15 Best Indoor Hanging Plants for Low Light Conditions

Top 15 Low Light Indoor Hanging Plants

Low-light hanging houseplants are super low maintenance and perfect for dark rooms, needing no heat lamps or direct sunlight. They tend to have:

• Arched branches or fronds
• Draping foliage
• Trailing vines and stems

And require nutrient-rich and well-draining soil.

All of these characteristics allow them to tolerate low-light settings, making them perfect indoor plants.

In this list, we present the top 15 low-light indoor hanging houseplants that can thrive in hanging baskets, brightening up your home or office spaces.

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1. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)

The Arrowhead Plant is a hardy houseplant with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves showcasing a striking mix of green and creamy hues.

This plant is a natural climber, using its aerial roots to anchor itself and support its upward growth.

Indoors, it makes for a stunning hanging plant due to its trailing vines.

As this plant ages, don’t be surprised if its leaves change colour. The Arrowhead Plant’s young leaves are often more vibrant, displaying more muted tones as it ages.

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2. Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)

The Nerve Plant is a classic tropical plant, displaying vibrant leaf patterns and colours.

The most common variety, the Red Nerve Plant, has bright green leaves with intricate red-purple veins resembling nerves, which gives it its common name.

As its native area is the rainforests of South America, this plant loves humidity – so much so that it’ll thrive in a windowless bathroom or kitchen.

READ NEXT: 21 Best Plants for Rooms Without Windows

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3. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

The Creeping Fig, also known as the Climbing Fig, is a vigorous climber that can scale walls and other structures, making it the ideal plant if you dream of having an indoor jungle!

It has delicate, heart-shaped leaves that start off a vibrant green hue that can develop variegations as they mature.

The Creeping Figure loves low-light conditions, so it’ll suit a windowless room or spot with limited light.

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4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is an adaptable and easy-to-grow hanging plant that can survive in lowlight areas.

It has long, narrow, bright green or green-white leaves that can reach up to 20 inches in length.

This plant is perfect for hanging baskets and is known for its air-purifying properties, helping improve indoor air quality.

What’s more, Spider Plants are low maintenance, as they have thickened rhizome roots to store water. 

This makes them a great plant for beginners as they won’t be too bothered if you forget to water them every now and then.

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5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant, sometimes called Aroid Palm, is a hardy, low-light hanging plant with dark green leaves that grow in feathery rows.

This plant is perfect for bathrooms and offices, where there’s less direct sunlight.

But keep this plant away from pets and young children, as it can be poisonous if eaten.

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6. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)

Heartleaf Philodendron is a low-maintenance hanging plant with deep and glossy green heart-shaped leaves that reach up to 8 inches in length.

Interestingly, this plant’s leaves display a highly unique drooping movement that you won’t find in many other plants.

This is a tropical and sculptural plant that adds charm to any indoor space.

And it’s also a quick grower, making it suitable for high shelves or beams, as well as a hanging planter.

However, a word of warning – Heartleaf Philodendron’s foliage is also poisonous. So it may not be the plant of choice if you have kids or furry friends at home!

READ NEXT: 45 Toxic Houseplants That Are Dangerous for Children & Pets

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7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is a classic, low-light hanging plant with evergreen leaves that can grow both indoors and outdoors.

This elegant plant adds sophistication to any space, with its dark green foliage creating a stunning contrast against light-coloured walls.

Low light is perfect for English Ivy, especially the dark green varieties. So it can thrive even in places where other plants may struggle.

To keep your English Ivy healthy, water it once the topsoil is dry and let the excess moisture drain to prevent root rot.

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8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Boston Fern is a popular, humidity-loving hanging plant that thrives in low-light conditions.

Its lush, bright green foliage adds a tropical feel to your home, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms and other spaces with higher humidity levels.

If you’d rather place this plant in your living space, ensure it has enough humidity by misting it regularly to maintain its lush green appearance.

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9. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Prayer plants are unique hanging plants with fascinating leaf movements and patterns.

Native to Brazil, this tropical plant loves semi-shady, medium indirect light or low light spots, reminiscent of its habitat, the rainforest floor.

This plant has dark green leaves with a light green centre and pinkish-purple back, creating a stunning focal point in any room.

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10. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Burro’s Tail is a low-maintenance, trailing succulent with pale, pastel-green tails that sometimes have a touch of silver in them.

This whimsical plant is perfect for hanging pots and can tolerate low-light conditions, making it a great addition to your indoor hanging plant collection.

This plant loves sandy, well-drained soil and needs moderate watering. The stems store water, so it won’t be too bothersome if you forget to water it every now and then.

Burro’s Tail is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a low-maintenance, low-light hanging plant to add a touch of whimsy to your home. 

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11. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’)

The Satin Pothos plant is a beautiful, low-light hanging plant with silver-splashed leaves that instantly add glamour to an uninspiring space.

This plant is perfect for hanging baskets and can thrive in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for spaces that lack natural sunlight.

The Satin Pothos does best with medium or bright indirect light or filtered light but can also do well in lower light levels. It requires fertile soil with plenty of nutrients and organic matter to ensure its growth and health.

READ NEXT: 24 Types of Pothos Plants: Varieties and Care Tips

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12. Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant earned its name due to its incredible toughness and ability to withstand neglect. So as you can probably imagine, this is the ideal plant for beginners!

