In a world where indoor gardening has exploded in popularity, hanging succulents have become the crown jewels of home decor.
You will discover these low-maintenance beauties altering ordinary spaces into living art galleries with their trailing stems and unique foliage patterns. From the pearl-like spheres of Senecio rowleyanus to the dolphin-shaped leaves of Curio peregrinus, each variety offers distinctive characteristics that will enhance your plant collection. Let’s investigate these fascinating specimens that combine form with function.
String of Pearls – Curio rowleyanus
Source: dessy_sriwidiastuti89The Curio rowleyanus, commonly known as String of Pearls, is a captivating succulent that features unique pearl-like leaves strung along slender, trailing stems. Each spherical leaf measures about 1/4 inch in diameter and contains a transparent “window” strip that helps the plant maximize photosynthesis.
These trailing stems can grow to an impressive 2-3 feet long, making them perfect for hanging displays. The stems cascade beautifully over the edges of containers, creating living curtains of delicate green “pearls” that add instant visual interest to any space.
The plant produces small, white cinnamon-scented flowers in late summer. This low-maintenance succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-draining soil. Be careful not to overwater – allow the soil to dry completely between waterings and reduce watering in winter.
String of Pearls is perfect for hanging baskets due to its naturally trailing habit and compact growth pattern. Place it in macramé hangers or wall-mounted planters where its distinctive beaded strands can develop their full potential. Just handle with care, as the delicate stems can break easily, and keep it away from pets as it’s toxic if ingested.
Burro’s Tail – Sedum morganianum
Source: plantcultivationThe Sedum morganianum, commonly known as Burro’s Tail, is a stunning succulent that creates living waterfalls with its densely packed, plump leaves that overlap like rows of fat, juicy rice grains. The leaves have a distinctive powdery blue-green coating called farina that gives them an ethereal appearance.
These dramatic trailing stems can grow impressively long, reaching up to 4 feet in length when well-cared for. The stems naturally arch downward, creating a soft, flowing curtain effect that makes this plant a perfect choice for hanging displays. Unlike other succulents, it avoids awkward upward growth, maintaining its elegant cascading form.
This low-maintenance succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and needs well-draining cactus soil. Water only when the soil has dried completely, and reduce watering during winter months. One of its best features is how easily it propagates – fallen leaves readily root to create new plants.
Perfect for hanging baskets, Burro’s Tail does best in lightweight containers with good drainage. Place it where its fragile stems won’t be disturbed by passing traffic, ideally in bright east or north-facing windows. With proper care, this Mexican native rewards you with a spectacular hanging display that only gets better with time.
String of Dolphins – Curio x peregrinus
Delighting plant enthusiasts everywhere, the String of Dolphins showcases unique crescent-shaped leaves that remarkably resemble tiny dolphins jumping through waves. These bluish-green leaves, about 1 inch long, grow along flexible stems that can cascade beautifully for up to 3 feet in length.
The plant’s trailing stems create a mesmerizing display as the dolphin-shaped leaves appear to swim through the air with any gentle breeze. This compact growth pattern makes it an excellent choice for hanging arrangements, where its distinctive foliage can be fully appreciated.
During late summer through winter, the plant produces clusters of small white flowers that release a pleasant cinnamon scent. This easy-to-grow succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires a well-draining cactus mix. Be careful with watering – allow the soil to dry completely between waterings and reduce irrigation by half during winter.
Perfect for hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters, String of Dolphins is best displayed near east or west-facing windows. Watch for signs of overwatering, which can cause leaf drop, and ensure adequate light to prevent stretched growth. This unique succulent is also easily propagated through stem cuttings, making it a rewarding choice for any hanging garden.
String of Hearts – Ceropegia woodii
Source: grow.mama.growThe Ceropegia woodii, commonly known as String of Hearts or Chain of Hearts, is a stunning trailing succulent that features perfectly heart-shaped leaves with beautiful silver marbling against deep green backgrounds. These delicate leaves, about 1-inch across, are spaced elegantly along purple-tinged stems that can cascade dramatically for up to 12 feet when mature.
The plant’s natural trailing habit creates an ethereal display, with leaves spaced 2-3 inches apart allowing light to filter through beautifully. This spacing creates a living curtain effect that’s both striking and lightweight, making it perfect for hanging displays. Adding to its charm, the plant produces tiny, exotic purple-pink tubular flowers that resemble miniature lanterns.
This low-maintenance succulent thrives in bright indirect light with some morning sun and needs a fast-draining succulent mix. Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried out, and reduce watering during winter. The plant develops interesting underground tubers that store water, making it quite resilient.
