Have you ever looked up at your ceiling and thought it felt a little empty?
Hanging plants are one of the easiest ways to bring life, color, and texture into a room without taking up precious floor space.
Their cascading vines, trailing leaves, and sometimes even vibrant blooms instantly soften hard corners and create a natural focal point.
These green beauties don’t just add charm, they also help purify the air and make your home feel more refreshing.
Let’s explore 20 hanging plants that will look stunning suspended from above.
#1. Ric Rac Cactus
- Scientific name: Epiphyllum anguliger
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some morning sun
- Soil: Well-draining cactus or orchid mix with added perlite
- USDA: 10-12
The Ric Rac Cactus, often called the Fishbone Cactus, is a striking hanging plant with zigzagging stems that cascade beautifully from ceiling baskets.
Native to the tropical forests of Mexico, it thrives in indirect light and slightly humid conditions.
Unlike desert cacti, it prefers a richer, airy soil mix similar to orchids.
With the right care, it not only provides lush green foliage but can also surprise you with fragrant, night-blooming flowers.
#2. Rat Tail Cactus
- Scientific name: Epiphyllum anguliger
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some morning sun
- Soil: Well-draining cactus or orchid mix with added perlite
- USDA: 10-12
The Ric Rac Cactus, often called the Fishbone Cactus, is a striking hanging plant with zigzagging stems that cascade beautifully from ceiling baskets.
Native to the tropical forests of Mexico, it thrives in indirect light and slightly humid conditions.
With the right care, it not only provides lush green foliage but can also surprise you with fragrant, night-blooming flowers.
Its unusual shape makes it a standout addition to any indoor plant collection, especially when displayed at eye level or higher.
#3. Christmas Cactus
- Scientific name: Schlumbergera bridgesii
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix
- USDA: 10-12
The Christmas Cactus is a favorite for hanging baskets, especially when it bursts into blooms of pink, red, or white during the winter holidays.
Unlike desert cacti, it hails from tropical forests and thrives in bright but filtered light with consistently moist (not soggy) soil.
To encourage abundant flowering, provide a short period of cooler temperatures and reduced watering in autumn.
With proper care, this plant can live for decades, often passed down as a family heirloom, delighting each season with its festive charm.
#4. String of Turtles
- Scientific name: Peperomia prostrata
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining mix with peat and perlite
- USDA: 10-12
The String of Turtles is a favorite among indoor plant lovers, thanks to its unique round leaves that look like little turtle shells.
Perfect for hanging baskets, it grows in long, cascading trails that bring a delicate touch of greenery to your ceiling spaces.
This plant prefers bright, indirect light and soil that drains quickly, as too much water can cause root rot.
It’s slow-growing but worth the wait, and with proper care, its vines will eventually spill beautifully over the edges of its pot, creating a soft, flowing curtain of patterned foliage.
#5. Wax Plant
- Scientific name: Hoya carnosa
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining mix with orchid bark or perlite
- USDA: 9-11
The Wax plant, or Hoya, is a stunning option for hanging baskets thanks to its cascading vines and unique, fragrant star-shaped flowers.
Its thick leaves store water, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives on a little neglect.
Hoyas do best in bright, indirect light and prefer to be slightly root-bound, which encourages flowering.
When cared for properly, they’ll reward you with clusters of blooms that release a sweet fragrance, especially in the evenings.
#6. Golden Pothos
- Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix with peat and perlite
- USDA: 10-12
Golden Pothos is a classic hanging plant that thrives indoors, draping down with heart-shaped green leaves streaked in golden-yellow variegation.
This plant is forgiving of missed waterings and adapts well to different light conditions, making it a favorite for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike.
For best growth, give it a nutrient-rich potting mix that drains easily and water once the top inch of soil dries.
See also: Watering Pothos: When, How Often, And How Much Is Needed
#7. Hoya curtisii
- Scientific name: Hoya curtisii
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some morning sun
- Soil: Well-draining, airy mix (orchid bark + perlite + peat)
- USDA: 10-11
Hoya curtisii is a miniature trailing hoya perfect for hanging from the ceiling or in a stylish planter.
Its tiny, heart-shaped leaves with silver speckles give it a delicate, patterned look that feels almost like living jewelry.
This plant thrives in a chunky, well-draining mix and prefers bright, indirect light to bring out its best variegation.
Also, a little extra humidity and occasional fertilizing during the growing season will keep your Hoya curtisii thriving and lush.
#8. Arrowhead Plant
- Scientific name: Syngonium podophyllum
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light
- Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix
- USDA: 9-11
The Arrowhead plant is a versatile houseplant that shines in hanging baskets thanks to its cascading vines and lush foliage.
Its leaves start off arrow-shaped but often mature into a lobed form, creating an evolving look as it grows.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light but is also tolerant of low-light corners, making it suitable for almost any room.
You should keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, and you’ll enjoy a full, trailing display.
#9. Curly Spider Plant
- Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light
- Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter
- USDA: 9-11
The Curly spider plant is a playful variation of the beloved spider plant, known for its lively, spiraled leaves that cascade elegantly from a hanging planter.
Perfect for bright windows or spots with filtered sunlight, this plant thrives indoors with minimal fuss.
Keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy, and it will reward you with lush, curly green growth.
Over time, it produces baby offshoots (called pups) that dangle down, adding even more character.
#10. Burro’s Tail
- Scientific name: Sedum morganianum
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect to partial sun
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining cactus or succulent mix
- USDA: 9-11
Burro’s tail is a striking succulent that looks amazing in hanging baskets, thanks to its long, trailing stems covered with plump, blue-green leaves.
