A decorative, space-saving way to display plants. Hang plants at or above eye level around windows and in sunny corners. Keep plants out of the way of foot traffic. Use a plastic, ceramic, or clay hanging pot with a built-in drip tray, a wire basket with an attached drip tray, or a regular pot and saucer in a decorative sleeve. All of these are available at plant shops.
To prepare a hanging basket, detach some of the chains. Line the basket with 2 inches of damp sphagnum moss and a plastic sheet with holes for drainage. Add some potting mixture and trim off excess plastic. Arrange trailing plants around the basket’s edge; set upright plants in its center, adding soil to hold them. All plants in the basket should have similar cultivation needs.
Suspend a hanging planter with chain, wire, or rope from a ceiling hook or a wall bracket. Anchor the support with a toggle bolt or a sleeve fastener. Install a pulley and chain to lower and raise high-hanging plants for watering.
Hanging plants need the same general care as other houseplants. Check the soil every few days and water as needed. Turn a hanging plant every 2 or 3 weeks so that all sides get equal light.
Plants suitable for hanging
In bright areas, hang oxalis, spider plant, ivy geranium, purple heart, asparagus fern, trailing fig, burro’s tail, or Christmas cactus. In shady spots, grow hanging ferns (sword, maidenhair, or rabbit’s-foot), Tahitian bridal veil, begonias, trailing fuchsias, creeping Jenny, English ivy, or wandering Jew.