String of Hearts is ideal for hanging baskets or elevated pots that allow its vines to cascade freely. Place it in bright bathrooms or near east-facing windows, but protect from cold drafts. While easy to propagate through stem cuttings, watch for signs of overwatering, which is this plant’s main challenge. The effort is worth it, though, as this elegant trailer creates a stunning vertical display that only improves with age.
String of Bananas – Curio radicans
Source: homesteadbrooklynImmediately recognizable by its whimsical appearance, the String of Bananas charms with its distinctive banana-shaped leaves growing along slender, purple-tinged stems. Each leaf measures 1-2 inches long with a beautiful blue-green color that curves upward, creating a mesmerizing layered appearance.
These trailing stems can grow impressively long, reaching 3-6 feet in length when well-cared for. The plant’s rapid growth rate and densely packed leaves create luxuriant curtains of vegetation, making it perfect for hanging displays. Unlike other trailing succulents, its natural growth habit helps prevent stem breakage while maintaining a compact growth pattern.
During winter, the plant produces small white flowers with a delightful cinnamon scent. This drought-tolerant succulent thrives in bright indirect light and needs a fast-draining soil mix. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and reduce frequency during winter months. One of its best features is how easily it propagates through stem cuttings.
String of Bananas is ideal for hanging baskets or elevated containers where its cascading stems can be fully appreciated. It makes an excellent indoor plant for bright bathrooms or near east-facing windows. Watch for signs of overwatering, which can cause stem rot, but overall, this succulent is wonderfully forgiving and rewards minimal care with spectacular growth.
Ruby Necklace – Othonna capensis
Source: zeetyssucculentsNature’s finest jewelry comes alive in the Ruby Necklace, a spectacular succulent where bean-shaped leaves dangle from wine-colored stems, transforming from green to deep crimson when sun-kissed. This striking color-changing plant adds drama to any hanging display with stems reaching 2-3 feet in length.
These slender stems create an elegant cascading effect, with inch-long leaves clustered along purple-red branches that gracefully tumble over container edges. The plant’s compact crown and trailing nature make it perfect for hanging baskets, allowing each stem to develop its full dramatic potential.
Throughout the growing season, the plant produces cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers that contrast beautifully with its colored foliage. This drought-tolerant succulent thrives in bright, direct sunlight – at least 6 hours daily for best color development – and needs a well-draining succulent mix. Water thoroughly only when soil is completely dry.
Perfect for hanging baskets, Ruby Necklace is best displayed near south or west-facing windows where its stunning color transformation can be fully appreciated. While easy to propagate from stem cuttings, watch for signs of overwatering which can cause stem rot. This living jewelry piece rewards proper care with a spectacular display of color that changes with the seasons.
Peanut Cactus – Echinopsis chamaecereus
Source: succulentzooUnlike typical trailing succulents, the Peanut Cactus charms with its clusters of short, finger-like stems that create an unexpected waterfall of bright green growth. Each cylindrical segment grows to about 1/2 inch in diameter, forming dense clumps that cascade beautifully over container edges.
The plant’s multiple stems reach 6-8 inches in length, spilling gracefully to create a natural waterfall effect. Its compact growth pattern makes it an excellent choice for hanging displays, offering dramatic visual impact without overwhelming smaller spaces.
During spring and summer, the plant puts on a spectacular show with brilliant orange-red flowers up to 2 inches across emerging from the stem tips. This easy-care succulent thrives in bright, direct sunlight and needs a well-draining cactus mix. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings and reduce irrigation during winter months.
Perfect for hanging terra cotta containers, Peanut Cactus is best positioned where its trailing stems can be appreciated at eye level. While easily propagated through stem cuttings, watch for signs of overwatering which can cause root rot. This unique succulent brings an unexpected twist to hanging gardens, offering both interesting texture and brilliant seasonal blooms.
Fishbone Cactus – Epiphyllum anguliger
Source: nihanoorainMimicking the intricate pattern of a fish skeleton, the Fishbone Cactus captivates with its zigzag stems that create living art in hanging displays. These flattened, deep-green segments can extend 3-4 feet in length, earning its playful nickname “Ric Rac Cactus.“
Native to tropical forests, this epiphytic plant naturally winds and cascades through tree canopies. In hanging baskets, this natural growth habit translates into a stunning display of sculptural stems that create dramatic silhouettes against walls or windows.
