15 Hanging Plants from the Ceiling Ideas To Try

Whether you prefer a bohemian aesthetic, a modern look, or something in between, there are endless possibilities when it comes to hanging plants from the ceiling ideas. Experiment with different plant varieties, containers, and arrangements to create a personalized and enchanting green oasis right in the heart of your home.

Hanging plants from the ceiling is a versatile and stylish way to breathe life into your living spaces. Not only do they add a touch of nature to your living spaces, but they also make for a stunning visual display. 

Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a budding green thumb, this step-by-step guide will walk you through various creative methods to elevate your plants and your living space. Plus, plenty of tips and a collection of products and inspiration below!

This hanging plants from ceiling article contains affiliate links, but nothing that I wouldn’t recommend wholeheartedly. Read my full disclosure here.

Tips for Hanging Plants from the Ceiling

Choose the Right Plants

Before you start suspending your green companions, consider the type of plants that thrive in hanging conditions. Trailing and cascading plants like pothos, spider plants, and succulents work exceptionally well. 

Assess Your Space

Take a good look at the room where you intend to hang your plants. Identify areas near windows or under skylights where your plants can receive the appropriate amount of sunlight. Additionally, consider the overall aesthetic of the room to determine the style of hanging planters that would complement the space.

Decide How You Want to Hang the Plants

There are a lot of different ways to hang plants from the ceiling, with or without drilling! 

 Here are a few traditional ceiling hook ideas to consider for hanging plants: 

• Ceiling Hooks with Screw: Install sturdy ceiling hooks, like this, to hang your plants securely from the ceiling. You definitely will need to position the hooks so they are drilled into a ceiling joist so it can hold the weight of the plant.
• Toggle Bolts: If positioning the hanging plant into a ceiling joist, you can opt for a toggle bolt with a hook, like this. A toggle bolt has a spring clip on it that opens and expands once inserted into the ceiling so it holds the weight of a hanging basket. 
• Chains or Ropes: Select durable and aesthetically pleasing materials for securing your planters to the ceiling. Something simple and black, like this, works well. Or if you want something with a bit more boho style, get these macrame rope extenders to hang your plant lower from the ceiling. 

But if you’re a renter who can’t put holes in your ceiling (or you just don’t want to), you can still have fun with hanging plants from the ceiling! 

Here are some ideas to get the look without drilling holes: 

• Tension Rods or a Curtain Rod: Grab some s hooks, like these, and simply hang your indoor plants on the rod! 
• Adhesive Hooks: Choose adhesive hooks with the right weight limits and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and removal. For obvious reasons, adhesive hooks typically won’t be able to hold quite as much, so using a faux plant could work well for this type of hook because it won’t ever hold the weight of the extra water in the pot after watering (which adds a lot of weight). 
• Magnetic Hooks: These will work if you have metal anywhere on your ceiling – think ceiling tiles, 
• Exposed Ceiling Beams: If you’re lucky enough to have an exposed beam in your house, they are the perfect spot to hang your plant pots. Just wrap a rope around the beam and hang your plant! 

Choose your Container or Planter

Now for the fun part! Deciding on the type of container for your plants will largely depend on your decor style. 

Be sure to consider whether your plant needs drainage holes. Generally, succulents, cacti, and other plants that don’t require much water will do fine in containers without drainage holes. However, other plants that require regular watering may suffer from root rot if the water cannot drain away.

One quick and easy solution that I use for my house plants is to keep them in plastic pots inside the pretty planter (usually whatever they come home from the store in). When it is time to water, I just grab the plastic pot out and put it in the laundry room sink to water. The excess water flows out into the sink and after an hour or two, I put it back in the planter. Easy peasy! 

 Here are a few planter ideas to consider: 

• Macramé Hangers: Choose or create macramé hangers in various styles and lengths.
• Hanging Planters or Baskets: Opt for containers that suit your aesthetic and provide proper drainage for the plants. Or keep the plant in the plastic pot to remove for watering. 
• Metal Planters: Hanging metal planters from the ceiling can be a stylish choice. Look for sturdy metal planters with built-in hooks or hangers for easy installation.

