12 Best Hanging Indoor Plants for Low Light

12 Best Hanging Indoor Plants for Low Light

Got an empty corner or a bare wall that needs a little love? Hanging plants are a perfect way to bring greenery into your space—without using up valuable floor or shelf space. While most hanging or trailing plants prefer medium to bright light, some are surprisingly adaptable and still thrive in lower light conditions.

What “Low Light” Really Means

Let’s set the record straight: low light doesn’t mean no light. If you can read during the day without flipping on a light, you probably have low light. Think of areas near a north-facing window or several feet away from a brighter one.

• Low light: No direct sun, and a bit of ambient daylight.
• Medium light: Brighter spaces without harsh sunlight.
• Bright light: Direct or strong filtered sunlight for several hours.

If you’re working with a truly windowless, lightless room, consider leaving overhead LED lights on, adding a small grow light to the space, or even bringing your plant out of the room for a bit each week to give them some extra light.

Below is a guide to trailing and vining plants that can tolerate (or even enjoy) low light.

1	Arrowhead Plant	5	Heartleaf Philodendron	9	Scindapsus
2	Bolivian Begonia	6	Monstera adansonii	10	Spider Plant
3	Creeping Fig	7	Monstera deliciosa (juvenile)	11	Tradescantia
4	English Ivy	8	Peperomia (trailing types)	12	Pothos

1. Arrowhead Plant

Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum) starts off bushy but becomes more of a trailing or climbing plant over time. It does well in low to medium light and looks great in a hanging basket or climbing a trellis. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

2. Bolivian Begonia

Begonia boliviensis features cascading stems and bright blooms, especially in warmer months. It can grow in low light, but don’t expect many flowers unless it gets some indirect sun. It’s worth growing for the graceful foliage alone.

3. Creeping Fig

Ficus pumila is a small-leafed vine that loves to climb or trail. It adapts to medium and low light indoors and grows quickly. Its evergreen vines can trail beautifully from a high shelf. Be aware—it’s toxic to pets if chewed.

4. English Ivy

Hedera helix is one of the most iconic trailing plants. It does fine in low light, though it’ll grow faster with a bit more brightness. Regular trimming keeps it full and bushy. Great in baskets or draped off shelves.

5. Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum is one of the easiest low-light trailing plants around. It grows well even in dim corners and thrives with occasional neglect. Its heart-shaped leaves spill beautifully from a hanging pot.

6. Monstera adansonii

Also known as the Swiss Cheese Vine, this plant brings a tropical look to lower-light rooms. Its perforated leaves trail nicely. It grows best with medium indirect light but will still grow slowly in dimmer conditions.

7. Monstera deliciosa (juvenile)

When small, Monstera deliciosa acts like a vining plant. It tolerates low light but appreciates an occasional brighter spot. Let the top few inches of soil dry between waterings.

8. Peperomia (trailing types)

Trailing types like Peperomia ‘Hope’ offer small, succulent-like leaves and cascading stems. They handle low light better than most and stay compact. Water sparingly and keep humidity moderate.

9. Scindapsus

Scindapsus pictus, often called Satin Pothos or Silver Vine, is similar to pothos but with silvery variegation. It tolerates low light and looks stunning draping from shelves or baskets. Avoid overwatering.

10. Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum is known for its fountain of leaves and little “pups” that hang like streamers. It’s not a vine, but works perfectly in a hanging pot. Spider plants tolerate low light and neglect, and they’re safe for pets.

11. Tradescantia

Tradescantia (a.k.a. Inch Plant) has colorful leaves and trails beautifully. Certain varieties do okay in low light, though you’ll get bolder colors with a little more brightness. Pinch the tips to encourage fuller growth.

12. Pothos

Epipremnum aureum, or pothos, is a gold-standard low light trailing plant. It’s incredibly easygoing and will tolerate everything from dim corners to missed waterings. Great in a hanging pot or trained along hooks or trellises.

Happy Growing!

Trailing plants are a fun way to green up vertical space, and with these options, you won’t need a sunroom to make it happen. Even if your light is on the dim side, these plants will still do their thing—bringing life and movement to any room.

Want more help picking the right houseplant for your windowless spaces? I’ve got complete guides on low light plants for your bathroom, office, and any other room.