Crowded shelves and table tops become a thing of the past by hanging plants from the ceiling or walls. The variety of hanging houseplants below and their stems, drooping leaves, and graceful arching plants will make the most of your home's vertical space.
baby tears
jason donnelly
This small houseplant gets its name from the small, rounded leaves that line its delicate trailing stems. Baby tears (Pilea depressa) grow quickly and hang like living curtains in hanging planters.
boston fern
BHG / Phoebe Chong
The feathery leaves of the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) add instant richness to indoor spaces. This fern likes moisture, so spray it with water daily to keep the leaves from drying out, especially in winter.
english ivy
jacob fox
English ivy (Hedera helix), also known as common ivy, is grown in indoor and outdoor gardens for its lush, glossy foliage. He is one of the best indoor plants for dark places, but grows more abundantly in bright light. Many varieties exist with different leaf shapes and colors.
spider plant
BHG / Phoebe Chong
The graceful, arched, narrow leaves give the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) its name. This popular hanging houseplant adds a lush jungle feel to any brightly lit room, thanks to its fountain-like leaves and baby plant stems that dangle from the center.
arrowhead vine
marty baldwin
The large heart-shaped leaves of the arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) add a tropical feel to any room. This indoor hanging plant thrives in humidity, so it works especially well in bathrooms and kitchens. Arrowhead vines come in shades of green, pink, and burgundy.
This plant is poisonous if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets.
bird nest fern
brie passano
Hanging a bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) next to a window will enhance your contemporary interior. The beautiful, curved leaves change shape depending on the amount of light, but if kept out of direct sunlight, the leaves will wrinkle and turn yellow.
pothos
adam albright
Adaptable to most growing conditions, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. The long stems are perfect for hanging planters, and for added interest, some varieties have variegated or golden leaves.
heart leaf philodendron
BHG / Phoebe Chong
Another very easy to grow houseplant, heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) does not mind low light levels and easily recovers from occasional forgetting to water. Trim back the long vines from time to time to give it a fuller look. Placing the cut stems in a vase of water will help the new plant take root easily.
chenille factory
marty baldwin
Chenille plants (Acalypha hispida) make an immediate impression. The fuzzy red flowers that cascade from the dark green leaves give this houseplant the nickname “red cat's tail.” Take advantage of the vibrancy of this plant and hang it anywhere you need a little color.
ginkgo fern
Denny Schrock
Gracefully arching stems from delicate ginkgo-like leaves make ginkgo-leaf fern (Adiantum radium) a stunning hanging indoor plant. However, some environments can be too dry for this fern, so be extra careful with your watering habits. Increase humidity levels by using a humidifier or misting the leaves daily.
pearl necklace
jason donnelly
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a unique pendulous plant because of its plump, rounded leaves that grow along long string-like stems that resemble beads on a necklace. This unique succulent bead is filled with water to survive periods of drought.
heart string
Soft focus of Ceropegia woodii, chain of hearts, rosary vine, hearts on a string, or sweetheart vine green and red plant.Provided by Getty Images
Perhaps the loveliest option for an indoor hanging plant is string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii). The slender stems are characterized by small heart-shaped leaves that are green and silver with purplish variegation. Plant a string of hearts in a cute pot and hang it from a high place to encourage love.
Phalaenopsis
adam albright
In nature, Phalaenopsis orchids perch on tree branches, but you can create a similar effect by hanging them inside your home. Its beautiful flowers add a touch of sophistication and elegance to bright rooms. For a modern twist on your orchid display, create this hanging orchid planter.
Stag fern
brie passano
This is not your typical fern. Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) has bold, wide leaves that make a statement. You can attach it to a wooden board and hang it on the wall, or you can assemble it into a moss ball and hang it from the ceiling.
satin tempos
marty baldwin
Despite the name, Satin Pothos is not actually a type of Pothos, but they are closely related. The trailing variegated leaves of satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) are more showy than standard pothos, but this plant is just as easy to care for. It prefers bright indirect light and tolerates low light, but direct sunlight will burn the leaves. Wait until the soil is dry between watering.
swiss cheese vine
jacob fox
Swiss cheese vine is a fast-growing tropical plant that grows well as a houseplant. This name comes from the heart-shaped leaves with holes in them. This plant, also called Monstera adansonii, stretches out aerial roots as supports when climbing, but it is equally attractive when grown in hanging baskets. Give your Swiss cheese vine plenty of bright, indirect light and keep it in moist, well-drained potting soil. Indoors, Swiss His Cheese plants grow vines 3 to 8 feet long.
inch plant
Peter Krumhardt
Inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina), also known as wandering bastard, is an easy-to-grow tropical perennial. Varieties include plants with variegated olive and silver leaves with purple undersides, and plants with purple leaves on both sides and silvery-green stripes on the surface. The stems easily root where they come into contact with water or soil. This plant does not like dry or moist soil. Choose slightly moist soil and reduce watering during the winter.
grape ivy
William N. Hopkins
Grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) adds a tropical touch to any space and looks beautiful in a hanging basket. This easy-care houseplant grows best when the soil is slightly dry, and you may want to wait a few days between waterings. Place it in a location that receives medium to bright light, but avoid direct sunlight.