Hanging potted plants are a beautiful way to add life and color to any room. But there are several considerations when choosing which plant to hang and where to hang it. There are other practical considerations as well that will lead to a more enjoyable experience with a hanging potted plant. For outdoor planters see here.
Moving outdoor plants indoors for the winter or if you have an abundance of indoor plants, you sometimes have a problem of deciding where to put them all. Instead of using plant stands or any available surface, consider hanging planters. Hanging your plants is an excellent way to free up the floor space and keep your home from looking cluttered with all your plants.
Instructions
Choose the space you want to use to hang the potted plant. This will largely determine what type of plant you can hang. The amount of light in the specific area will dictate the plant species that can survive there.
Pick The Right Plant
Pick the plant type. The amount of light should be considered as well as the aesthetic requirements you have for the plant. If you love flowers, choose one that blooms often. If you don’t want to be bothered with culling dead flowers, choose a plant that doesn’t flower. If you are mainly interested in a plant that is easy to care for, choose one that needs little water.
Pick The Right Basket
Look for a basket that will accommodate the size of the plant and allow for some growth. The plant can either be taken out of the pot and replanted in the basket, or a pot can be chosen that has a built-in hanger. If the pot is a heavy ceramic pot, it might be a better choice to replant the plant into a lighter basket.
Attaching the Hook
Anchors attaching potted plants to ceilings or walls must be placed carefully. If not, the anchors will loosen from the weight of the planter. Attach heavy planters directly to wood framing behind the wall. Install planters that are lighter anywhere on the wall or ceiling with toggle bolts. When a toggle bolt breaks through the wall or ceiling, it leaves a big hole. For this reason, try to use a screw hook first, and a toggle bolt as a last resort.
Things to Remember: The hook should generally be a metal one that screws into the ceiling or beam rather than a press-on hanger. This will allow it to hold more weight. If the hanging point is a flat surface, like a wall, a hanging arm will have to be added. These have two points that attach to the surface to keep the plant steady. The ends meet in a hanging hook for the plant. Choose one that will be far enough from the wall to accommodate the size of the plant.
Things You’ll Need
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Plant hangers (toggle or screw)
Instructions: Hanging a Planter with a Screw Anchor
- Locate the framing behind the drywall by tapping on the wall or ceiling with a hammer, your knuckles, or preferably, use a stud finder. It is important to be fairly centered on the stud.
- Drill a pilot hole into the wall or ceiling to receive the plant hook. The pilot bit should be a little smaller than the shank of the hook without the threads.
- Screw in the hook and hang the plant.
- Hanging a Planter with a Toggle Bolt
- Drill a hole the size of the toggle to be installed.
- Insert the toggle hook in the wall and allow the toggles to spread.
- Tighten the toggle bolt and hang the planter. Do not over tighten the toggle bolt or you may pull in through the wall.
Tips & Warnings
If you want to install a heavy planter in the ceiling, and there is no wood for attaching the hook, but you have access to the attic, install a 2-foot-by-4-foot backing between the joists with 2 1/2-inch drywall screws.
Creative Ways to Hang Potted Plants Indoors
Macrame Hangers
The traditional hanging plant holders that are made from macramé rope, beads or material is the most common and come in many styles. Simple macramé hangers are designed to hold one plant and the size of the hanger is dependent on the size pot you plan to use. Additionally, macramé plant hangers are available to hold two or more pots or made with a light at the top of the plant for light needs, and a glass table at the end of the hanger. This is ideal for small rooms to incorporate room needs with decorations.
Doors and Windows
Reuse old doors or windows as a large hanger for multiple plants that will hang from the ceiling. Take the old door or window, clean it, repaint it and add heavy-duty screw hooks to each corner of the door or window. Consider the area well for using this type since it does take up space. An idea is to fill an empty corner, an area above the couch or to fill wall space. Once you have determined the area, simply measure the necessary amount of chain for the door to hang at the desirable level. Add ceiling hooks to the ceiling to hold the chain at all four corners. Make sure the chain is the same length so the door or window will sit level. You can now add several plants to this creative free-hanging table hanger.
Wall Mounted
Wall planters are available in many styles including a dish-type sconce, that has a flat surface like a dinner plate, to hold one plant. Other styles include copper urns, copper rings, which the pot hangs through the ring and seems suspended in air, and planted boxes installed under windows.
Household Items
Consider the things you have around the house that are not being used. For instance, a three-tiered wire basket to hold onions, potatoes, etc., transforms easily into a three-tiered plant hanger. Line the baskets with a coconut liner, add potting soil and your plant, then hang it anywhere you choose. A school of thought is, if it will hold water and soil it can be used as a hanging plant holder. Just add hooks, chain to any item, and hang.
Photo by Liana Mikah on Unsplash