In recent years, we have seen hanging and trailing cacti and succulents growing in popularity.
If you’re looking for some for your home, then you won’t need to look very far! Hanging and trailing cacti and succulents can be found just about anywhere, from fairy garden teapots, to wall art, to hanging baskets, to living wreaths, and so much more!
However, so much choice can actually lead to decision fatigue. How will you know what looks best in your home? Luckily, we are here to help!
In this article, we will highlight the 14 most amazing cacti and succulents that trail or hang and include some amazing pictures to go with it!
If you’re interested, read on for more!
String Of Peas, String Of Pearls: Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Rowleyanus hails from South Africa. These plants are well known for their versatility and beauty.
They will look great no matter where you place them, whether in your home or backyard. You can buy Senecio Rowleyanus in teacups, hanging baskets, and more. No matter what, they’re sure to grab people’s attention!
The stems of this plant can grow to around 3 ft (90 cm) long, So you can choose to hang them or trail them, whatever you like!
What’s more, when you cut this plant, the stems will often split in two and continue to grow – and sometimes, they will split into more than two! The stems of this plant are lined with leaves that resemble little peas – hence the name: String of Peas.
These plants are very easy to care for. You should plant them in well-draining soil and only water them when the soil is dry. However, you should not let the soil dry completely. Senecio Rowleyanus do not do so well in frost, so do not leave them outside in the winter.
If you do keep them outside, it is best to keep them in the shade and away from direct sunlight.
String Of Beads: Senecio Herreianus
Senecio Herreiaus, also known as the String of Beads, is a very similar plant to the String of Peas above. However, the shape of the leaves of these respective plants is slightly different. The leaf shape of the Senecio Herraianus is more of an oval shape, as opposed to round.
These stems will grow to 3 ft (90 cm) long and if cut and split, will continue to grow. Senecio Herreianus look great when placed in a hanging basket, but they also look great when they’re simply planted in the ground.
It is important to note that they will drape and creep the soil when they are planted in the ground.
Senecio Herreianus needs to be planted in well-draining soil and will need to be watered when the soil is dry. However, the soil should not be totally dry or you risk damaging the plant.
Although, these plants are tolerant of droughts! So if you live in a dry area they will still be suitable.
It is best to place Senecio Herreianus in the shade and indirect sunlight, as harsh, direct sunlight will harm them.
When they are in full bloom, these plants will grow little white flowers that produce a vanilla scent.
String Of Bananas: Senecio Radicans
Senecio Radicans, also known as the String of Bananas, are plants that come from South Africa and grow at a rapid rate. Their green leaves resemble little bananas, which is how they got their name!
When in full bloom, these plants will feature lavender, yellow, and white flowers that smell like cinnamon. As before, when these plants are cut they will split into multiple stems and continue to grow.
You can place these plants just about anywhere. They will typically grow into long, cascading vines and look great in both hanging and tall planters.
These plants are easier to manage than the plants above. They too thrive in well-draining soil and should not be left in harsh sunlight or frosty conditions. When the soil becomes slightly dry, the plant will need water.
Fish Hook Senecio
The Fish Hook Senecio looks very similar to the String of Bananas. However, their leaves are longer and flatter. People also say that their leaves resemble fish hooks and look slightly blue in color, which is another key difference between the two plants.
You can choose between planting Fish Hook Senecio in the ground to become vines, or you can place them in a hanging basket.
As before, these plants need well-draining soil and need to be watered when the soil becomes dry. They should not be left in the frost and direct sunlight, but it’s okay to keep them in indirect sunlight. One of the best places to keep Fish Hook Senecio is in a window.
String Of Nickels: Dischidia Nummularia
Dischidia Nummularia, also known as the String of Nickels have leaves that grow a gorgeous blue-gray in color. They are typically flat and round and are often described as little nickels hanging on strings.
These plants are epiphytes by nature, meaning they grow on rocks, tree trunks, or even other plants, and are native to tropical rainforests.
Epiphytes look amazing in hanging baskets, on living wreaths, as wall art in your home, or cascading down a planter. When in full bloom, these plants will produce flowers that are white and cream in color.
Because these plants are epiphytes, they need to be kept in well-draining soil in order to thrive. We think it is best to find well-draining soil specifically designed for epiphytic plants. This type of soil will usually contain coconut husks or shredded bark.
However, if you cannot find this type of soil, you can add cactus soil mix, coarse perlite, or even gravel to help improve soil drainage.
Unlike other succulents, Dischidia Nummularia needs more humidity in order to grow. They are best kept in indirect, but bright, light.
Calico Kitten: Crassula Pellucida Variegata
Calico Kittens are stunning plants that have many heart-shaped, colorful leaves. These leaves come in various shades of cream, purple, pink, and green.
However, we think that one of the most amazing aspects of these plants is that they change color in the light. When exposed to full, direct sunlight, they will become dark purple. When in full bloom, Calico Kitten plants will produce beautiful little white flowers.
These plants look amazing in hanging baskets but also work when planted into the ground. As before, they need to be planted in well-draining soil to thrive and need to be watered once the soil turns dry, but not totally dry.
Rosary Vine, String Of Hearts: Ceropegia Linearis Woodii
Ceropegia Linearis Woodii are vines that hail from South Africa. They can grow up to 6 ft long! The leaves of these vines are shaped like little hearts and are a beautiful, dark green color. Because of their length, these leaves look great as trailing vines or in hanging baskets.
