Growing plants can brighten up any indoor space and purify the air, but not every room has abundant natural light. Fortunately, there are many attractive hanging plants that can thrive in low-light conditions. We will explore 16 excellent options to try growing in shaded homes and offices.

Introduction

Hanging plants are an excellent way to bring nature indoors without taking up valuable floor or table space. Their trailing vines and cascading leaves create a beautiful focal point when suspended from the ceiling. However, choosing the right plants is crucial for success when available light is limited.

Some houseplants require several hours of direct sunlight daily. But the plants listed below can get by with as little as 2-4 hours of sunlight or bright indirect light per day. They are adaptable to lower light levels and the shaded spots in your home.

With proper care, these plants can grow lush and full in dim corners, near north-facing windows, or anywhere that sunlight is scarce. Read on to discover 16 low-light hanging plant options along with growing tips to help them thrive.

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)

The heartleaf philodendron is a popular vining plant with dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It is an easy-to-grow houseplant that can tolerate low light conditions.

Some key growing tips for heartleaf philodendron:

Place in a north or east-facing window. Can tolerate lower light but grows slower.
Allow the top 1-2″ of soil to dry out between waterings. Water less frequently in winter.
Mist leaves regularly to increase humidity.
Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Prune to control size and promote bushy growth.

The heartleaf philodendron is suitable for hanging baskets or to trail down from shelves. Its cascading vines can grow several feet long in optimal conditions.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also called devil’s ivy, is an easy care vine with variegated or golden heart-shaped leaves. It can tolerate very low light levels making it a top choice for dim indoor spaces.

Some tips for growing pothos in low light:

Place near a north-facing window or in a corner away from direct sun.
Allow soil to dry out some between waterings. Water less often in winter.
Mist occasionally to increase humidity around the plant.
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly during the growing period.
Prune back long vines or propagate cuttings to create a fuller plant.

Pothos looks beautiful draping from a hanging basket. Its trailing stems can grow up to 10 feet long in optimum conditions!

Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)

Wandering jew is a trailing succulent that produces striking purple and silver striped leaves. It thrives in bright indirect light but also tolerates low light areas.

Follow these tips for growing wandering jew in low light:

Place near an east or north-facing window. Avoid direct southern sun exposure.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
Mist occasionally to boost humidity around the foliage.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer.
Pinch back long vines to encourage bushy growth. Propagate cuttings in water.

The long cascading stems of wandering jew look beautiful spilling over a hanging basket. Provide this plant a trellis or support for the vines to climb.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a popular hanging plant thanks to its attractive green and white variegated leaves. It can thrive in bright indirect light and also tolerates low-light conditions quite well.

Here are some English ivy care tips for low-light environments:

Place in an east, west, or north-facing window. Avoid hot afternoon sun.
Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Water less often in winter.
Mist the leaves every few days to boost humidity.
Fertilize monthly in spring and summer using a balanced diluted fertilizer.
Prune back overgrown vines to keep the plant full and bushy.

The vines of English ivy can grow very long when supported by a trellis or given climbing support. It creates a beautiful draping effect in hanging baskets.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is a favorite low maintenance houseplant. It produces long arching leaves along with offshoots that hang down like spiderettes. Spider plants grow well in medium to low indirect light.

Follow these tips to care for spider plants in low light:

Place in an east or north-facing window out of direct sun.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Mist the leaves occasionally to boost humidity.
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Remove brown leaf tips and dead leaves to keep it looking fresh. Propagate the spiderettes.

Spider plants complement any decor style and make an easy, beginner-friendly hanging plant. Let the spiderettes trail down for a unique cascading effect.

Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)

The arrowhead plant is a vining plant prized for its arrow-shaped leaves that emerge in variegated shades of white, green and pink. It does best in medium to bright indirect light but also grows well in low-light spots.

Follow these arrowhead plant care tips:

Place in an east or north-facing window out of direct sunlight.
Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter.
Mist frequently to increase humidity around the foliage.
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly during spring through fall.
Prune trailing vines to control size and promote bushiness.

The arrowhead plant looks stunning draped over a hanging basket or bookshelf. Give its vines a trellis or moss pole to climb.

Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)

Peperomia is a genus of easy-care houseplants grown for their colorful and ornamental foliage. The popular Peperomia obtusifolia variety can tolerate very low light conditions making it an excellent choice for dim interiors.

Follow these growing tips for peperomia:

Place in a north or east-facing window away from direct light.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Mist leaves every few days to increase humidity around the plant.
Fertilize monthly during spring and summer using a diluted balanced fertilizer.
Remove any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best.

The thick waxy leaves of peperomia give it a unique look. Its trailing stems work well displayed in a hanging basket.

Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

Creeping fig is a fast-growing vine that produces small heart-shaped leaves along its slender trailing stems. It can thrive in low to medium indirect light and tolerates shaded locations well.

Here are some care tips for growing creeping fig:

Place in a north or east-facing window. Avoid direct hot sun.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Mist frequently to increase humidity around the plant.
Use a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Prune back overgrown vines to encourage bushy growth. Provide a trellis for support.

Creeping fig looks beautiful draping from a hanging pot or basket. Its tiny leafy vines can grow up to 30 feet long when supported.

Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Burro’s tail is a unique succulent that produces trailing stems densely packed with overlapping teardrop-shaped leaves. It prefers bright indirect light but also does well in lower light environments.

Follow these growing tips for burro’s tail:

Place near an east or west-facing window. Avoid hot direct sun.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water minimally in winter.
Provide fast-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Fertilize monthly in spring and summer using a diluted balanced fertilizer.
Avoid overwatering which can lead to rot and drop leaves.

The dense trailing stems of burro’s tail look beautiful cascading from a hanging pot or basket. Handle carefully to avoid leaf drop.

Hoya Heart (Hoya kerrii)

The Hoya heart plant produces thick waxy leaves in the shape of a heart along its vining stems. This tropical plant can tolerate low light well making it perfect for shaded rooms and offices.

Here are some care tips for growing Hoya heart plants:

Place in an east or north-facing window. Avoid direct sun.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
Provide high humidity by misting leaves or using a pebble tray.
Apply a diluted balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Prune back overgrown vines to promote fullness.

The heart-shaped leaves dangling along trailing vines create a romantic, whimsical look perfect for hanging in shaded corners.

Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)

Grape ivy is an easy-to-grow hanging plant with cascading stems lined with glossy fan-shaped leaves. It can adapt to low indoor light yet grows faster in medium to bright indirect light.

Here are some grape ivy care tips:

Place near an east, west, or north-facing window out of direct sun.
Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
Increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly.
Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during spring through fall.
Trim back overgrown vines to promote bushy full growth.

Grape ivy looks beautiful trailing from a hanging basket or shelf. Give its vines a trellis or similar support to climb and spread out.

Devil’s Backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides)

Devil’s backbone is a unique succulent that produces erect green stems with closely spaced leaves resembling a spine or backbone. It tolerates low light well.

Follow these care tips for devil’s backbone:

Place in an east or north-facing window away from direct light.
Allow the soil to fully dry out between waterings. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
Use well-draining cactus/succulent soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Propagate cuttings in soil or water.

The interesting zig-zag shape of devil’s backbone is perfect for an eye-catching hanging display. Keep out of reach of pets as it can cause skin irritation.

Hoya Carnosa Compacta

Hoya carnosa compacta, also called Hindu rope plant, is a tropical vine that produces twisted, curled stems lined with dark green waxy leaves. It thrives in medium light but also tolerates low light conditions quite well.

Use these tips for growing Hoya compacta:

Place in an east or north-facing window away from direct light.
Allow the soil to mostly dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter.
Provide high humidity by misting the leaves regularly.
Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Dust the leaves periodically to keep them looking shiny and clean.

The contorted shape and dangling vines of Hoya compacta make a unique addition to a hanging planter or basket. As it matures, the vines can reach 3-6 feet long.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston ferns are timeless classics that produce long arching fronds covered in delicate leaflets. They prefer bright indirect sunlight but will tolerate lower light spots.

