Trailing Succulents Types

If you’re looking to add some life to your shelves or brighten up a porch, trailing succulents types are a perfect choice. These easy-to-grow hanging varieties bring beautiful shapes and colors with minimal fuss.

They are some of the most forgiving plants you can own. Their trailing nature means they look fantastic in pots that show off their long, cascading stems. Let’s look at how to pick, grow, and care for these wonderful plants.

This group includes many different species, all sharing a love for sun and well-drained soil. Their stems grow long and often spill over the edges of containers. This makes them ideal for hanging baskets or tall planters.

Why Choose Trailing Succulents?

They are incredibly adaptable. Many can handle a bit of neglect, which is great for busy people. Their unique forms add texture and interest to any space, from a sunny kitchen to a shaded patio corner.

Low Water Needs: They store water in their leaves, so you don’t need to water them often.
Variety of Looks: From string-like pearls to flat, stacked leaves, there’s a style for everyone.
Easy Propagation: You can grow new plants from cuttings with very little effort.

Top Easy-to-Grow Varieties

Here are some of the best trailing succulents to start with. They are known for being tough and beautiful.

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

This is a classic favorite. Its stems are covered in little, round leaves that look like peas on a string. It grows quickly and can trail several feet long.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Some morning sun is good.
Water: Water when the soil is dry and the pearls look a little less plump.
Tip: Be careful not to overwater, as this is the most common way people lose this plant.

Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Known for its long, thick stems packed with blue-green leaves. The leaves are delicate and can fall off easily, so handle with care. It creates a stunning, full display.

Light: Loves lots of bright light, even direct sun for part of the day.
Water: Soak the soil thoroughly, then let it dry out completely before watering again.

String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)

Similar to String of Pearls but with curved, banana-shaped leaves. It tends to grow even faster and is a bit more forgiving with its care routine.

Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal.
Water: Follow the “soak and dry” method. The leaves will soften slightly when thirsty.

Ruby Necklace (Othonna capensis)

This one offers amazing color. Its slender, bean-shaped leaves are purple, especially when grown in bright sun. It produces small, yellow daisy-like flowers.

Light: Needs several hours of direct sun to maintain its vibrant purple hue.
Water: Water when the soil is dry. It’s drought tolerant.

How to Plant Your Hanging Succulent

Starting right is key to a healthy plant. You only need a few simple supplies.

Choose the Right Pot: Select a pot with drainage holes. A hanging basket lined with coco coir or sphagnum moss works well, or use a plastic liner with holes.
Use Succulent Soil: Fill the pot with a gritty, well-draining mix. You can buy cactus soil or make your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or pumice.
Plant Gently: Remove your succulent from its nursery pot. Loosen the roots slightly and place it in the new pot. Fill around it with more soil, but don’t bury the stem too deeply.
Wait to Water: Let the plant settle for a few days before its first watering. This helps any damaged roots to heal and prevents rot.

Essential Care Guide

Keeping your trailing succulents thriving is simple once you know the basics.

Light Requirements

Most trailing succulents need plenty of light. Bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours a day is a good goal. A south or east-facing window is often perfect. If the stems start stretching out with lots of space between leaves, it’s a sign they need more light.

Watering Correctly

Overwatering is the biggest threat. The “soak and dry” method is best.

Water deeply until it runs out the drainage holes.
Then, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
In winter, you may only need to water once a month or less.

Always check the soil with your finger; don’t just water on a schedule.

Feeding and Soil

These plants aren’t heavy feeders. Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer made for succulents once in the spring and once in the summer. That’s usually enough. Refresh the soil every couple of years to keep it from breaking down and holding to much moisture.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning helps keep your plant full and healthy. You can trim back any long, leggy, or dead stems. Use clean scissors or pinch with your fingers. Don’t throw those cuttings away—you can propagate them!

Easy Propagation Steps

Making new plants from cuttings is rewarding and easy. Here’s a simple method.

Take a healthy cutting that is a few inches long.
Let the cut end dry and form a callus for a day or two. This prevents rot.
Lay the cutting on top of moist succulent soil or gently stick the callused end into the soil.
Place in bright, indirect light and mist the soil lightly every few days until you see new growth. Then, treat it like a mature plant.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even easy plants can have issues. Here’s how to fix them.

Yellow, Mushy Leaves: This is a classic sign of overwatering. Stop watering immediately. Let the soil dry out completely. You may need to check the roots for rot.
Shriveled, Dry Leaves: Your plant is thirsty. Give it a good soak. If the soil is very dry, it might repel water, so you could try bottom-watering by placing the pot in a tray of water for 15 minutes.
Leggy Growth: The plant is not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location gradually to avoid sunburn.
Pests: Mealybugs can sometimes appear. Look for white, cottony spots. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.

Creative Display Ideas

Part of the fun is showing off your beautiful plants. Their trailing habit opens up many options.

Use macramé hangers near a sunny window.
Place them on a high shelf or bookcase so the stems can cascade down.
Mix different trailing types in a wide, shallow bowl for a textured “living wreath” effect.
Plant them in wall-mounted pockets or vertical gardens for a stunning green wall.

FAQ

How often should I water my hanging succulent?
Water only when the soil is completely dry. This could be every 1-2 weeks in summer and every 3-4 weeks or longer in winter. Always check the soil first.

Can trailing succulents grow in low light?
They prefer bright light. In low light, they will become leggy and weak. For lower light areas, consider a different type of hanging plant like a pothos.

What are the best succulents for hanging baskets?
The varieties listed above—String of Pearls, Burro’s Tail, String of Bananas, and Ruby Necklace—are all excellent choices for hanging containers due to their growth habit.

Why are the leaves falling off my Burro’s Tail?
The leaves are very fragile and can fall off from slight bumps. It can also happen from overwatering or underwatering. Handle the plant minimally and ensure your watering routine is correct.

How do I make my succulent more full?
Prune back long stems to encourage branching. You can also take the cuttings and plant them back into the top of the same pot to create a denser, fuller look.

Trailing succulents are a joy for any plant lover. With their simple needs and stunning appearance, they offer a big impact for little work. By choosing the right type, providing enough light, and watering carefully, you’ll have a thriving, beautiful display for years to come. Start with one easy variety and you might soon find your collection growing.