10 Hanging Plants Perfect for Small Apartments

Hanging plants are one of the easiest ways to bring greenery into a small apartment without giving up precious space. Instead of filling shelves and benches, you can use the space above you. Windows, corners, walls, even the ceiling. It instantly makes a room feel fuller and more lived in, without adding clutter.

Some plants do especially well this way. They trail, spill, or soften edges, which helps small spaces feel less boxy and more relaxed.

These are the ones that actually work in real homes. Easy enough to care for, and suited to the kind of light most apartments get.

1. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

One of the easiest hanging plants you can grow, and it looks good almost anywhere.

Pothos handles low to medium light, doesn’t mind if you forget to water it now and then, and grows fast once it settles in. The vines trail nicely over the edge of a pot, making it perfect for shelves or hanging baskets.

You’ll often see golden pothos, but there are loads of varieties with different leaf patterns if you want something a bit different.

2. String of Hearts

This one’s a favorite for a reason.

Long, delicate vines with small heart-shaped leaves give it a light, airy look that suits smaller rooms. It doesn’t feel heavy or crowded, even when it gets long.

It prefers bright light and lighter watering, so it’s a good option if you forget to water other plants. Let it dry out a bit between drinks and it’ll be happy.

3. Boston Fern

A classic hanging plant that still works beautifully today. The soft, feathery fronds spill out in all directions, which helps soften corners and fill vertical space without looking bulky. It’s especially good in bathrooms or kitchens where there’s a bit more humidity.

It does need a bit more water than some of the others, so it suits someone who’s happy to keep an eye on it.

4. Spider Plant

This beauty is hard to beat for something simple and reliable. Spider plants grow quickly and send out long stems with baby plants hanging off the ends, which adds even more interest. You can leave them trailing or pot them up to make more plants.

They handle a range of light conditions and bounce back well if you forget about them for a bit.

5. String of Pearls

A bit different, and a real standout.

Instead of leaves, you get long strands of round “pearls” that drape down from the pot. It looks especially good in a high hanging spot where the strands can fall freely.

It does need bright light and well-draining soil. Water lightly and don’t let it sit wet.

6. English Ivy

If you want something a bit fuller, this is a good option.

English ivy grows densely and trails well, so it can quickly fill out a hanging pot. It’s great for adding that lush, slightly wild look to a room.

It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering, but it’s not too fussy once it settles in.

7. Tradescantia (Wandering Dude)

This is a gorgeous plant – fast-growing and colorful! The leaves often have stripes of green, purple, or silver, which adds a bit more interest than plain green plants. It trails quickly, so you won’t be waiting long for that full, hanging look.

It likes bright light to keep its color and can get a bit leggy if it’s too dark, so placement matters.

8. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Burro’s tail is a great option if you prefer something a bit more low care. Thick, trailing stems covered in small fleshy leaves give it a soft, draping look. It’s a succulent, so it doesn’t need frequent watering.

Best kept somewhere bright where it won’t get knocked around. The leaves can fall off if handled too much.

9. Hoya (Wax Plant)

Hoyas are a great choice if you want something long-lasting. They have thick, glossy leaves and can produce clusters of star-shaped flowers when happy. They grow slowly at first, then start to trail once established.

They like bright, indirect light and don’t need constant watering, which makes them a good fit for apartment living.

10. Philodendron (Heartleaf)

This philodendron looks very similar to pothos, but with a slightly softer look. Heartleaf philodendron (including varieties like ‘Brasil’) trail beautifully and handles lower light better than many other plants. It’s forgiving, easy to grow, and suits a wide range of spots around the home.

A good one to start with if you’re just getting into indoor plants.

Make Plants Work for You

You don’t need a lot of space to make plants work.

A couple of well-placed hanging plants can completely change how a room feels. They draw your eye up, soften hard edges, and bring in that bit of life that small spaces often miss.

Start with one or two in spots you already use. Near a window, above a shelf, or in a corner that feels a bit empty. Once you’ve got one going, it’s hard not to add another.