This page is dedicated to Hanging Basket favorites!

Hangers for everywhere!

Like an emerald sky or a waterfall of green, hanging plants are one of the highest forms of natural art.  You see them everywhere (they have replaced the curtains on most windows) creating pockets of green fantasy in formerly bare spaces. 

While it is easy to put almost any plant in a hanging basket and there are literally thousands available for  just that purpose, some plants just won't do.  Tiny plants that you want to look down into, tall uprights that will only reveal the undersides of their leaves, and slow-growing surface plants should be their natural state and are fast growers - like Swedish Ivy and purple-passion vine - if you want that full downward sweep of color and texture fast! Or use spreaders like creeping Pilea, whose fast, tenacious growth patterns work to your advantage.

Most beautiful are the rosette growers - the popular spider plant is an example - or the ingenious plants that shower little plantlets down the sides of your container, like strawberry  geranium.  All basket plants are beset by hotter temperatures and lower humidity than their down-to-earth counterparts.

Try to select those that can endure a little dryness and don't fall down from a missed watering - grape-leaf ivy is a good bet.  If you want to give your spirit a lift, picture a sky of greenery framed by your window- it beats rose colored glasses. 

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

1. ASPARAGUD densiflorus "Sprengeri = Sprengeri Fern 

(ass-PSR-ug-gus    Den-sih FLOR-us    SPRENG-er-eye)

Masses of soft, needle-like foliage characterize this popular emerald-green relative of the edible asparagus.  commonly called a fern for ages, it is in fact a member of the lily family and not a fern at all.  And the soft, leaflike foliage is not foliage but modified branches called cladophylis.  There are more surprises too!  Small white blossoms sometimes apear in the spring, followed by green berries which turn coral in the fall.  This plant needs less humidity than most real ferns, and can have stems cascading to 3 feet (90cm) or more.

________________________

________________________

2.   CEROPEGIA Woodii = Rosary Vine

(ser-oh-PEE-jee-uh    WOOD-ee-eye)

Lovely little waxy hearts dangle daintily on this pretty pendulous vine.  This tidy ornamental plant is known by a variety of names:  

• heart vine

• string of hearts

• rosary vine

(because tiny bulblets resembling rosary beads pop up on its thin purple stems).  The plump leaves are basically a silver-speckled bluish-green.  Rosary vine is a vative of South Africa and evolved in a desert habitat.  It is a succulent and has water-retaining ability and low humidity requirement - excellent qualities for aerial growing.  

Rosey vine will trail as much as 3 feet (90 cm), so hang it high!  It can also be trained to grow up a small trellis.  

________________________

________________________

3.     CHLOROPHYTUM comosum 'Variegatum' = Spider Plant

(kloh-roh-FITE-um    koh-MOSE-um    vare-ee-GAY-tum)

________________________

________________________

7.    FICUS sagittata 'Veriegata' = Variegated Rooting Fig

(FYE-kus    saj-it-TAY-tuh      vare-ee-GAY-tuh)

The rooting fig is native to the East Indies, where it grows up three trunks or forms mats on the ground.  The variegated form has attractive arrow-shaped greyish green leaves with irregular creamy white markings.

The plant will grow along the surface of your hanging planter, sending down roots wherever a node is embedded in the potting mixture, then grow to cascade over the side.  The thin brown woody stems contrast  vividly with the delicate foliage. In addition to making a fabulous hanging plant, variegated rooting fig can also be used as a ground cover in any large planter or trained to climb a support.  

Light: high to very high light (near sunny south, west  or east window.)

Water:    Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more).

Fertilization:  Apply every 2  months.

Special Care:  Pinch back tips of new growth to stimulate bushiness.

Common Problems:   If scale are present on stems and undersides of leaves, use proper pesticides.

________________________

________________________

8.     FITTONIA Verschaffeltii argyroneura = Silver-Nerve Plant

(fit-TONE-ee-uh    ver-shaf-FEL-tee-eye   ar-jye-roh-NEW-ruh )

Silver-nerve is native to Peru, where it forms silver and green mats under the shade of tropical trees.  As a domestic plant, the oval green leaves are beautifully marked with silver lines, and the stems spread across the potting mixture surface,  forming a mass of foliage.  

After filling the container, the foliage spills over the edge and cascades 8 - 12 inches (20 to 30 cm)  over the sides.  The silver-nerve plant is also known as mosaic plant or silver-threads.

