We can’t pinpoint exactly when it happened, but society has witnessed a serious plant boom in recent years. Horticulture and gardening used to be hobbies that were reserved for over 50s, and in possession of a decent outdoor space – an increasingly rare luxury in cities such as London.
Nevertheless, whether initiated over lockdown to fill the time or to transform the interiors of sad, compact flat, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a home belonging to a millennial or Gen Z-er that doesn’t have some sort of succulent or bustling green organism as décor.
The trend may also be traced to the increased popularity of making an effort to live sustainably. The development of innovative indoor horticultural devices such as hydroponic farmstands and fancy indoor herb gardens has proven that you don’t need to live in the countryside to grow your own produce. Farm-to-table cooking and developing a zero-waste lifestyle has truly never been easier, though it does have a way to go until it can become an affordable hobby for all city-dwellers.
Though we wouldn’t go as far as comparing plant ownership to being a pet parent, it’s important that all people in possession of a living organism be reminded that they are – in fact – alive. If you don’t water, feed, clean and care for your plant child, they simply won’t last. You’ll be left with the sad skeleton of what once was, and what could’ve been.
Rather than developing a graveyard of mouldy, infested and utterly depressing greens or succulents, we recommend reading up on the many, varied pieces of horticultural literature on the market so that you can care for your new additions properly. After all, if the ancient Romans could keep houseplants alive and well, you can too.
By far the most chic, hardy and easy-to-care-for type of plant that has risen in popularity to accommodate this plant boom are the many, varied varieties of hanging plants. Not only do they make a fantastic, dramatic, draping addition to any space, but they also often require far less watering than traditional houseplants.
To be frank, some hanging plants are just garden weeds with a good PR strategy– they’ll grow no matter how hostile the environment.
For those looking to improve on their bustling hanging plant collection, or are newbies to the game who are interested in purchasing their very first green friend – we’ve rounded up a selection of the best plants for hanging baskets and pots. Keep scrolling to keep growing.
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String of Nickels / Dischidia imbricata
One of the easiest, and loveliest hanging plants to care for, the String of Nickels doesn’t need a lot of water to thrive. So much so, that Patch recommends letting its soil dry out completely before its next watering.
Nocturnal wanderers and haters of daylight may also rejoice, for this plant can tolerate medium to lower light conditions. Due to its slightly tropical nature, however, it might need to be brought into a steamy shower room every now and then for the best growth results.
Buy now £20.00, Patch
Heart-Leaf / Philodendron
Romantic, feminine and oh-so-sweet, the Heart-Leaf hanging vine plant can truly go the distance if cared for properly. Native to Central America and the Caribbean, this climbing fiend can reach heights of up to six metres on its home soil.
When watered correctly and placed in a loving environment, you too might be able to make your Philodendron climb untold heights.
Buy now £15.00, Patch
Wandering Dude / Tradescantia Zebrina
Don’t be fooled by the Wandering Dude’s seemingly small stature – this plant will grow for metres upon metres no matter how often you prune it. Pleasingly purple and green, the Trandescantia Zebrina is also extremely easy to propagate, so you’ll be able to sustainably gift your plant’s offcuts to friends and loved ones in no time.
Buy now £14.95, Bloombox Club
String of Hearts / Ceropegia
A heart-shaped option for the lovers out there, the String of Hearts doesn’t need to be watered often and won’t thrive in wet environments. This makes Ceropegias fantastic options for travellers and workaholics who don’t always remember to care for their green friends.
Buy now £18.00, Patch
Geranium Seeds - Vista Series Red F2
A more traditional habitant for hanging baskets is an evergreen bloom. You’ll often see cadmium red, half-hardy perennial geraniums on the windowsills of French apartments. Bring out your inner Francophile with a bustling basket full of these delightful posies.
Buy now £0.89, Dobies
Burro’s Tail / Sedum morganianum
This lovely, alien-like succulent may look as though it’s been sourced from another planet, but it’ll certainly thrive in an Earthly habitat. Offering the best of both worlds, this succulent-vine plant hybrid requires minimal care for its rope-like, bushy tassels to grow.
Buy now £19.99, Crocus
Indian Mint / Satureia douglasii
Unlike traditional mint plants which have a habit of growing upwards, Indian Mint has a habit of producing beautiful, creeping trails. Non-invasive and capable of growing up to 50cm, add this plant to your wheelbarrow for a natural, reviving scent and fairytale aesthetic. Nightly fresh mint tea awaits.
Buy now £5.50, Amazon
Swiss cheese plant / Monstera
Whether you know this forest green wonder as a Swiss cheese plant, Monkey Leaf, or simply refer to it as ‘that plant all millennials seem to own’ – Monsteras make a brilliant draping houseplant for hanging baskets.
Unlike the majority of hanging plants, however, the Monstera loves humidity. Keep this friend’s soil moist, but never damp. You’ll also want to invest in a plant mister, as you should spray your Monstera leaves with water at least once a week.
Buy now £16.99, Bakker
Trailing Rosemary / Rosmarinus officinalis – pack of three
Producing a similar, ethereal effect to fantastical Wisteria – Trailing Rosemary is just as stunning, perennial and far easier to care for. Plus, your home and garden will constantly smell like the woody and aromatic fresh herb. It’s a win-win situation.
Buy now £29.95, Gardening Express
