10 Easy-Care Hanging Plants for Low Light Apartments
Discover the best easy-care hanging plants for low-light apartments! These 10 low-maintenance plants thrive in dim corners and add lush greenery to your space—perfect for busy plant lovers.
Introduction
Do you love plants but struggle with low-light spaces? You’re not alone! Many apartment dwellers face the challenge of finding greenery that thrives away from bright windows. The good news? Plenty of beautiful hanging plants flourish in low light with minimal care. Whether you’re a busy professional or a forgetful waterer, these 10 easy-care plants will bring life to your home without demanding constant attention. Let’s dive in!
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why it’s perfect
If you’re looking for a plant that practically thrives on neglect, the Pothos is your best friend. This hardy vine is nearly indestructible, making it ideal for beginners or those who tend to forget about their plants. It can survive in less-than-ideal conditions and still grow lush, trailing vines that add a touch of greenery to any space.
Light needs
Pothos isn’t picky about light. It does well in low to moderate indirect light, though it may grow slower in dimmer spots. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Care tips
Water your Pothos only when the soil feels dry to the touch—overwatering is its biggest enemy. If you notice yellowing leaves, you might be giving it too much water. Prune occasionally to encourage bushier growth, or let the vines grow long for a dramatic trailing effect.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why it’s perfect
Spider Plants are not just easy to care for—they also purify the air, making them a great addition to any home. Plus, they produce adorable “pups” (baby plants) that you can easily propagate and share with friends.
Light needs
These plants are highly adaptable. While they prefer bright, indirect sunlight, they can tolerate lower light conditions. Just keep in mind that variegated varieties may lose some of their stripes if the light is too dim.
Care tips
Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Spider Plants are sensitive to fluoride in tap water, which can cause brown tips—so if you notice this, switch to distilled or rainwater. Trim any brown tips to keep your plant looking fresh.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Why it’s perfect
Heartleaf Philodendrons are fast growers and incredibly forgiving, making them perfect for new plant parents. They can bounce back from occasional neglect, including missed waterings, without much fuss.
Light needs
This plant thrives in low to bright indirect light. While it can survive in dim corners, it will grow more vigorously with a bit more light. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves.
Care tips
Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. If you want a bushier plant, pinch back the stems to encourage new growth. Otherwise, let the vines trail or train them to climb a support for a more structured look.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Why it’s perfect
The ZZ Plant is practically bulletproof. It can go weeks without water and still look glossy and healthy, making it perfect for forgetful plant owners. Its waxy leaves add a modern touch to any space.
Light needs
This plant thrives in low light, though it will grow slower. If you want faster growth, place it in bright, indirect light—but it’s perfectly happy in dim corners too.
Care tips
Water sparingly—every 2–3 weeks is usually enough. Overwatering is the quickest way to kill a ZZ Plant, so err on the side of underwatering. It stores water in its rhizomes, so it can handle dry spells like a champ.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Why it’s perfect
English Ivy brings an elegant, trailing look to any space and is known for its air-purifying qualities. It’s great for hanging baskets or training along shelves for a cascading effect.
Light needs
It prefers low to moderate indirect light but can adapt to brighter conditions if acclimated slowly. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.
Care tips
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. English Ivy appreciates humidity, so misting it occasionally or placing it in a bathroom can help it thrive. Watch out for spider mites, which can be a common pest for this plant.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Why it’s perfect
With its delicate, heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, String of Hearts adds a whimsical touch to any space. It’s also drought-resistant, so it won’t mind if you forget to water it now and then.
Light needs
Bright indirect light is ideal, but it can tolerate lower light conditions—just expect slower growth. Too much direct sun can fade its beautiful variegation.
Care tips
Water only when the soil is completely dry, as this plant is prone to root rot if overwatered. Let the vines grow long for a stunning cascading effect, or trim them back to encourage fuller growth.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Why it’s perfect
This fern brings lush, tropical vibes to your home with its wavy, bright green fronds. Unlike many ferns, it’s relatively low-maintenance as long as you keep up with its humidity needs.
Light needs
It thrives in low to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves.
Care tips
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. This fern loves humidity, so mist it regularly or place it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and healthy.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Why it’s perfect
Chinese Evergreens are prized for their colorful, patterned leaves and their ability to thrive in low-light conditions. They’re also very forgiving, making them great for beginners.
Light needs
They adapt well to low light, but variegated varieties may need a bit more brightness to maintain their patterns. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the leaves.
Care tips
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. These plants dislike cold drafts, so keep them away from windows or doors in the winter. They’re also sensitive to overwatering, so make sure the pot has good drainage.
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Why it’s perfect
Peperomias come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, making them a fun addition to any plant collection. Their compact size makes them ideal for small spaces like desks or shelves.
Light needs
They do well in low to bright indirect light. Some varieties with thicker leaves can tolerate slightly lower light, while those with thinner leaves prefer brighter conditions.
Care tips
Water sparingly—let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. These plants store water in their leaves, so they can handle a bit of neglect. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause rot.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Why it’s perfect
With its delicate, lacy fronds, the Maidenhair Fern adds a soft, elegant touch to any space. It’s a bit more finicky than some other plants on this list, but its beauty makes it worth the extra care.
Light needs
It prefers low to medium indirect light. Too much direct sun will scorch its fragile leaves, while too little light can stunt its growth.
Care tips
Keep the soil consistently moist—this fern hates drying out. It thrives in high humidity, so mist it daily or place it in a bathroom where it can enjoy steam from showers. If the fronds dry out, don’t give up—cut them back and keep the soil moist, and new growth should appear.
Conclusion
Transforming a dim apartment into a green oasis is easier than you think! These 10 easy-care hanging plants thrive in low light and require minimal attention—perfect for beginners or busy plant parents. Start with a hardy Pothos or a forgiving ZZ plant, and gradually expand your collection. Ready to bring life to your space? Pick your favorite and let the greenery grow!
