Hanging Plants for Different Light Conditions Low to Bright Light

When choosing the right hanging plants for your home, understanding their sunlight requirements is key. Each room has different light conditions, ranging from bright sunlight to deep shade. Selecting the right plants based on light levels ensures they thrive and grow healthy. Some plants prefer bright, indirect light, while others are more tolerant of low light. In this guide, we’ll explore hanging plants suited for various light conditions—from low-light environments like bathrooms and hallways to full-sun spaces like bright living rooms and sunrooms.

Choosing the best plants for your light conditions will not only help them thrive but also enhance your living space with vibrant greenery. Let’s explore the perfect hanging plants for every type of lighting situation, providing care tips for each to ensure they flourish in your home.

Best Hanging Plants for Low Light Conditions

Low-light environments can be challenging for many plants, but several species are perfectly suited for these conditions. Low-light areas are common in bathrooms, hallways, and north-facing rooms. These spaces don’t get direct sunlight, but some hanging plants thrive with minimal light exposure, making them ideal for these dim environments.

Pothos: A Low-Light Hanging Plant Champion

Pothos is one of the most popular and adaptable low-light plants. Known for its long, trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, it’s perfect for hanging baskets or macramé plant hangers. Pothos can tolerate dim rooms and is incredibly forgiving if neglected for a short period. It thrives with infrequent watering and minimal light, making it a great choice for low-light spaces like bathrooms or hallways.

Caring for pothos is simple—it thrives with just a little attention. Water when the top inch of soil dries out, and make sure the pot has good water drainage to prevent root rot. Pothos is also known for its air-purifying properties, absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Its hardy nature makes it perfect for beginners or busy individuals who may forget to water regularly.

Spider Plant: Hardy and Air-Purifying for Low Light

The spider plant is another excellent choice for low-light environments. With its long, arching green and white-striped leaves, spider plants add a touch of elegance to rooms with minimal natural light. Spider plants thrive in indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions without losing their vibrant look. They are also fantastic air-purifiers, filtering out toxins and making the air cleaner.

Caring for spider plants is easy. They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, and good water drainage is essential to avoid overwatering. These resilient plants are known for producing baby plants or “spiderettes,” which can easily be propagated. Their hardy nature and ability to tolerate low light make them ideal for hanging baskets in dim corners of your home, like bathrooms or offices.

Best Hanging Plants for Bright Indirect Light

Bright, indirect light is a common condition in homes with large windows, especially those facing east or west. These rooms get bright light for part of the day without direct sunlight, making them perfect for plants that love light but cannot tolerate the harsh rays of the sun. Hanging plants that thrive in this environment often have lush foliage and vibrant growth.

Philodendron: A Perfect Plant for Bright Indirect Light

Philodendrons are among the most popular indoor plants due to their easy care and fast growth. They thrive in bright, indirect light and are perfect for hanging baskets, where their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines can cascade beautifully. Philodendrons grow quickly in ideal conditions, making them a great option for filling vertical spaces in a room with greenery.

To care for a philodendron, place it in a spot where it receives indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but ensure the pot has good water drainage to avoid waterlogging. Philodendrons are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth. Their trailing nature makes them ideal for shelves or hanging baskets where they can cascade down, adding beauty and greenery to your home.

Boston Fern: Lush Greenery for Indirect Light

The Boston fern is a classic indoor plant, known for its feathery fronds and rich green color. It thrives in bright, indirect light, making it ideal for rooms with large windows or filtered sunlight. Boston ferns are often placed in hanging baskets where their fronds can spill over, creating a lush display of greenery. They prefer higher humidity, making them a great choice for bathrooms or kitchens.

Boston ferns need a bit more care than some low-maintenance plants. They prefer consistently moist soil, so regular watering is required. Using a well-draining soil mix and misting the fronds frequently will help maintain their health and keep the leaves vibrant. With proper care, a Boston fern can thrive in indirect light, bringing a natural, jungle-like atmosphere to any room.