Light:  medium to high light (near bright window)

Temperature:    60F to 80F (15C to 27C. Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity: High (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2  months. 

Special Care:   Prune and shape plant every 3 months. Repot annually if plant grows rapidly, using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% or more organic matter.

Common Problems:  If tips and edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity. If mealybugs are present at leaf nodes and axils, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

________________________

________________________

9.    Gynura aurantiaca 'Purple Passion' - Purple-Passion Vine

(jye-NEW-ruh    aw-ran-tee-AK-uh)

The glistening puple hairs that cover the leaves of the purple-passion vien give it a velvety texture and its prized intense purple color.  A rapid grower, it will reach 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) and then dip gracefully over the sided of your container, cascading 3 feet (90 cm) or more. 

This exotic-looking vine is a member of the common dandelion family and a native of the tropics.  Like the dandelion, it produces a small flower, but with a big difference:  The little orange or yellow bloom is noxious.  Pinch it off as soon as you see it (then wash your hands!) 

Light:  Medium to high light (bright window)

Temperature:   55F to 80F (13C to 27C. Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:  Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 2 months.

Special Care:  Pinch back tips of new growth to stimulate bushiness.

Common Problems:  If mealybugs are present at leaf nodes and axils and aphids on new growth, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

________________________

________________________

10.  HEDERA Helix 'My Heart' = My Heart Ivy

(HED-er-uh    HEE-liks)

"My Heart",  a Valentine's Day favorite, is one of the many types of English Ivy popularly grown in hanging baskets.  The deep green heart-shaped leaves have light colored veins.

Most English Ivies climb and cling to  crevices in their natural habitat, so they are used for planters, trellises, patios, and espaliers as well as for baskets.

Because of its small size, versatile "My Heart" is ideal for terrariums too.  Stems will grow to 8 inches (20cm) or more and then pour over the container sides, trailing as long as 3 feet (90 cm).

Light: Medium to high light (near sunny south , east or west  window.)

Temperature:   45F to 80F (7C to 27C. Can tolerate 32F (0C) without damage.

Water:    Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more).

Fertilization:  Apply every  2 months.

Special Care: Pinch back tips of new growth to stimulate bushiness. Repot every 2 years using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% or more organic matter.

Common Problems:  If you find spider mites underneath the leaves, spray them with proper pesticides.

________________________

________________________

11.  HOYA carnosa 'compacta'  = Compact Wax Plant 

(HOY-uh    car-NOH-suh    kom-PAK-tuh)

This lovely trailing favorite, with its leathery oval leaves, is not found in nature - it is a cultivated variety.  The thick leaves twist and turn and grow close together, almost obscuring the brownish stems. 

 Although compact wax plants usually don't bloom indoors,  dedicated indoor enthusiast have been known to coax from them a gorgeous cluster of porcelain-like flowers which emit a heady perfume.  This is another plant that both trails and climbs its support,  framing itself in a delicate braiding of leaves.

Light:  medium or high light (near bright window)

Temperature:     60F to 80F (15C to 27C. Can tolerate 55F (13C) without damage.

Water:  Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Low (10% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 2  months. 

Special Care:   Repot every 2 years using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% or more organic matter. Handle root ball carefully when repotting to avoid injury to the root system.

Common Problems:  If mealybugs are present at leaf nodes and axils, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

________________________

 12.   LYSIMACHIA Nummularia = Moneywort

(lye-sih-MAY-kee-uh    num-mew-LAY-ree-uh)  

This plant, native to Europe, has become so naturalized that in certain parts of the United States it is considered a weed when it springs up in shaded lawn areas.  It is called moneywart because its rounded leaves resemble pennies, and it gives you a good value for your money because it needs little more than diligent watering to get it in circulation.

The light green stems contrast nicely with the darker green foliage, and if it grown out of  doors or in very high light it can produce a delicate yellow flower.  This is a good basket plant to hang on a shady porch as well as to grow indoors because it can stay out until the temperature gets really cold (below 25 F or -4 C)  

Light:  high to very high light (near sunny south, west  or east window.)

Temperature:     50F to85F (10C to29C). Can tolerate 25F (-4C) without damage.

Water:  Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 2  months. 

Special Care:   Prune and shape plant every 3 months

Common Problems:  If tips and edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity.

