Adding plants to your home or office provides so many benefits. Greenery purifies the air, reduces stress, and makes any space feel more lively and inviting. But sometimes, you just don’t have the tabletop or floor space for potted plants. That’s where hanging bat plants come in! These interesting and creative planters allow you to hang plants from your ceiling and walls, making use of vertical space to bring nature indoors.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bat plant hangers – what they are, the different types available, best plants to use, and tips for care and display. Read on to learn how to use these ingenious hangers to bring greenery, and a breath of fresh air, into your home or workspace.
What Are Hanging Bat Plants?
Hanging bat plant holders get their name from their shape – wide, rounded planters that hang down when suspended from the ceiling. Just like bats roosting in a cave, these planters “hang out” when mounted.
Bat-shaped planters first became popular in the 1970s, often made of macrame or ceramic. Today’s versions are available in a wide range of materials like metal, woven fiber, mesh, fabric, plastic, and recycled rubber. Sizes range from small 6″ bats to larger 2-3 foot wide versions.
No matter what material they’re made of the key benefit of these hanging planters is their versatility. They allow you to suspend plants in spots where regular pots just won’t work – high ceilings stairwells, corners, above cabinets, etc. And their whimsical shape adds a decorative flair wherever they’re displayed.
Different Types of Hanging Bat Planters
There are several styles of hanging bat planter to choose from. Consider which will work best for your space and décor.
Macrame Hanging Bats
Woven from natural fiber cords, these boho-chic macrame bats have an earthy, organic look The open weave allows for airflow to plant roots Macrame hangers come in shapes like simple rounded bats, winged bats, and triple-tiered planters.
Metal & Wire Bats
For an industrial modern vibe, try a hand-welded iron or steel bat holder. Or go with an open wire mesh frame that allows maximum airflow for plants. Metal bats work well with contemporary decor.
Fabric & Felt Bats
Soft fabric planters lend a cozy, relaxed feel. Look for bats made of natural linen, cotton, thick felt, or hemp. Softer materials are best for delicate trailing plants. Fabric bats come in fun patterns and colors too.
Recycled Rubber Bats
Eco-friendly recycled rubber bats are durable, lightweight, and weatherproof – great for outdoor use Made from recycled tires or sandals, they have a textured, tactile appeal The pliable rubber withstands wind and rain when hung outside.
Ceramic & Concrete Bats
For traditional or farmhouse decors, try a handcrafted ceramic or concrete bat. Concrete bats can be molded into organic, asymmetrical shapes. While glazed ceramic bats come in bright, glossy colors and detailed patterns.
Best Plants for Hanging Bat Planters
Once you’ve picked the perfect bat-shaped planter, it’s time to choose plants! Consider these factors when selecting greens for your hanging bat:
Sunlight Needs
Choose plants suitable for the light levels where your hanger will be displayed – low light, moderate indirect light, or bright direct sun.
Trailing Varieties
For the full bat effect, pick trailing vines that will cascade over the sides like ivy, philodendrons, or spider plants.
Air Purifying Plants
Since hangers draw attention upwards, go for botanicals that purify air – snake plants, peace lilies, ferns, pothos, or dracaena.
Pet-Safe Plants
If you have pets, be sure to choose hanging plants that are cat and dog friendly, avoiding poisonous varieties.
Here are some top choices for plants that do well in hanging bat planters:
- Philodendrons – Easy-care, propagate readily to fill out a planter
- English Ivy – Trails gracefully, helps filter indoor air
- Spider Plants – Propagates fast, neutralizes toxins
- Pothos – Cascades beautifully with heart-shaped leaves
- Peace Lily – Low light houseplant and natural air purifier
- Nephthytis – Striking arrowhead foliage on trailing vines
- Ferns – Add lush texture and thrive in shady spots
- Dracaena – Low maintenance stems with green or variegated leaves
The open nature of bat planters, with exposure on all sides, allows for lush tri-diagonal displays. Mix a few compatible plant varieties together for visual interest.
Tips for Caring for Hanging Bat Plants
Hanging plants in open bat-shaped planters have some unique care needs:
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Water thoroughly – Bats don’t hold much soil or roots, so plants dry out faster. Check daily and water when top inch of soil is dry.
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Use well-draining soil – To prevent rot in the humidity of pots, use a potting mix with perlite, vermiculite or bark.
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Mist frequently – Increase humidity around plants by misting bat planters daily with a spray bottle.
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Lightly fertilize – Every 2-4 weeks in growing season, use half strength all-purpose fertilizer to nourish plants.
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Trim back vines – Periodically prune trailing vines to encourage fullness and avoid legginess.
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Protect from winds – Shelter hanging bats from drafty spots to avoid drying and breakage.
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Bring indoors – In cold climates, hang bat planter indoors as houseplants in fall/winter.
With a little care, hanging bat plants will reward you with lush greenery in unique spaces. Follow these tips for successfully growing healthy, happy plants.
Creative Ways to Display Hanging Bat Plants
Once you’ve picked the perfect plants, it’s time for the fun part – deciding where to hang your bat planter! Here are some creative ideas:
Hallway Garden
Line a long hallway with a series of whimsical hanging bats. Dramatic display for a bold design statement.
Entryway Greeter
Welcome guests with a cheery hanging bat by your front door. Sets the tone for an earthy, nature-inspired home.
Kitchen Herb Garden
Hang culinary herbs like oregano, thyme and basil near kitchen windows or skylights. Handy for seasoning meals.
Sunroom Hanger
In a bright, warm sunroom, suspend bats filled with sun-loving plants like spider plants or dracaena.
Home Office
Add an air-purifying bat plant by your desk to boost focus, lower stress, and filter the air while you work.
Bathroom Plant
The humidity of bathrooms is ideal for tropical plants like ferns and philodendrons. Add a hanging bat beside the tub or shower.
Porch & Patios
Weatherproof rubber or wire bats are perfect for hanging on covered porches, patios and balconies.
Plant Wall
Create a living wall of plants by mounting rows of small hanging bats on a blank wall for a dramatic display.
Stairwell Greenery
Fill the vertical space in stairwells by mounting hanging bat planters along the ascent. Lush and eye-catching.
Window Boxes
Flank exterior windows with matching bats overflowing with ivy. Frames views outdoors with nature.
Let your imagination run wild dreaming up novel ways to integrate hanging bat plants into your home. They’re a versatile way to add greenery to any space.
Bring the Outdoors In With Hanging Bat Plants
I don’t know about you, but I’m “batty” for these inventive hanging planters! With so many styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect bat holders to match your home’s aesthetic.
Displaying plants in macrame, metal, fabric, or recycled rubber hanging bats allows you to take advantage of wasted vertical space. Mount them anywhere you need an infusion of nature – ceilings, walls, stairs, above shelving, by windows or in entryways.
Opt for trailing vines, air-purifying varieties, and plants suitable for your lighting conditions. Maintain good watering and humidity for your bats. Then get creative with ways to show off your new indoor gardens.
Hanging bat-shaped planters lend a whimsical, inviting feel to indoor spaces. They let you add liveliness, better air quality, and that essential touch of nature to any room. Embrace your inner bat lover and hang one (or a few) in your home today!
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