How to Grow and Care for Hanging Baskets
Bring nature indoors with indoor hanging baskets, the use of indoor plants is so beneficial to our mental and physical health what I love about indoor plants in particular hanging baskets is the beauty and restfulness it brings which can bring change creating an environment that is so inviting.
I have worked on many garden projects that involved designing and installing hanging baskets for the interior which were amazing that brought much flavor, what I also love about hanging baskets is if there isn’t enough space on the inside for installing container floor plants these baskets can be mounted on walls, from beams and other structures within the interior.
So let’s take a closer look at gardening above the ground as we take our interior to the next level with hanging baskets which can work wonders to bring that added touch.
Some rules to follow
- Location
- Soil Type
- Water Methods
- Fertilizing Methods
- Indoor garden pests
- Abiotic Conditions
- Disease and their control
- Type of hanging baskets
- Plants that are ideal for indoor hanging baskets
- Plant Grooming
- Transplanting operations
- Some plants that do well in hanging baskets
Location
The first rule to follow is location, just like installing garden plants outdoors in the right location, the same rules apply to indoor hanging baskets. Garden plants have different light requirements which are so important, when installing garden plants indoors we are placing them in a controlled environment where they are totally dependent on us for survival.
Some indoor plants love bright indirect light and there are those that prefer medium and still, there are others that hold up well under low lighting. Knowing which lighting your indoor plants require is the first step in the right direction. For example, if you install a plant that loves indirect bright light in a low-light area the leaves will turn from green to yellow and then brown followed by leaf drop.
There are some plants that are sensitive to bright light and if placed under these conditions will experience leaf burn which will take away from the beauty of your plant making it look sickly. So location plays a big part in order for your indoor plant to thrive.
Soil Type
The soil type is so important for your indoor plants to survive so get to know the soil requirements, the soil really does matter, as a rule, good potting soil will get your plants off to a great start.
Watering Methods
knowing your indoor plant’s water requirements is so important, different plants have their own watering needs, for example, aglaonema requires soil that is somewhat moist and is considered to be low maintenance whereas peace lilies require a good amount of water and are considered to be high maintenance even then monitor the amount of water you are giving your peace lily because though high-maintenance can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing Methods
Supplying the needed nutrients for your indoor plants is so important, water-soluble fertilizers such as 10-10-10 will do wonders. Some persons prefer to use slow-release, whether you’re using slow or quick-release read and follow the manufactures label for directions.
Garden Insect pests
Yes even in the interior garden insect pests will seek out your plants, it is best to keep your indoor plants, in particular, your hanging basket healthy by providing the right lighting, water, and fertilizer which will help them to bounce back quickly from insects attack. Some insects to keep an eye out for are mealybugs, scales, spider mites aphids, thrips, fungus gnats, and whiteflies. For more on the identification and control of these insect pests follow this link pest control method.
Disease and their control
The most common disease of indoor plants is root rot because of overwatering so get to know your plant’s water requirements to avoid this issue. For more on plant disease identification refer to the category section of this website.
Abiotic Conditions
Abiotic conditions are often confused with plant disease, plants disease is brought on by pathogens such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria whereas a plant that is influenced by abiotic conditions is brought on by lighting, water, soil, humidity, fertilizer, temperatures, and space.
The proper lighting
If your indoor plants are not getting the proper lighting will cause your plant to decline, a plant that requires low light under high light conditions will burn the plant’s foliage or leaves as was discussed earlier know your plant’s lighting requirements.
Water
Water also plays an important role in the health of garden plants, if there are impurities in the water such as chemicals, or if the water contains too much salt can have an adverse effect it is best to use bottled water or install a purifying system which will be a good help.
Humidity
Humidity is so important if the right humidity is not met this can also have a negative impact on your indoor plants, humidity level anywhere from 50-80 percent is ideal. To increase the humidity level consider misting your plants with water, grouping plants together, the use of a humidifier is an excellent choice, or placing your plants in trays with pebbles will also help.
Space
Don’t cram your hanging basket in a tight spot because this will cause your plant not to grow properly causing the leaves to mash and affecting the way it grows. Proper spacing or sufficient room will keep your plants growing healthy maintaining their natural form.
Transplanting Operations
If your garden plants have outgrown it’s hanging baskets this is the time to install them in larger baskets. When removing them be careful not to cause injury, grasp the plant firmly but pull gently once removed check the roots to ensure they are healthy looking ensure that the basket where your plant is moved to has a plastic tray.