The plant’s most spectacular feature appears in fall, when large fragrant white flowers bloom at night. These jungle-born beauties thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer an epiphytic mix combining orchid bark and cactus soil. Maintain even moisture but never soggy conditions, and provide good humidity for optimal growth.
Perfect for bright bathrooms or covered patios, this architectural beauty excels in hanging displays where its distinctive stems can be appreciated up close. While easy to grow, it appreciates proper drainage and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Under optimal conditions, the stems develop attractive reddish tints, adding another dimension to this already remarkable plant.
Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum
Source: greenhomemagBeloved for its aerial acrobatics, the Spider Plant transforms spaces with fountains of variegated leaves, sending out delicate runners adorned with miniature plantlets that dance in the air. These slender, arching leaves extend 12-18 inches, creating elegant cascades of green and white stripes.
From its central rosette, mature plants produce multiple runners that trail 2-3 feet long, each dotted with baby plants that create a dramatic multi-tiered display. These spiderettes form perfect miniature versions of the parent, adding movement and visual interest to any hanging arrangement.
One of NASA’s top air-purifying plants, this adaptable beauty thrives in bright indirect light but tolerates lower light conditions. Water moderately, allowing the top layer of soil to dry between waterings. Its tolerance for various conditions makes it perfect for offices, bathrooms, or any space needing a touch of living architecture.
Ideal for 8-12 inch hanging baskets, Spider Plants offer a pet-safe and easy-care option for creating dynamic overhead displays. While brown leaf tips may occur from fluoride in tap water, this resilient plant forgives most gardening mistakes and rewards with continuous growth and endless propagation possibilities.
Tradescantia Nanouk – Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’
Source: wildroots.in_living waterfall of color, Tradescantia Nanouk dazzles with thick leaves painted in strokes of deep green, vibrant pink, and creamy white. Its fleshy stems grow densely to create 12-18 inch cascades, each leaf cluster contributing to a remarkably full display that catches every eye in the room.
Unlike its leggier cousins, this compact beauty maintains a bushy growth habit with multiple branching stems ensuring fullness from crown to tip. The plant’s vigorous growth creates a living curtain of foliage, with colors intensifying under proper light conditions.
In optimal conditions, small three-petaled purple flowers peek through the colorful foliage. This fast-growing stunner thrives in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity, preferring its soil to dry slightly between waterings. Regular pruning helps maintain its naturally full shape.
Perfect for hanging baskets near east or west-facing windows, Nanouk adds a tropical splash to any space. While easy to propagate and maintain, watch for signs of overwatering and provide adequate light to keep those stunning colors vibrant. The effort pays off with a truly spectacular hanging display that only gets better with time.
Crassula Baby Necklace – Crassula rupestris
Source: justgrowsucculentsLike delicate strings of living pearls, Crassula Baby Necklace adorns spaces with its perfectly stacked, disc-shaped leaves that overlap like tiny coins. These cascading chains extend 12-24 inches, transforming from blue-green to enchanting pink and red hues when kissed by bright light.
The plant’s multiple trailing stems create elegant living curtains as they spill over pot edges. Each leaf pair, measuring about 1/2 inch in diameter, sits in precise symmetry along the stems, forming perfect natural beadwork that catches light and attention from every angle.
Spring brings clusters of dainty star-shaped white flowers to complement the foliage. This hardy succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and needs minimal water, making it delightfully low-maintenance. Its color-changing ability adds an extra dimension of interest as seasons and light conditions shift.
Perfect for shallow hanging baskets or mounted planters, this compact beauty excels in east or west-facing windows. While easy to care for, ensure excellent drainage and protect from frost to maintain its charming appearance. Regular observation of its color changes serves as a natural guide to optimal light exposure.
Senecio Wax Ivy – Senecio macroglossus ‘Variegatus’
Source: qisu.boutiqueMerging the elegance of ivy with succulent resilience, the Variegated Wax Ivy enchants with cream-white and green leaves that dance along delicate vines. Each ivy-shaped leaf spans 2-3 inches, creating a sophisticated display that can trail up to 6 feet in length.
The plant’s graceful stems cascade in naturally balanced layers, forming living curtains that transform vertical spaces. Unlike traditional ivy, its succulent nature gives the leaves a distinctive waxy sheen that catches and reflects light, adding depth to its variegated patterns.
Throughout the growing season, yellow daisy-like flowers may appear, adding bursts of sunny color to the sophisticated foliage. This adaptable beauty thrives in bright indirect light and needs a well-draining soil mix. Its versatile growth pattern allows it to either climb or cascade, depending on your preference.
