How to Water Hanging Houseplants

Hanging plants add a graceful look to a patio or entryway - or your living room. Indoor plants require special treatment at watering time to avoid a mess. Here's how to water plants in hanging planters that have an attached saucer.

Things You'll Need

• Self-watering Pots
• Watering Cans
• Ladders

Instructions

1. Take the hanging plant down to water it. Carefully lift the plant a bit to release the hook from the eye. If your plant is hung from chains or rope, you may have to use a ladder to take it down each time you water.

2. Soak the entire pot in a sink or deep basin until the soil stops bubbling. Bubbles mean there is air in the soil.

3. Remove the plant from the basin of water and allow to it drain before hanging it again.

4. Check the soil frequently; hanging plants dry out much more quickly because of the constant air circulation.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose hardy plants such as asparagus fern, wandering Jew or ivy to grow in hanging containers.

• Grow succulent plants that don't use much water in hanging planters. Rosary vine, donkey's tail and some sedums do very well indoors.

• Alternatively, use a self-watering pot for hanging plants. These require only occasional refilling of the reservoir. Self-watering pots are inexpensive and are available at garden centers and nursery supply stores.

• Runoff from watering can damage floors and carpeting. Make sure the plant has drained its excess moisture before rehanging.

• Self-watering containers are very heavy. They should be hung from a beam or sturdy support.