The 15 Best Hanging Plants to Elevate Your Home Décor

Turn overlooked corners into cascading green havens that refresh and enliven your living space.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

Adding hanging plants is one of the easiest and most stylish ways to transform any indoor space. Suspended from ceilings, shelves, or walls, these beautiful greenery options bring life, color, and texture to areas where floor or table space might be limited. Whether you’re a seasoned indoor gardener or brand new to plants, this guide will introduce you to fifteen popular, easy-to-care-for hanging varieties. Each section provides essential care tips and creative decorating insights, so you can enjoy healthy, vibrant plants year-round.

Why Choose Hanging Plants?

  • Space-Saving: Perfect for small apartments or homes lacking shelf and floor space.
  • Visual Interest: Adds vertical greenery and draws the eye upward, creating beautiful focal points.
  • Air Purification: Many hanging plants contribute to cleaner indoor air.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Several species are safe for homes with dogs or cats.
  • Versatile Placement: Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond.

1. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

With long, arching fronds, the Boston fern is a classic hanging plant, prized for its lush foliage and air-purifying qualities.

  • Light: Indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.
  • Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy; prefers high humidity.
  • Care Tips: Mist often and trim dead fronds regularly.

2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy’s trailing vines and beautiful, clustered leaves make it a dramatic addition to any hanging basket or wall planter.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Allow top soil to dry out between watering.
  • Care Tips: Train stems along trellises or let them drape for a cascading effect.

3. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

This succulent features long, trailing stems packed with fleshy, blue-green leaves that resemble teardrops.

  • Light: Bright to full sun (acclimate to avoid sunburn).
  • Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.
  • Humidity: Average household humidity.
  • Care Tips: Handle with care—leaves are delicate and fall off easily.

4. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

Known for its distinctive, bead-like leaves, string of pearls drapes beautifully and serves as a conversation starter.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water thoroughly, then let soil dry.
  • Care Tips: Avoid overwatering; use cactus soil for optimal drainage.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are celebrated for their arching leaves and ability to sprout tiny plantlets at the end of stems.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates lower light.
  • Water: Water when top inch of soil dries out.
  • Care Tips: Trim brown tips and remove plantlets to multiply your collection.

6. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

This plant features lush, heart-shaped leaves and is available in several attractive varieties (Lemon Lime, Brasil, Silver Stripe, and more).

  • Light: Low to bright indirect light.
  • Water: Water when top soil is dry.
  • Humidity: Thrives in high humidity, but tolerates regular household levels.
  • Care Tips: Easy to propagate; just cut and root stem segments in water or soil.

7. Wandering Dude (Tradescantia zebrina)

Also known as inch plant, this fast-growing vine displays striking purple and silver-striped foliage.

  • Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
  • Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Humidity: Prefers higher humidity (around 60%).
  • Care Tips: Regular pruning maintains fullness and encourages branching.

8. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

With its brilliantly variegated green and yellow leaves, golden pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow and forgiving of neglect.

  • Light: Tolerates low to bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Let soil dry out between watering.
  • Care Tips: Trim vines to keep bushy or allow them to trail for a dramatic look.

9. Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)

Hoyas feature thick, glossy leaves and clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers that add exotic flair to your rooms.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
  • Humidity: Prefers 50% to 60% humidity.
  • Care Tips: Enjoys being root-bound—avoid re-potting too often.

10. Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)

Unlike most houseplants, air plants don’t require potting soil. Their sculptural forms are perfect for creative displays in glass globes, driftwood, and hanging shells.

  • Light: Bright, indirect or filtered light.
  • Water: Soak in water every two weeks or mist 2-3 times weekly.
  • Humidity: Prefers 60-65% humidity.
  • Care Tips: Let air plants dry thoroughly after watering to prevent rot.

11. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

The string of hearts plant produces cascading vines of heart-shaped leaves with delicate pink accents.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water infrequently; let soil dry out fully.
  • Care Tips: Prune regularly to encourage fuller growth.

12. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)

These ferns have delicate, lacy leaflets that bring elegance to shelves and hanging baskets.