This plastic tray should be large enough to sit in the hanging basket comfortably, add about 2 inches of soil in the tray sit your plant in the tray and continue to fill with soil. The soil that is used should be good garden soil, once the soil covers the entire root ball firm the soil around the plant and give it some water ensuring that the soil is moist not waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat before giving another drink.
Type of hanging baskets
There are so many shapes and sizes to choose from so ensure whichever style and size are chosen your plants are sitting comfortably.
Plants that are ideal for indoor hanging baskets
Here are just a few garden plants that do well when grown from a hanging basket.
1. Pothos Vines.
2. Arrowhead Plant.
3. Begonias.
4. Ferns.
5. Chenille.
6. English Ivy.
7. Spider Plant.
Plant Grooming
1. Keeping your garden plants well-groomed will go a long way in growing healthy plants, with a pruner remove plant parts that are growing too large and too long the reason for this is to control their growth and maintain their form.
2. Keep a feather duster on hand to keep plants free of dust.
3. Soaking a clean cloth in soapy water that is clean and whipping the leaves will keep them free of dust, soap solution will also eliminate garden insect pests such as mealybugs, scales, and spider mites. The use of horticultural oil and insecticidal soap will help also. Before using chemicals read and follow the manufactures label.
The final word
Hanging baskets can transform your interior, these garden beauties can work wonders and the great part about indoor plants is they can purify the air that we breathe so with these plants we get the best of both worlds. Make indoor hanging baskets a part of your interior and take advantage of the benefits they bring.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I am new in gardening and I have yet to try any indoor hanging plant. The idea of having plants indoor sounds really good – greener home and nicer view.
My outdoor plants are always plagued with mealy bugs and I haven’t figured out a way to get rid of them effectively. That’s why I am hesitated to have plants indoor. I followed your link to the pest control method and I have learned a lot. Hopefully it will get rid of my problem soon.
So happy to hear that you have taken an interest in hanging baskets. Plants are so beneficial therefore I think we should have them in as well as outdoors. About the mealybugs which can be a real issue they can do so much destruction but the good news is that with proven methods which I have discussed will rid your garden of them. Wishing you the best of success and please let me know how it goes.
Hi Norman, another informative post from you. I must admit I’m a bit agnostic when it comes to hanging plant baskets. If maintained regularly, they can really brighten up an indoor space, however I think we all have those horror stories of a friend or family member’s house with rows of overgrown or half-dead plants hanging from the ceiling.
At heart I am a pragmatist and I like to have plants around me that have some sort of enduring benefit rather than a plant for a plant’s sake. For example, a small herb garden in the kitchen. Do you recommend planting vegetable or fruit plants in hanging baskets or should the baskets only be used with ornamental-like plants?
It is good to think outside the book with this great idea, there is no set rule and you can be free to experiment. Nothing like picking fresh herbs from your indoor hanging basket I will write an article on this. This is a great way to bring nature indoors while living a healthy lifestyle.
Hi, Norman.
Thanks for sharing the information on indoor hanging plant baskets. It was really exhaustive information on hanging baskets full of useful tips. I liked the list of plants that are suitable for indoor hanging baskets and will try Begonias and Chenille in my next change. Overall very useful information and I am bookmarking this page for future reference.
Warm Regards,
Gaurav Gaur
Thanks again and I am so happy to help, hanging basket are so great to have and you will love the change that it brings.
I love indoor hanging plants, so this post provided me with some valuable information. So far I have only Spider plant indoor, and in the summer time I have Begonias on my balcony. I hope my local store will have Pothos Vines, because it would perfectly compliment Spider plant in my living room.
Do you have any recommendation where to buy nice hanging baskets?
Hello, it is so good to hear that you are growing a few plants. Garden plants are so beneficial besides beautifying. Hanging baskets can be purchased from your local plant nursery or garden center.
Hi i found your article very informative and useful .I have learnt a lot from your article .I agree that in order to Courtyard garden we need to consider few things like right choice of plants for the grounds, going with container grown plants, garden features , enclosures etc. Choosing the right pot is very importnat for example aloe vera plants cannot tolerate standing water so i always make sure that the pot has plenty of drainage holes.I like the list of flowering plants you provided . It will be very useful for me.
I will bookmark your page and website.
keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing this great article!
Hello so happy to help and thanks so much for sharing. All the best to you.