When you think of hanging plants indoors, you might picture lush vines spilling from baskets in sunlit rooms. But what about those dim corners, shaded hallways, or north-facing spaces that barely get any natural light?
The good news is: low light hanging plants indoor can transform dark spots into living, graceful green accents.
These are plants that don’t just tolerate low light — many actually do quite well, provided you choose wisely and care for them properly.
What Does “Low Light” Mean for Indoor Hanging Plants?
First, it’s vital to define what “low light” means — because that’s often misunderstood.
- Low light doesn’t mean no light. In indoor gardening, “low light” typically refers to indirect, reflected, or filtered light — not total darkness.
- Measuring light: Use a light meter app or try a simple “shadow test”: if you cast a very faint or blurry shadow in a spot, the light is likely very low.
- Why this matters: Light affects how plants photosynthesize, grow, and how often they’ll need water. Hanging plants in low‑light conditions have different needs than those in bright, sunny spots.
Understanding your light levels helps you pick the right plants, avoid frustration, and set realistic care habits.
Proven Low‑Light Hanging Plants for Indoors
Even rooms with minimal sunlight can come alive with the right hanging plants. These 12 species are proven to thrive in low-light conditions while adding beauty and greenery to your indoor spaces.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a star of dark interiors. Its trailing vines fill the hanging baskets with beautiful, hanging vines that can grow even in the case of limited watering.
The growth is retarded in very dark spots, yet the leaves are shiny and bright. It is also forgiving, which makes it ideal to use by beginners or those who forget to water at times.
2. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Heartleaf Philodendron has elegant, heart-shaped leaves and thrives in shaded areas. Its vines cascade gracefully from hanging baskets, adding a touch of elegance.
Water when the top inch of soil dries out and prune occasionally to keep it full and lush.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants adapt remarkably well to low light. They produce dangling offshoots, called spiderettes, which add movement and texture.
While they prefer some indirect light for faster growth, they remain resilient and healthy in dimmer spaces. Trimming long vines encourages a bushier plant.
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a fast-growing trailing plant that does well in shaded indoor areas. Its vines can fill hanging baskets or soften shelves and windows.
Growth may slow in very low light, but occasional pruning keeps it dense and attractive.
5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is a champion with minimum maintenance. Its water storage leaves are thick and waxy, hence its ability to withstand water shortages in the absence of watering.
It also grows under very low light, although it might grow slowly or extend under very low light. Ideal in offices, bedrooms or in a corner.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is adapted to low-light spaces and keeps its variegated leaves vibrant even in shade.
It grows slowly, prefers well-draining soil, and only requires moderate watering. Its colourful foliage adds interest to dark corners.
7. Boston Fern / Maidenhair Fern
These ferns love shade and humidity. Their soft, cascading fronds make them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or any hanging basket where air is moist.
They require regular watering and occasional misting but flourish without direct sunlight.
8. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. Its arching, deep green leaves thrive in very low-light conditions and tolerate neglect.
Perfect for adding a strong, structural greenery element to dim indoor spaces.
9. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
Lipstick plants have trailing vines and small, colorful flowers that brighten low-light areas. While they bloom more in brighter light, they still survive and grow in shaded spots. Occasional pruning encourages fuller growth and more flowers.
10. Philodendron Brasil
A variety of Heartleaf Philodendron, Philodendron Brasil has striking yellow and green variegated leaves.
It adapts well to low light and trails beautifully from hanging pots. It requires minimal care, making it a stylish and low-maintenance choice.
11. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
String of Hearts is a delicate, trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves. It can survive low-light conditions, though growth will be slower than in brighter spots.
Its slender vines look amazing cascading from high shelves or wall-mounted baskets.
12. Maidenhair Vine (Muehlenbeckia complexa)
This is a very fragile vine that is surprisingly low-light tolerant. It generates thin, trailing leaves, which give a light and airy appearance to any display hanging.
It does not mind regular moisture but can endure semi-shadows, thus making it a fine decision to decorate dark interiors.
How to Care for Low Light Hanging Plants Indoors
Even “low light” hanging plants need thoughtful care. Use these tips to keep yours healthy:
Watering:
- Because of reduced evaporation in dim spots, overwatering is a common risk. Many expert guides (like Lowlighthangingplants) emphasise letting the soil dry more between waterings.
- For drought-tolerant plants like the ZZ plant, water very infrequently.
Soil:
- Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged roots.
- For more delicate or moisture-sensitive plants (like ferns), a mix that retains some moisture but still drains is ideal.
Humidity:
- Hanging ferns in humid rooms (bathrooms, kitchens) — or misting regularly — helps.
- You can also use pebble trays or group plants together to raise humidity locally.
Rotation & Pruning:
- Rotate the basket occasionally so all sides get any available light.
- Trim leggy or overly long vines to keep your plant looking full and healthy.
Supplemental Light (Optional):
- If your spot is extremely dim, consider a small LED grow light positioned above or near the hanging plant.
- Use a timer: around 8–10 hours per day can make a big difference for trailing plants that struggle in low natural light.
Fertilizing:
- Feed sparingly. In low-light environments, plants grow more slowly, so they don’t need heavy fertilisation.
Styling Low‑Light Hanging Plants
Just because the light is low doesn’t mean your hanging plants can’t be a design highlight. Here are some style ideas:
- Macramé or rope hangers: Perfect for delicate trailing vines like pothos or philodendron.
- Grouped hanging: Use multiple baskets at different heights to create a layered, cascading green effect.
- Pair with upright plants: Combine your hanging vines with upright shade plants (like ZZ plant or cast iron plant) to build a lush, balanced look.
- Bathroom or kitchen: Hang ferns or ivy where humidity is naturally higher — they’ll thrive, and the trailing effect softens the space.
- Shelf trailing: Place a hanging basket on a high shelf so vines can fall freely; this works well for creeping fig or pothos.
Final Thoughts
If you have a dim corner, shaded hallway, or a room that feels “too dark for plants,” low light hanging plants indoor can be your design hero.
Choose from resilient, forgiving vines like pothos, heartleaf philodendron, or English ivy, or go for low-maintenance stalwarts like ZZ plants and ferns.
With the right care, even the darkest spots in your home can become alive with greenery — soft vines, lush fronds, and a natural, calming aesthetic.
FAQs
1. What is the easiest low light hanging plant to grow indoors?
Pothos is widely considered the easiest low light hanging plant to grow indoors. It tolerates neglect, grows well in dim spaces, and needs only occasional watering. Heartleaf philodendron and spider plants are also excellent beginner-friendly options.
2. Can hanging plants survive in a room with no windows?
Yes — but only if there is some form of light. Hanging plants cannot survive in complete darkness. If your room has no windows, you can keep low light plants healthy by using a small LED grow light for 8–10 hours per day.
3. How often should I water indoor hanging plants in low light?
In low light, plants dry out more slowly, so watering should be less frequent. Most low light hanging plants prefer the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Overwatering is the most common issue in dim rooms, so always check the soil first.
