If you’re a plant person, you’re always looking for the perfect spots to place a new plant. You drop succulents around your home like an expert Monopoly player dropping 5-star hotels. And why shouldn’t you? They look great. Plus, plants have health benefits like improving air quality, relieving stress, and even generating happiness.
In life and interior design, sometimes the best place to go is up. If you’re a little intimidated by the process of hanging plants from your ceiling, then this article is for you. Soon, your design game will be, dare we say… elevated.
Step 1: Choose the Perfect Plant
Not all plants are suited for hanging. For instance, if you were to hang a Majesty Palm in your living room, you’d probably have to saw a hole in your ceiling soon after. Instead, you should look for plants that look good from below, or from eye level.
We have a few ideas.
String of Hearts: Turn your home into a tunnel of love with the Ceropegia woodii. Its heart-shaped vines will dangle down out of the planter above your head… how romantic!
Air Plants: No they don’t fly... but air plants don’t need soil to survive. This makes them ideal for hanging. Check out the Spanish Moss, or go crazy with our Mystery Air Plant Box.
Peperomia Hope: The Peperomia tetraphylla is an easy-to-care-for plant whose red stems bend and flop over the side of your planter, allowing a perfect view of its green leaves.
Step 2: Choose the Perfect Hanger
Now that you’ve got your plant, you need something to put it in. But not all planters are the same. You’ll want to choose a hanging planter that complements and matches your decor. Whether you’re into a traditional look, or you favor something more modern and bold, the old saying is true: To truly know a person, you must see what hanging planters they use.
Hangers come in many different forms, from ceramic to plastic, to steel. They come in different colors and shapes, so be sure to maximize that feng shui!
Step 3: Location, Location, Location
You don’t want to rush into hanging your plant, only to find yourself ducking and weaving like Floyd Mayweather every time you enter your home. Make sure you find a spot that will be complimentary but not obtrusive.
Good plant owners know that the place you hang your planter also depends on the plant itself. For instance, if your plant needs lots of sunlight to thrive, you’ll need to put your planter near a south-facing window.
Step 4: Drill, Baby, Drill
Most hanging planters come with wires and an S-hook for easy hanging. But, you’ll still have to drill into your ceiling to insert a J-hook screw to hang from. Here’s how you do it:
- You’ll want to make sure you choose a hook screw that is strong enough to hold your plant.
- Use a stud-finder to locate the beam or joist. This will ensure that the plant is hanging from something sturdy.
- Mark your location with a pencil, then get your drill. You’ll probably be on a step-ladder, so be careful!
- Use a drill bit that is the same size as the hook you’re using. Drill a hole that is a little bit deeper than the shaft of your hook.
- Take the J-hook, and slowly push it into the hole, twisting as you go until the hook is tight against the ceiling.
Step 5: Hang and Admire
Using an S-hook, hang your planter from the J-hook. Then, step back and bask in the glory of what you’ve done. Take photos and submit them to Architectural Digest.
Whether you’re hanging plants from the ceiling, or just putting a succulent in your bathroom for the ambiance, Rooted has got you covered.
Sources:
Plants and Indoor Air Quality | International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
Health and well-being benefits of plants | Ellison Chair in International Floriculture