Kristen Bell’s Umbrella Foliage Display Is the Whimsical Hanging Planter Idea We Need This Winter – and It's a Clever Way to Upcycle

Let’s just admit it now. No matter how optimistic we try to be in January, the winter blues always arrive. Winter has a very specific way of making our homes feel flat and lifeless. The garden is asleep, there’s barely any light, and suddenly every room has taken on a gray tone. That’s why a recent Instagram post from Kristen Bell caught my eye. In the photo carousel, umbrellas are suspended and filled with cascading greenery. It’s an unexpected, whimsical twist on plant displays that brings a positive vibe, especially in the depths of winter.

While Bell’s version was outside, the idea translates indoors as well. Especially during the cold months, when houseplants are often our only connection to the natural world. Hanging foliage, whether in umbrellas, baskets, or other unconventional containers, gives some life to our spaces that obviously need it.

Why Hanging Greenery Works in Winter

In this day and age, most of us are living in small apartments or houses and just don’t have the floor space, or our windowsills are already too crowded; going vertical can be a game-changer. Hanging plants draw your eye upward, making your space feel taller and more dynamic.

There is also something so uplifting about having greenery over your head that psychologically makes you feel as if you’ve just been on vacation (well, close). Trailing leaves can soften the hard edges in your house, add something to blank walls, and bring a feeling of nature indoors when we really just want to be outside in the summer heat.

Turning Unexpected Objects Into Planters

Of course, the really cool thing about Bell’s post was the umbrellas, and it works due to the natural bowl shape. You can upcycle old umbrellas for a short-term display, but for long-term planting, it's best to recreate this look inside with an umbrella-inspired planter.

If you do opt to use an umbrella, choose one with a strong handle, line it with plastic, and put lightweight (emphasis on the light!) trailing potted plants inside rather than planting them directly into soil, as this makes watering them easier and will avoid a big mess.

You’ll also need to find some reliable ceiling hooks or wall-mounted plant hangers. A stud finder is your friend in this case; you want your winter greenery to feel calming, not like it’s going to fall on your head mid-sip of tea. Try this one from Amazon, which comes with a Smart Chip and an HD LCD display.

An alternative to upcycling is to opt for umbrella-inspired planters.

Other Hanging Planter Options

If you aren't set on umbrellas, and just want to embrace the hanging plant aesthetic, then choose one of these options?

• Hanging baskets that are lined with coco coir. This is made from the husks of coconuts, which makes a great liner for baskets; It helps retain water while still allowing good airflow to the roots. You can pick up a multipack of coco coir hanging basket liners from Amazon.
• Lightweight buckets or decorative metal planters.
• Plant slings or macramé hangers like this set from Wayfair.
• Old colanders or wire baskets.

The Best Plants for Cascading Indoor Displays

Just as not every toddler wants to sleep in their own room, no matter how much you love them, not every plant will want to be suspended in midair, especially in winter. Look for some foliage that can tolerate the heat indoors and will gracefully grow downward:

• Pothos: A classic that is fast-growing and also forgiving if you occasionally forget to water it.
• Philodendron: Be sure to get a heartleaf or trailing kind.
• English ivy: If you tend to keep the thermostat down to save a few bucks, these are excellent in cooler indoor rooms.
• Spider plants: These like bright but indirect light.
• Ferns: A Boston or rabbit’s foot variety if you have good humidity in your house in winter.

To really emulate the plants from Bell’s Instagram photos, mix a few with different-shaped leaves.

Keeping Hanging Plants Happy Indoors

Really pay attention to these tips:

1. Hanging plants dry out faster than those in pots on the floor, especially inside when the heater is running. Make sure you check the moisture of the soil often and water it well, letting the excess water drain out before rehanging it.
2. Make sure you rotate your plants every week or so, as there is never enough sunlight if you want your plants to grow evenly. If your house is just too dark in winter, try a small clip-on grow light like this one from Amazon.
3. Humidity is another major challenge in winter, especially with things like fireplaces. Group plants together to raise their moisture levels naturally.

Styling Tips for a Polished Look

One of the reasons the umbrellas looked so cute in Bell’s Instagram shots was because it felt playful and slightly quirky. It’s not something the average person would think to do. For styling this look inside:

• Stick to one color family of containers, whether that’s umbrellas, hanging baskets, etc.
• Vary the lengths of the plants for a visually appealing look
• Never overcrowd; always leave some negative space
• For a more interesting look, hang your plants at different heights

While it may seem like a lot of work, it doesn’t have to be. Even one hanging plant can transform your room, whether it’s over a reading chair or a cozy reading nook, or in a bathroom for some added freshness.