How to Hang Cactus House Plants

Flowering cactus can drape from hanging baskets.

Tropical cactus plants like the Christmas cactus cascade dramatically from hanging baskets; but you can place other, more subtle cacti or succulent plants in a hanging planter as well. The main consideration is to honor the cactus' preferred growing environment by giving it adequate sun exposure. Expect to spend around an hour getting your hanging plant set up.

Things You'll Need

• Hanging basket
• Soil-less potting media (optional)
• Pencil
• Electric drill
• Hook
• Chain (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the cactus container inside a hanging basket that has no holes on the bottom. Alternately, remove the plant from its container and transplant it directly into a hanging basket planter that's been filled halfway with soil-less potting media. Add extra potting media around the plant to securely plant it.

   If you're transplanting a spiny cactus, grasp the plant with kitchen tongs or roll several sheets of newspaper around it to securely move it. Then pull the plant out of its container and transplant to the new container.

2. Look around your home to determine the best location for your planter. Most cactus varieties need full sun, so target areas with the best sun exposure. Have a friend hold your plant up to the ceiling or wall, then examine it to determine if you like the location.

3. Determine how long you want the plant to hang. If the basket's arm does not hang the plant low enough, you'll need an extender.

4. Mark the spot on the wall or ceiling where you want to hang the planter, using a pencil.

5. Drill a hole for the hook with your electric drill. Insert the hook into the ceiling or wall and screw to tighten.

6. Place the basket containing your cactus on the hook. If you're using a chain to extend the length, slip this over your hook then slip the basket's hook through the chain's bottom loop.

7. Enjoy your hanging plant. Check it every couple of weeks to determine if you need to water. Remove it for watering if our container has drainage holes, then hang it back on the hook.

References

• Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection: Indoor Plants for Hanging Around
• Gardening KnowHow: Cactus and Succulents Inside the Home