________________________

________________________

13. MIKANIA ternata  = Plush Vine

(mih-KAY-nee-uh    ter-NAY-tuh)

The plush vine is a lush vine with a purple cast to its dark green leaves.  it is covered with soft hairs that have a purple tinge, a unique fuzz that gives the plant its unusual texture, and exotic coloration. it is difficult to believe that this beauty is related to the common dandelion and is a native of the jungles of Brazil, where it grows densely and produces a yellow flower.  Indoors the plant will grow 12 inches (30 cm), then trail long stems.

Foliage plants with leaves more colorful than some flowers prove the loveliest contrast when hung among the basket greenery.  

Light:  medium to high light (near bright window)

Temperature:   60F to 80F (15C to 27C). Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:  Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every  2  months. 

Special Care:   Prune and shape plant every 3 months. Repot annually using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% organic matter.

Common Problems:  If plant becomes leggy, move to higher light. 

________________________

________________________

14.   PELLIONIADaveauana = Watermelon Begonia

(pell-ee-OH-nee-uh    dah-vee-oh-AY-nuh)

The trailing watermelon begonia is a very colorful creeping plant found on the jungle floors of Indochina.  Its flexible pinkish stem can grow upright only to about 4 inches (10cm) before it can no longer support the heavy growth of brownish-purple leaves with bright green center bands that cascade like a waterfall over the sides of the container.

This fragile, supple stem system makes the plant exceptionally suited to grow in a hanging container, where its long, trailing beauty can be fully appreciated. 

Light:  medium to high light (near bright window)

Temperature:  60F to80F (15C to 27C). Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity:  High (40% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2  months. 

Special Care:   Prune and shape plant every spring and fall. Repot every 2 years using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% or more organic matter.

Common Problems:  If tips and edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity. If you find spider mites underneath the leaves, spray them with proper pesticides.

________________________

________________________

15.  PELLIONIA  pulchra = Satin Pellionia

(pel-lee-OH-nee-uh    PULL-kruh)

This is a houseplant with rare coloration that is native to Vietnam.  It has lovely deep pink stems and contrasting greyish-green leaves with a netted black patterning.

The leaves are so closely spaced on  the stem that each new leaf fits under the leaf in back of it to overlap like shingles on a roof.  After filling its container, it will trail stems of about 3 feet (90 cm).

Light: MEDIUM to HIGH LIGHT (bright windows are good)

Temperature:   60F to 80F (15C to 27C. Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:  Keep the potting mixture moist, but not saturated.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization:  Apply every 1-2 months

Special Care:  Prune and shape plant every spring and fall. Repot every 2 years using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% or more organic matter. Syringe foliage monthly to remove dust

Common Problems:  If tips and edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity. If leaves begin to yellow, reduce watering frequency. If you find spider mites underneath the leaves, spray them with proper pesticides.

________________________

________________________

16. PEPEROMIA rotundifolia pilosior = Bead Peperomia

(pep-er-OH-mee-uh   roh-tun-dih-Foh-lee-uh   pye-LOH-see-or)

Peperomia means "pepper-like," and all peperomias are members of the black pepper family.  Bead peperomia has little swollen leaves (the look like beads)  that are edged with a delicate red line and a thin stem that looks like a string.

Together they give the plant a look of a miniature necklace. This petite plant from central South America and the Caribbean grows only about 4 inches (10cm)  before the slender stems bend and pour their beads down the sides of the pot.  This is a delicate jewel to hang in a small lacy container suspended by ribbons or colored yarn.

 Light:   medium to high light (near bright window)

Temperature:     60F to 80F (15C to 27C. Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:  keep the potting mixture moist, but plant can tolerate some surface drying without damage.

Humidity:    Low (10% or more)

Fertilization: Apply 1-2 months.

Special Care:   Prune and shape plant every 3 months.  Repot every 2 years using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% or more organic matter.

Common Problems:  If leaf loss is excessive, reduce watering frequency.

________________________

________________________

17.    PERESKIA aculeata= Limon Vine 

(per-ESS-kee-uh    ak-yew-lee-AY-tuh)

This unassuming plant provides a unique opportunity to view an earlier phase of nature frozen in time.  While lemon vine with its broad lime-green leaves doesn't look like a cactus, it is like primitive cactuses before their complete adaptation to the desert climates of America.