Hanging Plants for Moderate to Low Light Conditions

Moderate to low light can be found in east-facing windows or rooms that receive indirect sunlight throughout the day. While the light isn’t as strong as bright indirect light, it’s still enough to support a range of resilient hanging plants. Plants that tolerate moderate to low light usually have slower growth but still add a green touch to your home.

English Ivy: Ideal for Low to Moderate Light

English ivy is a versatile hanging plant that thrives in low to moderate light conditions. Its dense, trailing vines make it perfect for hanging baskets or mounted displays. English ivy can grow well in shady spots, such as north-facing rooms or dim hallways, where other plants may struggle. It’s also a great air-purifier, helping to clean the air in your home.

English ivy is easy to care for. It prefers to be kept slightly moist, but it’s important to avoid waterlogging the roots. A pot with good water drainage and a well-draining soil mix is essential to prevent overwatering. Regular trimming helps to keep the vines neat and healthy. English ivy is ideal for hanging displays, as its vines can trail down and create a cascading effect that adds elegance to any room.

ZZ Plant: Nearly Indestructible for Low Light

The ZZ plant is known for its ability to thrive in almost any indoor environment, including low-light conditions. Its thick, waxy leaves make it incredibly resilient and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for those who forget to water their plants regularly. The ZZ plant can survive in low to moderate light, making it ideal for rooms with little natural light, such as offices or bedrooms.

Caring for a ZZ plant is simple—it requires very little attention. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as this plant is prone to root rot if overwatered. It thrives in well-draining soil mix, and a pot with good water drainage is essential. ZZ plants grow slowly but are perfect for adding greenery to spaces where light is limited. They look great in hanging baskets or tabletop planters, making them ideal for compact spaces.

Hanging Plants for Full Sun Conditions

Full sun conditions are challenging for most indoor plants, but some species can handle direct sunlight, making them perfect for rooms with south-facing windows or sunrooms. These plants thrive in bright, direct light and can tolerate the intense rays of the sun, often developing vibrant colors and blooms in these conditions.

Petunias: Perfect for Hanging in Full Sun

Petunias are vibrant, flowering plants that thrive in full sun conditions. They’re perfect for hanging baskets placed in sunrooms or near south-facing windows. Petunias produce an abundance of colorful flowers that bloom throughout the season, adding beauty to any indoor or outdoor space. These plants require full sunlight to produce their best blooms and will brighten up any sunlit area of your home.

Petunias need regular watering and well-draining soil to thrive. They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, so make sure their hanging basket has good water drainage. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, encourages more flowers and keeps the plant looking fresh. In full sun, petunias will reward you with continuous blooms that add a splash of color to your space.

Geraniums: Bright Blooms for Sunlit Spaces

Geraniums are another excellent option for full-sun conditions. Known for their vibrant, long-lasting flowers, geraniums can tolerate several hours of direct sunlight each day, making them perfect for hanging baskets in sunrooms or near bright windows. They come in a variety of colors, from red and pink to white and purple, and their drought tolerance makes them easy to care for.

Geraniums prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during their blooming season. However, they are relatively drought-tolerant, so they can handle occasional dry periods. Make sure their hanging basket has good water drainage to prevent water from pooling. With proper care, geraniums will reward you with stunning blooms throughout the season.

Hanging Plants for Dappled or Filtered Light

Dappled or filtered light occurs when sunlight is filtered through trees or other structures, creating spots of light and shadow. This type of light is softer than full sun but brighter than low light. It’s perfect for plants that enjoy partial shade and can’t tolerate direct sunlight. Plants placed in areas with filtered light can still thrive and add greenery to spaces like covered patios or near windows with sheer curtains.

Ferns for Filtered Light

Ferns, such as maidenhair ferns and Boston ferns, are perfect for areas with dappled or filtered light. Their feathery fronds thrive in shaded environments, making them great for hanging baskets on patios or in rooms with indirect sunlight. Ferns love humidity, so they are perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels are higher. Regular watering and misting will keep their fronds lush and vibrant.

