Hanging plants are a natural decorative element that can instantly bring life to any space whether indoors or in outdoor areas like balconies and patios. However, many people struggle to care for hanging plants so that they grow lush, not just long and leggy with bald spots at the top.
We outline several effective guidelines to ensure that the hanging plants in your home grow more fertile, healthy, and dense. Check this out!
1. Regularly Prune the Tips of the Stems
A common mistake is letting hanging plants grow without pruning. In fact, trimming the tips actually encourages the plant to sprout new shoots, which increases the number of branches and leaves.
- Use sharp, sterilized scissors
- Cut just above a leaf node
- Do light pruning every 2–4 weeks.
By pruning regularly, your plant will grow outward, not just downward.
2. Provide the Right Amount of Light
Most hanging plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Too little light can cause “etiolation,” where the plant grows long and weak. On the other hand, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Place the plant near a window that gets morning or late afternoon light
- Avoid harsh midday sun
- Use a grow light if the space is too dim.
3. Water Wisely and Consistently
Incorrect watering whether too much or too little can stunt your plant's growth. Hanging plants dry out faster due to smaller pots and better air circulation.
- Check soil moisture before watering by sticking your finger 2–3 cm into the soil
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes
- Use a well draining potting mix that doesn’t hold too much water.
4. Repot Regularly
Plants kept in the same small pot for too long can become root bound, meaning their roots are overcrowded and have no room to grow. This can limit new leaf and stem growth.
- Repot every 12–18 months, depending on the plant’s growth rate
- Choose a new pot 1–2 inches larger than the previous one
- Trim dead roots and refresh the potting mix during repotting.
5. Clean Dust Off the Leaves
Dusty leaves can block sunlight and reduce photosynthesis. They also make your plant look dull and unhealthy.
- Wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth once a week
- Avoid misting the leaves too often, especially in areas with poor air circulation.
6. Feed with Nutrients Regularly
Hanging plants need nutrients to thrive. Liquid fertilizers are recommended since they’re absorbed quickly, especially those with high nitrogen content to promote leafy growth.
- Use organic liquid fertilizer or NPK every two weeks
- Don’t exceed the recommended dosage on the label
- Pause fertilizing if the plant shows signs of stress (e.g. wilting, leaf drop).
7. Choose the Right Type of Hanging Plant
Not all hanging plants grow the same. Some species naturally grow fuller and bushier than others.
Recommended fast growing, lush hanging plants:
- Golden Pothos
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Dischidia nummularia
- Peperomia hope
- Tradescantia zebrina
- Lipstick Plant