If you look at it closely, you will see that it shares some cactus family traits like the paired spines at the base of each leaf stem.  New growth will have a reddish cast to it.  This plant is also known as the Barbados gooseberry or leafy cactus, and is found throughout the tropics.

Light:  High to very high light near bright window

Temperature:     55F to 85F (13C to 29C). Can tolerate 45F (7C) without damage.

Water:  Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Low (10% or more)

Fertilization:   apply every 1-2 months

Special Care:  Pinch back tips of new growth to stimulate bushiness. Prune and shape plant every 3 months.

Common Problems:   If you find spider mites underneath the leaves, spray them with proper pesticides.

________________________

18.    PILEA depressa = Creeping Pilea 

(pye-LEE-uh    dee-PRESS-uh)

Creeping pilea is native to the West Indies, where it grows as a thick ground cover.  When used indoors, plants that have this growing habit often fill their containers rapidly and then cascade or trail, which is why they are excellent choices for hanging baskets.

This pilea will form a mound of smooth, glossy greenery with bight succulent leaves and then bubble over with  trailing stems of 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm).  Its diminutive look makes it perfect for a petite hanging basket or terrarium.  

Light:   Medium light to high light  (near bright east or south window)

Temperature:    60F to 80F (15C to 27C. Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:  Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  monthly, otherwise every 2 months

Special Care:   Prune and shape plant every spring and fall. Repot annually using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% organic matter.

Common Problems:   If leaves begin to yellow, reduce watering frequency.

________________________

________________________

19.    PILEA nummulariifolia = Creeping Charlie

(pye-LEE-uh    num-mew-lay-ree-ih-FOH-lee-uh)

A hanging basket bonanza: creeping Charlie, a gift from South America and the West Indies.  It's pretty - the rounded green quilted leaves contrast vividly with its light red stems.  It's odd - the leaves are covered with soft shaggy hair which make the leaves look lighter in color than they are.

It trails - at least a foot (30cm)  or more.  It's durable - a long living type with little special care required.  This is the kind of plant that makes you hunt around for just the right planter.   

Light:  Medium to high light (near bright east or south window)

Temperature:   60F to 80F (15C to 27C). Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:   Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization:    apply every 1-2 months

Special Care:   Prune and shape plant every 3 months. Repot annually using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% organic matter.

Common Problems:   IF tips and edges of leaves turn brown, raise humidity. If leaves begin to yellow, reduce watering frequency.

________________________

________________________

20.  PLECTRANTHUS australis= Swedish Ivy

(plek-TRAN-thus    aws-TRAY-liss)

It's called Swedish Ivy,  but it's really a native to Australia.  A rambunctious grower (its hard to keep this one down!), it is a member of the mint family and has square stems and rounded scalloped leaves of a deep green.  

This familiar ivy will grow 8 to 10  inches (20 to 25 cm),  then tumble down from its own weight, growing as long as 2 feet (60 cm)  or more in six months.  If you like, root the cutting you prune and give all your friends plants of their own.  If you place Swedish Ivy in very high light, it may surprise you with tiny flowers.  Otherwise it needs no special care.

Easy to grow, easy to care for, easy to propagate, and easy to find!

Light:   Medium to high light (near bright east or south window)

Temperature:      55F to 80F (13C to 27C). Can tolerate 35F (2C) without damage.

Water:   Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity: Low (10% or more)

Fertilization:   Apply monthly during active growth

Special Care:  Pinch back tips of new growth to stimulate bushiness.

Common Problems:   If mealybugs are present at leaf nodes and axils, use proper pesticides to rid the plant of them. 

________________________

________________________

21.  RHIPSALIS capilliformis = Old Man's Head  

(RIP-sal-iss    kap-il-lih-FOR-miss)

Old man's head is an unusual and distinctive plant to Brazil.  It is epiphytic, which means it has roots that grow on trees rather than in soil.  A member of the cactus family, it grows without leaves, the think green spineless stems taking their place.  The attractive stems grow to 4 inches (10cm) before they trail over the edge of the container.  The stems form branches that branch again, forming a wicker-work of green.

Older plants can surprise you by sprouting small cream colored flowers, followed by white berries.

Light:   high to very high light (near a bright window)

Temperature:   65F to 85F (18C to 29C). Can tolerate 50F (10C) without damage.

Water:   Keep the potting mixture moist, but plant can tolerate some surface drying without damage.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization:      Apply every 2 months during active growth; otherwise apply every 3 months..