This plant is delicate as its leaves fall off easily when touched but with patience, it creates lush, flowing cascades that brighten any space.
You need to place it in a spot with bright, indirect light to bring out its healthiest growth.
Since it’s a succulent, watering should be minimal: let the soil dry out completely before giving it a drink.
#11. English Ivy
- Scientific name: Hedera helix
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
- USDA: 4-9
English Ivy is a classic choice for hanging baskets, known for its graceful trailing vines and beautiful green leaves, often edged with creamy white or pale yellow.
This plant adapts well to both indoor and outdoor spaces, spilling elegantly from hanging pots or baskets.
While it thrives in bright, indirect light, it’s also one of the few plants that can tolerate lower light conditions.
#12. Boston Fern
- Scientific name: Nephrolepis exaltata
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some morning sun
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
- USDA: 9-11
The Boston fern is a timeless favorite for hanging baskets, with its long, feathery fronds that cascade beautifully, adding softness and greenery to any room.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and loves humidity, making it perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, or shaded porches.
Keeping the soil consistently moist (but never soggy) ensures healthy growth, while misting helps maintain the lush foliage.
#13. String of Hearts
- Scientific name: Ceropegia woodii
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct morning sun
- Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
- USDA: 10-12
The string of hearts is a dreamy trailing plant that creates an enchanting curtain of vines dotted with tiny heart-shaped leaves.
Its cascading stems can grow several feet long, making it a perfect candidate for ceiling-hung planters or tall shelves.
This plant thrives on a balance of bright light and careful watering as too much water can cause root rot, while too little may stunt growth.
When cared for properly, you’ll see not only long, elegant vines but also small tubular flowers that add even more charm.
#14. Wandering Jew
- Scientific name: Tradescantia zebrina
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct morning sun
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix with organic matter
- USDA: 9-12
The Wandering Jew, or Inch Plant, is a dazzling hanging plant that adds a splash of color to any space.
Its leaves are striped with green and silver on top, while the undersides glow with deep purple hues, creating a dramatic cascading effect.
Fast-growing and easy to care for, it thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates slightly moist but well-drained soil.
Pruning regularly encourages fuller growth, while cuttings root easily in water or soil, making it simple to propagate.
#15. String of Pearls
- Scientific name: Senecio rowleyanus (also known as Curio rowleyanus)
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light with some direct morning sun
- Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix with added perlite
- USDA: 9-12
The string of pearls is one of the most eye-catching hanging plants thanks to its long, trailing stems covered in perfectly round, bead-like leaves.
This plant thrives when given plenty of light, but it should be protected from harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the pearls.
Watering is minimal, you just let the soil dry out completely before giving it a drink.
With patience and proper care, the vines can spill down several feet, creating a lush, cascading curtain of green pearls that transforms your indoor space into something truly magical.
Refer to: 10 Secrets to Growing Long, Cascading String of Pearls Vines
#16. Jasmine
- Scientific name: Jasminum spp.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; some varieties enjoy morning sun
- Soil: Well-draining, rich potting soil with organic matter
- USDA: 8-11 (varies by species)
Jasmine brings both beauty and fragrance to your indoor space, making it a popular choice for hanging planters near windows.
Its delicate vines and small white flowers spill over containers, filling the air with a sweet aroma that feels refreshing and calming.
Jasmine thrives in bright light and benefits from consistent watering, though the soil should never be soggy.
#17. Spider Plant
- Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light
- Soil: Well-draining, loamy potting mix
- USDA: 9-11
The spider plant is a classic choice for hanging planters, known for its long, arching leaves striped in green and white.
It produces little plantlets or “spiderettes” that dangle from the mother plant, creating a natural cascading effect.
Spider plants are forgiving and thrive even with minimal care, making them ideal for beginners. They prefer evenly moist soil but can handle occasional dryness.
See more: Your Spider Plant Will Become Bushy Thanks to These Tips
#18. Phalaenopsis Orchid
- Scientific name: Phalaenopsis spp.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct harsh sun
- Soil: Special orchid bark mix for airflow and drainage
- USDA: 10-12
Phalaenopsis orchids, often called moth orchids, are breathtaking hanging plants with blooms that can last for months.
Their graceful arching flower spikes make them perfect for ceiling baskets or decorative hanging frames.
These orchids thrive in bright, filtered light and require excellent drainage, orchid bark or sphagnum moss is ideal.
They enjoy moderate humidity and weekly watering, with a short drying period in between.
#19. Jade Plant
- Scientific name: Crassula ovata
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light to full sun
- Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
- USDA: 10-12
The jade plant is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, often called the money plant.
With its thick, oval-shaped leaves and woody stems, it makes a striking statement in a hanging pot.
While usually grown upright, younger plants or well-pruned specimens trail gracefully over the edges of containers, making them ideal for hanging.
They thrive on neglect, needing water only when the soil is dry. With plenty of sunlight and minimal fuss, your jade plant will reward you with lush, glossy foliage.
#20. Rhipsalis
- Scientific name: Rhipsalis baccifera
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining cactus or epiphytic mix with bark
- USDA: 9-11
Rhipsalis, often called the mistletoe cactus, is a striking hanging plant with long, pencil-thin stems that cascade down like a green waterfall.
Unlike most cacti, it naturally grows in tropical forests as an epiphyte, clinging to tree branches.
Hanging it in a bright spot away from direct sun allows the vines to trail for several feet, creating a dramatic effect.
