If you’ve ever gone to a plant store looking for an indoor hanging plant that likes direct sunlight, you know how frustrating it can be. Most plants labelled “indoor” are actually better suited for shady areas, and sun-loving plants are often relegated to the outdoor section. But there are a few exceptions! In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite indoor hanging plants that thrive in direct sunlight.
Air Plant (Tillandsia Xerographica)
Air plants are one of the hottest trends in indoor gardening right now, and it’s easy to see why. These unique plants don’t need any soil to grow; they get all the nutrients they need from the air around them. They’re also very easy to care for; just mist them with water once or twice a week and give them a bright spot that gets direct sunlight for at least six hours per day.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)
The string of hearts is a native of South Africa, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants a cascading plant that’s full of color. These plants get their name from their heart-shaped leaves, which are variegated with shades of green, white, and pink. They do best in bright, indirect light, but they can tolerate some direct sunlight as well. Just be sure not to let them dry out; they like to be kept on the moist side.
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English ivy is a classic choice for anyone who wants a fast-growing plant that’s easy to care for. These versatile plants can be grown as groundcover, climbers, or trailing plants, and they’re known for their ability to thrive in difficult growing conditions. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight as well. Just be sure to keep an eye on them; they tend to be voracious growers and can quickly take over an area if left unchecked!
Arrowhead Plant
The arrowhead plant is a beautiful, low-maintenance option for bright, indirect sunlight. This plant gets its name from its shapely leaves, which come in a variety of colors including green, purple, and even pink. Arrowhead plants are easy to care for and make a great addition to any indoor space.
Bird’s Nest Fern
The bird’s nest fern is another great option for indirect sunlight. This plant gets its name from its distinctive rosette shape, which resembles a bird’s nest. Bird’s nest ferns are native to tropical climates and do best in humid environments. If you live in a dry climate, simply mist your plant regularly to keep it healthy and happy.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are one of the most popular indoor plants thanks to their lush, green foliage and ability to thrive in shady spots. Boston ferns do best with regular watering and love high humidity levels. If you live in a dry climate, consider placing your Boston fern on a pebble tray or grouping it with other moisture-loving plants.
Chenille Plant
The chenille plant is a beautiful option for bright, indirect sunlight. This plant gets its name from its fluffy, chenille-like flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and purple. Chenille plants are native to South America and do best in warm climates. If you live in a cooler climate, simply move your plant to a brighter spot during the winter months.
Wax Plant (Hoya Carnosa)
The wax plant is a beautiful, vining plant that produces clusters of small, white flowers. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant that does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sunlight. Just be sure to water it regularly and fertilize it once a month during the growing season.
String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
String of pearls is an interesting succulent that produces long chains of round, pearl-like beads. It’s native to Africa and does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some direct sun. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering and fertilize monthly during the growing season. String of pearls is semi-dormant in winter and will lose some of its leaves during this time.
Burro’s Tail ( Sedum morganianum)
The Burro’s Tail is a succulent that originates from Mexico. It gets its name from its long, cascading stems that resemble a donkey’s tail. The stems are covered in small, blue-green leaves that store water, making this plant very drought tolerant. Burro’s Tails prefer bright, direct sunlight and should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The Golden Pothos is a fast-growing vine that can reach lengths of 20 feet or more. It’s native to the Solomon Islands but has become popular around the world as a houseplant. The Golden Pothos is very versatile and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including low light and high humidity. However, it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and should be allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a fast-growing perennial that can reach lengths of 2-3 feet. It’s native to tropical Africa but has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America and Europe. The Spider Plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions. It should be watered only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Geraniums
Geraniums are a type of flowering plant that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. They’re easy to care for and make a great addition to any sunny windowsill. Geraniums like their soil to be moist but well-drained, so be sure to water them regularly. These cheerful plants also make excellent houseplants for beginner gardeners.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are another type of flowering plant that come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. They’re known for their peppery flavor and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Nasturtiums like direct sunlight and well-drained soil. Be sure to water them regularly, as they tend to wilt quickly if the soil is too dry. These vibrant plants make a great addition to any sunny spot in your home.
Purple Heart Plants (Tradescantia Pallida)
Purple heart plants are a type of succulent that is native to Mexico and Central America. They’re easy to care for and make a beautiful addition to any sunny windowsill or tabletop. Purple heart plants like well-drained soil and bright, indirect light. Be sure not to overwater them—succulents are susceptible to root rot if they sit in wet soil for too long. With their striking purple leaves, these eye-catching plants are sure to brighten up any space in your home.
String of Nickels (Dischidia Nummularia)
String of nickels is a type of succulent that is native to Southeast Asia. It’s easy to care for and makes a beautiful addition to any sunny spot in your home. String of nickels likes well-drained soil and bright, indirect light. Be sure not to overwater it—succulents are susceptible to root rot if they sit in wet soil for too long. With its round, nickel-sized leaves, this unique plant is sure to add interest to any indoor space.
Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
The Ripple Peperomia is a compact plant that grows to about 12 inches tall and wide. It’s native to Brazil but has become popular as a houseplant in recent years. The Ripple Peperomia prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions. It should be watered only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Madagascar Jasmine (Stephanotis Floribunda)
Madagascar jasmine is a fast-growing, evergreen vine that produces fragrant white flowers. It’s native to Madagascar, hence the name, but it can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and fertilize monthly during the growing season. Madagascar jasmine is also semi-deciduous, meaning it will lose some of its leaves during periods of stress or dormancy.
Hanging Tree Cactus (Pfeiffera Boliviana)
The hanging tree cactus is a native of Bolivia and Paraguay, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants a bit of exotic flair in their home. These unusual-looking plants can grow up to three feet long, and they produce stunning white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Best of all, they’re very easy to care for and they don’t require much water. Just be sure to give them a bright spot that gets direct sunlight for most of the day.
