Low Light Hanging Plants: Beautiful Greenery for Dim Corners
- Jayant Upadhyay
- Jul 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Are Low Light Hanging Plants?
Benefits of Hanging Plants in Low Light
How to Identify a Low Light Spot
Top 15 Low Light Hanging Plants
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Heartleaf Philodendron
English Ivy
Spider Plant
Boston Fern
Burro’s Tail
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
Peperomia
Grape Ivy
Lipstick Plant
Rhipsalis
Maidenhair Fern
Wandering Jew
Chinese Evergreen (Hanging Variety)
Care Tips for Low Light Hanging Plants
Styling Tips: Where to Hang and Display
Mistakes to Avoid
Conclusion
1. Introduction
Not every corner of a home receives abundant sunlight—but that doesn’t mean it has to remain dull or bare. Enter low light hanging plants, the unsung heroes of indoor greenery. These graceful plants don’t just survive in dim spaces—they thrive, adding vibrancy and charm to your bedroom, bathroom, hallway, or office nook.
This guide walks you through the best low light hanging plants and how to care for and style them with ease.
2. What Are Low Light Hanging Plants?
Low light hanging plants are those that can tolerate minimal natural light and grow well in indirect, filtered, or artificial light conditions. Unlike full-sun plants that need several hours of direct light, these species evolved in shady environments—like forest understories or tropical canopies—and prefer soft, indirect illumination.
Being hanging plants, they typically grow with trailing vines, arching fronds, or cascading foliage, making them ideal for:
Hanging baskets
Macramé holders
Floating shelves
Plant walls
3. Benefits of Hanging Plants in Low Light
Low light hanging plants do more than beautify—they transform your space both visually and emotionally.
1. Save Floor Space
Great for small apartments or rooms with limited floor space.
2. Improve Air Quality
Many of these plants filter airborne toxins like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene.
3. Mood Enhancement
Studies show that indoor plants reduce stress and boost happiness.
4. Versatile Aesthetics
Their cascading vines and textured foliage add visual movement and softness to interiors.
4. How to Identify a Low Light Spot
Before selecting your plants, know your light conditions. A low light spot typically has:
North-facing windows
Windows blocked by trees/buildings
Interior rooms with artificial lights
Places where you can comfortably read during the day but with no direct sunlight
💡 Pro Tip: If shadows are fuzzy or absent, you’re in a low light area.
5. Top 15 Low Light Hanging Plants
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why it's great: Super easy to grow and tolerant of neglect.
Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect.
Care: Water when soil dries out.
2. Heartleaf Philodendron
Features: Heart-shaped leaves with graceful vines.
Light: Performs well in low to medium light.
Style Tip: Hang in a matte black planter for a modern look.
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Traits: Fast-growing, classic elegance.
Light: Prefers indirect light, tolerates shade.
Bonus: Helps reduce airborne mold.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Known for: Baby “spiderettes” and variegated leaves.
Light: Low light friendly.
Pet Friendly? Yes.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Appearance: Lush, feathery foliage.
Light: Prefers indirect light and humidity.
Use: Great for hanging in bathrooms.
6. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Foliage: Fat, trailing succulent stems.
Light: Indirect light.
Caution: Fragile leaves.
7. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Style: Romantic, trailing hearts.
Light: Bright to moderate indirect.
Watering: Drought-tolerant.
8. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Visual: Round, beady vines.
Light: Prefers bright, but tolerates dim spaces.
Water: Let dry out completely between waterings.
9. Peperomia (Various varieties)
Growth: Compact and slow-growing.
Light: Low to medium light.
Perks: Tons of textures and leaf colors.
10. Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)
Trait: Climbing or trailing growth habit.
Light: Prefers filtered light.
Bonus: Easy to prune and train.
11. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
Flowers: Red tubular blooms.
Light: Low light tolerant.
Humidity: Loves steamy bathrooms.
12. Rhipsalis (Mistletoe Cactus)
Origin: Jungle cactus family.
Light: Thrives in low indoor light.
Unique: Grows well even in north-facing rooms.
13. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
Elegance: Delicate, lace-like foliage.
Light: Needs indirect light and high humidity.
Tip: Use a pebble tray or humidifier.
14. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
Color: Striking purple and silver foliage.
Light: Tolerates low, but colors pop in better light.
Growth: Very fast-growing.
15. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – Hanging Types
Adaptability: Thrives in low light and humidity.
Look: Glossy, patterned leaves.
Air-Purifying? Yes.
6. Care Tips for Low Light Hanging Plants
Avoid Overwatering: The #1 killer in low light conditions.
Use Well-Draining Soil: Prevent root rot.
Rotate Plants: Ensure even growth.
Clean the Leaves: Dust can block photosynthesis.
Humidity Helps: Especially in low-light bathrooms.
7. Styling Tips: Where to Hang and Display
Ideal Spots:
Bedroom corners
Bathroom windows
Kitchen ceilings
Living room beams
Staircase landings
Hanging Styles:
Macramé Planters: Boho feel
Wall-Mounted Hooks: Saves space
Ceiling Baskets: Dramatic impact
Hanging Rails: Great for kitchens or balcony edges
8. Mistakes to Avoid
Using direct sunlight bulbs – it can scorch low-light plants.
No drainage – hanging pots must drain excess water.
Choosing high-maintenance plants – stick to hardy ones.
Forgetting to rotate – light reaches only one side otherwise.
Ignoring humidity needs – especially for ferns and tropical types.
9. Conclusion
Low light doesn’t mean low beauty. With the right selection of hanging plants, you can transform the darkest corners of your home into lush, serene havens. From pothos to ferns, each plant on this list brings its own charm, purifies the air, and enhances your indoor aesthetic.
So go ahead—pick your green companion, hang it high, and let it thrive where others won’t.
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