Let me set the scene.

It’s mid-November. I’m wrapped in three layers of sweaters, slippers on, sipping lukewarm coffee I’ve reheated twice (because…life), and looking out my window.

image by pixabay

Snow. Again.

The sky is that grayish-white where the clouds just kinda sit there like they’re bored, and there’s zero color anywhere.

And all I can think is, ugh—my apartment looks as dead as the trees outside.

I missed green. I missed life. I missed the soft energy plants bring into a space.

But here’s the thing—I live in a small apartment with windows that technically exist, but don’t really offer sunlight that could actually keep a plant alive.

So I started searching: low light hanging plants. Ones that don’t need sun, don’t throw a tantrum if I forget to water them for a bit, and preferably… look cute in a macrame hanger.

And friends—I found the ONE.

But also… like 18 others. 😂

If you’re craving a more lived-in, cozy, natural feel in your apartment (without having to knock down a wall for more light), here’s your go-to guide.

Why Low-Light Hanging Plants Are Apartment GOLD

Let’s be real: apartment lighting can be rough.

Between the north-facing windows, industrial walls, or that one corner that looks permanently haunted—plants that demand “bright indirect light” are just not in the cards for most of us.

1. That’s why low-light hanging plants are the move:
2. They make your space feel instantly more cozy and alive
3. Most are super low-maintenance (water once a week, tops!)

They double as decor—especially when paired with macrame, vintage baskets, or modern wall hooks

Many of them actually prefer shade

Okay, now let’s talk about the MVPs.

The MVP: Heartleaf Philodendron 💚

This is the one that started it all for me.

I was browsing a little plant shop downtown (let’s be honest—I went in for one tiny succulent and left with four hangers and a wishlist), and I spotted it: this sweet, trailing plant with deep green, heart-shaped leaves just cascading over the side of its pot.A cute one that looks good in any window is the Heartleaf Philodendron.

It was love at first leaf.

Why You’ll Love It:

Thrives in low light. Like… the bathroom with one tiny frosted window? Perfect.

Barely needs watering. Once a week is usually fine.

Grows fast and trails beautifully

Air-purifying bonus points!

I hung mine in a white rope macrame hanger near my bookshelf and wow—it made my rental living room feel like an intentional design choice.

8 More Low-Light Hanging Plants That’ll Bring Life to Your Space

If you want more than one green baby (and you will), here are some tried-and-true favorites:

Asparagus Fern

Feathery, light, and a total vibe. Loves humidity—perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.

Spider Plant

Classic for a reason. Hardy, adaptable, and gives you little “pups” to propagate.

Peperomia (especially the Watermelon kind)

Cute, compact, and super beginner-friendly. Looks like tiny watermelons—adorable.

Boston Fern

Fluffy, dramatic, and very into misting. If you have a corner with decent ambient light, it thrives.

Pothos (Golden Pothos FTW)

My mom used to grow these everywhere. They’re unfussy, beautiful, and grow like wild.

Arrowhead Vine

Easy to clean, striking colors, and stays pretty compact.

English Ivy

Old-school cool. Loves to trail, needs almost no supervision.

Pilea Glauca Silver Sparkle

Tiny, sparkly leaves that shimmer in the light. Just… so dreamy.

Bonus Round: 10 Succulent Hanging Plants for the “I Forget to Water” Crew

Listen—I get it. Life happens. Some weeks you’re thriving, other weeks you’re living off toast and iced coffee. If you want ultra-low-maintenance hanging plants, succulents are your soulmate.

String of Coins

Round, plump leaves that grow on trailing vines. So easy. So chic.

String of Hearts

Tiny heart-shaped leaves, purple undersides. Doesn’t mind being ignored.

String of Nickels

Cute, coin-shaped leaves. Just mist occasionally and it’ll thrive.

Crassula Pellucida Variegata (“Rainbow Bush”)

So colorful it looks fake. Minimal watering. Major wow factor.

String of Tears

Tiny tear-drop shaped leaves that spill over a pot. Delicate and adorable.

 String of Dolphins

Yes, really—each leaf looks like a tiny dolphin mid-jump. Literal joy.

String of Bananas

Looks like bananas. Fast grower. Fun and weird in the best way.

Elephant Bush

Thick leaves, pinkish tones, boho-approved.

Hens-and-Chicks

Not viney, but still hangable. Low light and nearly indestructible.

Where to Hang Them (Even in a Tiny Apartment)

In the corner of your living room, near the ceiling—draws the eye up and makes the space feel taller

Above your kitchen sink (hello, humidity!)

In the bathroom, especially if you want spa vibes

Along a floating shelf for that Pinterest-worthy trailing effect

By the bedroom window, even if the light is meh—it’ll still grow

How I Care for Mine (Without Becoming a Plant Person™️)

I’m not the kind of person who journals my plant’s moods or names them after Greek goddesses.

Here’s how I keep my green babies alive:

Water once a week (or when the top soil feels dry)

Dust the leaves every few weeks with a damp cloth (just once while I’m on the phone)

Rotate them every now and then so they grow evenly

Fertilize maybe once a month with a basic houseplant formula (or not—no pressure)

They don’t ask for much. But they give back a lot.

Plants Make Everything Feel Softer

There’s something magic about walking into a space filled with green. The air feels fresher. The corners feel warmer. The whole apartment just feels more you.

You don’t need a green thumb or a sun-drenched loft.

Just a hanging planter, a forgiving little leafy friend, and the occasional splash of water.

If you’re on the fence about trying your first indoor hanging plant—do it.

Start with a Heartleaf Philodendron or a Golden Pothos. You might be surprised how fast your space (and your mood) transforms.

Want help picking the perfect plant for your space? Drop me a comment—I’d love to hear what your apartment lighting situation looks like. Let’s grow your plant family one cozy corner at a time.