"Hanging succulents" is a term used to describe certain types of succulent plants that have trailing or cascading growth habits. Unlike many other succulents that grow upright, these varieties have adapted to hang or drape over the edges of containers or rock crevices. Hanging succulents can add a unique and attractive element to your indoor or outdoor garden displays.
1 Cotyledon Pendens
Cotyledon pendens (Cliff Cotyledon) – A much branched, relatively fast growing dense succulent shrublet with pendent branches that forms a dense mat 2 feet wide or hangs down in a solid cover curtain-like over a pot or wall this same distance.
2 String of Pearl
"String of pearls" is a common name for the plant Senecio rowleyanus. It is a popular succulent native to South Africa and is often grown as a houseplant or used in hanging baskets due to its unique appearance.
The plant gets its name from its distinctive appearance, as it features long, trailing stems with small, round, bead-like leaves that resemble a string of pearls. These leaves are green and filled with water-storing cells, making the plant well-adapted to dry conditions and drought-tolerant.
String of pearls is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in bright indirect light. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly as overwatering can lead to root rot. This succulent is best suited for indoor environments, and it is essential to protect it from frost and extreme temperatures.
Propagation is relatively simple, and new plants can be grown from stem cuttings. Given its popularity and appealing appearance, string of pearls has become a favorite among succulent enthusiasts and those looking to add some greenery to their indoor spaces.
3 Hindu Rope Variegated
The "Hindu Rope Variegated" is a unique and beautiful houseplant known for its distinctive appearance. The plant's scientific name is Hoya carnosa 'Variegata.' It is a variegated cultivar of the species Hoya carnosa, which belongs to the Apocynaceae family.
The Hindu Rope Variegated has thick, waxy leaves that are variegated with creamy white or yellow markings, creating a visually stunning effect. The leaves are tightly clustered along the stems, giving the plant a rope-like appearance, which is why it is commonly known as the "Hindu Rope" or "Indian Rope" plant.
This plant is a native of Eastern Asia and Australia and is typically grown as a houseplant in various parts of the world. It is known for its ease of care and its ability to thrive in indoor conditions. Hindu Rope Variegated prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Like many Hoyas, it is a succulent plant and stores water in its thick leaves, which makes it somewhat drought-tolerant. However, it's essential to water it when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
Hoya carnosa 'Variegata' can produce lovely clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers in the summer, adding to its appeal as a houseplant. The flowers are typically pink or white and have a sweet scent, making them a favorite among pollinators like bees.
Due to its unique appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements, the Hindu Rope Variegated has become a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts and collectors. As with any plant, proper care, including suitable light, watering, and occasional fertilization, will help keep the Hindu Rope Variegated healthy and thriving.
4 String of heart
"String of hearts" is a charming and popular trailing houseplant with the scientific name Ceropegia woodii. It is also known by other common names such as "Rosary Vine," "Chain of Hearts," or "Sweetheart Vine." Native to southern Africa, this plant is part of the Apocynaceae family.
The name "String of hearts" is derived from the plant's appearance, as it features long, slender, trailing stems with small, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves have a silvery-green coloration with beautiful marbled patterns, making them visually appealing. Additionally, the plant may produce small tubers along the stems, giving it a unique characteristic.
String of hearts is an easy-to-care-for plant, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some periods of direct sunlight, but intense sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. It is essential to water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil dries out but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
One of the reasons for its popularity is its ability to be easily propagated. You can create new plants by taking stem cuttings and placing them in well-draining soil. The plant's tubers can also be divided to produce new plants.
In addition to its charming appearance, string of hearts may produce small, pink or purple, tubular-shaped flowers with a unique appearance. The flowers have an interesting mechanism for attracting pollinators, as small hairs inside the flower trap flies temporarily until the flower releases them, ensuring effective pollination.
As a versatile plant, string of hearts can be grown in hanging baskets, on shelves, or as part of a trailing display. With its delicate heart-shaped leaves and easy-going nature, it has become a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts and is often shared as a gift symbolizing love and affection.
5 String of Ruby
If you are a fan of trailing succulents, the string of rubies (Othonna capensis) is one that you have to add to your collection. Also fondly nicknamed “ruby necklace” or “string of pickles”, this succulent is characterized by thin oval-shaped leaves and a reddish-purple stem. As a part of the Asteraceae family, the string of rubies is most closely related to the Senecio genus which includes popular trailing succulents like the string of pearls, string of bananas, string of dolphins, and more.
However, the string of rubies has a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other trailing succulents. True to its name, its bean-shaped leaves turn a bright ruby red when the plant is under stress.
6 Disocactus flagelliformis
Disocactus flagelliformis, commonly known as the Rat's Tail Cactus or Aporocactus flagelliformis, is a species of epiphytic cactus native to Mexico. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is known for its long, trailing stems with beautiful, reddish-pink flowers.
The Rat's Tail Cactus has slender, cylindrical, and pendulous stems that can grow up to several feet in length. The stems are dark green and have numerous small spines along their length, giving the plant a unique and attractive appearance.
The flowering period of Disocactus flagelliformis typically occurs in spring or summer, during which it produces eye-catching, tubular flowers. The flowers are usually bright pink to reddish in color, with some variations, and they can be up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. The blooms are often fragrant, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
This cactus is relatively easy to care for and makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets or trailing plant displays. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be protected from intense sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. The Rat's Tail Cactus prefers well-draining soil, and like most cacti, it requires careful watering to avoid overwatering and root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and reduce watering during the plant's dormant period in winter.
Propagation of Disocactus flagelliformis can be done through stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from a healthy stem, allow it to callus for a day or two, and then place it in a well-draining potting mix to develop roots and grow into a new plant.
Overall, the Rat's Tail Cactus is a visually striking and low-maintenance plant that can add a touch of elegance to any indoor or outdoor space. With the right care and conditions, it can be a rewarding addition to a cacti or succulent collection.
7 Donkey's tail
Donkey's Tail, also known as Burro's Tail or Sedum morganianum, is a popular and fascinating succulent plant. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is native to Mexico.
Donkey's Tail is well-loved for its unique appearance, with long, trailing stems covered in fleshy, blue-green leaves. The leaves are rounded and resemble small beads or droplets, which is why the plant is often referred to as "Donkey's Tail" or "Burro's Tail." The stems can grow up to several feet long, making it a great choice for hanging baskets or trailing over the edges of pots.
This succulent is relatively easy to care for, but it does have specific requirements. It thrives in bright, indirect light, so it's best to place it near a window with filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's essential to protect it from intense sun exposure.
Donkey's Tail prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the winter months, the plant enters a period of dormancy, and watering should be reduced even further.
Propagation of Donkey's Tail can be done using stem cuttings. Simply snip off a healthy stem, let it dry and callus for a day or two, and then plant it in well-draining soil to develop roots and grow into a new plant.
While Donkey's Tail is relatively low-maintenance, it can be sensitive to overhandling and can lose leaves if the stems are disturbed too much. However, with proper care and minimal disturbance, it can be a striking and resilient addition to any succulent collection or indoor garden.