Ideal for 8-12 inch hanging baskets, this easy-care plant excels in bright bathrooms or near east-facing windows. While readily propagated from stem cuttings, watch for signs of overwatering and maintain moderate humidity for best results. The reward is an elegant, drought-tolerant alternative to traditional hanging vines.
Elephant Bush – Portulacaria afra
Source: joyusgardenIn its native South Africa, elephants feast on this hardy succulent, but in hanging gardens, the Elephant Bush delights with cascading curtains of tiny jade-like leaves. Its woody, reddish-brown stems support masses of bright green, penny-sized foliage that can trail 4-6 feet when mature.
Starting upright and becoming pendulous with age, multiple branches create a dense canopy that maintains its fullness as it grows. The plant’s moderate growth adds 6-12 inches annually, while stems thicken and develop character over time, creating an increasingly dramatic display.
This drought-tolerant beauty develops red-tinged edges in bright light, adding subtle color variations to its cascading form. Thriving in bright indirect to direct sunlight, it needs minimal water and performs beautifully in a fast-draining succulent mix. Its resilient nature makes it perfect for beginners.
Best displayed in 10-inch hanging baskets, Elephant Bush excels in south or east-facing windows. While easy to maintain, periodic pruning keeps its shape full and prevents it from becoming top-heavy. This living curtain not only creates striking vertical interest but also serves as an excellent carbon sequestrator.
Calico Kitten – Crassula pellucida variegata
Source: giromagiLike a painter’s palette spilling over the edge of its container, Calico Kitten drapes spaces with heart-shaped leaves washed in cream, pink, and green. These dainty leaves, just 1/2 inch across, cluster along slender stems that trail up to 12 inches long, creating living watercolor cascades.
The plant’s natural growth pattern creates layers of color that shift and deepen throughout the seasons, with leaves transforming to rich burgundy hues under bright light. Its compact habit ensures each hanging display remains refined while delivering maximum visual impact.
Spring brings a constellation of tiny white star-shaped flowers to complement the colorful foliage. This hardy succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and needs minimal water, making it delightfully low-maintenance. Its stress-induced colors serve as a natural indicator of optimal growing conditions.
Perfect for 6-8 inch hanging baskets or macramé hangers near bright windows, this jewel-toned beauty responds well to light pruning, which encourages fuller growth. While easily propagated from stem cuttings, watch for signs of overwatering to maintain its enchanting appearance. The reward is a living tapestry that adds artistry to any space.
Rat Tail Cactus – Aporocactus flagelliformis
Source: ropeandrootUnlike traditional trailing succulents, this epiphytic cactus (available to purchase here) creates dramatic living waterfalls with its whip-like stems that can cascade 3-6 feet downward. Each cylindrical stem, adorned with soft spines along 8-12 subtle ridges, dangles gracefully to create nature’s own beaded curtain.
The plant’s most spectacular feature arrives in spring, when vibrant magenta-pink flowers, each spanning 3 inches, emerge along the stems. These showy blooms often appear in clusters, creating a stunning contrast against the green stems and transforming the entire plant into a living sculpture.
This unique beauty thrives in bright, indirect light and needs a fast-draining cactus mix. Its resilient nature makes it perfect for beginners, though care should be taken to avoid overwatering, particularly during winter months. The plant’s natural pendulous growth showcases its architectural form perfectly in hanging displays.
Best displayed in terracotta hanging baskets at eye level, Rat Tail Cactus creates a striking vertical accent that only improves with age. While easy to propagate from stem cuttings, ensure proper drainage and airflow to prevent stem rot. The reward is a truly distinctive hanging specimen that brings both drama and seasonal color to any space.
Monkey’s Tail – Hildewintera colademononis
Source: cactus.city.chalakNature’s softest cactus, the Monkey’s Tail transforms spaces with its silvery-white stems that cascade like flowing locks of hair. Each cylindrical stem, wrapped completely in soft, touchable spines, creates waterfalls of white that can extend 2-3 feet in length.
Unlike its prickly cousins, this unique cactus invites gentle touches with its fuzzy coating, while its naturally pendulous growth creates living sculptures in hanging displays. The stems grow outward before gracefully arching downward, ensuring a full, balanced appearance from crown to tip.
In summer, the plant produces show-stopping tubular flowers in bright red or deep pink that create stunning contrasts against the white stems. This easy-growing beauty thrives in bright, indirect light and needs a fast-draining cactus mix. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it perfect for busy plant parents.
