21 Best Indoor Hanging Plants for Maximizing Vertical Space

Hanging plants spill over their pots gracefully instead of growing upward. While there are numerous options for both indoor and outdoor conditions, some hanging plants are particularly great for enhancing your home's vertical spaces. The following plants are perfect for hanging from your ceiling or placing on a high shelf to enrich your indoor greenery.

Baby's Tears

This small houseplant is named for its tiny round leaves lining its delicate, trailing stems. Baby's tears (Pilea depressa) grow quickly and will drape over a hanging planter like a living curtain.

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Boston Fern

The feathery, draping foliage of a Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) adds instant lushness to indoor spaces. This fern loves humidity, so remember to spray it with water daily to prevent the leaves from drying out, especially during winter.

Burro's Tail

With rows of small, plump leaves on cascading stems, Burro's tail (Sedum morganianum) is one of the most unique succulents for indoors. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant really shines when its ropelike stems dangle from a hanging pot.

English Ivy

Also known as common ivy, English ivy (Hedera helix) is admired for its lush, glossy foliage both indoors and in the garden. It's one of the best indoor plants for low light but will grow more full in brighter areas. Various varieties offer different leaf shapes and colors.

Spider Plant

Gracefully arching, narrow leaves give the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) its name. This popular indoor plant adds a lush jungle feel to a bright room with its fountain-like foliage and the dangling stems of baby plants it sends from its center.

Arrowhead Vine

The large, heart-shaped leaves of the arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) bring a tropical touch to any room. This plant thrives in humidity, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Arrowhead vines come in shades of green, pink, and burgundy.

Keep this plant out of your pets’ reach because it is toxic if ingested.

Bird's Nest Fern

Complement modern decor by hanging a bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) by a window. Its beautiful, curvy leaves change shape depending on the light exposure but avoid direct sunlight, which will cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow.

Pothos

One of the easiest houseplants to grow, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) adapts to most growing conditions. Its long trailing stems are ideal for hanging planters, and there are varieties with variegated or golden foliage for added interest.

Heartleaf Philodendron

Another super easy houseplant to grow, the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) doesn’t mind lower light levels and will bounce back if you occasionally forget to water it. Trim its long vines periodically to encourage a fuller look. Place the cut stems into a vase of water to root them into new plants.

Chenille Plant

The chenille plant (Acalypha hispida) makes an immediate impression. Fuzzy red flowers trail down from deep green leaves, earning it the nickname red-hot cat’s tail. Hang it in a spot that needs a burst of color.

Prune your chenille plant to encourage a fuller look and give it the brightest light possible.

Maidenhair Fern

With gracefully arching stems of feathery, delicate-looking foliage, the maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) makes a stunning indoor plant. However, it requires extra attention in terms of watering habits as some environments may be too dry for this fern. Increase humidity with a humidifier or by misting the leaves daily.

String of Pearls

String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a distinctive hanging plant with plump, round leaves along each stringlike stem, resembling beads on a necklace. The beads on this unique succulent store water to help it survive periods of drought.

String of Hearts

Arguably one of the most adorable indoor hanging plants, the string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) features thin, trailing stems with small, variegated green and silver heart-shaped leaves with hints of purple. Hang it in a cute pot from a high spot and let the love grow.

Peperomia

Sometimes called a baby rubber plant, peperomia is an easy houseplant for beginners to grow. There are many varieties, each boasting different foliage colors and patterns. Some have a more upright shape, while others drape their stems over the sides of their containers.

Moth Orchid

In nature, moth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) perch in tree branches, and you can create a similar effect by hanging them in your home. Their beautiful flowers add an air of sophistication and elegance to any well-lit room. Create a hanging orchid planter for a modern touch.

Staghorn Fern

Not your typical fern, staghorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) have bold, broad leaves that make a statement. Mount them on a wooden board to hang on a wall, or assemble them into a kokedama to hang from the ceiling.

Air Plants

Part of the bromeliad family, air plants (Tillandsia spp.) don’t require soil to grow, making them easy to display creatively. These wispy houseplants look great in glass capsules, mounted on walls, or in macrame plant hangers.

Satin Pothos

Despite its name, satin pothos is not actually a type of pothos, though they are closely related. The trailing variegated leaves of satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) are showier than those of standard pothos, but the plant is just as low-maintenance. It prefers bright indirect light and tolerates lower light, though its leaves can scorch in direct sunlight. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Swiss Cheese Vine

The Swiss cheese vine is a fast-growing tropical plant perfect as a houseplant. Its leaves are heart-shaped and filled with holes, giving it its name. Also known as Adanson’s monstera (Monstera adansonii), it grows aerial roots for support when climbing but looks attractive hanging in a basket too. Provide it with bright, indirect light and a consistently moist, well-draining potting mix. Indoors, Swiss cheese plants can grow vines between 3 to 8 feet long.

Inch Plant

The inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina), also known as the wandering dude, is an easy tropical perennial. Varieties include plants with variegated olive and silver foliage with purple undersides or entirely purplish leaves with silvery green stripes on top. Stems root easily in water or soil. Aim for slightly moist soil and water less in winter.

Grape Ivy

Grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) adds a tropical touch to any space and looks stunning in a hanging basket. This easy-care plant grows best when the soil is slightly dry and can go several days between waterings. Place it in an area with medium to bright light, avoiding direct sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you display hanging plants in your home?

You can use hook screws, J-hooks, or S-hooks but ensure they are installed in wall studs or ceiling joists to support the weight of the pot or planter. If you prefer not to install hooks, hanging plants can also look great on a bookcase or kitchen unit.

Which hanging baskets are the best to put your plants in?

Hanging baskets come in various styles and can be suspended from chains or ropes. Choose the look and material that fit your room best, but make sure the container isn’t too small for the plant to grow. It's best to pick the plant first to ensure the basket is the correct size.

Which hanging indoor plants do not need much sunlight?

Many plants listed above, like English ivy, bird’s nest fern, and spider plants, don't need direct sunlight to thrive. Just make sure you keep them well-watered.