Houseplants for hanging planters
Hanging planters, and above all macramé plant hangers, are back in the spotlight, because they make an interesting and practical home decor accessory. You can hang plants directly in a special hanging pot cover. You can also make a macramé hanger using our guide here or make a hanging shelf instead. On a shelf, the plants can also be seen from above, so it also suits non-trailing species (much like when you make a long enough hanger). Otherwise, though, the best plants for hanging planters are the ones that can show off their trailing stems or lush branching.
In hanging planters, you can plant one or more species (if they have the same or very similar needs) and create varied arrangements. For a more striking look, you can hang several planters side by side, for example asymmetrically at different heights. Hanging kokedamas also look great: kokedama is a special way of wrapping a plant’s root ball in moss and then in string.
You can attach the hangers to the ceiling in the classic way, or mount a rod or a cleaned, sturdy branch the same way and hang the plant hangers from it. You see this style of hanging more and more often in modern urban jungle interiors and also in our brick-and-mortar store: come and see for yourself.
When choosing a suitable plant for a hanging planter, go by the conditions the plant will have in that spot.
Plants for very bright spots
If the plant will hang near a window or even in direct sunlight, choose species that need it. Various kinds of Ceropegia are ideal here, for example Ceropegia woodii ‘String of hearts’, whose heart-shaped leaves and very thin stems will grace any home. With the right care, it grows quickly.
Its relative Ceropegia linearis ‘String of needles’ is a cute species with narrow, pointed leaves shaped like needles, and it gives a planter a light, airy look.
You also cannot go wrong with spiderwort (Tradescantia): it grows very fast and comes in several beautifully colored varieties. Hung in a bright spot, Senecio rowleyanus ‘String of pearls’, which boasts fleshy, bead-shaped leaves, will also put on a real show.
Another unbeatable trailing plant for sunny spots is Sedum burrito.
Sedum Burrito
Plants for moderately bright spots
The following species will thrive in spots with enough light but out of direct sunlight. Here, too, hanging planters show off species with trailing stems or an otherwise striking, sculptural form. Take, for example, the very interesting and famous Pilea peperomioides. This plant is said to bring you wealth and good luck. But it will certainly also bring a great design element to your interior.
Pilea peperomioides
Varieties of Hoya are also excellent for hangers. They are known as wax plants because of their glossy, firm leaves. They are fast growers, and if you do not overwater a hoya (which it really does not like) but let the potting mix dry out a little between waterings, it will reward you with fragrant flowers too. They look especially beautiful in hanging planters.
Popular Peperomia plants also tend to look beautifully striking in hanging planters. They are easy to grow, and both trailing and non-trailing species put on a great show. Aglaonema varieties also need no special care, and since they usually have lush foliage, they will be a striking addition to this type of planter.
Plants for low-light spots
Fast-growing climbing plants that are also perfect for hanging planters include the trio of Epipremnum, Philodendron and Scindapsus. They are low-maintenance species that form long vines and soon cover the whole planter. They can also get by in partial shade, but the more variegated the variety, the more light it needs. If you do not overwater them and let the potting mix dry out slightly between waterings, they will certainly be happy. Occasional misting is just a bonus they will gladly welcome as a treat. They are staples of the hanging planter world, and rightly so. You certainly will not regret giving them a try too.
Epipremnum aureum Marble Queen
Making your own macramé plant hanger and choosing the right plant for it is certainly not hard. Do not be afraid to experiment and try out what you like best and what suits the specific spot you have chosen in your home. You can swap and rotate plants as you like; just be careful not to break leaves or stems when handling the plant and taking it out of the hanger.
I am sure you will find the right plants at our store in Prague 8.
Alžběta Lacinová