Are you looking for a simple way to maximize growing space and add natural beauty to your home? Look no further than hanging succulent plants! With their thick, fleshy leaves that store moisture, these plants are drought-tolerant and make low-maintenance houseplants. Plus, they come in a wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for indoor spaces. In this article, we’ll explore 16 of the best trailing succulent plants that you can grow in your home and learn how to care for each type.
Image: Hanging succulent plants string of pearls
What Are Hanging Succulent Plants?
Hanging succulent plants are those with stems that trail over the sides of their pot, adding a cascading effect. Some types of succulents mound over the edges of their containers, while others can spill several feet down. These plants are a great way to add greenery to both indoor and outdoor spaces. The most popular hanging succulent plants include string of pearls, Christmas cactus, and string of dolphins. Their trailing stems and variety of foliage shapes, colors, and sizes make them a perfect choice for home decor.
Growing Hanging Plants
While each type of trailing succulent has specific care requirements, there are some general guidelines to follow. Succulent plants thrive when given plenty of light and well-draining soil. Ensure excellent drainage after watering by using a cactus growing mix or succulent growing medium. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Instead, water when the soil is dry about an inch or two down. Additionally, make sure to place hanging trailing succulents where light reaches all parts of the plant, including the top portion. This ensures optimal growth and production of new foliage.
Image: String of bananas plant
The Best Containers for Hanging Succulent Plants
Trailing plants can be grown in various types of containers, such as hanging baskets, pots tucked into macrame hangers, containers elevated on plant stands, or even wall-mounted pots. Whatever container you choose, ensure it has drainage holes on the bottom. Succulents need well-draining soil, so if there are no drainage holes, use a smaller plastic container with drainage holes that fits inside your desired pot. This way, you can easily remove the small pot for watering and allow excess water to drain away.
16 of the Best Hanging Succulent Plants
Now, let’s explore some of the best hanging succulent plants that you can grow in your home. We’ve divided them into three categories: short trailers, medium-length trailers, and long trailers. Each plant has its own unique characteristics and care requirements. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect trailing succulent for your space!
Hanging Succulent Plants with Short Trailing Foliage
Mexican Stonecrop
- This versatile plant is super easy to grow both indoors and outdoors.
- It has narrow, almost needle-like green leaves that grow on mounding, pendulous stems.
- Expect the stems to grow 12 to 14 inches.
- A standout cultivar is ‘Lemon Coral’ with lime-green leaves.
Calico Kitten
- This variegated succulent adds eye-popping color to any indoor garden.
- It has attractive heart-shaped green leaves edged in cream and pink.
- The stems grow upright and eventually trail over the pot.
- Thrives in a window with morning sun and afternoon bright indirect light.
Image: Calico kitten hanging succulent
October Daphne Sedum
- A cold-hardy succulent often grown outdoors in garden beds and containers.
- It has blue-green leaves edged in pink and stems that grow about a foot long.
- Winter hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
- Can also be grown indoors in a sunny window.
Hanging Succulent Plants with Medium-Length Trailing Foliage
String of Turtles
- A charming semi-succulent plant with rounded leaves that have dark and light green mottling.
- It’s a slow grower and requires bright indirect light.
- Use a well-draining growing medium high in organic matter.
- Thrives in high humidity and wants a dry to very lightly moist growing medium.
Hindu Rope Hoya
- Beloved for its ease of cultivation and tropical foliage.
- It has waxy, semi-succulent leaves that twist and curl on pendulous stems.
- When mature, the stems trail about 16 inches long.
- Best grown in bright indirect light with a cactus or succulent growing medium.
Image: Hindu rope hoya
Christmas Cactus
- A long-lived succulent plant with arching, hanging branches made up of flat, segmented pads.
- Thrives in indirect or filtered light and prefers infrequent watering.
- Needs 16 hours of darkness and 8 hours of light to initiate flowering.
- Perfect for adding festive beauty to your home during the holiday season.
String of Buttons
- A fun plant with flat, succulent leaves that appear stacked one upon another.
- Initially grows upright but eventually cascades over the side of the pot.
- Easy to care for and a good choice for a terrarium or hanging basket.
Hanging Succulent Plants with Long Trailing Foliage
String of Pearls
- One of the most popular hanging succulent plants with unique round leaves that grow in long pendulous chains.
- Relatively fast-growing with trailing stems that can reach up to three feet long.
- Requires plenty of light, including a mix of direct and indirect sun.
- Propagate by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in potting mix or water.
String of Bananas
- A trailing succulent plant that’s easier to grow compared to other varieties.
- Features oblong, banana-shaped leaves that are about an inch long.
- Can trail up to 4 feet long, creating a stunning effect in your home.
- Perfect for beginners and requires less specific light and water conditions.
Image: String of bananas plant
String of Dolphins
- A charming plant with leaves that resemble tiny leaping dolphins with flippers.
- Grows about 6 inches tall and trails 2 to 3 feet.
- Requires plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
- Inspect regularly for pests and treat with an insecticidal soap spray if necessary.
Ruby Necklace
- Adds a pop of color to your indoor plant collection with its ruby-tinted leaves and bright purple stems.
- Grows best in full sun for intense ruby coloration.
- Plant will stay green in low-light conditions.
- Monitor growing conditions to maintain leaf color and health.
String of Nickels
- A tropical succulent with roundish to slightly oval leaves.
- Prefers low to medium light and well-draining growing medium.
- Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry and mist the foliage frequently.
- A unique hanging succulent plant that adds visual interest to any space.
Image: String of dolphins plant
Donkey’s Tail
- A spectacular plant with pointy succulent leaves that hang in long draping chains.
- Requires a pot filled with cactus or succulent growing medium and plenty of light.
- Water when the soil is dry about 2 inches down.
- Take care when handling to avoid leaf breakage.
Trailing Jade
- Also known as weeping jade, it has thick, teardrop-shaped leaves that arch several feet over the sides of a pot.
- A tough and drought-tolerant plant that grows well in a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix.
- Water when the top several inches of the soil are dry.
- Propagate by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in potting mix or water.
Image: String of hearts plant
String of Hearts
- A colorful, compact hanging succulent with trailing stems and heart-shaped leaves in green, silver, and pink.
- Grows 2 to 3 feet long and requires bright indirect sunlight.
- Water sparingly and only when needed.
- Ideal for hanging pots or plant stands to showcase its trailing foliage.
Peperomia Hope
- A charming trailing plant with round green leaves that have light green striping.
- Grows about 8 inches wide and 12 inches long.
- Benefits from filtered or indirect light and frequent misting.
- Requires a well-draining growing medium with a blend of potting mix and coconut coir bark.
These are just a few of the incredible hanging succulent plants you can choose from. Don’t forget to explore other options like elephant bush, string of needles, jelly bean plant, bridal veil plant, and spider plant. Whether you’re an experienced plant enthusiast or just starting your indoor garden, these trailing succulents will bring a touch of natural beauty to your home.
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