Hanging Plants: How to pick the perfect plants for your vertical spaces
Sure a hanging plant sounds like a good idea, but how do you water without dripping on the floor? What if its too heavy and it falls down?! These are perfectly reasonable concerns to entertain BUT the good news is, armed with a little bit of knowledge and the right supplies you too can be enjoying the space saving benefits of having happy plants hanging beautifully and safely up above!
In this post we will be exploring how to choose which plants would be best for you to hang in your space!
In our next segment we'll go over selecting planters, hangers and some pro tips for installing hooks safely and securely.
What to hang?
Choosing just the right plant to put into your hanging planters can seem daunting but the good news it any plant you decide to put into a hanging planter is now a hanging plant! There aren't any wrong answers but there are certainly things you might consider when making your selection:
(Shown in photo: Philodendron 'Little Phil')
1) How does the plant look from below?
If your plant's new spot is up on a shelf or hanging from the ceiling you'll want to use this change in perspective to highlight plants that look good from below!
(Shown: Pilea 'Money Plant' & Pothos 'Golden')
Here's a few of our favorite plants that wow from underneath!
2) What shape do you want your plant's growth to have?
Especially when your plant will be growing from a hanging planter, the shape of its future growth can effect how you can interact with the space later on.
The most popular choices for hanging plants tends to be those with trailing growth habits such as Pothos or Ivy, but there are other shapes to consider like a springy fern or spider plant. or even something that may stay more compact or upright!
(Shown: Fern 'Kangaroo Paw')
3) How often are you really going to water this?
If you're accustomed to looking at your touching the top of your soil to know when it's time to water it may be slightly more difficult to remember if the top of the pot is above your line of sight. When you're selecting the type of plant you want to keep in your hanger ask yourself this question:
Would something that needs more regular care help me stick to it?
If so you may be happier with a plant that likes regular watering and becomes a part of your regular routine like a fern or prayer plant.
If your answer to that question is no a plant that can tolerate fully drying out between waterings is likely a better option.
(Shown: Maranta 'Green' & Ivy 'English')
Having the right tool for the job can be the ticket to sticking to a watering routine!
Here are some of our go-to watering tools you'll love!
Light & Temperature
Finally, it's crucial to carefully assess the lighting conditions and potential temperature fluctuations within the designated area for your new plants.
While many plants can thrive in a medium indirect light setting with occasional direct exposure, it's essential to recognize that each species has its specific requirements.
Commonly, hanging plants find their place near windows, corners, or vents. Just be mindful of any drafts that might affect the chosen area and to consider whether the selected plant is sensitive to temperature variations. Taking these factors into account will ensure the optimal environment for your plants' growth and well-being.
Shown (Philodendron Heart Leaf 'Lemon Lime')
With just a little info you're now prepared to select houseplants that are perfectly suited to your hanging spaces! If you'd like any help we're always just a visit, email, text or DM away!
In part 2 we'll be going over how to select hangers and safely install your hardware so your plants can reach new heights without worrying about falls or drips!
Blogs you might like to read
