19 Beautiful Hanging Houseplants for Vertical Interest

Collecting houseplants can become quite a passionate hobby. You may find yourself running out of surfaces to put those plants on. Or perhaps you have an inquisitive kitty and need to keep your plants out of reach. Why not go vertical? Hanging plants draw the eye upward and create major vertical visual interest in the home. 

Many common hanging houseplants have some similarities. Most of them have a trailing habit, and many of them prefer to receive their sunlight indirectly. On the other hand, some of these plants like plenty of moisture, and others would rather that you forget it’s watering day. 

If you’re considering purchasing a hanging plant, take a couple of things into consideration. First and foremost, what kind of plant parent are you? Do you love them to death or tend to be neglectful? There are plants for both of these situations. If you’re an exemplary plant owner, the sky’s the limit as long as you know what each plant needs.

I’d love to share with you some of my favorite plants for hanging in the home. All of these have a trailing habit, and many will also climb a moss pole if you prefer. Either way, you draw the eye upward and create vertical interest in the home. 

Heartleaf Philodendron

I’m always amazed by how quickly this philodendron grows and how little care it requires. As philodendrons go, this one is very unfussy. If you find a spot where it is happy, just water it when the soil is dry and give it a bit of fertilizer every couple of months. The beautiful, heart-shaped leaves have a pink cast when they are new. As they age, they darken to a deep green with just a slight sheen to the surface. 

My heartleaf likes partial sun, a few hours late in the day. It’s less particular about water than most philodendrons. It tolerates more moisture and is a robust grower. It also propagates very easily. Snip a stem with a couple of nodes and pop it in some water. You’ll have a plant to share in just a couple of weeks.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos is the original low-maintenance houseplant. If you are a houseplant novice, this is the perfect place to start. In fact, it would be easy to develop a false sense of your skill level with this one! ‘Pearls and Jade’ is, in fact, a variety of this cool plant, which explains how easy that one is to care for. However, this mother species, without the hybridization of humans, is the easiest. 

You can put golden pothos just about anywhere, and it will survive. It will grow fastest in partial sun but does surprisingly well in low-lighting situations. As long as there is a window in the room, this plant seems happy. It can live in plain water for a very long time and propagates effortlessly. Give it some fertilizer, and it will take off, growing up to 30 feet long over time. 

String of Rubies

This attractive and unique succulent has a bit more of a learning curve than some others. But it’s really striking, and once you get the hang of it, it’s quite low maintenance. The pickle-shaped succulent leaves are unique and turn deep red when stressed. You can induce stress by exposing the plant to cold or sun. I recommend using the sun, though, as it’s not cold-tolerant. 

Place string of rubies in a sunny window and allow it to dry between waterings. You may find that this plant needs more water than other succulents. This has been my experience. In winter, if your plant is happy, it will produce cheerful yellow flowers. 

Zebrina

Zebrina works well indoors and out. It is exceptionally easy to care for and grows quickly. It is also very easy to propagate. Simply cut some sections of stems and lay them on top of moist soil. You’ll have a whole new plant in a month or so. The beautiful purple leaves have silvery markings on top, and the contrast is greater when they get the right amount of sun. 

Speaking of the right amount of sun, this species does best in partial sun. Bright indirect light will suffice, but a few hours of direct sun each day is better. When it’s happy, there will be tiny purple flowers. It prefers soil that is moist but well-drained. Don’t let this one dry out; once the leaves are dry, they won’t bounce back. 

Black Pagoda

‘Black Pagoda’ is a type of lipstick plant. Its leaves are smooth and waxy with zebra-like stripes. The underside of the leaves has a more striking coloration. The striping is deep purple underneath but blends more on top of the leaves. This humidity-loving epiphyte grows in trees in its native habitat. Use a very well-draining potting mix with large chunks of bark or coconut coir to give the roots plenty of air. 

Lipstick plants need a lot of humidity and moisture in general. They also like bright indirect light. In lower-light situations, you’re unlikely to see this plant bloom. Water about once a week, allowing the top of the soil to dry between waterings. Keep this species in a humid spot like the bathroom, or use a pebble tray or humidifier to keep it healthy. Clusters of red flowers resemble lipstick, hence the name of this fun plant. 

