Hanging plants are a great way to decorate and add greenery to any indoor space. Their trailing vines and cascading leaves can liven up bare walls, ceilings, and other vertical areas in your home or office.
It’s important to think about the light when choosing the best indoor hanging plants. Many houseplants do well with bright, indirect light, but some types do really well with several hours of direct sunlight every day. Because they love the sun, these plants do best in windows facing south or west, or anywhere else they can get full sun.
Here are some of the top indoor hanging plant picks that thrive in direct sun
Spider Plant
Spider plants are classic trailing houseplants with long, thin leaves that evoke spiders on a web They are native to tropical and subtropical Africa. This easy-care plant is well-adapted to hot, sunny environments Variegated types have stripes in white, yellow, or cream. Green foliage varieties are also common. Spider plants grow quickly, producing babies on long stems that can be propagated. Give them at least 4-6 hours of direct sun for optimal growth.
String of Pearls
The string of pearls plant is a unique succulent vine. It has spherical, pea-shaped leaves on dangling stems that can reach three feet or longer Native to South Africa, this plant thrives in dry, bright conditions Hang in a south or west window and allow the soil to completely dry between waterings. Its full, pearl-like foliage looks beautiful spilling over containers.
Purple Heart
Purple heart has beautiful deep purple leaves and is also known as purple queen. In the summer, it has small pink flowers, but it’s mostly grown for its beautiful leaves. This plant comes from Mexico and needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day to keep its bright leaves. It can also handle some shade, but if it doesn’t get enough sun, it will get tall and fade.
Air Plants
Air plants are epiphytes that grow without soil, absorbing moisture through their leaves. Many Tillandsia species thrive with direct sunlight. Look for varieties with thicker, more robust foliage like the xerographic air plant. They have a higher tolerance for sun and lower moisture needs. Provide air plants with early morning sun then bright, indirect light the remainder of the day.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are succulents with thick, oval-shaped leaves that store water. They originate from South Africa. Require minimal watering and thrive in sunny, dry environments. A south or west window provides an ideal location. Allow the soil to completely dry between waterings. The fleshy leaves can sunburn if light levels are excessive. Morning sun is safest.
Wax Plant
Hoya carnosa is another name for this plant. Wax plant has trailing stems with thick, waxy leaves that cover them. Some types have variegated foliage. These flowering vines have star-shaped flowers that smell sweet in the spring and summer. Give the wax plant at least four hours of direct sunlight from an east or west window for the best growth and flowering.
Ponytail Palm
This plant is not really a palm, despite its name. It is a succulent. It has a thick, swollen base and a fountain of thin, curly leaves. Ponytails prefer a dry environment and bright light. Put them near a window that gets four hours of direct sunlight a day. Let the potting mix dry out completely before you water it again. Slow growing, they only need repotting every few years.
Burro’s Tail
Also called donkey tail, this succulent has dangling stems covered in plump blue-green leaves. Small pink or red flowers may bloom in summer. It thrives in hot, arid conditions. Give it the brightest light possible, ideally 5-6 hours of direct sun. Burro’s tail stores water in its leaves so only provide occasional drinks when the soil is completely dry. The ends of the stems turn red in bright light.
Croton
Crotons are grown for their stunningly colorful foliage. The leaves can be yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and green with unique shapes and patterns. Although crotons tolerate lower light, they really flourish with at least 4-6 hours of direct sun. This brings out their most vivid leaf colors. Keep them warm and avoid drafts for happiest growth.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea are tropical woody vines covered in papery flowers. They bloom prolifically in bright colors like magenta, purple, red, orange, white, and yellow. Native to South America, bougainvillea needs hot and sunny conditions to thrive. Give them a location with maximum direct sunlight. East or west-facing windows are ideal. Water when partly dry and mist frequently to increase humidity.
Mandevilla
Blooming from spring through fall, mandevilla produces showy trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and yellow. It is a twining tropical vine. Mandevilla does best with at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can be grown in a hanging basket near a sunny window. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist mandevilla daily and fertilize monthly during growth.
While all plants need some light, these hanging houseplants genuinely relish several hours of direct sun shining on their leaves each day. Take stock of the light levels in your home and match these sun-loving varieties accordingly. With the proper care, they will reward you with vigorous trailing vines, abundant blooms, and cascading greenery to decorate your indoor space.
Indoor Hanging Plants That Thrive in Full Sun
Now that we have a good understanding of the factors to consider when choosing indoor hanging plants for full sun, lets explore some of the plant species that are known to thrive in these conditions. From resilient succulents to aromatic herbs and vibrant flowering plants, there is a wide range of options to suit your personal preferences and design aesthetic.