This plant is one of the oldest houseplants cultivated for ornamental purposes. It was a popular choice in the Victorian era and has been cherished for its hardiness ever since.

While it’s not common for the Cast Iron Plant to bloom indoors, in its native habitat, it produces small, inconspicuous purple-brown flowers close to the soil’s surface.

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13. Swiss Cheese Plant

The Swiss Cheese Plant is known for its large, glossy, and perforated leaves, which have distinctive holes and cuts, resembling Swiss cheese.

These holes are called “fenestrations” and are thought to help the plant withstand strong and heavy rain in its natural habitat.

This plant adapts well to indoor environments, though it does require adequate space and support for its climbing nature.

READ NEXT: 35 Big Leaf Plants for Indoors & Outdoors

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14. String of Pearls

This plant’s common name, “String of Pearls,” comes from its distinct appearance, with its round, pea-like leaves resembling a string of green pearls.

The String of Pearls is a drought-resistant succulent, making it well-suited to arid conditions and requiring less watering compared to many other houseplants.

So if you frequently forget to water your plants or are new to caring for them, this one might be a top choice for you!

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15. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

The Chinese evergreen plant is a versatile, low-light hanging plant with exotic foliage that not only beautifies your home but also helps improve indoor air quality.

This plant can absorb contaminants from plastics, carpets, and wall paints, making it a great natural air purifier.

The botanical name, Aglaonema, comes from the Greek words aglaos (bright or light) and nema (thread), loosely translating to “bright or shining thread.”

Chinese Evergreen thrives in low-light conditions, so pop it in a spot that doesn’t see much sunshine!

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Tips for Caring for Low Light Hanging Plants

Caring for low-light hanging plants can be simple if you know the essential tips to keep them healthy and thriving.

First, make sure to water your plants only when the soil surface feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so be mindful of your plant’s water needs.

Another important aspect of caring for low-light hanging plants is ensuring they receive enough indirect light.

While these plants can tolerate low-light conditions, many of them still need some natural light to thrive. Placing them near a window that provides filtered or indirect sunlight is crucial for their growth and health.

Lastly, maintain the humidity levels around your plants. Some low-light hanging plants, like Boston Ferns and Heartleaf Philodendrons, prefer higher humidity levels.

Misting your plants regularly or placing them in rooms with naturally higher humidity, such as bathrooms, can help keep them healthy and vibrant.

Decorating Ideas with Low Light Hanging Plants

Low-light hanging plants offer a plethora of decorating possibilities that can enhance your living space and create a cosy, inviting atmosphere.

For small spaces like bathrooms or hallways, consider placing plants like the Chinese Evergreen or the Spider Plant, which can thrive in low-light conditions and add a touch of greenery to your space.

Another creative decorating idea is to line up vining plants like the Heartleaf Philodendron or the English Ivy on shelves, creating a cascading effect that adds depth and interest to your room.

Alternatively, you could place ferns in pockets against white walls.

And don’t forget about using mirrors to enhance the light in your dark room! Placing a mirror behind or near your low-light hanging plant can catch the light in the room and reflect it near your plant, giving it a subtle boost of light and making your space feel brighter and more open.

With these decorating ideas, you can transform any low-light room into a lush and inviting sanctuary.

Common Challenges and Solutions for Low Light Hanging Plants

One common challenge faced by low-light hanging plants is too much water.

Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it’s essential to water your plants only when the soil surface feels dry.

If you’re already facing this issue, adjust your watering schedule and ensure the soil dries out between waterings.

Another challenge is not providing enough sunlight. While low-light hanging plants can tolerate low-light conditions, they still need some natural light to thrive.

Ensure your plants receive enough indirect light by placing them near a window that provides filtered or indirect sunlight. This will help your plants grow and remain healthy.

Pests can also be a problem for low-light hanging plants. Keep an eye out for signs like discoloured leaves, webbing, or small insects.

To prevent pests, keep your plants clean and clear of debris, such as fallen leaves, dead plant matter, and any accumulated organic material on the soil surface.

With proper care and attention, your low-light hanging plants can overcome these common challenges and continue to beautify your living space.

Summary

Low-light hanging plants offer an excellent solution for adding life and beauty to your home or office spaces with less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

With our top 15 recommendations, essential care tips, creative decorating ideas, and solutions to common challenges, you are now equipped to transform your living space into a lush and inviting sanctuary that both you and your plants will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hanging plant does well in low light?

Spider plants are perfect for a hanging basket in low-light spaces, as they’re tough and require very little maintenance.

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What is low light?

Low light typically refers to an environment with limited or insufficient natural sunlight.

It’s an important consideration when choosing plants for indoor spaces that receive little direct sunlight or are situated further away from windows.

In such conditions, plants that require low light can thrive and maintain their health without yellowing or wilting.

These low-light adapted plants have evolved to efficiently utilise available light and can still carry out photosynthesis, albeit at a slower rate compared to plants exposed to brighter conditions.

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How can I decorate my living space with low-light hanging plants?

Decorate your living space with low-light hanging plants by lining up trailing plants on shelves, putting ferns in pockets against white walls, or grouping small plants on side tables.

If you enjoyed and want to kit more rooms out with plants, check out our blog post, The 20 Best Houseplants for Indoors!