Spider Plant

These attractive and low-maintenance plants have a reputation for their incredible air-purifying ability. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light to keep the variegation of their leaves nice and sharp. Exposing them to too much sun can result in faded or bleached leaves. They are a heavy-feeding tropical species, so fertilize once a month to every six weeks. 

Spider plants prefer well-draining soil, so add some perlite or peat moss to your standard potting mix. A mix made for tropical plants would work as well. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry, and water thoroughly until the liquid runs out of the bottom of the pot. Spider plants appreciate a moderately high humidity level. 

Silver Satin Pothos

Although it’s not actually a species of pothos, this vine has similar care needs and a similar appearance. The leaves are simply stunning and heart-shaped with a velvety texture. The highlight of ‘Silver Satin’ is obviously the silver markings on the tops of the leaves. These markings can vary in intensity based on the variety. It is slightly reflecting and very eye-catching. 

Give your silver satin pothos bright indirect light for most of the day. I do have one that grows in partial direct sunlight. It requires much more water than the one I have growing in indirect light. Too much sun will fade the leaves and make the silver variegation less pronounced. Keep this vine warm. It likes a moderate humidity level to look its best. 

String of Hearts

I admit to having had a difficult time getting the hang of this species. However, once I figured out its unique needs, I realized that it is not high-maintenance; it actually doesn’t require much attention. It likes warm temperatures and plenty of bright light. Direct sun will scorch the leaves and stress the plant. I learned this the hard way. Give it sun all day, but make sure it is indirect or filtered. 

Humidity is not super important—40-60% will be just fine—as long as you don’t leave this one in a bathroom without ventilation. Keep it away from drafts, especially in winter, as it reacts poorly to a chill. The beautiful and delicate, variegated, heart-shaped leaves are highly decorative. String of hearts will flower if you meet its needs. 

English Ivy

English ivy has a bad reputation for being invasive in the garden. However, this vigorous vine is perfect for the indoors. It can grow in partial to nearly full shade, with just some low to moderate indirect light. It’s also fine in partial sun. When it comes to light, this ivy is very versatile. Overwatering is a common issue with houseplants, but not this one. English ivy prefers moist soil. Just don’t let the soil get soggy and wet. 

This species is also very tolerant of different types of soil. It will absorb nutrients better from a soil that is slightly acidic. Proper drainage is important because of how much moisture this ivy prefers. You can train it to trail or to climb, both will add beauty and vertical interest in your home. 

Lizard Queen

You will find most pothos to be very easy to care for. This variety of golden pothos has green-on-green variegation rather than yellow or cream. The lighter green shade is very bright and stands out against the deeper foundation color. ‘Lizard Queen’ leaf variegation is similar to ‘Pearls and Jade.’ It tolerates medium and bright indirect light, but direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Like other types of pothos, average soil is fine. A standard potting mix will serve it well. It tends to be tolerant of over and under-watering as long as it isn’t chronic. It will trail or climb, depending on your preference. This variety doesn’t grow quite as fast as the original, but it can reach up to 35 feet long over time! Water propagation is very successful. 

Cebu Blue

‘Cebu Blue’ is an attractive and low-maintenance vine known for its silvery blue foliage. The slender, heart-shaped leaves have an almost metallic sheen that makes this pothos very eye-catching. It’s also very adaptable and unfussy about its surroundings. Bright to medium indirect light is best. Direct sun can scorch the leaves. More indirect light leads to prettier leaf color. 

This particular pothos is susceptible to root rot, so be careful not to overwater. Let the soil dry between waterings every one to two weeks. Fertilize monthly for vigorous growth. I find this species does well on a moss pole. The leaves will grow larger this way. However, it makes a graceful and beautiful hanging vine as well. 

String of Pearls

This cute little cascading succulent is very popular, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s positively adorable! String of pearls has long, delicate stems with a cascading habit. The leaves are round and succulent. I think they look like green pearls or beads.

String of pearls is drought tolerant. Its leaves store water, making this a low-maintenance addition to your home. Well-draining soil is a must, and make sure the container has good drainage as well. Indirect or filtered light is preferable. Bright, direct sunlight can be too much for these little pearl-like leaves. It’s not known for its flowers, but it does bloom, and the small flowers are fragrant. 

Waxvine

Hoyas can be a bit tricky initially, but with a few things in mind, they aren’t high-maintenance. First, they need a very well-draining potting mix. It is crucial to maintain air circulation around its roots, similar to an orchid, if slightly less. A good soil medium would be a mixture of potting soil and orchid bark. Other helpful amendments include perlite or coco coir.