Special Care:   Repot every 2 years if plant becomes pot bound , using well-aerated potting mixture containing  50% or more organic matter.  Water with room temperature water, as cold water will stop growth

Common Problems: If tips of stems turn brown, raise humidity.

________________________

________________________

22.  SAXIFRAGA stolonifera= Strawberry Geranium   

(saks-IF-ruh-guh    stoh-lon-IF-er-uh)

Here's a plant, also known as strawberry begonia,  that isn't a member of the strawberry, begonia or geranium families.  It is also known as mother-of-thousands, which is more to the point, because it has a marvelous way of reproducing itself.

Like a real strawberry plant, it sends out long "runners,"  at the ends of which are small clusters of plantlets.  If they land in soil and get moisture, they will take root and grow.  In a hanging basket, the plantlets dangle at the ends of the long slender stems quite attractively - or let them root and increase your plant population!

Light:   Medium to high light (near a bright window)

Temperature:      50F to 80F (10C to 27)C. Can tolerate 30F (-1C) without damage. Avoid temperatures of 85F (29C) or more, as plant will grow slowly

Water:   Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply every 1 - 2 months.

Special Care:  Repot annually using well-aerated potting mixture containing 50% organic matter.

Common Problems:    If edges of leaves turn yellow, reduce watering frequency.

________________________

________________________

23. SEDUN Morganianum  = Burro's-Tail

(SEE-dum    mor-gan-ee-AN-um)

Burro's tail is native to Mexico, but has long been a favorite hanging basket plant north of the border as well.  The thick bluish-green foliage is so dense it covers the stems of the plant completely.  The unusual leaves on the cascading stems resemble animal's trails and the common names listed for sedum include donkey's tale, horse's tail, and lamb's tail.

Whatever animal is pinned to these beautiful "tails," it is an amusing and endearing hanging plant that is a delight to look at.

Light:   High to very high light (near a bright window)

Temperature:    55F to 80F (13C to 27C). Can tolerate 45F (7C) without damage.

Water:   Water thoroughly, then allow the potting mixture to almost dry out before watering again.

Humidity:  Low (10% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  every 2 months during active growth; otherwise apply every 3 months.

Special Care:  Leaves break off easily, so avoid placing plant in windy areas or where people will brush against it. Handle older plants carefully 

Common Problems:  If leaves shrivel and fall off, water more often

________________________

________________________

24. SENECIO mikanioides   = German Ivy

(seh-NEE-see-oh    mye-kan-ee-OY-deez)

Also known as parlor ivy, this is another of the lovely hanging plants that graced the homes of an earlier America.  This plant, native to South Africa, has the pointed, starry deep green leaves reminiscent of English Ivy, but is more fragile in appearance.

It will grow upright about 12 inches (30 cm) and then either cascade prettily down the sides of the container or scramble and climb.  A window covered with a fragile trellis on which this delicate ivy is entwined is lovelier than a curtained one.  

Light:    High to very high light (near bright window)

Temperature:      55F to 80F (13C to 27C). Can tolerate 45F (7C) without damage.

Water:   Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  every 2 months.

Special Care:   Pinch back tips of new growth to stimulate bushiness. 

Common Problems:  Check for mealybugs at leaf nodes and axils, and aphids on new growth; if present, spay with appropriate pesticide.

________________________

________________________

25. band plant

(VIN-kuh    MAY-jor     vare-ee-GAY-tuh)

Strike up the band for the band plant!  It is ideal for windows or cool rooms, as it can withstand temperatures that would thwart most plants.  It is a native of southern Europe and Northern Africa.

Indoors, it produces a variegated silvery green leaf with cream markings.  The straight wiry stems trail in a visually delightful manner, and if the plant is grown in very high light it may delight the observant indoor gardener by producing small blue flowers in late spring.

However, it is the luxurious foliage that is the star of the trailing treasure! 

Light:    High to very high light (near bright window)

Temperature:      50F to 80F (10C to 27C). Can tolerate 30F (-1C) without damage.

Water:    Allow the surface to dry between waterings.

Humidity:  Average (25% or more)

Fertilization: Apply  every 2 months.

Special Care:   Cut back to stimulate bushiness if plant becomes leggy.

Common Problems:   If leaves begin to yellow, reduce watering frequency.

________________________

________________________

Go Back To The Main Page


______________________________________________________