Hanging Basil Plant: A Creative Way to Add Greenery and Herbs to Your Home

Adding greenery to your living space is an excellent way to bring nature indoors. Houseplants not only look beautiful but they also purify the air. Hanging plants in particular, are a creative solution for adding greens when you have limited floor and table space. One of the best options for a hanging plant is basil. The basil plant not only looks lovely suspended in your home, but it also serves as a functional herb for cooking. In this article, we will explore why a hanging basil plant is such a great way to add greenery and herbs to your indoor environment.

Benefits of a Hanging Basil Plant

There are many advantages to incorporating a hanging potted basil plant in your home decor and gardening

• Space Saving – Hanging plants are perfect for small spaces. They don’t take up precious floor or table space Basil can be hung from ceilings, walls, patios, or anywhere you can install a sturdy hook

• Aesthetic Appeal – With its beautiful green leaves, a hanging basil plant adds a touch of nature to any indoor space. The interesting vertical display of a suspended plant is visually appealing and adds character.

• Purifies Air – Like all houseplants, basil helps remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Its air purification abilities make indoor spaces healthier.

• Provides Herbs – Fresh basil adds flavor to many recipes. Having basil growing in your kitchen gives you access to fresh herbs whenever you need them to cook.

• Decorative Options – You can find many styles of hanging pots, macrame plant holders, and supports to complement your basil plant’s display.

• Convenient Access – Since basil is right at hand, it’s easy to reach up and pluck fresh leaves as needed.

Choosing the Right Pot for Hanging Basil

The pot you select for a hanging basil plant is an important consideration:

• Make sure it is sturdy and has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent root rot from excess moisture.

• Plastic pots are lightweight. Terracotta and ceramic pots absorb moisture, making them heavier, so keep weight in mind when selecting a hanging pot.

• Choose a pot that is proportionate to the size of your basil plant—too large looks awkward and may be too heavy.

• Match the pot to your decor—an ornate pot for a Victorian decor or a simple one for modern decor.

• Consider a self-watering pot to maintain consistent moisture.

• Look for pots with an attached saucer to catch draining water if hanging over a floor or furniture.

Where to Hang a Basil Plant in Your Home

When deciding where to display your hanging basil, consider these factors:

• Light – Basil needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, so hang it in a bright southern or western window. If needed, use a grow light.

• Temperature – Avoid drafty areas and any space colder than 70°F. Basil prefers warm conditions around 75°F during the day and above 60°F at night.

• Air Circulation – Some airflow is good, but avoid areas with excessive drafts that will dry the plant out faster. Ceiling fans and vents can damage leaves.

• Convenience – Most people hang basil in the kitchen for easy harvesting while cooking. But it also looks great in sunny living rooms, studies, and greenhouses.

• Traffic Flow – Allow open space so people don’t bump the hanging pot as they pass by.

Hanging a Basil Plant

Installing hanging pots is an easy DIY project. Here are a few methods:

• Use a ceiling hook screwed into a rafter or stud. Test weight capacity before hanging a pot.

• Install shelf brackets or floating shelves. The pot can rest on the shelf or hang below it.

• Hang the pot from cabinet knobs or hinges using macrame or rope.

• Use adhesive hooks for hanging from windows and walls. Avoid plaster walls.

• Display multiple smaller pots in a vertical garden with a series of hanging supports at different heights.

• For patios and porches, hang pots from beams, latticework, or post hooks.

Caring for a Hanging Basil Plant

Though basil is not a high maintenance plant, there are a few care tips to keep in mind:

• Water regularly when the top inch of soil is dry. Basil likes moist but not saturated soil.

• Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity around the plant.

• Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.

• Prune back flower buds to prolong leaf production. Pinch off flowering stems.

• Watch for pests like aphids and spider mites. Treat immediately if spotted.

• Turn the pot periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure for even growth.

• Harvest leaves regularly by pinching stems right above leaf sets. Frequent harvesting discourages flowering.

Troubleshooting Issues with Hanging Basil Plants

Here are some common problems and solutions for hanging basil care:

• Yellow leaves – This can indicate too much or too little water. Check soil moisture and drainage.

• Dry leaf edges – Increase humidity around the plant using a pebble tray or misting.

• Leaf drop – If many leaves drop suddenly, the plant is stressed. Check light, water, pests, temperature, and fertilizer.

• Leggy growth – Prune back stems and pinch off flower buds. Move to a sunnier location.

• White powdery coating – This is powdery mildew fungus. Improve air circulation and isolate plant from others.

• Holes in leaves – Check for pest infestations like caterpillars and treat accordingly.

• Flowers and fewer leaves – Pinch off any flowering stems to encourage more leaf growth.

Using Fresh Basil from Your Hanging Plant

The real reward of growing basil is using its fragrant fresh leaves. Here are some ideas:

• Make homemade pesto, pasta sauce, pizza, soups, and salad dressings.

• Add chopped basil to omelets, sandwiches, fish, chicken, dips, and sauces.

• Mix into fruit salads, cocktails, lemonade, and iced tea for flavor.

• Garnish plates with whole basil leaves or edible flowers from the plant.

• Infuse olive oil or vinegar with basil leaves to make flavored oils and vinegars.

• Dry excess leaves to use when fresh basil isn’t available. Store in airtight containers.

• Freeze chopped basil in ice cube trays with water or olive oil for longer storage.

Hanging a potted basil plant opens up many creative options for bringing the benefits of houseplants and herbs indoors without taking up valuable floor space. With minimal care, a suspended basil plant will thrive and provide a beautiful, functional accent to your indoor environment. The possibilities are endless when you start hanging plants on walls and ceilings!