Best displayed in hanging baskets where its woolly stems can freely cascade, this conversation starter needs good air circulation to thrive. While forgiving of occasional neglect, watch for signs of overwatering and hidden mealybugs. The reward is a truly distinctive hanging specimen that brings softness and sculptural beauty to any space.
Donkey’s Tail – Sedum burrito
Source: plantsofjoyImagine ropes of tiny, plump beads cascading from above – that’s the magic of Donkey’s Tail, whose blue-green leaves spiral tightly along stems that can trail 2-4 feet long. This Mexican beauty creates living curtains as its thick stems dangle gracefully from suspended containers.
Each rope-like stem develops a dense covering of oval leaves, perfectly arranged to both catch the eye and conserve water. The overlapping pattern creates an almost braided appearance, while the leaves’ subtle purple tinge in bright light adds depth to the display.
Though rarely blooming indoors, the plant occasionally produces delicate pink-white flowers in spring. This hardy succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and needs minimal water, making it wonderfully low-maintenance. Its brittle nature teaches gentle handling, as leaves readily detach when touched.
Perfect for hanging baskets in east or west-facing windows, this striking succulent needs space to cascade freely. While easily propagated from fallen leaves, its true beauty emerges when left undisturbed to create its signature waterfall effect. Give it room to grow, and it will reward you with an ever-lengthening display of living architecture.
Pink Jelly Bean – Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’
Source: vivero_amazonia_Living candy spills from hanging baskets with Pink Jelly Bean, whose plump, bean-shaped leaves transform from soft green to blushing pink when kissed by sunlight. These chubby leaves, clustered along stems that trail 12-24 inches, create living curtains of ever-changing color.
Multiple stems cascade over pot edges, each adorned with tight clusters of overlapping leaves that provide excellent coverage from crown to tip. The plant’s compact nature ensures a full, lush appearance while its color-changing ability adds dynamic interest throughout the seasons.
Spring brings clusters of yellow star-shaped flowers to complement the pink-tinged foliage. This hardy succulent needs bright sunlight – at least 6 hours daily – to develop its most vibrant colors. While drought-tolerant, ensure the soil drains quickly to prevent root rot.
Perfect for 6-8 inch hanging baskets in sunny spots, this living jewel box is remarkably easy to propagate from fallen leaves. Though its leaves detach easily when touched, this only adds to its charm and propagation potential. Position where its candy-colored display can be admired but not disturbed for the most enchanting effect.
Variegated String of Buttons – Crassula perforata f. variegata
Source: zielonyparapet.plImagine perfect pairs of triangular leaves stacked like nature’s own origami – that’s the Variegated String of Buttons in all its glory. Each leaf displays stunning creamy white variegation against sage green, with edges blushing pink to red in bright light, creating living ropes that can trail up to 24 inches long.
The plant’s architectural beauty comes from its precisely arranged leaves, wrapping around stems like buttons threaded on string. Initially growing upright, stems gracefully arch and cascade as they mature, creating a mesmerizing display of perfectly aligned leaf pairs.
Late winter to spring brings clusters of dainty star-shaped white flowers to complement the variegated foliage. This hardy succulent thrives in bright indirect light, which intensifies its distinctive patterns. While drought-tolerant, it needs quick-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Perfect for hanging baskets near east-facing windows, this living sculpture adds both pattern and movement to any space. Though easily propagated from stem cuttings, its true beauty emerges when left undisturbed to create its unique architectural display. The reward is a striking combination of structure and variegation that draws the eye upward.
Super Donkey Tail – Sedeveria ‘Harry Butterfield’
A more robust cousin of the classic Burro’s Tail, this striking hybrid creates living waterfalls with its sturdy stems that cascade 24-36 inches long. Each stem bears plump, pointed leaves arranged in perfect spirals, their color shifting from sage green to gentle pink when sun-kissed.
Unlike its more delicate relative, ‘Harry Butterfield’ boasts compact growth and stronger stems that retain their leaves even when touched. This resilience makes it perfect for hanging displays, where its graceful cascades can develop undisturbed into dense curtains of succulent foliage.
Though rarely blooming indoors, it may produce delicate pink-white flowers in spring. This hardy succulent thrives in bright indirect light and needs minimal care, its drought-tolerant nature making it perfect for busy plant parents. The leaves develop deeper pink tones under optimal light conditions, adding subtle color variations to its display.
Best showcased in 8-inch hanging baskets near east or west-facing windows, this improved version of a classic trailing succulent combines easy care with dramatic impact. While readily propagated from stem cuttings, it truly shines when allowed to develop its full cascading potential, creating an ever-growing waterfall of living jewels.