: Pothos tolerates a wide range of indoor lighting conditions.
• Fast-growing vines: Creates long trailing growth that works beautifully in hanging baskets.
• Beginner-friendly: One of the easiest indoor hanging plants for apartments and small spaces.
• Variety options: Available in several green, golden, and variegated leaf patterns.

3. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

4″ String of Pearls, Live Trailing Succulent Fully Rooted in Pots with Soil Mix, Rare House Plant for Home Office Wedding Hanging Decoration, DIY Projects, Party Favor

• Unique appearance: Round bead-like leaves create a dramatic trailing look.
• Drought tolerant: Requires less watering than many tropical hanging plants.
• Best lighting: Prefers bright indirect light or gentle morning sun.
• Decorative impact: Works especially well in modern and minimalist indoor spaces.

4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Golden English Ivy – Hedera Helix Kolibri (2″ Grower Pot) – Eye-catching, Air-Purifying, Easy to Grow Houseplant – Best Trailing Houseplant for Home and Office Decoration

• Classic trailing plant: Adds traditional cascading greenery to shelves and hanging baskets.
• Adaptable growth: Handles several indoor light conditions reasonably well.
• Fast coverage: Quickly fills hanging planters with trailing vines.
• Decor versatility: Works in both modern and traditional indoor plant displays.

5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Rooted Boston Fern Compacta, Nephrolepis Exaltata Bostoniensis Compacta, Live Indoor, Home Decor, Easy to Grow, Easy to Care, and Low Maintenance Houseplant (6″)

• Full trailing foliage: Creates a lush hanging display with soft feathery fronds.
• Humidity-loving: Performs especially well in bathrooms and humid indoor spaces.
• Air-purifying: A popular fern for adding softness and greenery indoors.
• Best conditions: Prefers consistent moisture and bright indirect light.

6. Heart-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

BubbleBlooms Philodendron Micans Hederaceum in a 4 inch Pot Heart-Leaf Philo, Sweetheart Plant

• Fast-growing with heart-shaped leaves
• Very forgiving and easy to care for
• Adaptable to various light conditions
• Can be trained to climb or allowed to trail

7. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

Live Succulent 4″ String of Hearts, Succulents Plants Live, Succulent Plants Fully Rooted, Hanging House Plant for Home Office Decoration, DIY Projects, Party Favor Gift by The Succulent Cult

• Delicate, heart-shaped leaves on thin, trailing stems
• Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
• Prefers bright, indirect light
• Unique purple-tinged stems add visual interest

8. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

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• Succulent with cascading stems of plump, blue-green leaves
• Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
• Prefers bright light but can tolerate some shade
• Fragile leaves can be used to propagate new plants

9. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

Aeschynanthus radicans ‘Twister’, Twisted Lipstick Plant, Twister Lipstick Vine, Basket Vine, houseplant, Hanging houseplant, ContainerSize: 3″ (2.6×3.5)

• Exotic-looking plant with dark leaves and tubular red flowers
• Prefers humid environments
• Blooms throughout the year with proper care
• Best in bright, indirect light

10. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

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• Unique, wavy fronds emerge from a central rosette
• Tolerates lower light conditions
• Prefers high humidity
• Adds a tropical touch to any space

11. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

• No soil required, making them incredibly versatile for displays
• Come in various shapes and sizes
• Low-maintenance and perfect for creative arrangements
• Can be mounted, placed in glass globes, or displayed in unique containers
• Require periodic misting or soaking for hydration

Care Guide for Indoor Hanging Plants

Light requirements:

Most hanging plants prefer bright, indirect light. However, some can tolerate lower light conditions. Always research the specific needs of your plant.

Generally:
• Bright, indirect light: Most flowering plants, succulents, and variegated varieties
• Medium light: Many ferns, philodendrons, and pothos
• Low light: Some varieties of pothos, ZZ plants, and certain philodendrons

Watering needs:

Proper watering is crucial for hanging plants. Overwatering is a common issue, as excess water can’t escape as easily from hanging containers.