Succulents are renowned for their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them an excellent choice for indoor hanging plants that require full sun. These plants can grow in dry or sunny places because their thick, fleshy leaves or stems store water. Here are a few popular succulents that will thrive in your sunlit spaces:
Aloe vera is a versatile plant that can be used in many ways in your indoor garden. It also has many health benefits. This succulent thrives in full sun and requires minimal care. Its gel-filled leaves are not only visually appealing but can also be used to soothe sunburns, moisturize the skin, and promote healing.
With its cascading stems adorned with small, bead-like leaves, the String of Pearls is a unique and eye-catching succulent. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant looks great in hanging baskets or on high shelves, where its trailing vines can make a beautiful display.
Echeveria is a diverse and beautiful genus of succulents that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. These rosette-forming plants thrive in full sun and will reward you with their stunning foliage. From the classic Echeveria Lola with its pastel hues to the vibrant Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg, there is an Echeveria variety to suit every taste.
Bringing fresh herbs into your indoor spaces not only adds a delightful aroma but also provides you with a readily available supply of culinary delights. Here are a few herbs that will thrive in full sun and make excellent choices for indoor hanging plants:
Basil is a popular herb known for its distinctive aroma and versatile culinary uses. It thrives in full sun and requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. With its lush green foliage and fragrant leaves, hanging baskets of basil can add both beauty and flavor to your indoor garden.
Thyme is a low-growing herb with small, aromatic leaves that are commonly used in cooking. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hanging thyme plants can be a delightful addition to your kitchen, where you can easily harvest sprigs of fresh thyme to enhance the flavors of your dishes.
Rosemary is a woody perennial herb that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its needle-like leaves and robust fragrance make it a popular choice for both culinary and ornamental purposes. Hanging baskets of rosemary not only add a touch of elegance to your indoor space but also provide you with a constant supply of this versatile herb.
Adding flowering plants to your indoor hanging garden can bring bursts of vibrant colors and a touch of natural beauty to your space. Here are a few flowering plants that can thrive in full sun:
Geraniums are among the most popular flowering plants for indoor and outdoor gardens alike. They come in a variety of colors and have attractive, textured leaves. Geraniums thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil. With their prolific blooms and easy care requirements, they can brighten up any sunlit corner of your home.
Petunias are beloved for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and their ability to thrive in full sun. These sun-loving plants come in a wide range of colors and are perfect for hanging baskets or window boxes. With regular deadheading and proper care, petunias can provide a continuous display of blooms throughout the growing season.
Fuchsias are known for their unique pendant flowers that come in a variety of vibrant colors. These elegant and graceful plants thrive in partial to full sun, making them suitable for indoor spaces with ample natural light. With their pendulous blooms and attractive foliage, fuchsias can add a touch of whimsy and charm to your indoor hanging garden.
With this diverse selection of indoor hanging plants that thrive in full sun, you can create a stunning and vibrant oasis in your sunlit spaces. Stay tuned for the next section, where we will delve into essential care tips to ensure the health and vitality of your indoor hanging plants.
A. Selecting suitable containers and hanging systems
Choosing the right containers for your indoor hanging plants is essential for their overall health and aesthetics. Consider the following factors when selecting containers:
Ensure that the containers have sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The size of the pot should be appropriate for the plants root system, allowing room for growth without being excessively large.
Opt for containers made of breathable materials such as terracotta or porous ceramic. These materials allow for better airflow and moisture regulation, preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged.
Depending on the weight of your plants and the structural integrity of your space, consider various hanging systems such as hooks, macrame hangers, or wall-mounted shelves. Ensure that the hanging system is secure and can adequately support the weight of the plant.
Houseplants That Thrive In Harsh Sunlight (South, West Facing Windows)
FAQ
What is the best hanging plant for direct sunlight?
Hanging Basket Plants For SunPetunia Limbo Mix Colours 125mm Pot. Dichondra Silver Falls 140mm Pot. Vinca Cora Cascade Trailing Lilac 125mm Pot. Vinca Cora Cascade Trailing Cherry 125mm Pot. Strawberry Temptation 125mm Pot. Drosanthemum Floribundum (Common Name – Pink Champagne Pig Face) 125mm Pot.
Which indoor plants like bright direct sunlight?
Best houseplants for sunny roomsCycads. Make use of these lush palm plants during the summer months. Aloe vera. Great for kitchens, aloe vera is a useful burn remedy. Kalanchoe. With their bright flowers in a range of colours, kalanchoes are one of the showiest succulents. Flamingo flowers. Fig trees.
Can hanging baskets be in direct sun?
Some hanging baskets are full sun, others need more shade. For your full sun baskets, make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight during the day. (A south facing position, with no obstruction from trees, is perfect. ).
What is the best hanging plant for bright indirect light?
Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans): Prized for long, narrow blooms that resemble a tube of lipstick, this appropriately named plant will thrive best near a sunny window with plenty of bright, indirect light.