Hanging Plants: Green Accents for Balconies, Homes & Gardens

How to create space and atmosphere with hanging plants

Hanging plants transform a space. They bring greenery to eye level and create living curtains for bare walls and corners. On a balcony, they turn plain railings into cascades of flowers.

They make use of spots that are unsuitable for ordinary pots. Create green islands above tables, in high windows or beneath roof overhangs. The effect is immediate and can change the feel of an entire space.

To get started, you need a hardy plant, a secure hook and a little basic know-how. After that, it’s all about enjoying the way it looks.

Which plants are suitable for hanging baskets?

There are two main groups: houseplants for indoors and flowering plants for outdoors. Indoors, choose varieties with long, flexible stems. Pothos is a classic: it grows quickly and forgives care mistakes. Spider plants produce lots of plantlets that hang down like green fountains.

Flowering maple adds a splash of color indoors. Its delicate leaves and pale flowers do best in a bright spot away from the midday sun. King’s vine is a little more demanding, but its large, heart-shaped leaves make a striking display.

Success with hanging plants starts with choosing the right potting mix. Avoid heavy, compact garden soil. A loose mix of potting soil, coconut fiber and perlite holds moisture while staying airy, helping to prevent root rot.

For balconies and patios, flowering plants that bloom throughout the season are a great choice. Trailing petunias, nemesia and ivy geraniums love full sun. Fuchsias, trailing begonias and impatiens are ideal for partial shade. They keep flowering until the first frost.

Don’t forget edible plants. Trailing strawberries and compact tomato varieties for the balcony are both productive and decorative. They do need more water and nutrients than plants grown just for their looks.

The easiest varieties for beginners

Short on time or dealing with a less-than-ideal spot? These plants are easy to grow.

• Snake plant (Sansevieria): Tough enough to handle almost anything, including dry air from heating. The ‘Hahnii’ varieties grow in a rosette shape and suit low hanging baskets.
• Ornamental sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas): Its purple or bright green leaves grow quickly and trail freely. It needs plenty of light but little care.
• Climbing philodendron: As hardy as pothos, often with larger, more sculpted leaves. It’s ideal for lightly shaded corners indoors.

Find accessories for all these plants in our garden and plant accessories category.

Why is proper care so important for hanging plants?

Hanging plants grow in exposed spots. They dry out faster than pots on the floor because warm air rises. At the same time, waterlogged soil can be fatal, as excess water often cannot drain away properly.

Pay close attention to your plants. In summer, check every two days to see whether the soil feels slightly dry. Water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage hole. Let the excess water drain away before hanging the plant up again.

Feed your plants during the growing season, from March to September. Use liquid fertilizer for green or flowering plants and follow the package instructions. In winter, stop feeding almost completely.

Regular pruning keeps plants young and bushy. Use sharp scissors to trim overly long stems just above a pair of leaves. The

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The problem with pests at height

Spider mites and aphids thrive in the warm, dry air around hanging plants. Check the undersides of the leaves when you water. If you spot pests, isolate the plant right away.

Treat it with an approved plant protection product. For a minor infestation, regularly rinsing the plant in the shower is often enough. As a preventive measure, raise humidity by occasionally misting the plants with soft water.

How do you choose and install the perfect hanging basket?

The pot is more than just a container. It needs to hang securely, hold enough water, and look good. Classic plastic hanging baskets are lightweight and inexpensive, while woven metal planters and macramé hangers are currently popular.

An integrated water reservoir or saucer is important. It protects furniture and floors from drips. The

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Check the hook: If you’re hanging heavy ceramic pots from a drywall ceiling, screw the hooks into load-bearing wood joists. Use a stud finder to locate them. Special drywall anchors from a hardware store are often sufficient for lighter items.

The hanging system can be part of the design, too. Leather straps, colorful marine rope, and stainless steel chains each create a different look. Make sure the hangers are long enough to position the plant at the right height.

