Bringing greenery into your apartment instantly makes it feel more alive and welcoming. If you’re short on floor and shelf space, learning how to hang plants in apartment spaces is the perfect solution. It’s a simple way to add style and breathe life into your vertical space. This guide will walk you through easy, stylish methods that work for renters and owners alike.
You don’t need major tools or permanent fixtures to get started. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right hardware to picking plants that thrive in your light conditions. Let’s turn your ceiling and walls into a beautiful, airy garden.
How to Hang Plants in Apartment
First, you need to know what you’re hanging your plants from. This is the most important step for safety and avoiding damage to your rental.
Understand Your Ceiling and Walls:
Most apartments have drywall ceilings and walls with studs. You cannot safely screw directly into drywall alone; it will not hold weight over time. You must find a stud or use a secure anchor.
* Find a Stud: Use a stud finder to locate the wooden beams behind your drywall. This is the strongest point to attach anything.
* Use Drywall Anchors: If you can’t hit a stud, you must use a appropriate drywall anchor. Toggle bolts or molly bolts are best for heavy plants, as they spread the weight behind the wall.
* Avoid Plaster: If you have old plaster ceilings, be extra cautious. They can be brittle and require special anchors.
Renter-Friendly Alternatives:
Don’t want to make holes? No problem. These options are fantastic.
* Tension Rods: Place a sturdy tension rod in a window frame or across a corner. You can hang multiple plants from it using S-hooks.
* Over-the-Door Hooks: Use hooks that fit over the top of a door. They’re great for trailing plants in bathrooms or bedrooms.
* Wall-Mounted Shelves: Floating shelves or a ladder shelf let you place plants at different heights without hanging them from the ceiling.
* Command Hooks: For very lightweight planters or macramé hangers, heavy-duty Command hooks can work. Always check the weight limit and follow the instructions exactly.
Choosing the Right Hardware and Hangers
Once you know where to hang, you need the right gear. The hardware connects your plant to the ceiling securely.
Essential Hardware:
For any screw-in method, you’ll need a ceiling hook. Look for a screw-in hook with an eyelet. Make sure the screw part is long enough to go through your drywall and securely into the stud or anchor. A drill will make the job much easier than a screwdriver.
Style Your Hanger:
This is where you can express your personal style.
* Macramé Plant Hangers: These are a classic, boho-chic choice. They add texture and soften the look of the plant.
* Rope or Cord: Simple jute or cotton rope gives a natural, minimalist feel. You can learn a basic knot to create your own.
* Chain Hangers: Metal chains offer an industrial or modern look. They are very sturdy and easy to adjust for height.
* Direct Hook-Ups: Some decorative pots come with built-in hangers. You can just loop them directly onto your ceiling hook for a clean appearance.
Picking the Best Plants for Hanging
Not all plants are suited for life in a hanging basket. You want plants that trail, vine, or have a cascading habit. Here are some top, low-maintenance picks for apartments.
For Bright, Indirect Light (Near a Window):
* Spider Plant: Super easy, grows quickly, and produces baby “spiderettes.”
* Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): Thrives in many conditions and trails beautifully. It’s very hard to kill.
* String of Pearls/Hearts: Unique and stunning succulents that cascade down like a living curtain.
* Philodendron Heartleaf: Similar to pothos, with heart-shaped leaves that grow long and lush.
For Lower Light (A Few Feet from a Window):
* English Ivy: A classic trailing plant that adapts to lower light.
* Pothos (Again!): It really does well in lower light too, though growth may be slower.
* Peperomia ‘Hope’: A bushy, trailing plant with thick leaves that retains water well.
Remember, all plants need some light. If a corner is too dark for you to read a book, it’s too dark for most plants.
Step-by-Step Hanging Guide
Let’s put it all together. Here’s how to safely hang a plant from your apartment ceiling.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need your plant in a pot with drainage, a hanger, a ceiling hook, a drill, a stud finder, and possibly a drywall anchor.
Step 2: Find the Perfect Spot
Consider light, traffic flow, and what’s below the plant. Don’t hang it where people will bump their heads or where water could drip on furniture.
Step 3: Locate a Stud or Prepare for an Anchor
Use your stud finder. Mark the center of the stud with a pencil. If no stud, choose a high-weight-rated drywall anchor and follow its instructions for making a pilot hole.
Step 4: Install the Ceiling Hook
Screw the hook directly into the stud or into the installed anchor by hand until it is firm and secure. It should not wiggle.
Step 5: Assemble Your Plant and Hanger
Place your nursery pot inside a decorative hanger or cache pot. Make sure any inner pot has a saucer to catch drips.
Step 6: Hang and Adjust
Hook your plant hanger onto the ceiling hook. Adjust the height so the plant is at eye level or higher, and ensure it’s level.
Styling Tips for a Cohesive Look
Creating a beautiful display is about more than just one plant.
* Create Groups: Hang plants at varying heights in a corner to create a lush, layered effect. Use a tall tension rod with multiple hooks.
* Mix Materials: Combine a macramé hanger with a sleek metal one for visual interest.
* Consider the Pot: White pots keep things airy, terra cotta feels earthy, and glossy colors add a pop of fun.
* Use Windows: Window frames are ideal for hanging plants that love light. It turns them into a living frame for your view.
How to Water Hanging Plants Without a Mess
Watering is the trickiest part of hanging plants. You don’t want water dripping on your floor.
The Take-Down Method:
The safest way is to take the plant down, water it in the sink or shower, let it drain completely, and then hang it back up. This is a good weekly ritual.
The Saucer Solution:
Use a pot with a attached saucer or a hanger that holds a hidden drip tray. Be careful not to overwater, as the water can sit in the saucer.
The Ice Cube Trick (For Small Plants):
Placing a few ice cubes on the soil lets them melt slowly, minimizing overflow. This isn’t ideal for all plants, but it works in a pinch for some.
Watering Bulbs or Globes:
These glass bulbs you fill with water and stick into the soil provide slow, steady moisture. They can extend time between waterings and reduce drips.
Maintaining Your Hanging Garden
A little regular care keeps your plants thriving and your setup looking its best.
* Rotate Plants: Give the pot a quarter turn each time you water. This ensures all sides get even light and grow evenly.
* Regular Pruning: Trim back long vines to encourage fuller growth near the pot. Don’t be afraid to cut them!
* Check for Pests: Look under leaves and near new growth for signs of bugs like spider mites. Hanging plants can sometimes be more susceptible to pests like these.
* Dust the Leaves: Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth so they can absorb maximum light.
FAQ: Your Hanging Plant Questions Answered
Q: How do you hang plants in an apartment without drilling?
A: You have several great options. Use tension rods in windows, over-the-door hooks, sturdy Command hooks for light weights, or freestanding shelves and poles designed for plants.
Q: What is the best way to hang plants from the ceiling?
A: The safest method is to screw a ceiling hook directly into a wooden stud. If you can’t find a stud, you must use a heavy-duty drywall anchor like a toggle bolt to support the weight.
Q: How do you hang indoor plants stylishly?
A: Mix different types of hangers—macramé, rope, and chain—and group plants at varying heights. Choose decorative pots that match your decor, and use unexpected spots like above a bookshelf or in a bathroom corner.
Q: Can I use Command strips to hang plants?
A: You can, but only for very lightweight setups. Always use the hooks rated for the highest weight, and never exceed the limit. It’s not suitable for heavy ceramic pots or large plants.
Q: How often should I water my hanging plants?
A: There’s no single answer. Check the soil weekly by sticking your finger an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Plants in brighter light and warmer air typically need water more often than those in cooler, shadier spots. Your plants will show you what they need if you pay attention.