If you’re looking to add some life to your shelves or brighten a sunny window, hanging succulents are a fantastic choice. These easy-care trailing varieties bring beautiful texture and color without demanding constant attention.
Their relaxed, cascading growth habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets and macrame planters. You get a lot of visual impact for very little effort, which is why they’ve become so popular. Let’s look at how to choose and care for these wonderful plants.
Hanging Succulents – Easy-Care Trailing Varieties
This group of plants includes some of the most forgiving and attractive succulents you can grow. They store water in their leaves, meaning they can handle it if you forget to water them now and then. Their trailing stems can grow several feet long, creating a stunning, living curtain of foliage.
Top Picks for Trailing Succulents
Here are some of the best and easiest trailing succulents to start with. Each has its own unique character and charm.
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): This is the classic. Its stems are dotted with little, spherical leaves that look just like peas on a string. It loves bright, indirect light.
- String of Bananas (Senecio radicans): Similar to pearls but with curved, banana-shaped leaves. It tends to grow a bit faster and is often considered slightly easier for beginners.
- Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum): Known for its thick, braided stems covered in plump, blue-green leaves. It’s a stunning plant that can grow very long over time. Be careful – the leaves detach easily!
- String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii): This one has delicate, heart-shaped leaves marbled with silver. It’s actually a succulent vine and can produce little tuberous growths along its stems, which you can use for propagation.
- Ruby Necklace (Othonna capensis): This standout has slender, bean-like leaves that turn a vibrant purple-red with enough sunlight. It produces cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers.
How to Care for Your Trailing Succulents
Getting the basics right ensures your plants will thrive for years. It’s simpler than you might think.
Light Requirements
Most hanging succulents need plenty of bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or south-facing window (in the Northern Hemisphere) is ideal. Some direct morning sun is great, but intense afternoon sun can scorch their leaves.
If the stems start stretching out with lots of space between leaves, that’s a sign they need more light. They’re reaching for the sun.
Watering the Right Way
This is the most common area where things go wrong. Overwatering is the main enemy.
- Soak and Dry Method: Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole. Then, let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
- Check the Soil: Don’t water on a schedule. Stick your finger in the top inch of soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. If it’s damp, wait.
- Seasonal Changes: Water more frequently in the warm, active growing season (spring and summer). In fall and winter, reduce watering significantly as the plants go dormant.
Soil and Potting Needs
Good drainage is non-negotiable. A standard potting soil will hold too much moisture.
- Use a specialized cactus and succulent potting mix. You can make your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand (about a 50/50 ratio).
- Always choose a pot with a drainage hole. Hanging baskets with a coco liner or plastic insert work well.
- Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil. Choose a new pot only slightly larger than the old one.
Propagating Your Plants
One of the joys of these plants is how easy they are to multiply. You can create new plants for free.
- Take a cutting. Snip a healthy stem a few inches long. For String of Pearls or Bananas, make sure you have a few “pearls” or “bananas” on the piece.
- Let the cut end callous over. Leave it sitting out for a day or two so the wound dries and seals. This prevents rot.
- Place the cutting on top of moist succulent soil. You can also remove a few bottom leaves and stick the stem in the soil.
- Keep the soil lightly moist (not wet) and in bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, roots should begin to form. Gently tug on the cutting; if it resists, it has roots!
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even easy-care plants can have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
- Shriveling Leaves: This usually means underwatering. Give the plant a good soak. The leaves should plump back up in a day or two.
- Yellow, Mushy Leaves or Stems: This is a classic sign of overwatering. Stop watering immediately. You may need to cut away rotted parts and repot in fresh, dry soil.
- Leggy Growth (Long Stems with Few Leaves): The plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location. You can prune the leggy stems and propagate the cuttings.
- Pests: Mealybugs (look like tiny white cotton balls) or aphids can sometimes appear. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
Creative Display Ideas
Half the fun is finding the perfect spot to show off your trailing beauties. Here are some ideas to get you inspired.
- Hang them in a row along a sunny porch or balcony railing.
- Place them on a high shelf or bookcase and let the stems cascade down.
- Use a macrame plant hanger near a window to add a boho touch.
- Mix different trailing varieties in a wide, shallow pot for a textured “living wreath” effect.
- Remember to rotate your baskets occasionally so all sides get even light and grow evenly.
With their unique forms and simple needs, hanging succulents are a rewarding way to add greenery to your home. They ask for so little but give back so much in terms of beauty. Start with one easy variety, and you’ll likely find yourself wanting to collect them all.
FAQ About Trailing Succulents
How often should I water my hanging succulent?
There’s no set schedule. Always check the soil first. It’s better to underwater than overwater. In summer, it might be every 1-2 weeks; in winter, it could be once a month or less.
Can these plants go outside?
Yes, but be cautious. They can thrive outdoors in summer if placed in dappled shade or morning sun only. They are not frost-tolerant and must be brought inside before temperatures drop near freezing.
Why are the leaves falling off my Burro’s Tail?
Burro’s Tail leaves are very fragile and detach easily from the slightest bump. This is normal. Handle the plant as little as possible, and you can even propagate the fallen leaves!
Do I need to fertilize my trailing succulents?
It’s not strictly necessary, but it can encourage growth. Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer (half-strength) only during the spring and summer growing season. Do not fertilize in fall or winter.
What’s the fastest growing trailing succulent?
String of Bananas and some varieties of String of Hearts are generally considered among the faster growers, especially when they get plenty of light and warmth during the growing season.