Whether your houseplant jungle has officially run out of horizontal surfaces or you just have an awkward corner to fill, go vertical with a hanging houseplant (or two, or three). With just a little know-how, you can easily grow indoor hanging plants that will lend verdant life to any room. To make your job as Houseplant Grower super easy, plant your green babies inMiracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mixto keep them well-drained while helping ward off pesky gnats.
Then, a month after planting, begin applyingMiracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Foodon a regular basis for an instant boost of essential nutrients that will help keep your hanging plants looking their best. (Be sure to follow the directions on the label!) But first, of course, you've got to find just the right hanging plant for you. Check out the list below for some terrific options.
But first, of course, you've got to find just the right hanging plant for you. Check out the list below for some terrific options.
Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans):Prized for long, narrow blooms that resemble a tube of lipstick, this appropriately named plant will thrive best near a sunny window with plenty of bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A monthly dose of Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food will help it produce more flowers. No pruning is necessary, but an occasional trim of straggly stems can keep the plant looking fuller. Size and color vary by variety, so be sure to consult the plant tag before purchasing.
Peperomia (Radiator plant) (Peperomia spp.):If your plant hanger is in a precarious spot (or you just don't feel like watering that often), opt for nearly foolproof peperomia. Perfect for beginners, this easy houseplant only needs water when the soil dries out. Unlike many houseplants that require full sun, peperomia can tolerate medium to low light (although the foliage will be less impressive). While these plants perform well on their own, an occasional dose of Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food will help them grow faster. Peperomia foliage comes in a wide variety of colors and textures.
Wandering Jew/Inch Plant/Spiderwort (Tradescantia zebrina):Referred to by several names, T. zebrina is a common houseplant that needs little maintenance. It features striped leaves with a dark purple center and light green edges on top, and solid, bold magenta on the bottom. It adapts to a variety of growing conditions, but performs best in partial sun. Keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Easily grow more (or propagate) T. zebrina by cutting a 4-6 inch stem and dipping it in Miracle-Gro® FastRoot® Dry Powder Rooting Hormone to give it a strong start, then planting it in a fresh pot filled with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.):Philodendrons just might be everybody's favorite low-light hanging plant. Their lush, green, often variegated foliage is right at home in a windowless corner. Simply plant in Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix and keep the soil consistently damp, then follow up with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food according to the label instructions. Snip spindly stems as needed. For more about caring for philodendrons, check out our How to Grow Philodendrons article.
Chenille Plant/Red Hot Cattail Plant (Acalypha hispida):Basically the Muppet® of the plant world, chenille plant is a fuzzy, whimsical addition to any hanging basket. Chenille is the French word for caterpillar, which accurately describes the soft, bright red catkins that hang downward. Place it in your sunniest window and fertilize regularly with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food to support its rapid growth. Keep soil moist and consider using a spray mister between waterings to keep catkins happy. Trim leggy shoots regularly with sharp shears. (PS: Although this unique plant is a pet and kiddo magnet, it is mildly toxic when handled or ingested and should be kept out of reach.)
Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum):Burro's tail is one of the best succulents for hanging baskets. It produces stems with light greenish-blue, overlapping leaves that can reach up to three feet long, resembling a series of tails. It prefers bright light, low water, and good drainage. If you travel frequently (or just forget to water), this is one of your very best bets. Pair it with other indoor-friendly succulents like Christmas cactus, jade, and aloe vera. Learn more about how to care for succulents right here.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):Have a rough history with houseplants? Trypothos. One of the easiest hanging houseplants you can grow, it handles low light and dry soil with ease. Leaf color and pattern depends on the variety, but you can generally expect large, thick leaves onvines that can reach up to 10 feet long indoors. This plant tends to become leggy over time, so regularly pinch back longer stems at the base where they meet other stems—this will encourage the plant to produce more shoots. Pothos will adapt to almost any soil, light and water configuration, so consider placing it where other plants have struggled in the past.
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus):Although not technically a fern (it's a member of the lily family), asparagus fern's frilly foliage that resembles fronds certainly suggests otherwise. Its delicate, lacy, green needles add unique texture to any hanging basket. Asparagus ferns love humidity—make sure they receive water one to two times per week, and mist leaves regularly to prevent them from drying out (especially in the winter). Fertilize regularly to help keep your fern looking lush. Place in bright, indirect light to prevent leaves from getting burned. Prune back brown ends to encourage new growth. Note: Asparagus fern needles can be sharp and are toxic if ingested. Ensure your hanging basket is out of reach of little ones and pets.
Boston Fern/Sword Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata):One of the most common hanging houseplants, you'll often find Boston ferns thriving on front porches. They bear lush green fronds that reach 2 to 3 feet long. This humidity-loving plant appreciates regular watering (including a spritz on the leaves) and indirect light—in or near your bathroom may be the ideal spot. Prune back dry leaves as needed. Learn more about how to grow Boston ferns.
English Ivy (Hedera helix):Bring the charm English ivy indoors by growing it in a hanging basket. It features lush, lobed, often veined leaves that may sport a mix of colors. English ivy prefers indirect light indoors, along with consistently moist soil. Unlike many houseplants that hail from tropical climates, English ivy actually prefers cooler temperatures. Branches can become woody and sparse; simply trim them back as needed. Beware: English ivy can damage interior surfaces if it becomes attached, so keep your hanging basket a safe distance from drywall or plaster. (PS: Ivy is considered an invasive species in some areas, so be sure to check your local regulations before purchasing.)
Now you have the products, plants, and know-how to grow a hanging houseplant (or many of them!) that will breathe life into the blandest corners of your home. Hang one wherever you hang out and enjoy its beauty for years to come.
