Hanging Plants: A Beginner's Guide to Indoor Gardening

Kokedama, which translates to "moss ball," is a Japanese style of gardening that yields breathtaking results. To make a kokedama, you wrap the roots of a small plant in sticky mud, then cover the ball with a blanket of moss. Japanese gardeners traditionally displayed the attractive arrangements on a shallow dish, but recent trends transform them into hanging plants. Assemble your first DIY kokedama with low-maintenance species, such as pothos, ferns, or succulents.

Macramé is a technique that uses various knots to create textiles, decorative items, and accessories. A DIY hanging planter is one of the easiest projects for a beginner. All you need is a considerable length of nylon rope or cotton macramé cord and a potted plant. Choose brightly colored threads to contrast with neutral-toned pots, or use a natural material to blend in with boho and rustic decor.

If you've got an old birdcage sitting in the garage, clean it out and find a sunny spot in the garden for a refurbished hanging planter. These structures work well due to their solid construction and attractive lines. Plant a philodendron and watch as its leaves creep through the bars and tumble elegantly downward, or pack a smaller cage with coco liner and fill the spaces in between cage bars with colorful succulents. If your birdcage opens from the top, try placing an entire potted plant inside.

If you're dealing with a lack of space, don't just settle for hanging one plant in the corner. Take that scrap wood out of the workshop and put it to use. Drill some holes in the corners and use lengths of rope or a strong cord to suspend your improvised shelf from the ceiling. Grow fresh herbs in front of the kitchen window or display heirlooms beside your favorite flowers. For added stability, drill larger holes in the shelf and nestle the pots within them to keep them from sliding off.

Found objects can double as garden decor, but too many in one spot can make your patio look cluttered. Move your guests' eyes upward by artfully displaying your found objects as hanging planters. Sow some blooms in that conch shell from your summer vacation, or drop a few wildflower seeds in those discarded rain boots. Suspend your creative containers around the perimeter of the patio, or use them to create a separate conversation area. Add twinkle lights for a romantic touch.

Some gardeners elevate their horticultural technique to an art form. Vertical gardens take advantage of limited space by displaying greenery either directly on the wall or in mounted planter boxes. Create your own version with an antique frame, or build a custom planter to fit your wall of choice. Bring your living wall inside with a low-maintenance moss garden, adding stones and other natural elements to complement your decor.

Air plants don't require any soil to grow; the right amount of sunlight, water, and comfortable temperatures will keep these unique plants thriving for years. Display them individually or in groups by suspending them in clear glass globes, which are widely available online and at garden centers. If you're working with a budget, use old teacups or glass jars to create DIY hanging planters. You can also fashion an air plant hanging mobile with a piece of salvaged driftwood or tree branches.

Mason jar hanging planters are a simple and attractive way to showcase small arrangements. Use them as vases to display fresh cut flowers from the garden. Attach hooks or a pegboard to the wall for hanging, or wrap twine around the necks of several jars, suspending them from an overhang. Hang a few in the kitchen window for a makeshift indoor herb garden.

A wooden dowel or metal tube makes a great hanging rod for potted plants. Installation isn't too difficult and provides lots of versatility for displaying your favorite flowers. This DIY hanging planter is especially suited to high-traffic areas and patios since you can add or remove pots quickly to create space. Use a reinforced tension rod for tight corners, and decorative chains and ropes for added style.

Keeping live plants inside is about more than just interior design. It's also a refreshing way to stay in touch with mother nature and take advantage of her benefits. Hang a metal grid from the ceiling as a horizontal trellis for ivys or similar climbing plants. Several species can grow quite long from a single, modest-sized pot, as long as they're well-maintained. Choose a brightly-lit room with tall windows for the best results.