10 Hanging Plants That Thrive in Low Light

10 Hanging Plants That Thrive in Low Light offer a breath of fresh air, literally, to those who yearn for verdant beauty but lack the sun-drenched spaces often required for thriving greenery. These resilient plants, with their graceful cascades of foliage, can transform dimly lit corners into vibrant oases, bringing a touch of nature’s elegance to any indoor environment.

Whether you’re seeking a low-maintenance solution to brighten a dark hallway or a stunning centerpiece for your living room, this curated selection of plants offers a diverse array of textures, colors, and shapes to suit any taste and style.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these low-light wonders provide a multitude of benefits, including improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and a sense of tranquility. Their presence can foster a sense of well-being and connection with nature, even in the most urban settings.

With their adaptability to low-light conditions, these plants offer a unique opportunity to cultivate a flourishing indoor jungle, regardless of your home’s lighting situation.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Low-Light Hanging Plants

Bringing life and greenery into your home is a wonderful way to enhance its aesthetic appeal and create a more relaxing atmosphere. However, not all homes are blessed with abundant natural light. If you find yourself struggling to cultivate plants in dimly lit areas, fret not! There are numerous low-light-tolerant hanging plants that can thrive even in the most shadowy corners of your home.

These plants are not only beautiful but also require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for busy individuals or those who are new to plant care.

Low-Light Hanging Plants

Here are ten stunning low-light hanging plants that will add a touch of nature to your home, regardless of its lighting conditions:

Plant Name	Image Description	Care Requirements	Unique Features
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)	Pothos is known for its heart-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green, yellow, and white. The leaves can be solid green, variegated with streaks of yellow or white, or even have a marbled pattern. Its trailing vines can grow quite long, adding a cascading effect to your hanging planter.	Pothos is incredibly easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered only when the top inch of soil feels dry. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers temperatures above 60°F (15°C).	Pothos is an excellent air purifier, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It’s also known for its ability to tolerate low light conditions, making it a popular choice for indoor spaces.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)	The spider plant is characterized by its long, narrow leaves that are often striped with white or yellow. It produces small white flowers and “spiderettes,” which are baby plants that grow on long stems.	Spider plants thrive in well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. They prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C).	Spider plants are known for their air-purifying properties and their ability to produce baby plants, making them easy to propagate. They are also quite adaptable to various lighting conditions, although they prefer bright, indirect light.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)	The cast iron plant boasts dark green, lance-shaped leaves that grow directly from the ground. It has a unique, almost sculptural appearance and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.	Cast iron plants are notoriously hardy and can tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and even neglect. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered only when the top inch of soil is dry.	The cast iron plant gets its name from its resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, including low light and infrequent watering. It’s an excellent choice for beginner plant owners.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)	The ZZ plant features glossy, dark green, leathery leaves that grow in clusters on thick stems. Its unique appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for indoor spaces.	ZZ plants are highly drought-tolerant and can go for weeks without water. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.	The ZZ plant is known for its ability to tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and even neglect. It’s a great choice for those who are forgetful about watering their plants.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)	Snake plants are known for their upright, sword-like leaves that come in various shades of green, yellow, and white. They are often striped or spotted, adding visual interest to any space.	Snake plants are incredibly drought-tolerant and can go for weeks without water. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.	Snake plants are highly effective air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. They are also known for their ability to tolerate low light, making them ideal for homes with limited natural light.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)	Peace lilies are known for their elegant, white, spathe-like flowers that surround a central spadix. Their foliage is typically dark green and glossy, adding a touch of sophistication to any space.	Peace lilies prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. They prefer moderate to low light conditions and temperatures above 60°F (15°C).	Peace lilies are known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like formaldehyde and ammonia from the air. They also add a touch of elegance to any space with their beautiful white flowers.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)	Chinese evergreens are characterized by their colorful, patterned leaves that come in various shades of green, red, pink, and white. They are relatively compact plants that add a touch of vibrancy to any space.	Chinese evergreens prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. They prefer low to moderate light conditions and temperatures above 60°F (15°C).	Chinese evergreens are known for their air-purifying properties and their ability to tolerate low light conditions. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner plant owners.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)	Prayer plants are known for their striking foliage, which features a variety of colors and patterns. The leaves are often oval-shaped with prominent veins and can be green, red, pink, or white.	Prayer plants prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. They prefer low to moderate light conditions and temperatures above 65°F (18°C).	Prayer plants are known for their unique leaf movement. At night, the leaves fold up as if in prayer, and they unfold during the day. They are also known for their air-purifying qualities.
Philodendron (Philodendron)	Philodendrons come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with many featuring heart-shaped or lobed leaves. They can be found in shades of green, red, and white, and some even have a velvety texture.	Philodendrons prefer well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. They prefer low to moderate light conditions and temperatures above 60°F (15°C).	Philodendrons are known for their air-purifying qualities and their ability to tolerate low light conditions. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for indoor spaces.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)	English ivy is known for its trailing vines and glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It can be found in shades of green, white, and yellow, and some varieties even have variegated leaves.	English ivy prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers temperatures above 50°F (10°C).	English ivy is known for its air-purifying qualities and its ability to tolerate low light conditions. It’s also a relatively easy plant to care for and can be propagated easily from cuttings.

Care Tips for Low-Light Hanging Plants

Low-light hanging plants, despite their preference for shaded environments, still require specific care practices to thrive. These plants, though adaptable to lower light conditions, need attention to ensure their continued growth and beauty.

Watering Techniques

Watering low-light hanging plants requires a delicate balance. These plants, due to their slower growth rate in low-light conditions, need less frequent watering compared to their sun-loving counterparts. However, overwatering can be detrimental, leading to root rot.

Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. This ensures that the roots don’t sit in constantly wet soil, which can lead to root rot. A good indicator is to check the top inch of soil; if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughlywhen you do water, ensuring the water reaches the entire root ball. This allows the plant to absorb the moisture effectively.
Avoid overwatering. Overwatering is a common mistake with low-light hanging plants. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

Soil Type and Potting Mix

The right soil is crucial for low-light hanging plants, especially for their well-being. Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot, which can occur in overly compacted or poorly draining soil.

Finding the right plants for low-light spaces can be a challenge, but there are plenty of beautiful options. If you’re looking for a way to add greenery to a small apartment or a dimly lit corner, hanging plants are a great choice.

They can add visual interest and help to purify the air. For inspiration on the best hanging plants for small spaces, check out our guide on 10 Best Hanging Plants for Small Spaces. With a little research, you can find the perfect hanging plants to thrive in low light and brighten up any space.

Use a well-draining potting mix. A good potting mix will contain a combination of ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, which help improve drainage and aeration.
Avoid heavy clay soils. Clay soils tend to retain moisture, which can lead to root rot. If using clay soil, amend it with perlite or other drainage materials.
Repotting. Repotting your low-light hanging plants into fresh, well-draining soil every 1-2 years can improve their health and encourage growth.

Fertilizing

While low-light hanging plants don’t need as much fertilizer as their sun-loving counterparts, they still benefit from occasional feeding. This provides them with the essential nutrients for growth.

Bring the beauty of nature indoors with 10 Hanging Plants That Thrive in Low Light, like the ZZ plant or the Cast Iron Plant. But before you start hanging these beauties, make sure you know how to do it right! Learn the best techniques for hanging plants without damaging your walls by checking out this guide: How to Hang Plants Without Damaging Your Walls.

Once you’ve mastered the art of hanging, you’ll be able to enjoy the lush greenery of these low-light plants in any room of your home.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizerdiluted to half strength. This ensures that the plants receive a balanced supply of nutrients without being overwhelmed.
Fertilize during the growing season, typically from spring to fall. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the winter months when growth slows down.
Avoid over-fertilizing. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots and lead to nutrient imbalances.

Pruning and Deadheading, 10 Hanging Plants That Thrive in Low Light

Pruning and deadheading are important maintenance practices that help keep low-light hanging plants healthy and looking their best.

Prune regularlyto remove any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves or stems. This promotes new growth and keeps the plant looking its best.
Deadhead spent bloomsto encourage continued flowering. This involves removing the faded blooms, which can help direct the plant’s energy towards producing new flowers.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: 10 Hanging Plants That Thrive In Low Light

Even with the right care, low-light hanging plants can encounter some issues. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient light, improper watering, and pests. However, recognizing the signs and taking timely action can help keep your plants healthy and thriving.

Leaf Drop

Leaf drop is a common problem for low-light hanging plants, particularly when they aren’t receiving enough light.

Insufficient Light:Low-light plants still need some light to thrive. If your plant is dropping leaves, it may not be getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter location, or supplementing with a grow lamp.
Overwatering:Overwatering can also lead to leaf drop. If the soil is constantly wet, the roots may be suffocating and unable to absorb nutrients. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Underwatering:Although less common, underwatering can also cause leaf drop. If the soil is consistently dry, the plant may be stressed and dropping leaves to conserve water. Ensure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves, or chlorosis, is another common issue in low-light hanging plants. This can be caused by a few factors, including:

Nutrient Deficiency:Low-light plants may not be able to absorb nutrients as efficiently. You can address this by fertilizing with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Overwatering:Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can prevent the plant from absorbing nutrients, resulting in yellowing leaves. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Underwatering:While less common, underwatering can also cause yellowing leaves as the plant struggles to access water and nutrients. Maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, ensuring it’s not overly dry.

Pests

Pests can be a problem for any plant, but low-light hanging plants may be particularly susceptible due to their indoor environment.

Mealybugs:These tiny insects are white and fluffy, and they often congregate in clusters. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites:These tiny mites are difficult to see, but they can cause yellowing and webbing on leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale:These insects are small and brown, and they attach themselves to the plant’s stems and leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Preventing Problems

The best way to prevent problems with your low-light hanging plants is to provide them with the right care. This includes:

Providing Adequate Light:Even low-light plants need some light to thrive. Place them in a bright, indirect location, or supplement with a grow lamp.
Watering Properly:Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but don’t let it become completely dry.
Fertilizing Regularly:Fertilize your plants with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Inspecting Regularly:Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases. Catching problems early can make them easier to treat.

Conclusion

Transforming your indoor space into a verdant oasis is achievable even with limited natural light. By selecting the right low-light hanging plants and providing them with proper care, you can create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. This article has provided a comprehensive guide to ten popular low-light hanging plants, including their unique characteristics, care requirements, and common problems.

Remember, choosing the right plant for your specific environment is crucial for its success.

Key Takeaways

The success of low-light hanging plants hinges on careful selection and consistent care. Here are some key takeaways:

Light:While these plants tolerate low light, they still require some indirect sunlight. Avoid placing them in complete darkness.
Watering:Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Humidity:Most low-light plants thrive in humid environments. Consider using a humidifier or grouping plants together to increase humidity.
Fertilizer:Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season to provide essential nutrients.
Pruning:Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages bushier growth.

Final Thoughts

Embark on a journey of indoor gardening with these 10 remarkable hanging plants, each a testament to the resilience and beauty of nature. As you curate your own indoor oasis, remember to embrace the unique qualities of each plant, providing the right care to ensure their continued growth and vibrancy.

Let their graceful forms and verdant hues transform your home into a haven of tranquility and natural beauty, a testament to the power of nature to thrive even in the most unexpected of places.

FAQ Insights

What are the best low-light hanging plants for beginners?

Pothos, Spider Plant, and Snake Plant are excellent choices for beginners due to their low maintenance requirements and tolerance for low light conditions.

How often should I water low-light hanging plants?

Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common problem for low-light plants, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Can I use artificial light to grow low-light hanging plants?

Yes, grow lights can be used to supplement natural light, especially during winter months or in rooms with very little natural light.

What are the signs of overwatering in low-light hanging plants?

Yellowing leaves, wilting, and root rot are common signs of overwatering. If you notice these symptoms, adjust your watering frequency and allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings.

How do I prevent pests from infesting my low-light hanging plants?

Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. If you notice any pests, use a natural insecticide or a mild soap solution to treat the infestation.