Measure and Install Hooks

Measure the distance between the ceiling and where you want your plants to hang. About 5-7 feet from the ground to the bottom of the planter is a good rule of thumb for height.

The best way to find the location of the joists is with a stud finder. 

Start by drilling a small pilot hole where the hook screw will go with a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw on the hook. Then put your screw or ceiling hook into the hole and secure your planter. 

Hang and Arrange

Suspend your planters from the installed hooks using your chosen planter hangers, chains, or ropes. Make sure the knots are secure, and the plants are hanging evenly.

After hanging your plants, make any necessary adjustments to ensure everything is just as you like.

Remember to water your hanging plants appropriately, taking care not to overwater.

Get Creative

Feel free to experiment with different arrangements, heights, and plant combinations. Mixing various plant species and using different hanging methods can create a dynamic and visually interesting display.

Keep reading to see my favorite hanging plants from ceiling ideas and choose your favorite!

Best Type of Hanging Houseplants

The best type of hanging houseplants often depends on factors like the amount of sunlight in your space, your care routine, and the aesthetic you’re aiming for. Here are some popular and visually appealing options:

• Spider Plant: Known for its arching green and white striped leaves, the spider plant is resilient and easy to care for as long as you give it enough light. It’s a great choice for beginners and adds a touch of freshness to any room.
• Pothos: Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a versatile hanging plant. Its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves thrive in various light conditions, and it’s known for its air-purifying qualities. They are super easy to care for and easy to propagate yourself in a propagation station, like this!
• Philodendron: Seriously guys, this is the best plant to get if you’re a newbie plant lover and not sure you can keep something alive. This one is almost impossible to kill and it looks amazing hanging from the ceiling. 
• English Ivy: A great option that doesn’t need a lot of light but will also grow in brighter light. 
• String of Pearls: This unique succulent has trailing stems adorned with small, bead-like leaves, resembling a string of pearls. It’s an eye-catching choice for those who appreciate distinctive and low-maintenance plants.
• Ferns: Boston Ferns or other varieties of ferns are classic choices for hanging baskets. They thrive in high humidity and indirect light, making them suitable for hanging in bathrooms or kitchens. To keep it from drying out, be sure to keep it watered and you can spray it with water to give it an extra boost of humidity. 
• Hoya: Also known as the wax plant, Hoyas feature waxy, succulent leaves and produce fragrant flowers. They are well-suited for hanging baskets and can tolerate various light conditions.
• Burro’s Tail: This type of sedum is easy to grow and since it is technically a succulent, it doesn’t need much water. It looks great when hanging from the ceiling because the stems can trail down from the planter. 
• Air Plants: These unique plants don’t require soil and absorb nutrients from the air. They can be placed in hanging terrariums or mounted on decorative hangers, adding a modern and artistic touch to your space.
• Lipstick Plant: With glossy, dark green leaves and tubular, red flowers resembling lipstick tubes, this plant is both charming and low-maintenance.

Remember to consider your specific living conditions and preferences when choosing hanging houseplants, and don’t hesitate to mix and match them for a diverse and visually appealing display.

Ok, let’s hop into some specific hanging plants from the ceiling ideas! There are both DIY ideas and some products that you can buy and hang right away.

Hanging plants from the ceiling is a great way to incorporate nature into your living space. By carefully choosing your plants, considering your space, and following these steps, you can create a suspended garden that adds life, color, and a touch of whimsy to any room.

Experiment with different materials, styles, and arrangements to find the perfect suspended garden that reflects your personality and brings a breath of fresh air to your surroundings.

So, pick up those plant hangers and ceiling hooks, and let your creativity flourish as you elevate your plants to new heights!

Which of these hanging plants from the ceiling ideas was your favorite?