Flowering house plants Hanging plants

Draped over the edge of shelves or suspended from a curtain pole, trailing plants are ideal for those short on space, says Sarah Gerrard-Jones

- Sarah Gerrard-Jones

A friend's kitchen window looks onto a busy thoroughfare. Seeking privacy, but not enamoured with having blinds or curtains closed during the day, they came up with the ideal solution - hanging plants. Numerous trailing plants hooked onto the curtain pole are perfectly positioned to absorb light, provide coverage from prying eyes and make an interior-design statement.

Plants such as Ceropegia linearis woodii, otherwise known as hearts on a string, can grow up to 4m long and, if given enough light, will reward you with fascinating tubular flowers in hues of white, pink and purple. Hanging plants can also help zone a space, soften hard edges and create privacy, but light must be the priority if they are to bloom.

TOP TIP

Both Ceropegia woodii and sandersonii are non-toxic to animals

Hearts on a string 

Ceropegia linearis woodii