Adding trailing plants to your indoor space not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also brings a touch of nature indoors. Trailing plants, with their cascading foliage, are a popular choice for interior decoration due to their ability to soften the edges of a room and create a cosy atmosphere. While they are often potted, mounting trailing plants can elevate their visual impact and save valuable floor space.

Choosing The Right Plant:

Before installing trailing plants indoors, it's essential to choose the right varieties that suit your space and lifestyle. Consider factors such as light levels, humidity, and space availability. Some popular trailing plants that thrive indoors include:

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is one of the most popular trailing plants due to its lush, heart-shaped leaves and tolerance for low light conditions. It comes in various cultivars with different leaf patterns, including golden, marble, and neon green.
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are admired for their arching foliage and air-purifying properties. They produce long, slender leaves with white stripes and produce offsets, or "spiderettes," that dangle from the parent plant, creating a cascading effect.
• String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): String of Pearls is a unique succulent with trailing stems adorned with spherical, bead-like leaves that resemble pearls. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or elevated planters.
• Philodendron (Philodendron spp.): Philodendrons are versatile trailing plants that come in various species and cultivars, including Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) and Brasil Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'). They feature heart-shaped or elongated leaves and are adaptable to a wide range of indoor conditions.
• Hoyas (Hoya spp.): Hoyas, also known as Wax Plants, are prized for their waxy, often fragrant flowers and cascading growth habit. They feature thick, succulent-like leaves and are well-suited for hanging baskets or mounted on trellises.
• English Ivy (Hedera helix): English Ivy is a classic trailing plant with small, deep green leaves that form dense mats as they grow. It's a fast-growing vine that can be trained to climb or left to cascade from hanging baskets or elevated planters.
• Tradescantia (Tradescantia spp.): Tradescantias, also known as Spiderwort, are fast-growing trailing plants with colourful foliage and delicate flowers. They come in various cultivars with different leaf colours, including green, purple, and variegated varieties.

Elevated Position:

While traditional potted arrangements are popular, mounting trailing plants offers a creative alternative that maximizes vertical space and creates eye-catching displays without taking up floor space.

• Hanging Baskets: Hanging baskets are a classic choice for displaying trailing plants. Choose baskets with a liner to hold the soil and prevent water from dripping onto your floors. Opt for lightweight materials such as wicker or rattan for a natural look. Hang the baskets from hooks or ceiling-mounted brackets near windows to provide ample sunlight for your plants.
• Wall-Mounted Planters: Wall-mounted planters are a space-saving solution for displaying trailing plants vertically. These planters come in various materials, including metal, ceramic, and wood, allowing you to match them to your decor style. Install them on empty walls or in unused corners to create eye-catching greenery displays. Rotate the planters regularly to ensure even sunlight exposure for all sides of the plants.
• Macramé Plant Hangers: Add a bohemian touch to your indoor space with macramé plant hangers. These decorative hangers are crafted from knotted ropes and are perfect for showcasing trailing plants such as pothos or spider plants. Hang them near windows or in well-lit corners to provide sufficient light for your plants. Keep an eye on the hanger's condition, and replace it if it shows signs of wear to prevent accidents. Trim any overgrown or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and maintain the plant's shape.
• Mounted Shelves: Mounted shelves offer a versatile way to display trailing plants while also providing additional storage space. Choose sturdy shelves that can support the weight of the plant pots and soil. Arrange the shelves at different heights to create visual interest and allow each plant to receive adequate sunlight. Consider mixing and matching plant varieties with different foliage colours and textures for a dynamic display. Dust the leaves regularly to keep them free from debris and ensure proper photosynthesis.

Secure The Stems:

Secure trailing stems along a wall for artistic and eye-catching displays. To do this you have several options depending on the aesthetics you prefer and the specific needs of your plant. Here are some commonly used methods:

• Soft Ties or Twine: Soft ties or twine are gentle options for securing trailing plants to a wall-mounted trellis or grid. These materials are flexible and won't damage the plant's delicate stems. Simply wrap the ties or twine around the stems and attach them to the trellis or grid, allowing the plant to trail along the surface.
• Plant Clips or Velcro Strips: Plant clips or Velcro strips are designed specifically for securing plants to support structures. They are easy to use and provide a secure hold without damaging the plant. Attach the clips or Velcro strips to the trailing stems and then fasten them to the trellis or grid.
• Fishing Line or Invisible Wire: Fishing line or invisible wire can be used to create a minimalist look for securing trailing plants to a wall. Tie one end of the line to the trellis or grid and the other end to the trailing stems of the plant, allowing them to hang freely. This method gives the illusion of the plant floating along the wall.
• Translucent Adhesive Hooks or Mounting Tape: Adhesive hooks or mounting tape are convenient options for temporarily securing trailing stems to a wall. Translucent adhesive hooks will be easier to hide among the foliage but you can use any colour you choose. Attach the hooks or tape to the wall surface as your plant grows. If your plant already has abundant growth, you can gently bend the stems into the positions you desire and secure them with hooks or tape. Keep in mind, that adhesive hooks may not be suitable for heavy plants like Monstera or larger Philodendron stems and could damage the wall surface if removed by force.
• Wire Grids or Mesh Panels: Wire grids or mesh panels can serve as a sturdy framework for training trailing plants along a wall. Attach the grid or panel to the wall and guide the plant's stems through the openings. This method provides ample support for the plant and allows for easy maintenance.
• Wooden Frames: For a rustic or natural look, consider using wooden frames as a support structure for trailing plants. Attach the frames to the wall and weave the plant's stems through the openings or attach them using soft ties or twine. Wooden frames add a decorative element to your wall while providing support for the plants.

Whether you prefer the classic elegance of hanging baskets or the modern simplicity of wall-mounted planters, there's a way to hang your trailing plants to suit every style and preference. Whatever method you choose, ensure it is gentle on the plant's stems to avoid damaging them. Choose a securing method that allows you to adjust the position of the plant as it grows, and ensure the securing method provides adequate support for the weight of the plant and soil.