10 Best Hanging Plants That Don't Need a Lot of Light
Transform your dim spaces into lush green sanctuaries. Discover the top trailing plants that thrive in low-light conditions—perfect for apartments, offices, and shaded corners.
Let gardening inspire you — even in the darkest corners of your home! If you love the look of cascading greenery but worry about low light, you're in the right place. This guide covers the best hanging plants that thrive with minimal natural light, plus essential care tips to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Why Low-Light Hanging Plants?
🌿 Perfect for Any Room
Brighten up bathrooms, bedrooms, and hallways that lack direct sunlight. These plants adapt to low-light environments effortlessly.
💪 Low Maintenance
Most low-light hanging plants are forgiving and require minimal care—ideal for busy individuals or first-time plant parents.
🌱 Air-Purifying Benefits
Many of these plants naturally filter indoor air pollutants, contributing to a healthier and more refreshing living space.
Top 10 Hanging Plants for Low Light
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why it's a winner: Pothos is virtually indestructible and thrives in low to medium light. Its heart-shaped leaves trail beautifully, making it a classic choice for hanging baskets.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sun.
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Care tip: Prune leggy vines to encourage bushier growth.
For more indoor plant inspiration, check out our guide on air-purifying indoor plants.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why it's a winner: Spider plants are famous for their arching leaves and baby plantlets. They tolerate low light but prefer bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil slightly moist; reduce watering in winter.
- Care tip: Propagate the baby "spiders" for more plants!
3. Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Why it's a winner: Philodendron is a trailing plant with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It's incredibly adaptable and can thrive in low-light corners where other plants struggle.
- Light: Low to medium indirect light.
- Water: Water when top inch of soil feels dry.
- Care tip: Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free.
If you're looking for other easy-care options, explore our list of low-maintenance plants that are perfect for any setting.
4. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Why it's a winner: With its delicate, trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, this plant adds a whimsical touch. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
- Light: Bright indirect to low light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings.
- Care tip: Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Why it's a winner: Boston ferns are lush and classic. While they prefer bright, indirect light, they can adapt to moderate low light with extra humidity.
- Light: Medium to low indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist; mist frequently.
- Care tip: Place near a humidifier or pebble tray.
For more humidity-loving plants, see our plants & flowers category.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Why it's a winner: English ivy is a timeless trailing plant that does well in low light. It's also known for its air-purifying qualities.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Care tip: Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage fullness.
7. Zebra Plant (Haworthia attenuata)
Why it's a winner: While technically a succulent, the zebra plant is a great hanging option with its striking striped leaves. It does well in bright indirect light but tolerates lower light.
- Light: Bright indirect to low light.
- Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely.
- Care tip: Use a cactus/succulent soil mix.
Explore more succulent care tips for healthy growth.
8. Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Why it's a winner: Peperomia has thick, waxy leaves that hold water, making it drought-tolerant. It's compact and perfect for hanging baskets in low-light areas.
- Light: Low to medium indirect light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Care tip: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
9. Tradescantia (Tradescantia zebrina)
Why it's a winner: Also known as inch plant, this fast-growing trailing plant has striking purple and green striped leaves. It thrives in bright indirect light but can handle lower light.
- Light: Bright indirect to low light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Care tip: Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
If you love colorful foliage, check out our tulip plant guide for more vibrant options.
10. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Why it's a winner: The cast iron plant is renowned for its durability and ability to survive in extremely low light and neglect. It's not a trailing plant but can be placed in a hanging basket for a cascading effect.
- Light: Very low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Care tip: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Essential Care Tips for Thriving Plants
💡 Light & Placement
Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth. Even in low light, providing a few hours of indirect sunlight can make a difference.
💧 Watering Wisely
Overwatering is the #1 killer of indoor plants. Check soil moisture before watering—most low-light plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.
🌱 Feeding & Fertilizing
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter.
🪴 Potting & Repotting
Choose a pot with good drainage. Repot every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth.
Create Your Indoor Green Oasis
✨ Styling Hanging Planters
Mix and match planters of different materials—macramé, ceramic, or woven baskets—to add texture and visual interest to your space.
Explore plant stands for additional display options.
🌿 Complementary Plants
Pair your hanging plants with upright floor plants for a layered, jungle-like effect. Discover indoor gardening ideas.
💡 Lighting Solutions
If your room lacks natural light, consider supplementing with grow lights. Check out our low-light plant guide for more.
Ready to Brighten Your Space?
Explore our recommended products below to find the perfect hanging planters and accessories for your low-light plants. Let gardening inspire you to create a lush, green home!
Shop Hanging Plant Supplies🌱 You might also like: Discover more low-maintenance plants that are perfect for any indoor space.