We think that the Rosary Vine is one of the easiest plants to take care of on this list. They need to be kept in well-draining soil and in bright light, but this light needs to be indirect. Not only that, but they need to be watered only when 1 inch of the soil is dry.
Although, it is important to note that they will need to be watered more during the summer.
The Wax Plant: Hoya
The Hoya plant is native to Australia, East Asia, and Southern India. These plants are known for their characteristic thick leaves that are shaped like hearts. It is important to note that only some species of the Wax Plant are succulents, while others are not.
Hoyas are some of the most popular houseplants on this list. However, they also thrive outdoors, so if you want to add something different to your backyard, Hoyas would be perfect, too! These plants are typically placed in hanging baskets.
In order to grow, Hoyas need bright light but should be kept away from intense sunlight. If you do want to place your Hoya plant outdoors, then it is best to keep it in partial shade.
These Wax Plants need more moisture than other types of succulents and should be planted in well-draining soil. These plants will need more water during the summer and less water in the colder months.
Baby Donkey Tail: Sedum Burrito
The Sedum Burrito plant is native to Southern Mexico, and is also known as the Baby Donkey Tail. These plants have characteristic hanging stems, which can grow leaves in many different shades of green and blue.
The stems themselves can grow to around 12 inches, and sometimes longer!
The Baby Donkey Tail is a popular plant to place in a hanging basket, but they are also used as wall art or placed on the sides of tall planters. These plants will produce sweet and fragrant flowers.
We think that these plants are among the easiest to grow on this list. They thrive in well-draining soil and need to be watered when the soil is dry. However, you should water them less during the winter months.
Lamb’s Tail: Sedum Morganianum
The Sedum Morganianum Plant is very similar to the Sedum Burrito plant. However, the former has flatter and longer leaves.
Just like the Sedum Burrito plant, these are very popular plants to place in hanging baskets. However, they are also popular trailing plants and are often arranged in very different ways.
Once these plants have grown, they are very resistant to droughts. So, they will be perfect for you if you live in a dry area.
Sedum Morganianum needs well-draining soil in order to thrive, but you will only need to water 1 inch of the soil when it starts to feel dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Like many of the other cacti and succulents on this list, the Lamb’s Tail should be kept in bright, indirect sunlight.
Ruby Necklace, Little Pickles: Othonna Capensis
Next up, we have the Othonna Capensis. These plants hail from South Africa and are a beautiful vibrant green and red. Their leaves can also have hints of blue.
Because of their gorgeous colors, they make for beautiful hanging plants. When in full bloom, these plants produce wonderful yellow flowers that look a lot like daisies.
The Ruby Necklace plant can live in full sun, meaning you can place them outdoors as well as indoors without any issues. However, they do prefer indirect sunlight. They should be planted in a potting mix that is well draining and watered only when the soil is dry.
As before, these plants need less water during the winter, but more during the summer. So, be sure to adjust your plant watering schedule!
Rat Tail Cactus: Aporocactus Flagelliformis
The Aporocactus Flagelliformis is a plant native to Mexico. It is grown both outdoors and indoors, and has stems that can grow to around 3ft long! These stems wind and trail, and make for beautiful tall-pot plants. However, they also look great in hanging baskets.
The stems of the Rat Tail Cactus grow in fine, little spines and have a characteristic fuzzy appearance. This plant also grows flowers, which are red or pink in color.
It is very easy to grow more of these plants from their stem cuttings. However, in order to thrive, they need bright, indirect light and specific draining soil for cacti. The soil must be watered when it is dry.
However, you should only water the soil during the summer, and avoid watering at all in the winter.
Peanut Cactus: Echinopsis Chamaecereus
The Peanut Cactus originated in Argentina. These cacti are known for their stems, which are shaped like fingers and can reach 6 inches in length. These stems are covered in spines that are both bristly and soft, and the plant itself produces red and orange flowers.
It is best to place these cacti in hanging baskets, where their stems can branch freely. They should also be planted in a potting mix that is well draining. It is also a good idea to water the first inch of soil once it goes dry.
However, you should only water this plant during the summer, and avoid watering during the winter.
Monkey’s Tail: Hildewintera Colademononis
The Monkey’s Tail plant hails from the Bolivia region. These plants will grow upright until they mature, after which they will start to trail. They can grow up to around 8 ft in length!
The stems of the Hildewintera Colademononis are very light green and are covered in hairy, white spines.
By nature, these cacti are epilithic. This means that they are able to grow on rocks. You will typically find them bunching at the base and as they grow, they will start to branch out.
Monkey’s Tail cacti produce magenta and red colored flowers. They usually need indirect sunlight and well-draining soil to be able to thrive. Although, they are able to grow in full, direct sunlight. So, if you want to keep yours outdoors you should be able to do this without issues.
It is best to water this plant during the summer months only.
Final Thoughts
Cacti and succulents, no matter if you choose to have them hanging or trailing, are growing in popularity. There are many different kinds of cacti and succulents out there, and we think that these 14 are the best options to add some character to your home or backyard.
Most of these cacti or succulents need to be cared for in the same way. They typically need well-draining soil, they should be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry, and they should be kept away from harsh, direct sunlight.
We hope this article provided you with some ideas for amazing cacti and succulents you want to add to your home.
