Hanging plants in front of windows can add natural beauty to your home and improve your indoor air quality. However, there are some important factors to consider when choosing, arranging, and caring for hanging plants by windows. Follow these tips for successfully incorporating hanging greenery into your window displays.
Choose the Right Plants
When selecting plants to hang in front of windows, consider the following:
Light Requirements
Look for plants that can tolerate the light conditions in your window. South-facing windows get the most sun, while north-facing windows receive the least. East and west-facing windows get partial sun. Choose shade-loving plants for low light or sun-lovers for brightly lit windows.
Some good low light hanging plants include pothos, philodendrons, Chinese evergreens, and ferns. For bright light, consider succulents, spider plants, hoyas, and passionflower vines.
Growth Habits
Choose vining or trailing plants that can gracefully drape over hanging baskets and pots. Philodendrons, pothos, string of pearls, and creeping Jenny work well. Avoid plants with stiff, upright growth that won’t cascade attractively.
Pet/Child Safety
If you have pets or small kids, steer clear of toxic plants like pothos, dieffenbachia, and peace lilies. Go for safe choices like spider plants, hoyas, and parlor palms.
Select Appropriate Hangers and Containers
You have many options when choosing hangers and pots for your window plants. Consider the following:
Hanging Style
Macrame and rope hangers offer a bohemian vibe, while decorative chains are more elegant. Simple S-hooks work well for small pots. Try using hanging rods or plant brackets for a clean, modern look.
Pot Size and Weight
Make sure pots are light enough when filled with soil to be securely supported by your hangers. Heavy clay or ceramic pots can be risky. Opt for lightweight plastic or woven baskets. Just ensure the pots are large enough for the plants’ root systems.
Drainage
Whatever containers you use, ensure they have drainage holes to prevent root rot from excess moisture. You can add pebbles or stones at the bottom beneath the soil to improve drainage.
Visible vs Hidden
Hanging planters with attractive designs can become part of the decor. But if you don’t want visible pots, place planters inside decorative baskets or wraps. Use removable nursery grow pots inside cache pots to simplify watering.
Arrange the Plants for Balance and Harmony
Once you’ve selected hanging plants and containers, it’s time for the fun part—arranging them artfully on your windows! Follow these tips:
Complement the Architecture
Consider your window’s shape and size. Place off-center asymmetrical arrangements in large arched windows. Cluster multiple hangers in big picture windows. Have a single trailing plant in a narrow casement window.
Observe Visual Weight and Scale
Larger and fuller plants will feel heavier visually. Counterbalance them with smaller, airy plants on the opposite side. Don’t overwhelm a window with too many larger plants.
Think About Layers
Vary heights and distances from the window to create depth. Hang smaller plants in front of larger ones and closer to the window. Allow trailing vines to dangle below the main plants.
Repeat Colors and Shapes
Unify arrangements with plants in the same color tones or similar shapes. For contrast, add a bold plant in a different color. Maintaining visual harmony lends a polished look.
Consider Air Circulation
Allow enough space between plants for airflow. Dense clustering can contribute to mold and mildew. Leave at least a few inches between plant foliage.
Conclusion
With the right plants, containers, and care, hanging greenery can beautifully enhance any window. Adjust and adapt your arrangements over time as plants grow. Most importantly, enjoy the verdant life and natural beauty your hanging window garden brings indoors.