Hanging Houseplants

Hanging houseplants are species with trailing or cascading growth that look best displayed at height. They can be grown in macrame hangers, wall-mounted pots, on high shelves or in hanging baskets. Popular genera include Hoya, Epipremnum, Ceropegia and Scindapsus.

In nature, many of these plants grow as epiphytes on tree branches or trail along the forest floor. Their trailing habit translates well to indoor settings where floor space is limited.

Golden Pothos is the most forgiving trailing plant we sell. It tolerates low light, irregular watering and dry air. Tradescantia grows quickly and roots easily from cuttings, making it another excellent choice for beginners.

For something a little different, Spider Plant (Bonnie) produces arching stems with baby plantlets and is one of the few pet-safe trailing options. Scindapsus pictus adds silvery shimmer to a shelf and is equally low-maintenance.

The main consideration is watering. Plants hung at height dry out faster because warm air rises. Check the compost every few days during spring and summer and water when the top 2 to 3 cm feels dry. Take pots down to water over a sink or use a long-spouted watering can to avoid spills.

Feed every two to four weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Trim leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Most trailing species root easily in water, so cuttings can become new plants.

It depends on the species. Golden Pothos, Philodendron scandens and Scindapsus all handle low-light conditions well. They are good choices for bathrooms, hallways and north-facing rooms.

Others, like Hoya linearis, String of Hearts and String of Pearls, prefer bright indirect light. Variegated varieties generally need more light than their plain green counterparts.

Several popular hanging plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Pothos and Scindapsus contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth irritation if chewed. Hanging them high can reduce the risk, but does not eliminate it entirely.

Pet-friendly options include Spider Plant and many Hoya species. Check our Pet-Safe Houseplants collection and individual product pages for specific safety information.

Consistent light, regular feeding and warmth are the main factors. Position the plant where it receives the light level it prefers, and feed every two to four weeks during spring and summer. Most trailing species grow more vigorously between April and September in the UK.

Pinching out the growing tips encourages branching, which leads to a fuller, more cascading shape over time. Avoid repotting too frequently; many trailing plants, particularly Hoya, produce more growth when slightly pot-bound.