  • Light: Moderate indirect light.
  • Water: Keep soil evenly moist; never soggy.
  • Care Tips: Ensure consistent humidity and avoid cold drafts.

13. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

Named for its tube-like, vivid red flowers, the lipstick plant brings unique color and form to homes.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Water: Keep soil gently moist; do not let it dry out completely.
  • Care Tips: Fertilize monthly for more prolific blooms.

14. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)

This plant isn’t a true fern, but its feathery foliage creates beautiful hanging baskets and thrives in humid rooms.

  • Light: Indirect sunlight.
  • Water: Water once or twice weekly; mist leaves to boost humidity.
  • Care Tips: Protect from drafts and cold air.

15. Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida)

Showstopping fuzzy red blooms dangle from this vibrant plant, adding whimsy and drama to any space.

  • Light: Sunny window; bright, indirect light preferred.
  • Water: Keep soil moist; mist regularly.
  • Care Tips: Prune leggy stems; keep out of reach of pets and small children.

Quick Care Comparison Table

PlantLightWaterHumiditySpecial Feature
Boston FernIndirectMoistHighAir purification
Burro’s TailBright/full sunDry betweenAverageSucculent form
Spider PlantBright/lowDry betweenAverageEasy propagation
Wandering DudeMedium/brightDry betweenHigherColorful stripes
Wax PlantBrightDry betweenModerate/highFragrant blooms
String of PearlsBrightDry betweenAverageUnique leaves
Air PlantBrightSoak/mistHighSoil-free
Golden PothosBright/lowDry betweenAverageTolerant grower
Lipstick PlantBrightMoistModerateVivid flowers
Chenille PlantBrightMoistModerateFuzzy blooms

Tips for Styling Hanging Plants

  • Mix Heights: Hang plants in varying lengths to create a layered look.
  • Groupings: Cluster multiple types for a lush, jungle-like effect.
  • Use Various Planters: Macramé, ceramic, glass, and metal hangers add texture and style.
  • Highlight Corners: Fill unused corners to maximize space and brighten dark spots.
  • Pair With Wall Art: Combine botanicals and artwork for a personalized gallery feel.

Common Challenges and Solutions

  • Low Light Conditions: Opt for pothos, spider plants, or philodendrons, which tolerate less sunlight.
  • Dry Air: Increase humidity with regular misting or a room humidifier, especially for ferns.
  • Overwatering: Use well-draining soil and ensure planters have proper drainage holes.
  • Pest Issues: Check plants weekly for bugs; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which hanging plants are best for beginners?
Spider plants, heartleaf philodendron, golden pothos, and English ivy are all forgiving and easy for beginners.
Q: Can hanging plants survive in low light?
Yes! Golden pothos, philodendrons, and spider plants are excellent choices for areas with reduced sunlight.
Q: Are any hanging plants safe for cats and dogs?
Spider plants, Boston ferns, and air plants are generally safe, but always check for species-specific toxicity before bringing a plant home.
Q: How often should I water my hanging plants?
This depends on the species and environment. Always check the soil moisture before watering; succulents need less frequent watering than ferns or ivies.
Q: How do I prevent water from dripping onto floors?
Use waterproof saucers under hanging pots, or choose self-watering planters. Water slowly and observe for overflow.

Expert Care Tips for Lush Hanging Plants

  • Hang plants in locations with optimal light and minimal drafts.
  • Rotate baskets regularly to ensure even growth.
  • Feed plants monthly during spring and summer with an appropriate fertilizer.
  • Wipe leaves gently to remove dust and enhance photosynthesis.
  • Inspect for pests and diseased leaves; nip problems in the bud!

Conclusion: Transform Your Home with Hanging Plants

Whether you dream of a lush indoor jungle or simply want to add a splash of green to your apartment, the world of hanging plants offers endless possibilities. With their easy-care nature, dramatic impact, and variety of forms and colors, it’s never been simpler to elevate your décor and purify your space. Choose a few favorites and enjoy the beauty of living, thriving greenery above and beyond your reach!

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete