Plant hangers for indoor plants are a fantastic way to add greenery to your home, save space, and create stunning displays. They offer a simple, stylish solution for showcasing your favorite houseplants, from trailing vines to lush ferns, making any room feel more vibrant and alive.
Welcome to EcoPatchy! Are you looking to add a touch of green to your living space but feel like you’re running out of room? Or maybe you’ve seen those gorgeous, cascading plants on Instagram and wondered how they do it? You’re not alone! Many of us dream of a home filled with thriving indoor plants, but counter space and shelf real estate can be limited. It’s a common frustration, but the good news is there’s a simple, beautiful solution: plant hangers! These little marvels can transform empty corners and walls into lush, green features. Get ready to discover how easy and rewarding it is to hang your plants!
Why Plant Hangers for Indoor Plants Are Your New Best Friend
Plant hangers are more than just a way to keep your plants off the floor. They’re a dynamic design element that brings life, color, and dimension to your home. For beginners, they offer an accessible entry into plant care, allowing you to start small and expand your jungle as you gain confidence. They’re particularly brilliant for smaller apartments or homes where floor and surface space is at a premium. By utilizing vertical space, you can dramatically increase the number of plants you can comfortably house and admire.
But the benefits don’t stop at space-saving. Plant hangers can also:
- Enhance Air Quality: More plants mean better air circulation and filtration, naturally.
- Boost Mood: Studies show that being around plants can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Add Aesthetic Appeal: They create a visually interesting focal point, adding texture, color, and depth to your decor.
- Protect Plants: Hanging plants can keep them safe from curious pets or little feet.
- Encourage Growth: Certain plants, like many vining varieties, naturally thrive when allowed to trail downwards.
Choosing the Right Plant Hanger: Styles and Materials
The world of plant hangers is wonderfully diverse. From sleek and modern to bohemian and rustic, there’s a style to complement every home decor. Understanding the different types and materials will help you pick the perfect hanger for your plant and your aesthetic.
Popular Plant Hanger Styles
- Macrame Plant Hangers: These are incredibly popular for their bohemian, handcrafted vibe. Made from knotted cords, they can range from simple to elaborately detailed designs. They are perfect for adding a warm, earthy feel to a room.
- Metal Plant Hangers: Sleek, minimalist, and durable, metal hangers often come in black, white, gold, or copper finishes. They are ideal for modern, industrial, or minimalist interiors.
- Ceramic or Terracotta Hangers: These offer a more earthy and organic look. They can be simple pots with integrated hanging loops or decorative ceramic elements.
- Rope Plant Hangers: A simpler version of macrame, these use natural ropes like jute or cotton in straightforward knotting techniques. They provide a rustic, natural charm.
- Wooden Plant Hangers: Crafted from various types of wood, these can be minimalist shelves or more ornate structures designed to hold a pot securely. They bring a touch of natural warmth.
- Leather Plant Hangers: For a sophisticated, minimalist, or Scandinavian look, leather hangers offer a unique and stylish option.
Materials to Consider
The material of your plant hanger not only affects its look but also its durability and suitability for different environments.
- Natural Fibers (Cotton, Jute, Hemp): These are common in macrame and rope hangers. They offer a soft, natural aesthetic and are generally lightweight. Jute and hemp are very strong and have a rustic appeal. Cotton is often softer and can be dyed easily.
- Synthetic Fibers (Nylon, Polyester): These materials are often more durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for humid environments or even outdoor use. They can achieve intricate knotting patterns and are less prone to mildew.
- Metal (Iron, Steel, Aluminum): Metal hangers are robust and can support heavier plants. They are excellent for a clean, modern look. Ensure they are coated or treated to prevent rust, especially if your environment is damp.
- Wood: Wooden hangers can be very strong, depending on the type of wood and the design. They add a natural, warm element but might be susceptible to water damage over time if not properly sealed or if exposed to excessive moisture.
- Leather: Leather hangers offer a unique texture and can be very strong. They require care and conditioning to maintain their appearance and durability, much like leather shoes or bags.
How to Install Plant Hangers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing a plant hanger is usually straightforward, but safety and security are key. You want to ensure your hanger is firmly attached to support the weight of the pot, soil, and plant, especially after watering. Here’s a general guide; always follow the specific instructions that come with your chosen hanger and hardware.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Think about your plant’s light needs. Many houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Look for a spot near a window but not in direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch leaves. Also, consider the aesthetics – an empty corner, a blank wall section, or alongside a bookshelf can all be transformed.
Step 2: Select Your Mounting Hardware
The type of hardware you need depends on your ceiling or wall type and the weight of your plant.
- Ceiling Hooks: For hanging from the ceiling, you’ll need a hook strong enough to hold the weight. Screw hooks are common. For drywall ceilings, you’ll need a hook with a toggle bolt or a robust wall anchor to find a ceiling joist. Joists provide the strongest support.
- Wall Brackets/Hooks: If you’re hanging from a wall, a sturdy bracket or hook screwed into a wall stud is ideal. If a stud isn’t available, use appropriate heavy-duty wall anchors designed for the weight of your loaded plant.
- Rod/Curtain Rod Suspension: Some hangers are designed to loop over existing curtain rods or can be suspended from a sturdy shelving unit.
External Resource: To understand how to locate wall studs, which is crucial for secure mounting, check out This Old House’s guide on finding studs.
Step 3: Gather Your Tools
Most installations will require:
- Your chosen plant hanger(s)
- Appropriate mounting hardware (hooks, screws, anchors)
- A drill with drill bits
- A stud finder (highly recommended for walls and ceilings)
- A level
- A pencil
- A screwdriver or drill bit for screws
- Measuring tape
Step 4: Mark the Spot
Hold the hook or bracket against the wall or ceiling where you plan to install it. Use a pencil to mark the hole(s). If you’re using a stud finder, ensure your marks align with the center of a stud for maximum strength.
Step 5: Install the Hardware
For Ceilings:
- If drilling into a joist, pre-drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than the screw thread.
- Screw the hook firmly into the joist.
- If you cannot find a joist, use a stud finder to locate the best place for a heavy-duty anchor. Follow the anchor’s instructions for installation – this often involves drilling a larger hole and inserting the anchor before screwing in the hook.
For Walls:
- Use your stud finder to locate a wall stud and mark its center.
- Drill a pilot hole into the stud.
- Screw the bracket or hook directly into the stud.
- If attaching to drywall without a stud, drill a hole appropriate for your chosen heavy-duty anchor. Insert the anchor and then screw in the hook or bracket.
Important: Always use hardware rated for a weight capacity significantly higher than your fully planted pot to ensure safety. Consider the weight of the pot, the soil (which can be quite heavy when wet), and the mature plant.
Step 6: Hang Your Plant
Once the hardware is securely installed, simply loop or place your plant hanger onto the hook or bracket. Then, carefully place your potted plant into the hanger. Ensure it sits snugly and securely.
Best Plants for Hanging Indoors
Not all plants are suited for hanging. Trailing plants, those that trail naturally, or plants with delicate leaves that might be damaged by brushing against surfaces do exceptionally well in hangers. Here are some top picks:
Trailing Beauties
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Incredibly forgiving and comes in many varieties (Golden, Marble Queen, Neon). They tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making them perfect for beginners.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Easy to care for and produces “spiderettes” that hang down, adding extra charm. They prefer bright, indirect light.
- Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): Resilient with beautiful heart-shaped leaves. It’s another low-light tolerant star.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): Classic for a reason, with its varied leaf shapes and patterns. It can be a vigorous grower and may prefer slightly cooler temperatures.
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): A succulent that forms delicate, pearl-like chains. It needs bright light and well-draining soil, and you must be careful not to overwater.
- Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia): While not a true trailing plant, its upright leaves can fan out and create a beautiful cascading effect over time, particularly in a hanging basket. They appreciate humidity and indirect light.
Bushy & Bold
Some plants with a fuller, more upright growth habit can also work beautifully, especially if their leaves naturally droop a bit or if they are placed in a hanger that allows their fullness to be appreciated.
- Ferns (e.g., Emerald Lace Fern, Boston Fern): Many fern varieties have a graceful, arching habit that looks stunning spilling over the sides of a hanging planter. They love humidity and indirect light.
- Bromeliads: Some smaller bromeliads can be mounted or placed in hangers, offering vibrant color and unique textures.
- Orchids (e.g., Phalaenopsis, certain Dendrobiums): Mounted orchids or those in special orchid baskets can be hung, showcasing their beautiful blooms in an elegant display.
Caring for Your Hanging Plants
Once your plant is happily settled in its new hanging home, you’ll want to ensure it thrives. Hanging plants require slightly different care considerations than their grounded counterparts.
Watering Wisely
This is where hanging plants can be tricky!
- Check Moisture Levels Regularly: The soil can dry out faster in a hanging planter because of increased air circulation.
- Elevate Your Watering Game: You’ll often need to take the plant down to water it to avoid making a mess. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, then let it drip dry completely before re-hanging.
- Consider a Drip Tray (if applicable): If your hanger has a planter with drainage holes and you’re not taking it down to water, a decorative drip tray placed underneath might be necessary, but this is less common with traditional hangers.
- Bottom Watering: For some types of hangers and pots, you might be able to remove the inner pot and water from the bottom.
Light and Environment
Ensure the light conditions match your plant’s needs. Rotate your plant periodically so all sides get even light, promoting balanced growth. Consider the humidity levels, especially for plants that love moisture, like ferns. Misting, using a humidifier, or pebble trays can help.
Feeding
Most indoor hanging plants benefit from occasional feeding during their growing season (typically spring and summer). Use a diluted liquid fertilizer according to the product’s instructions. Less is often more, especially to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage roots.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regularly inspect your plants for pests or diseases. Trim away any yellow or dead leaves to keep the plant looking its best and to encourage new growth. For trailing plants, you might want to pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Stylish DIY Plant Hanger Projects
Feeling creative? Making your own plant hangers is a rewarding and often budget-friendly way to add personalized touches to your decor. Here are a few ideas!
1. Simple Macrame Hanger
This is a great beginner project. You’ll need cotton macrame cord, scissors, and a metal or wooden ring (like a large curtain ring or a specific macrame ring).
Basic Steps:
- Cut 8 equal lengths of cord (around 3-4 feet each, depending on desired hanger length).
- Fold all cords in half and attach them to the ring with a Lark’s Head knot. You should now have 16 strands hanging.
- Divide the strands into 4 groups of 4.
- About 2-3 inches down from the ring, tie a square knot with each group of 4 strands.
- Measure another 4-6 inches down and tie another square knot with each group.
- Gather all 16 strands together and tie a large gathering knot to secure them at the bottom, creating a tassel effect.
- Place your pot inside to check the fit. Adjust knot placement as needed.
2. Upcycled T-Shirt Hanger
Give an old t-shirt a new life! You’ll need an old t-shirt (preferably a thicker cotton), scissors, and a ring.
- Cut off the hem and sleeves. Cut the main body of the shirt into strips, stopping about an inch from the top. Don’t cut all the way through at the top, leaving it intact to attach to a ring.
- Once you have many fringe-like strips, you can braid sections or tie them together creatively to form a sturdy base for your pot.
3. Painted Wooden Dowel Hanger
For a modern, clean look, consider using wooden dowels. You’ll need wooden dowels (cut to size), strong twine or cord, a drill, and paint if you want to add color.
- Cut 4 dowels to the same length.
- Drill holes near the ends of each dowel, just large enough for your cord to pass through.
- Thread the cord through the first dowel’s holes, ensuring equal lengths on both sides.
- Measure down about 4-6 inches and thread through the second dowel. Repeat for the third and fourth dowels.
- At the top, gather all cords and knot them securely to hang your pot.
Tip: Always test the weight capacity of your DIY hangers with heavier items before entrusting them with your plants. You can also paint or stain the wooden elements for a custom look!
Troubleshooting Common Plant Hanger Issues
Even with the best intentions, you might run into a few snags. Here’s how to tackle them:
- Problem: My hanger feels wobbly or unsafe.
Solution: This is usually a mounting issue. Re-check that the hook or bracket is securely fastened into a joist or using a heavy-duty anchor rated for the weight. If in doubt, use a stronger mounting system or a different location.
- Problem: My plant is drying out too quickly.
Solution: Increase watering frequency, but always check soil moisture first. Consider using a larger pot with more soil, which retains moisture longer. Lining the hanger with a plastic liner (with drainage holes) can also help retain moisture.
- Problem: Water is dripping everywhere when I water.
Solution: Carefully remove the plant from the hanger to water thoroughly in a sink or bathtub, allowing it to drip dry completely before re-hanging. Alternatively, use a planter that has a built-in reservoir or saucer, if your hanger type allows.
- Problem: My hanger doesn’t fit my pot well.
Solution: For macrame or woven hangers, you can often adjust the knotting to accommodate different sizes. For rigid hangers, ensure you measure your pot before purchasing or making the hanger.
- Problem: Mold or mildew on my fiber hanger.
Solution: This can happen in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation. If mold appears, gently clean the affected area with a damp cloth and mild soap, then allow it to dry thoroughly. Consider a synthetic
