The best hanging plants for creating an indoor jungle
A longtime bohemian standard during the 1970s, hanging houseplants have returned in a big way as demand for plants has skyrocketed in the pandemic and Instagram influencers create indoor jungles.
Plant parents love to dote on their houseplants, especially now that everyone is hunkering down at home, but are all indoor plants well suited to hanging?
Bloomscape’s resident plant expert Joyce Mast advises evaluating your home and lifestyle before choosing a houseplant to hang in your home.
“What kind of light will your plant enjoy?” Mast asked. “How much time will you have to take care of its needs? And are you able to reach the plant (to water) once it is hanging in your home?”
From fast-growing philodendron to trailing spider plants, here are varieties that will do well in baskets and macrame hangers. Silver satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus): In the wild, a Scindapsus plant can climb as high as the crown of a tree, while indoors, it can grow up to 6 feet tall. “This trailing plant enjoys low to bright indirect light areas, is very easy to care for, and looks lovely as a hanging plant as its patterned silvery green leaves drape over,” Mast said. Tip: Feel free to take a cutting from this one and share at plant swaps as they are easy to propagate. If vines grow too long, simply cut back the stems in the spring just below a healthy leaf.
Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): This popular philodendron features distinctive pointed tips and can be grown as a climber or a trailing vine. “These fastgrowing heart-shaped plants enjoy low to bright indirect light areas and are very easy to care for – they’re happy in most areas of the home,” said Mast. Tip: This plant can handle its soil drying out from time to time. Just water it thoroughly and then hang it back up. As a quick grower, it is an excellent choice for the trailing-plants-as-curtains look.
Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’: This variety of the popular heartleaf philodendron features beautiful yellow and lime green leaves that look dramatic cascading from bookshelves and hangers. Mast likes it as a “fast-growing, vining plant that is very easy to care for and will thrive in low to bright indirect light.” Tip: If it gets long and leggy, simply pinch it back for a fuller look.
Neon prayer plant (Maranta): Hardy Maranta earned its common name because of the way its leaves close at nightfall. “This vibrant plant stands out with bright green oval leaves and a herringbonelike pattern of light yellow veining,” said Mast. “The colorful foliage makes this a perfect plant for window sills or shelves that need a