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Fifteen outstanding interior plants that thrive horizontally

Explore a collection of 15 top-tier hanging house plants, along with tips for cultivating them, drawn from the expertise of horticulturists at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine.

15 top-notch indoor plants suitable for hanging
15 top-notch indoor plants suitable for hanging

Fifteen outstanding interior plants that thrive horizontally

In the realm of indoor gardening, hanging plants have become a popular choice for adding a touch of nature to any space. From beginners to experienced plant enthusiasts, there's a hanging houseplant to suit every green thumb. Here's a roundup of some of the most captivating and easy-to-care-for hanging plants.

For novice gardeners, the Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum 'Njoy') is an ideal choice. This twining vine can be grown as a hanging plant or along a wire, and is particularly well-suited to a bathroom setting due to its ability to tolerate neglect.

Another fantastic hanging plant is the Wax Plant (Hoya linearis), which bears clusters of small, white, scented flowers. The Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica') is another twining vine with satiny leaves splashed with silver, perfect for beginners. Both plants can be planted in an indoor hanging basket or raised pot for a dramatic effect.

If you're after something a little more unusual, the Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is a strange and magnificent plant that is usually mounted on a piece of wood or in an indoor hanging basket. It requires a bright, humid spot out of direct sun.

For those who appreciate a bit of colour, the Orchid Cactus (Disocactus x hybridus) produces big, red flowers on its long, fleshy, flattened stems in April. The Curly Locks Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum hookeri subsp. guatemalense) produces small, yellow and white flowers in spring, while the Coral Cactus (Rhipsalis cereuscula) bears small, white, bell-shaped flowers in spring and is sometimes called the mistletoe cactus.

For more experienced plant enthusiasts, the Red Herringbone Plant (Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura) is an attractive option, though it requires more careful attention to water and humidity. Other recommended plants for experienced growers include the lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus), which thrives in bright but indirect light with high humidity, and spider plants, which prefer moderately moist, nutrient-rich soil and bright to partial shade.

Lastly, let's not forget about the trailers. The String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a trailing succulent with small, round, pearl-like leaves that thrive in a very bright spot, but out of the midday summer sun. The String of Hearts or Rosary Vine (Ceropegia woodii) is an ideal hanging plant for beginners. The sensational succulent, Sedum morganianum, known as Burro's tail, is a unique and eye-catching trailing plant that adds a touch of the exotic to any space.

When it comes to watering hanging plants indoors, it's important to water slowly, using tepid water or rainwater, and only when the plant needs it. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top 2cm of compost is dry, except in hot summer when more frequent watering may be needed.

To hang your houseplants, you can either keep the plant in its plastic container and put it into a decorative outer pot, or pot the plant directly into a planter or indoor hanging basket with a hole in the base and integrated hanging cords.

With these hanging houseplants at your fingertips, you're sure to find the perfect plant to brighten up your home and add a touch of green to your indoor space. Happy hanging!

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