
5 Drought-Tolerant Low Light Hanging Plants for Busy Homes (2025)
Discover the best drought-tolerant, low-light hanging plants perfect for busy homes! These easy-care plants thrive with minimal water and light—ideal for forgetful plant parents.
Introduction
Do you love greenery but struggle to keep plants alive in dim corners? Or maybe you forget to water them (we’ve all been there!)? Don’t worry—some plants thrive on neglect! Drought-tolerant, low-light hanging plants are the ultimate solution for busy homes. In fact, studies show that indoor plants can boost mood and productivity by up to 15%—so why not pick ones that survive your hectic schedule? Let’s explore five hardy, low-maintenance hanging plants that’ll bring life to your space without the fuss.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
If you’re looking for a plant that practically thrives on neglect, the spider plant is your best friend. It’s one of the most forgiving houseplants out there, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who tends to forget watering day.
Why It’s Perfect
Spider plants are champions of low-light conditions. They won’t throw a fit if they don’t get direct sunlight, and they can handle the occasional missed watering without wilting dramatically. Plus, they’re non-toxic, so they’re safe around pets—though some cats might find the dangling baby spiderettes (also called “pups”) irresistible to bat at.
Care Tips
Water your spider plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. They’re drought-tolerant, so it’s better to underwater than overwater. If the tips of the leaves turn brown, it’s usually a sign of too much fluoride in the water—try using filtered or distilled water to keep them happy.
Bonus Benefit
Beyond being easy to care for, spider plants are natural air purifiers. They help remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air, making them a great addition to bedrooms or home offices.
Styling Tip
Spider plants look especially gorgeous in hanging planters. Their long, arching leaves and cascading baby spiderettes create a lush, flowing effect. Try a macramé hanger near a window for a boho-chic vibe.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
If you’ve ever killed a plant despite your best efforts, the pothos might restore your confidence. This vine is famously hard to kill and adapts to just about any indoor condition.
Why It’s Perfect
Pothos can survive in dim corners where other plants would wither. It doesn’t mind dry soil, and it won’t hold a grudge if you forget to water it for a couple of weeks. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can let it trail, train it up a trellis, or even grow it in water indefinitely.
Care Tips
Water your pothos every 1-2 weeks, letting the soil dry out between waterings. If the leaves start to yellow, you might be overwatering. To keep it looking full, trim the vines occasionally—this encourages bushier growth, and you can propagate the cuttings in water to grow new plants.
Bonus Benefit
Pothos grows fast, so if you want a plant that gives you quick results, this is it. Within months, you can have long, trailing vines that add a jungle-like feel to any space.
Styling Tip
For a striking look, mix different pothos varieties like golden pothos (with yellow variegation) and marble queen (with creamy white streaks). The contrast in leaf patterns adds visual interest to shelves or mantels.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
If you love unique, eye-catching plants, the string of pearls is a must-have. Its bead-like foliage makes it one of the most distinctive succulents you can grow indoors.
Why It’s Perfect
While it prefers bright, indirect light, it can tolerate lower light conditions—just expect slower growth. Unlike some finicky succulents, it’s fairly forgiving as long as you don’t drown it.
Care Tips
Water sparingly—every 2-3 weeks is usually enough. The pearls will start to shrivel slightly when the plant is thirsty, which is your cue to water. The biggest mistake? Overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Make sure it’s in well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Bonus Benefit
This plant adds a playful, whimsical touch to any space. The trailing strands of round “pearls” make it a great conversation starter.
Styling Tip
Hang it near a window where it can catch some gentle morning light. The strands will cascade beautifully, creating a living curtain effect.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
For those who want a plant that looks polished but requires almost zero effort, the ZZ plant is a top contender. It’s practically indestructible and adds a sleek, modern touch to any room.
Why It’s Perfect
The ZZ plant thrives in low light—it can even survive in near-darkness, though it will grow slower. It stores water in its rhizomes (underground stems), so it can go weeks without watering. If you travel often or have a notoriously dark apartment, this plant won’t let you down.
Care Tips
Water it once a month—seriously, that’s often enough. Overwatering is the quickest way to kill a ZZ plant. It prefers to stay on the dry side, so when in doubt, wait another week before watering.
Bonus Benefit
Its glossy, dark green leaves have a waxy sheen that makes it look more high-maintenance than it is. It’s the perfect plant for people who want greenery without the hassle.
Styling Tip
Pair your ZZ plant with a geometric or minimalist planter for a modern, Instagram-worthy look. It works especially well in offices or bathrooms where other plants might struggle.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
With its charming heart-shaped leaves and easygoing nature, the heartleaf philodendron is a classic choice for any plant lover.
Why It’s Perfect
This plant adapts well to low light and doesn’t mind if you forget to water it now and then. It’s also incredibly easy to propagate—just snip a vine and pop it in water, and you’ll have a new plant in no time.
Care Tips
Let the soil dry out between waterings. If the leaves start to droop, it’s probably thirsty. If they turn yellow, you might be overwatering. It’s not fussy about humidity, making it a great choice for drier homes.
Bonus Benefit
The trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves add a cozy, romantic feel to any space. It’s a great way to soften shelves or bookcases with greenery.
Styling Tip
Let the vines drape from a high shelf or bookcase for a lush, jungle-inspired look. You can also train it to climb a small trellis or moss pole if you prefer an upright growth habit.
Conclusion
Who says you need a green thumb to enjoy lush indoor plants? These five drought-tolerant, low-light hanging plants are practically foolproof—perfect for busy schedules and forgetful waterers. Whether you choose the cascading spider plant or the sculptural ZZ plant, each option brings beauty without the hassle. Ready to transform your space? Pick your favorite and let nature do the rest!