The best indoor plants for wall shelves add a touch of greenery while making great use of the vertical space in your home. Whether you want trailing vines or compact plants, there are plenty of incredible options that thrive on shelves.
But which plants work best – and how can you style them to create a balanced, eye-catching display?
Let’s explore the top plants for wall shelves and how to showcase them beautifully.
Table of Contents
Quick Care Guide for Most Common Houseplants 💚
⭐ How to start? Easy, hard-to-kill plants like Monstera or Pothos are usually a great starting point.
💧 Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but avoid letting them sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for indoor plants - I personally use this one. A mix with peat, perlite, or coco coir is great for avoiding soggy roots.
☀️ Light: Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause leaf drop, while direct sun may scorch the leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep them between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and away from drafts, heaters or air conditioners.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Hold off during fall and winter.
1. String of Pearls
String of Pearls is a fantastic choice for wall shelves. This unique plant has long, slender stems covered in small, round leaves that look like tiny green pearls. You’ll love how it cascades down from your shelf, creating a waterfall effect.
Caring for String of Pearls is pretty simple. It thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn’t need much water. Let the soil dry out between waterings to keep your plant happy and healthy.
This succulent is perfect for adding texture and interest to your indoor space. It’s a great conversation starter and can really liven up a plain wall shelf. Just be careful – it’s toxic if ingested, so keep it away from pets and kids.
2. Pothos
Pothos is a great choice for wall shelves. It’s easy to care for and grows quickly, making it perfect for beginners. You can let its vines trail down from the shelf for a dramatic look.
This plant thrives in low to moderate light, so it’s ideal for rooms without much natural sunlight. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Also known as Devil’s Ivy, your pothos will adapt well to various indoor conditions.
You can propagate pothos easily by cutting a stem and placing it in water. Once roots develop, plant it in soil. This allows you to create more plants for your shelves or share with friends.
3. Spider Plant
Spider plants are perfect for wall shelves. They’re low-maintenance and can thrive in various light conditions. Their cascading leaves create a stunning waterfall effect, making them a great choice for high shelves.
These hardy plants don’t need much water or attention. You can easily propagate them by planting their “spiderettes” – the small offshoots that dangle from the main plant. This makes them a fun and rewarding choice for both new and experienced plant parents.
Spider plants also help purify the air in your home. They’re known to remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. Plus, they’re safe for pets, so you won’t have to worry about curious cats or dogs nibbling on them.
4. English Ivy
English Ivy is a classic choice for wall shelves. It’s easy to grow and adds a touch of elegance to any room. You’ll love how it cascades down from shelves, creating a lush, green waterfall effect.
This versatile plant doesn’t need much light, making it perfect for dimmer spaces. It’s also great at purifying the air, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Just be careful if you have pets – English Ivy can be toxic if ingested.
Water your ivy when the top inch of soil feels dry. Give it a good misting now and then to keep the leaves healthy and dust-free. With minimal care, your English Ivy will thrive and bring a bit of nature indoors.
5. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are perfect for wall shelves. They have lush, feathery fronds that cascade down, creating a beautiful green waterfall effect. You’ll love how these plants soften the look of any room with their delicate appearance.
These ferns thrive in bright, indirect light – making them ideal for shelves near windows. They prefer humid environments, so misting them regularly or placing a small humidifier nearby will keep them happy.
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Boston Ferns are non-toxic to pets, which is great if you have furry friends at home. Just be sure to water them consistently and keep the soil slightly moist. With proper care, your Boston Fern will be a stunning addition to your wall shelf decor.
6. Philodendron Micans
Philodendron Micans is a great choice for wall shelves. Its velvety, heart-shaped leaves add a touch of elegance to any space. You’ll love how this plant’s trailing vines create a lush, cascading effect.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s perfect for those who want a striking indoor plant without much fuss. Philodendron Micans grows well in humid environments, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
Water your Micans when the top inch of soil feels dry. You can easily propagate it by taking stem cuttings and placing them in water. This plant’s compact size makes it a versatile option for various shelf sizes and styles.
7. Peperomia Hope
Peperomia Hope is a charming, low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for wall shelves. Its trailing vines and small, heart-shaped leaves create a beautiful cascading effect.
You’ll love how this plant adds a touch of green to your space without requiring much care.
This easy-going plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Peperomia Hope is also pet-friendly, making it a great choice for homes with furry friends.
8. String of Hearts
String of Hearts is a lovely trailing plant perfect for wall shelves. Its heart-shaped leaves cascade down in long strands, creating a romantic look. You’ll love how easy it is to care for – it thrives in bright indirect light and doesn’t need frequent watering.
This plant grows quickly, so you’ll see results fast. It’s great for adding a soft, natural touch to any room. The String of Hearts is also known as Ceropegia woodii or rosary vine.
You can propagate it easily by taking stem cuttings. This makes it a great choice if you want to expand your plant collection or share with friends. Remember to use well-draining soil to keep your String of Hearts happy and healthy.