Begonias: Shade-Loving and Colorful

Begonias are shade-tolerant plants that add a splash of color to areas with filtered light. Their vibrant blooms and colorful foliage make them perfect for hanging baskets in partially shaded spots. Begonias prefer indirect light and are ideal for covered porches, patios, or north-facing windows. With proper care, begonias will reward you with continuous blooms throughout the growing season.

Hanging Plants for North-Facing Windows

North-facing windows typically offer low, indirect light throughout the day, as they receive no direct sunlight. These spaces are great for plants that don’t require much light and can thrive in low-light environments. Hanging plants in north-facing rooms add greenery to areas that would otherwise seem too dim for most plants.

English Ivy for North-Facing Windows

English ivy is an excellent choice for low-light, north-facing windows. Its trailing vines create a beautiful hanging effect, and the plant can tolerate the lower light levels of a north-facing room. English ivy is a hardy plant that doesn’t require much sunlight to thrive, making it perfect for dimly lit rooms such as offices, bathrooms, or hallways.

To care for English ivy, place it in a spot with indirect light and ensure the soil is kept slightly moist, but avoid overwatering. English ivy benefits from good water drainage to prevent root rot. Regular pruning helps control its growth, allowing you to shape the trailing vines as desired. In a hanging basket, English ivy’s cascading greenery can add life to even the darkest corners of your home.

ZZ Plant: A Perfect Choice for Low-Light Spaces

The ZZ plant is renowned for its ability to thrive in low-light environments, including north-facing rooms. This nearly indestructible plant features glossy, upright leaves that give it a sleek, modern appearance. It is incredibly low-maintenance and can survive in almost any light condition, making it ideal for north-facing windows where light is minimal.

ZZ plants are very drought-tolerant, so you only need to water them when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to use a well-draining soil mix. ZZ plants grow slowly, which makes them perfect for rooms where space is limited. Their upright growth habit makes them an excellent candidate for hanging baskets or decorative pots in low-light spaces.

Hanging Plants for East-Facing Windows

East-facing windows receive gentle morning sunlight, followed by indirect light for the rest of the day. This is an ideal lighting condition for many hanging plants, as it provides enough light for healthy growth without the harsh afternoon sun. Plants that prefer moderate light thrive in east-facing windows, which offer a balance of brightness without overwhelming intensity.

Peperomia: Compact and Perfect for East-Facing Rooms

Peperomia is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that thrives in the soft morning light of east-facing windows. With its thick, succulent-like leaves, peperomia stores water and can tolerate occasional neglect. This makes it an excellent option for busy individuals or those who don’t have time for daily plant care. Peperomia’s compact growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets in smaller spaces like apartments or kitchens.

 

To care for peperomia, water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, and ensure it has good water drainage to prevent root rot. Peperomias do best in bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate lower light conditions. Regular pruning helps maintain their compact shape, and their variety of leaf shapes and colors makes them a stylish addition to any room with an east-facing window.

b. String of Hearts: Ideal for Gentle Morning Sun

The string of hearts is a beautiful trailing plant that thrives in the gentle morning sunlight provided by east-facing windows. Its delicate, heart-shaped leaves grow along thin vines, creating a stunning cascading effect when placed in hanging baskets or macramé plant hangers. This plant enjoys bright, indirect light, but the soft light from an east-facing window is perfect for its growth.

Caring for the string of hearts is simple. It prefers to dry out between waterings, so use a well-draining soil mix and ensure proper water drainage. The string of hearts is drought-tolerant and thrives with infrequent watering, making it a great option for those who want a low-maintenance yet visually striking plant. In an east-facing window, the soft sunlight will help the string of hearts grow healthy, trailing vines.

