Best Low Light Hanging Plants That Purify Your Indoor Air (2025)


Discover the best low-light hanging plants that purify indoor air! These easy-care, air-cleaning plants thrive in dim spaces—perfect for homes and offices.

Introduction

Did you know indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air? Luckily, nature has a solution—low-light hanging plants that not only survive but thrive in dim corners while filtering toxins! Whether you live in an apartment with limited sunlight or want to spruce up your workspace, these plants are a must-have. In this guide, we’ll explore the best air-purifying hanging plants that require minimal light and care. Let’s dive in!

Why Choose Low Light Hanging Plants for Air Purification?

Improve Air Quality by Removing Toxins Like Formaldehyde and Benzene

One of the biggest perks of low light hanging plants is their ability to purify the air. Many common indoor plants absorb harmful toxins like formaldehyde (found in furniture and cleaning products) and benzene (present in plastics and synthetic fibers). Instead of relying solely on air purifiers, adding a few of these green companions can naturally filter the air, making your home healthier.

Perfect for Small Spaces—Hang Them in Corners, Bathrooms, or Offices

Not everyone has the luxury of large windowsills or spacious plant stands. Hanging plants are a fantastic solution for tight spaces—whether it’s a cramped apartment, a dimly lit bathroom, or a cubicle at work. By suspending them from the ceiling or placing them on high shelves, you maximize vertical space without sacrificing greenery.

Low Maintenance—Ideal for Beginners or Busy Plant Parents

If you’re new to plant care or simply don’t have time for high-maintenance greenery, low light hanging plants are your best bet. Many of them thrive on neglect, requiring minimal watering and no direct sunlight. Forgetful waterers? No problem—plants like ZZ plants and pothos can bounce back even if you skip a watering session or two.

Enhance Aesthetics—Add a Touch of Greenery Without Needing Bright Sunlight

Not every room gets ample sunlight, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on lush foliage. Low light hanging plants bring life to dark corners, adding texture and color where other plants might struggle. Whether you prefer trailing vines like string of pearls or fuller options like the bird’s nest fern, there’s a style to match any decor.


Top 10 Low Light Hanging Plants That Clean the Air

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Removes Formaldehyde, Thrives in Indirect Light

Spider plants are a classic choice for air purification. They’re incredibly resilient, producing “pups” (baby plants) that you can propagate easily. Hang them near a window with filtered light, and they’ll happily remove toxins while adding a cascading green effect.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – Filters Benzene, Grows Well in Low Light

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is nearly indestructible. Its heart-shaped leaves trail beautifully, making it perfect for hanging baskets. It’s excellent at filtering benzene and thrives even in dimly lit rooms—just keep it away from direct sun to prevent leaf burn.

English Ivy (Hedera helix) – Reduces Airborne Mold, Prefers Shaded Areas

English ivy isn’t just for outdoor gardens. Indoors, it helps reduce airborne mold, making it great for bathrooms or damp spaces. It prefers cooler temperatures and shaded spots, so it’s ideal for rooms with minimal natural light.

Philodendron Heartleaf (Philodendron hederaceum) – Purifies Air, Easy to Grow

With its glossy, heart-shaped leaves, the heartleaf philodendron is both pretty and practical. It’s a natural air purifier and one of the easiest plants to care for—just water when the top inch of soil is dry and let it trail or climb as it pleases.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) – Cleanses Air, Tolerates Low Light

The parlor palm adds a tropical touch while filtering indoor pollutants. Unlike other palms, it doesn’t need bright light, making it perfect for hanging in hallways or dim living rooms. Keep the soil slightly moist, and it’ll thrive.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Drought-Resistant, Removes Toxins

If you’re notorious for forgetting to water plants, the ZZ plant is your savior. Its waxy leaves store water, allowing it to survive long dry spells. It’s also effective at removing toxins like xylene and toluene from the air.

Peperomia (Peperomia spp.) – Compact, Filters Indoor Pollutants

Peperomias come in many varieties, all with thick, fleshy leaves that help them retain water. Their compact size makes them great for small hanging pots, and they’re excellent at filtering common household pollutants.

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) – Unique Look, Low-Light Tolerant

This quirky succulent features bead-like leaves that cascade down like a necklace. While it prefers bright indirect light, it can tolerate lower light conditions—just be careful not to overwater it, as it’s prone to root rot.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – Humidifies Air, Thrives in Shade

Boston ferns are natural humidifiers, making them perfect for dry indoor spaces. They love shade and high humidity, so bathrooms or kitchens are ideal spots. Keep the soil consistently moist for best results.

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) – Purifies Air, Loves Indirect Light

With its wavy, bright green fronds, the bird’s nest fern adds a dramatic touch. It thrives in indirect light and helps purify the air, making it a stylish and functional choice for hanging planters.


How to Care for Low Light Hanging Plants

Watering Tips – Avoid Overwatering; Let Soil Dry Slightly Between Waterings

Overwatering is the fastest way to kill most low light plants. Always check the soil before watering—stick your finger an inch deep. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. Plants like ZZ and pothos prefer to dry out between waterings, while ferns need consistently moist soil.

Light Requirements – Bright, Indirect Light Is Best, but They Tolerate Shade

While these plants survive in low light, they’ll grow best with bright, indirect sunlight. If your space is very dark, consider rotating them occasionally or supplementing with a grow light to keep them healthy.

Fertilization – Use Diluted Liquid Fertilizer Every 4-6 Weeks

During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plants with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Skip fertilizing in winter when growth slows down. Over-fertilizing can burn roots, so less is more.

Pruning & Maintenance – Trim Yellow Leaves, Rotate for Even Growth

Remove yellow or dead leaves to encourage new growth and prevent disease. Rotate your hanging plants every few weeks so all sides get equal light exposure, preventing lopsided growth.

Pest Control – Watch for Spider Mites, Wipe Leaves with Neem Oil

Spider mites and mealybugs can be a problem, especially in dry indoor air. Regularly inspect leaves and wipe them down with a damp cloth or neem oil solution to keep pests at bay.


Best Places to Hang Your Air-Purifying Plants

Bathrooms – High Humidity Helps Ferns and Pothos Thrive

Bathrooms with limited light are perfect for humidity-loving plants like Boston ferns and pothos. The steam from showers keeps them happy, and they’ll help filter out any lingering chemicals from cleaning products.

Bedrooms – Spider Plants and English Ivy Improve Sleep Quality

Plants like spider plants and English ivy release oxygen at night and absorb carbon dioxide, promoting better air quality for sleep. Hang them near a window or above a nightstand for a calming green touch.

Offices – ZZ Plants and Philodendrons Survive Under Fluorescent Lights

Fluorescent office lighting isn’t ideal for most plants, but ZZ plants and philodendrons can handle it. Their air-purifying qualities also help combat stale office air filled with pollutants from printers and furniture.

Kitchens – Peperomia and Parlor Palm Filter Cooking Fumes

Cooking releases fumes and odors that plants like peperomia and parlor palm can help neutralize. Hang them near windows or above countertops where they can catch indirect light while keeping the air fresh.

Conclusion

Adding low-light hanging plants to your home is an effortless way to boost air quality and elevate your décor—no green thumb required! Whether you choose a hardy ZZ plant or a cascading pothos, these air-purifying greens will thrive even in dim spaces. Ready to breathe cleaner air? Pick your favorite from our list and start hanging!

Photo of Harper Dawson
Written by Harper Dawson on