Follow these tips for growing Boston ferns in low light:

Place near an east or north-facing window out of direct sun.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist often to provide humidity.
Use distilled water or rain water to prevent leaf browning.
Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
Prune off dead or damaged fronds at the base to maintain healthy growth.

Boston ferns look beautiful in hanging baskets where their long fronds can gracefully trail down. They help purify indoor air and remove toxins.

Air Plants (Tillandsia species)

Air plants, or Tillandsia, are exotic epiphytes that get water and nutrients from the air and require no soil. They thrive in bright filtered light and also do quite well in low indirect light.

Follow these air plant care tips:

Place in an east or north-facing window. Avoid direct hot sun.
Soak the plants for 1-2 hours once a week. Allow to dry upside down.
Mist between soakings to boost humidity around the air plants.
Use an air plant fertilizer diluted in water during soakings.
Display creatively on wood, sea shells, driftwood, or in glass terrariums.

Air plants make amazing unique hangings that work well suspended from fishing line, hanging holders, or glass globes.

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

The bird’s nest fern is a tropical plant with large wavy green fronds that originate from a central rosette, like a nest. It prefers medium to bright indirect light but also adapts well to low light spots.

Follow these tips for bird’s nest fern care:

Place in an east or north-facing window. Avoid direct hot sun.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist leaves often.
Provide high humidity. Consider displaying on a pebble tray with water.
Feed monthly with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer.
Remove yellowed or dead fronds at the base to maintain a tidy appearance.

The bowl-shaped foliage of bird’s nest ferns create a beautiful cascading effect and natural charm when hung. Grow in a well-draining potting mix.

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

The polka dot plant produces colorful oval leaves dotted with pink, white, or red spots. It thrives in medium to bright light but tolerates low light conditions quite well too.

Here are some polka dot plant care tips:

Place in an east or north-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight.
Keep the soil evenly moist. Water less frequently in winter.
Mist regularly to increase humidity around the foliage.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Pinch back stem tips occasionally to encourage bushy growth.

Polka dot plant’s vivid spotted foliage cascading over the sides of a hanging pot or basket makes a cheerful display. Provide high humidity for best results.

Velvet Pilea (Pilea mollis)

Pilea mollis, also called “Moon Valley” pilea, is grown for its large velvety round leaves on trailing stems. It grows well in medium light but also adapts to lower light conditions.

Follow these tips for growing velvet pilea:

Provide bright indirect light near an east or north-facing window.
Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
Mist frequently to increase humidity around the hairy foliage.
Feed monthly during the growing season with a houseplant fertilizer.
Remove faded flowers and prune back overlong stems to encourage fullness.

The soft fuzzy foliage of velvet pilea creates beautiful texture and contrast when allowed to trail from a hanging pot or basket.

String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

String of turtles is a charming vining peperomia grown for its rounded leaves that stack along trailing stems like turtle shells. It adapts well to low to medium indirect light.

Here are some string of turtles care tips:

Place in an east or north-facing window out of direct sun.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter.
Provide good drainage and fast-draining potting mix.
Mist occasionally to boost humidity around the foliage.
Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Avoid overwatering which can lead to rot.

Display string of turtles in a hanging pot or basket and let the vines cascade over the sides for a whimsical effect.

Conclusion

When available light is limited, don’t let that restrict your choice of houseplants. As shown, there are many attractive species well-adapted to lower light levels that can thrive indoors.

With proper care, these 16 low-light hanging plants highlighted here can grow happily in the shaded corners, north windows, and dim rooms of your home or office. Their beautiful trailing vines and foliage will cascade elegantly from pots, baskets, and wall mountings.

When choosing plants for low-light situations, pay attention to foliage type, structure, and plant needs. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching leaves. Provide adequate humidity and prune back overgrown vines as needed.

Hanging displays are always eye-catching and bring nature’s beauty closer where space is limited. If you have a challenging low-light environment, try one of these adaptable plants for a lush, flowing botanical focal point even in the dimmest corners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are good low light hanging plants?

Some excellent low light hanging plants include pothos, philodendrons, peperom

16 Low-Light Hanging Plants to Try Growing