• Check soil moisture before watering – when the top inch feels dry, it’s usually time to water
• Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then empty the drip tray
• Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant
• Consider the plant’s natural habitat – succulents need less water than tropical plants

Soil and fertilization:

• Use a well-draining potting mix appropriate for your plant type
• Most hanging plants benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer)
• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength
• Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows

Temperature and humidity:

• Most indoor hanging plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Avoid placing plants near drafts or heat sources
• Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier
• Group plants together to create a microclimate with higher humidity

Pruning and maintenance:

• Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves
• Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth
• Trim overly long vines to maintain the desired shape
• Clean leaves periodically to remove dust and improve photosynthesis

Creative Ways to Display Hanging Plants

Macramé hangers:

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• Adds a boho-chic touch to any room
• Can be DIY-ed or purchased in various styles and colors
• Allows for adjustable height and easy plant swapping

Hanging baskets:

• Classic option available in various materials (plastic, wire, coconut coir)
• Great for plants that need frequent watering
• Can be lined with moss for a natural look

Wall-mounted planters:

• Perfect for creating a living wall effect
• Available in various designs, from minimalist to ornate
• Can be arranged in patterns or clusters for visual impact

Ceiling hooks and pulleys:

• Ideal for high ceilings or hard-to-reach areas
• Allows for easy lowering of plants for watering and maintenance
• Can create a dramatic, cascading effect with multiple plants

Window displays:

• Maximizes natural light for sun-loving plants
• Creates a natural privacy screen
• Can be achieved with tension rods, hanging rods, or suction cup hooks

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Yellowing leaves:

• Cause: Often due to overwatering, but can also be caused by nutrient deficiencies or too much direct sunlight
• Solution: Adjust watering schedule, check for proper drainage, or move to a more suitable location

Pest infestations:

• Common pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects
• Prevention: Regularly inspect plants, maintain proper humidity, and avoid overwatering
• Treatment: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol depending on the pest type

Root rot:

• Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
• Prevention: Ensure proper drainage, allow soil to dry between waterings
• Treatment: Remove affected parts, repot in fresh soil, and adjust watering habits

Leggy growth:

• Cause: Insufficient light causing the plant to stretch towards light sources
• Solution: Move to a brighter location or provide supplemental grow lights
• Prune leggy growth to encourage bushier development

Leaf drop:

• Causes: Stress from changes in environment, overwatering, or pest infestations
• Solution: Identify the cause and address it (e.g., stabilize temperature, adjust watering, treat for pests)
• Give the plant time to recover in ideal conditions

Advanced Techniques for Hanging Plant Enthusiasts

Propagation methods:

• Water propagation: Works well for pothos, philodendron, and many other vining plants
• Leaf cuttings: Ideal for succulents like burro’s tail or string of hearts
• Division: Suitable for plants that produce offsets, like spider plants

Creating mixed hanging planters:

• Combine plants with similar care requirements
• Mix trailing plants with upright ones for varied texture
• Consider color combinations and growth rates when selecting plants

Training plants to grow in specific patterns:

• Use plant ties or soft twine to guide growth
• Create living sculptures with wire frames
• Train vining plants to grow up and over structures for a dramatic effect

Building your own custom hangers:

• Experiment with materials like rope, leather, or recycled items
• Design multi-tiered hangers for a vertical garden effect
• Create adjustable systems to accommodate plants as they grow

Hanging Plants for Specific Environments

Low-light hanging plants:

• Pothos
• Heart-leaf Philodendron
• ZZ Plan

Bathroom-friendly hanging plants:

• Boston Fern
• Spider Plant
• English Ivy
• Bird’s Nest Fern

Office-appropriate hanging plants:

• Pothos
• String of Pearls
• Air Plants (Tillandsia)
• Burro’s Tail

Pet-safe hanging options:

• Spider Plant
• Boston Fern
• Lemon Button Fern

Seasonal Care for Hanging Plants

Winter care tips:

• Reduce watering frequency as growth slows
• Move plants away from cold windows and drafts
• Increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray
• Hold off on fertilizing until spring

Summer growth management:

• Increase watering frequency and monitor soil moisture closely
• Provide shade from intense afternoon sun
• Fertilize regularly to support active growth
• Prune and shape plants as needed

Preparing plants for seasonal changes:

• Gradually acclimate plants to changes in light and temperature
• Clean leaves and inspect for pests before bringing outdoor plants inside
• Adjust care routines to match the plant’s natural growth cycle
• Consider supplemental lighting for dark winter months

Design Ideas: Incorporating Hanging Plants in Home Decor

Bohemian-inspired spaces:

• Mix and match various macramé hangers
• Combine different plant types for a lush, eclectic look
• Incorporate natural materials like wood and woven baskets

Minimalist hanging plant arrangements:

• Choose sleek, modern planters in neutral colors
• Focus on plants with clean lines, like string of pearls or air plants
• Create symmetrical displays for a balanced look

Creating a hanging plant wall:

• Use a variety of wall-mounted planters and hanging baskets
• Mix plants of different sizes, textures, and colors
• Incorporate shelving or trellises for additional support and visual interest

Hanging plants in small spaces:

• Utilize vertical space with tiered hanging systems
• Choose compact plants that won’t overwhelm the space
• Use hanging plants to create natural room dividers

The Environmental Impact of Indoor Hanging Plants

Air purification benefits:

• Many hanging plants effectively remove indoor air pollutants
• Spider plants, pothos, and English ivy are particularly good air purifiers
• A combination of plants can address various types of indoor pollutants

Sustainability of growing indoor plants:

• Indoor plants can reduce energy costs by providing natural cooling
• Growing your own plants from cuttings reduces the need for purchased plants
• Indoor gardening can promote a connection with nature and encourage eco-friendly practices

Eco-friendly planting and care practices:

• Use organic, peat-free potting mixes
• Opt for natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soaps
• Collect rainwater for watering plants
• Compost plant trimmings and use them to enrich soil

Indoor Hanging Plants FAQs

Indoor hanging plants are a great way to add greenery without using floor space. These quick answers cover beginner care, low-light choices, watering, small spaces, and display ideas.

What are the best indoor hanging plants for beginners?

Some of the best indoor hanging plants for beginners include pothos, spider plant, heartleaf philodendron, Boston fern, and string of hearts. These plants are popular because they adapt well to indoor growing conditions and look good in hanging baskets.

Which indoor hanging plants are best for low light?

Pothos, heartleaf philodendron, spider plant, and some ferns are good indoor hanging plants for lower-light rooms. They still grow best with some bright indirect light, but they tolerate less light better than many flowering or succulent hanging plants.

How often should I water indoor hanging plants?

Water indoor hanging plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. Hanging baskets can dry out faster than regular pots, so check them regularly. Always let extra water drain so the roots do not sit in soggy soil.

Are indoor hanging plants good for small spaces?

Yes, indoor hanging plants are excellent for small spaces because they add greenery without taking up floor space, counters, or tabletops. They work well in apartments, corners, windows, bathrooms, offices, and shelves.

Where should I hang indoor plants?

Hang indoor plants near bright indirect light, in corners, beside windows, above shelves, near plant stands, or in bathrooms with enough natural light. Avoid placing them directly above heat vents, fireplaces, or areas where watering could damage furniture or floors.

What hanging plants grow the fastest indoors?

Pothos, heartleaf philodendron, English ivy, and string of hearts are fast-growing indoor hanging plants when they receive enough light and consistent watering. Regular pruning can help keep them fuller instead of long and thin.

Indoor Hanging Plants Final Thoughts

Indoor hanging plants are one of the easiest ways to add greenery, texture, and natural color to apartments, bathrooms, offices, shelves, and small indoor spaces without using valuable floor space.

From beginner-friendly pothos and spider plants to dramatic ferns and trailing string plants, hanging houseplants can completely change how an indoor space feels while adding softness and movement to walls, corners, and windows.

Most indoor hanging plants are surprisingly easy to grow once you match them with the right light, watering routine, and container. Even a single hanging basket can make a room feel more relaxed, alive, and inviting.

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