Under the right conditions, waxvine can grow rapidly. It will reach lengths or heights of up to 33 feet in the wild. It won’t get that large in your home though. This hoya prefers to stay on the dry side. Water only when the soil is dry, but allow the water to run through the pot. Water thoroughly, but infrequently. Bright indirect light is the best exposure. Hoyas commonly flower indoors. This one produces waxy white flowers that are very fragrant, especially in the evening. 

Curly Lipstick Plant

You will love this fun and interesting variety for its unique foliage and stunning red flowers. Lipstick plants are easy to care for, preferring bright indirect light and low to moderate water. Allow the soil to nearly dry between waterings, but not completely. This species prefers watering from below, so set the pot in a sink or bowl of water and allow it to absorb. Then drain completely. 

The foliage is waxy like other lipstick plants. However, it has an interesting twist. That is, the leaves curl inward or twist around, creating an interesting visual effect. With the right care, it will bloom brilliant red flowers. Reduce watering in the winter, and fertilize once per month during the growing season. 

Krimson Queen Waxplant

‘Krimson Queen’ is another beautiful variety of hoya. Like other species in the genus, this one likes plenty of air circulation around the roots. Make sure to give it a very well-draining potting medium with plenty of large particles. You can treat hoyas similarly to orchids, but they are slightly easier to care for once you have a knack for them. 

This variety has glossy, waxy leaves that are green with white variegation. In order to see blooms, it needs a lot of bright, but indirect sunlight. It will survive in medium indirect light, but it’s unlikely to flower. Hoyas don’t mind being pot-bound. Only re-pot every two to three years.

Flame Violet

At first glance, this might look like an African violet, and indeed, its care needs are similar. Although closely related, they come from different genera. Flame violets have a trailing habit rather than an upright rosette of leaves. They send out draping branches with new leaf and flower clusters growing at the ends. 

Flame violets require a bit of maintenance, but they are not difficult to care for. They like moist soil but good drainage. It needs a lot of light to bloom. If it gets enough UV rays, it blooms regularly, and bountifully, even as a houseplant. The fuzzy leaves are usually variegated, and the flowers bloom in warm shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. 

Algerian Ivy

This ivy is a special one, as it is a winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. For starters, it’s truly beautiful. It has a classic ivy form with eye-catching, cream-colored variegation. Outdoors, it can grow up to 20 feet long, but in a container, it will not grow as large. Indoors, this is a manageable and low-maintenance houseplant. 

Algerian ivy prefers a bit more sun than other types. Partial to full shade is ideal. It will tolerate direct sun as long as it gets enough water. Speaking of moisture, give this species plenty; just make sure the soil and container have proper drainage. It is not picky about soil composition or pH. In spite of its ease of care, this is a very flashy specimen.

String of Coins

This peperomia is an epiphyte growing on trees in its native environment. They also have semi-succulent leaves where they store water. What does all this mean for its care? Most epiphytes thrive best with a soak-dry-soak watering approach. Water it well, but not often. Grow this in a container with good drainage, and use a potting medium with large particles. 

String of coins has long, thin stems that droop over and take on a trailing habit as they lengthen. Their thick, heavy leaves weigh the stems down. The peperomia will survive in a moderate humidity level, but it will thrive with more. It is easy to maintain and propagate, making this a great houseplant if you like to share it with friends. 

Red Mistletoe Cactus

I saved this plant for last because it’s the one I’m most excited about currently. I recently acquired one, and it’s just the coolest plant. This succulent plant is easy to grow and very flashy when it gets proper care and lighting. Flat, serrated, segmented leaves hang downward on slender branches. When red mistletoe cactus gets lots of morning sunlight and afternoon shade, the originally green leaves blush a deep red color. 

Along the sides of the leaves, the plant produces long-lasting white berries. This tropical cactus likes high humidity and infrequent watering. But, don’t let the soil go completely dry between waterings. Tropical cacti need more moisture than their desert cousins. 

Final Thoughts

All of these interesting plants are great for adding vertical interest to your houseplant collection. Most of these trailing plants are low maintenance, preferring indirect sunlight and moderate to infrequent watering. Placing these plants at eye level makes it even easier to enjoy their pretty foliage.