For an instant splash of greenery, consider a ready-made pair of hanging plants such as the

Pair of hanging plants - 2 pieces - Ø15cm - ↕25cm

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Watering systems for vacations

If you’re away for several days, hanging plants can dry out. Simple DIY solutions include water-filled bottles placed upside down in the soil. For a more reliable option, use clay watering cones connected to a water reservoir with a hose.

For longer trips, move the plants to a bright bathroom that doesn’t get full sun. Hang them a little lower or set them on the floor, where humidity is higher and evaporation is slower.

Creative ideas: Beyond the classic flowerpot

You don’t have to display hanging plants one at a time. Create a green wall by hanging several plants at different heights from a rod or shelf. The result is a lively, three-dimensional display.

Use hanging plants as natural privacy screens on your balcony. Pair tall potted plants below with hanging varieties at railing height. Together, they create a dense green screen that still lets air through.

In the garden, use hanging baskets to draw the eye. Place them in prominent spots, such as by the garden gate, on a pergola, or on an old tree stump. They catch the eye and create focal points.

Try unusual planters. Disused teapots, woven baskets, and sturdy glass containers for hydroponics can add personality to your collection. Always make sure there’s a drainage hole or a thick drainage layer of expanded clay.

Find more inspiration and materials for projects like these in our extensive Garden & Outdoor range.

The right potting mix and fertilizer for healthy growth

Good-quality potting mix is the foundation for healthy plants. For especially thirsty plants such as petunias, mix in some clay granules to help the soil retain water. For succulents and other drought-tolerant varieties, add sand or grit to improve drainage.

Fertilize when your plants need it, rather than following a calendar. Pale green leaves or noticeably slower growth can be signs that it’s time to feed them. Choose a product from our plant and flower fertilizer range.

Organic fertilizers such as horn shavings release nutrients slowly and are gentle on soil life. Mineral liquid fertilizers act quickly but need to be measured precisely. Choose the approach that suits your plant-care routine.

Conclusion: More than just decoration

Hanging plants do more than decorate a space. They can improve indoor air quality, provide privacy, and even make room for a small balcony harvest. Their greatest advantage is their flexibility.

They can transform a room in an instant without moving furniture or repainting the walls. With the right varieties and a little basic know-how, they can thrive for years and grow into impressive green curtains.

Start with a hardy plant in a suitable spot. See how it responds to light and water. Before long, you’ll get a feel for caring for your elevated greenery and be ready to expand your collection.

Browse our shop for more ideas for a greener home. From watering systems to the right tools, you’ll find everything you need to care for your plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hanging plants need little light?

Pothos, spider plants and cast iron plants (Aspidistra) are classic shade-tolerant houseplants. Impatiens, fuchsias and some fern varieties thrive on a north-facing balcony. They need very little direct sunlight but must be kept evenly moist. Avoid waterlogging.

How often should I water my hanging plants?

How often you need to water depends on the plant variety, pot size and location. Before watering, check the moisture level of the top layer of soil with your finger. Many plants, such as pothos, prefer the soil to dry out slightly. In summer, daily watering may be necessary, while in winter, once a week is often enough.

Can I use ordinary plants as hanging plants?

Yes, many trailing or naturally overhanging plants are suitable. Plant them in a tall pot or a special hanging basket. Make sure the hanging support is sturdy enough, as the plant becomes heavy with soil and water. Trellises from the plant accessories range can help guide growth.

What should I do if my hanging plant becomes bare at the bottom?

Bare stems are often a sign of insufficient light or natural woodiness. Cut the plant back to encourage branching. Place the cuttings in soil to propagate them and make the top of the plant bushier again. Regular shaping with sharp pruning shears can help prevent this.

Are hanging plants hardy?

Most classic hanging balcony plants, such as trailing petunias, are annuals and not frost-hardy. Perennial, hardy options include ivy, some trailing strawberries and evergreen creeping euonymus. Houseplants need temperatures above 15°C all year round. Always check the specific hardiness of the plant variety.