Hanging Plants for West-Facing Windows

West-facing windows provide intense afternoon sunlight, which can be a challenge for some plants but perfect for others that love bright light. The strong light from the west-facing window is ideal for plants that can tolerate more sun exposure, but care must be taken to avoid scorching sensitive leaves. Choosing the right plants for this lighting condition ensures they will flourish.

Hoya: A Hardy Plant for Afternoon Sun

Hoya, or the wax plant, is a hardy plant that thrives in the bright, indirect light of west-facing windows. Known for its thick, waxy leaves and star-shaped flowers, the hoya can tolerate the stronger light conditions of the afternoon sun. Hoyas are drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy individuals who want a long-lasting, decorative plant.

Caring for hoyas in a west-facing window involves watering when the soil is dry and ensuring the plant has good water drainage. Hoyas prefer a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. They benefit from occasional misting to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments. The bright light from a west-facing window encourages hoyas to bloom, rewarding you with beautiful, fragrant flowers.

Golden Pothos: A Sun-Loving Trailing Plant

Golden pothos is a sun-loving plant that can handle the intense afternoon light from west-facing windows. This resilient plant is known for its heart-shaped leaves with striking golden variegation. Its fast-growing vines make it a fantastic choice for hanging baskets or macramé plant hangers, where the leaves can cascade beautifully down.

Golden pothos thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure the pot has proper water drainage to prevent waterlogging. Regular pruning helps keep the plant bushy and encourages new growth. The bright light from a west-facing window will bring out the vibrant colors in the leaves, making golden pothos a standout feature in any room.

Hanging Plants for South-Facing Windows

South-facing windows provide the most intense and consistent light throughout the day, making them ideal for plants that thrive in bright, direct sunlight. These windows are perfect for sun-loving plants that need plenty of light to grow. Hanging plants that can handle full sunlight are ideal for these spaces, offering vibrant growth and sometimes even blooms.

Petunias: Flowering Beauties for Full Sun

Petunias are flowering plants that thrive in full sunlight, making them perfect for south-facing windows. With their colorful blooms, petunias can brighten up any room and create a stunning display in hanging baskets. These plants need plenty of sunlight to produce their vibrant flowers, and a south-facing window provides the ideal conditions.

Petunias require regular watering, but they should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensure the pot has good water drainage to avoid soggy soil. Regularly deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers to develop, keeping the plant in constant bloom. Petunias are perfect for adding a splash of color to sunrooms, balconies, or any room with a south-facing window.

Geraniums: Sun-Loving and Drought-Tolerant

Geraniums are another excellent option for south-facing windows, known for their vibrant flowers and ability to thrive in full sun. Geraniums produce clusters of flowers in various colors, from pink and red to white and purple. They are also relatively drought-tolerant, making them easy to care for in bright, sunny rooms.

To care for geraniums, place them in a sunny window and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Geraniums prefer well-draining soil and benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. They can tolerate dry periods, but regular watering will help keep them blooming. The intense light from a south-facing window ensures that geraniums remain healthy and vibrant, filling your space with color.

Hanging Plants for Partial Shade

Partial shade refers to areas that receive a few hours of sunlight each day but are shaded for the rest of the day. These conditions are ideal for plants that can tolerate some light but prefer to avoid direct sunlight for extended periods. Hanging plants that thrive in partial shade are perfect for covered patios, balconies, or rooms with filtered light.

Maidenhair Fern: Delicate Fronds for Partial Shade

The maidenhair fern is a delicate plant with feathery, light-green fronds that thrive in partial shade. It prefers indirect light and high humidity, making it an excellent choice for shaded balconies, patios, or bathrooms. Maidenhair ferns add a soft, natural touch to any space with their lush, trailing foliage.

Caring for maidenhair ferns involves keeping the soil consistently moist and ensuring the plant is placed in a spot with indirect light. They prefer a well-draining soil mix and benefit from regular misting to maintain humidity. Maidenhair ferns do well in hanging baskets, where their fronds can drape elegantly, creating a beautiful green display in areas with partial shade.