Indoor plants are a great decor option for small apartments or houses without backyards, and are a natural addition to your home. However, if you lack floor or shelf space, want to free up counter space, or keep your plants away from children and pets, a hanging planter offers a quick and practical way to display your favorite flora. Learn how to hang plants from the ceiling with this DIY guide.

How to Hang Plants From the Ceiling
Types of Hanging Planters
Types of Hanging Hardware
Types of Planter Hooks

How to Hang Plants From the Ceiling

Hanging plants indoors is not a difficult task, it just requires the correct tools so you can securely install your hanging planter in the ideal spot. For this quick and simple project you will need the following.

Tools:

• Plant hanger of your choice.
• Plant hook – this will depend on the type of plant hanger you choose as well as where you plan to install it.
• Stud finder – if you are going to install a hook, you need to find the stud.
• Power drill and drill bit – make sure the drill bit is smaller than the plant hanger you select.
• Pencil – to mark your installation location.
• Step ladder – so you can safely reach the ceiling.

Step 1: Select Your Indoor Hanging Planter

Before you begin, you will need to know what plant you plan to hang indoors. If you haven't already chosen your indoor plant, you may want to read our guides: Plant Care: Best Indoor Plants & How to Care For Them, or The Best Houseplants to Grow Indoors, to find the right one for you.

Step 2: Select Your Plant Hook

After choosing your hanging planter, you will need to purchase the appropriate hook. This is affected by the size and weight of your planter, the aesthetic you are looking for, and your type of ceiling.

Step 3: Install Plant Hook

Once you have all your tools and hardware gathered, it is finally time to install your hanging planter. Begin by selecting your installation location and ensure you have enough surrounding space to water your plants and room for them to grow. Use your ladder to climb up and mark the spot with a pencil. Your installation method depends on the type of hanging hardware you select which is in turn affected by your ceiling material.

Step 4: Hang Your Plant

Whether you choose to create a floating garden with several hanging plants together, or show off a statement piece to wow guests, you can rest assured that your hanging planters are safely installed.

Types of Hanging Planters

Choosing your planter is a personal decision and here are a number of ways you can determine which you prefer, whether based on aesthetics, material, or quantity.

Decor: You can choose your indoor hanging planter based on your interior design style. If you have a bohemian theme then macrame and rope will work well. For a more modern hanging planter, geometric shapes look great. Or for a rustic aesthetic, coconut liners make for a homey feel.

Material: You may want to choose your hanging planter based on the material. Plastic planter pots are more lightweight than the others. Metal is stylish and attractive with a modern feel. Ceramic is more traditional and can fit in well with most decor.

Shape: You can choose the shape of your indoor hanging planter based on the amount of space you have available and how many plants you intend to grow. Round hanging planters are the most popular and take up little space. Rectangles offer more growing room. For a quirky or statement piece, a novelty planter is a great option.

Tip!

Remember hanging planters with open drainage holes will leak when watered, so be sure to account for that. Alternatively choose plants with minimal watering needs such as succulents and cacti.

Number: If you plan to install indoor hanging planters throughout your home or hang a few together, you may want to consider purchasing more than one. A set of hanging flower pots will help create a cohesive style.

Tip!

Buy a self-watering hanging planter to cut down on plant maintenance.

Types of Hanging Hardware

Selecting the correct hanging hardware will depend on where you plan to hang your plant and which installation locations are available to you.

Hook Screw:The most common option for indoor hanging planters is a hook screw.
The one side has a hook to hang items from, while the other end has a screw installed into the stud or ceiling joists for a secure hold.

Tip!

Plastic wall anchors are not suitable for ceiling installation.

Toggle-Bolt: A toggle-bolt comprises a spring-loaded anchor on one end and a bolt on the other. The anchor opens up behind the ceiling for a wide grip. They are best used on drywall or where installation on a stud is not possible.

Tip!

To avoid injury or damage, check the weight of both your hanging planter and the weight capacity of the hanging hardware to ensure they will safely be supported.

Types of Planter Hooks

Choosing your planter hook is also dependent on the installation location, so you will need to judge which will work best.

S-Hook: For a drill-free installation, choose a large S-hook. The S-shape allows for one side to hook over an exposed beam or pipe, while the other side allows you to hang your planter.

Stud/Joist: Installing a plant hook directly into a stud or a joist is a good way to get a strong grip. To do so, use a drill bit that is the same diameter as the shank (pointed end) of the hook, not the threads. Drill your pilot hole slightly deeper than the length of the threaded shaft. Push the screw into the hole and twist it until it is tightened and the base of the hook is flush with the ceiling.

Drywall:A toggle-bolt is best used in drywall ceilings because there is no beam or stud to drill into. Find a hollow spot in the ceiling and drill a hole the size of the top of the toggle-bolt when it is shut – this is usually around 1/2 of an inch. Pinch the wings of the toggle-bolt and insert it through the hole. Once the wings are spread out in the hollow area, tighten the bolt until it is flush with the ceiling for a secure mount.

Exposed Beam/Pipe: If you have any exposed beams or pipes and don't wish to install hardware, an S-hook is a great way to hang plants. Simply secure the S-hook over the pipe and hang the planter off the other side. These hooks can easily be moved around, giving you more freedom with your hanging planter.

Now that you know how to hang plants from the ceiling, shop our store to find the perfect one for you.