9. Bird’s Nest Fern
Bird’s Nest Ferns are perfect for wall shelves. They have unique, wavy fronds that form a nest-like shape. These ferns add a touch of tropical flair to any room.
You’ll love how easy Bird’s Nest Ferns are to care for. They thrive in medium to low light conditions, making them ideal for indoor spaces. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry.
These ferns prefer humid environments, so misting their leaves regularly will keep them happy. They’re also non-toxic to pets, so you can place them anywhere without worry. With their striking appearance and low maintenance needs, Bird’s Nest Ferns are a great choice for your wall shelves.
10. Rabbit’s Foot Fern
Rabbit’s Foot Fern is a unique and eye-catching plant for wall shelves. It gets its name from the fuzzy rhizomes that grow over the pot’s edge, resembling rabbit’s feet.
This fern thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers high humidity. To keep your Rabbit’s Foot Fern happy, mist it regularly or place it near a humidifier.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, but don’t let it sit in water. This plant is perfect for hanging baskets or elevated shelves where its distinctive rhizomes can cascade down.
Trim the fronds occasionally to maintain its shape and remove any brown or yellowing leaves. With proper care, your Rabbit’s Foot Fern will be a charming addition to your indoor plant collection.
11. Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron is a perfect choice for wall shelves. It’s known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines that can gracefully cascade down your shelves. This plant is super easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners or busy plant parents.
You’ll love how adaptable Heartleaf Philodendron is to different light conditions. It thrives in medium to low light, so it’s great for shelves that don’t get a ton of sun. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and you’re good to go.
These plants are natural air purifiers, helping to keep your indoor air clean and fresh. They’re also fast growers, so you’ll quickly see your shelf transform into a lush green oasis. With minimal care, your Heartleaf Philodendron will be a beautiful addition to your wall shelves for years to come.
12. Trailing Jade
Trailing Jade is a perfect choice for wall shelves. Its cascading vines create a beautiful, green waterfall effect as they spill over the edges. You’ll love how easy it is to care for – it thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs watering when the soil feels dry.
This hardy plant can tolerate some neglect, making it ideal for busy plant parents. Its small, round leaves stay green year-round, adding a pop of color to your space. Trailing Jade grows slowly, so you won’t need to prune it often.
You can easily propagate Trailing Jade by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil. This lets you create new plants to fill more shelves or share with friends.
13. Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a top choice for wall shelves. It’s easy to grow, tolerant of low light, and has beautiful trailing vines. You’ll love how its heart-shaped leaves add a pop of green and gold to your space.
This plant is perfect for beginners. It doesn’t need much water or attention to thrive. You can let the soil dry out between waterings, making it ideal for busy plant parents.
Golden Pothos also helps purify the air in your home. It removes common indoor pollutants, improving your air quality while looking great on your shelves.
14. Lipstick Plant
Lipstick plants are perfect for wall shelves due to their trailing vines and vibrant red flowers. These eye-catching plants add a pop of color to any room. You’ll love how their unique blooms resemble tubes of lipstick.
Caring for lipstick plants is relatively easy. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
These plants thrive in humid environments, making them great for bathrooms or kitchens. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing a pebble tray filled with water nearby.
15. Monstera
Monstera deliciosa, or the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular choice for wall shelves. It’s known for its large, glossy leaves with distinctive holes and splits. This tropical beauty can thrive in indirect light, making it perfect for indoor spaces.
Monsteras are low-maintenance and easy to care for. You’ll only need to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. They grow quickly and can become quite large, so be sure to give them enough space on your shelf.
These plants add a touch of jungle-like greenery to any room. Their unique leaf patterns create interesting shadows and textures, making them a great focal point. With proper care, your Monstera will be a stunning addition to your wall shelf display.
16. Creeping Fig
Creeping Fig is a versatile vine that’s perfect for wall shelves. Its small, heart-shaped leaves create a lush green carpet as it grows. You can train it to climb or trail, making it adaptable to various shelf styles.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. Creeping Fig doesn’t need much pruning, but you can trim it to maintain your desired shape.
It’s a low-maintenance option that adds a touch of nature to your indoor spaces. The dense foliage can soften the look of hard surfaces and create a cozy atmosphere in any room.
17. Hoya Linearis
Hoya Linearis is a stunning trailing plant perfect for wall shelves. Its long, thin leaves cascade downward, creating a beautiful waterfall effect. You’ll love how this plant adds a touch of elegance to any space.
This Hoya variety is low-maintenance and doesn’t need frequent watering. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. You’ll find it grows best in well-draining soil and prefers slightly humid conditions.
As it matures, Hoya Linearis can produce clusters of small, fragrant flowers. These blooms are a delightful bonus to its already attractive foliage. With proper care, your Hoya Linearis can become a showstopping addition to your indoor plant collection.