Trailing & Hanging Succulents
Posted by Grace on March 7, 2024
Are you looking for the perfect trailing succulent for a particular corner of your home? If you are looking for inspiration and ideas, in this article, I will tell you about some of the best trailing succulent varieties and provide tips on how to care for them.
Trailing succulents are excellent choices for hanging baskets, spilling over the edges of containers, or cascading down shelves and ledges.
Contents
- Benefits for Trailing & Hanging Succulents
- Popular Varieties for Trailing & Hanging Succulents
- Arrangement Ideas
- How to Care for Hanging Succulents
- FAQ
Benefits for Trailing & Hanging Succulents
- Space-saving: Ideal for small spaces and vertical gardens.
- Decorative: Adds aesthetic appeal to any room or outdoor space.
- Air purification: Succulents are known for their air-purifying properties.
- Low maintenance: Succulents are generally easy to care for and require minimal attention.
Popular Varieties for Trailing & Hanging Succulents
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
One of the most popular trailing succulent varieties is the String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus). As its name suggests, this plant features strings of plump, pea-shaped leaves that resemble pearls on a strand.
Burro's Tail (Donkey's Tail, Sedum morganianum)
Another eye-catching option is the Donkey's Tail (Sedum morganianum), which is characterized by its long, trailing stems covered in plump, blue-green leaves.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Another option is the String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii). It features slender, heart-shaped leaves that alternate along thin, trailing stems.
String of Bananas (String of Fishhooks, Senecio radicans)
True to its name, String of Bananas variety features strings of plump, banana-shaped leaves that dangle delightfully from slim stems.
Jade Necklace (Crassula marnieriana)
For those seeking a more vibrant pop of color, the Jade Necklace (Crassula marnieriana) is an excellent choice. This trailing succulent features strings of fleshy, reddish-pink leaves that resemble beads on a necklace. When provided with ample sunlight, the leaf colors can intensify, creating a striking display.
String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
A quirky choice for trailing succulents is the Peperomia prostrata, commonly known as the String of Turtles. This variety is named for its rounded, turtle-back shaped leaves that alternately stack along thin, trailing stems.
Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis micrantha)
Also consider the Rhipsalis micrantha, commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus. Unlike its desert cactus cousins, this epiphytic species hails from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It features pencil-thin, branching stems covered in tiny, scale-like leaves that grow in alternating patterns.
Arrangement Ideas
By pairing with other non-trailing succulents, you can create very beautiful arrangments. Here are some ideas I collected.
Jellyfish 🪼
The Jellyfish arrangement is a cluster of succulents, such as Echeveria Purple Pearl (Echeveria lilacina), assembled in a hanging basket with cascading vines, such as String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii).
Jellyfish Succulents by @succulentjoy on Instagram
How to Care for Hanging Succulents
Need tools for succulent propagation and repotting? Here are my go-to tools: mini tool set (including syringe 💉, gloves 🧤, tweezers 🪤, dust blower 💨, tiny shovels 🛠️) and well-draining mix 🌱.Taking care of trailing succulents involves specific practices to ensure their health and growth.
Watering: Trailing succulents are low-maintenance and do not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to rot.
Light Requirements:
- Indoor: Place indoor hanging succulents near a window with bright, indirect sunlight. East or west-facing windows are ideal. Supplement with artificial grow lights if natural light is insufficient.
- Outdoor: Outdoor hanging succulents prefer full sun or partial shade, depending on the species. Provide 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably in the morning or late afternoon. Protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf burn.
Temperature:
- Indoor: Maintain temperatures between 60-80°F during the day for indoor hanging succulents.
- Outdoor: Trailing plants' hardiness zones vary by species. Most prefer warmer climates but some cold-hardy ones can withstand lower temperatures.
Propagation: Propagate trailing succulents through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem, prepare the cutting, and allow roots to form before treating it as a mature plant.
Fertilization: Use a balanced water-soluble NPK fertilizer or diluted liquid fertilizer sparingly to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to leggy growth and other issues.
Repotting: Repot your hanging succulents when needed using a cactus/succulent mix with perlite for optimal drainage. Trailing jades, for example, do not require frequent repotting.
By following these care tips, you can ensure that your trailing succulents thrive and remain healthy, adding beauty to your space with minimal maintenance requirements.
FAQ
Why are succulents good for hanging plants?
Succulents are low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and care compared to other plants. They are ideal for hanging baskets due to their cascading growth habit and unique appearance.
How should I water hanging succulents?
Water hanging succulents sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. Cool showers in the summer can benefit certain types of succulents like burro's tail.
What light conditions do hanging succulents prefer?
Indoor hanging succulents thrive in bright, indirect sunlight near windows, while outdoor varieties prefer full sun or partial shade. Ensure 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
How can I propagate hanging succulents?
Propagate hanging succulents through stem cuttings by selecting a healthy stem, preparing the cutting, and allowing roots to form before treating it as a mature plant. Each species may have slightly different propagation requirements.
What is the ideal temperature range for hanging succulents?
Indoor hanging succulents prefer temperatures between 60-80°F during the day, while outdoor varieties' hardiness zones vary by species. Most are adapted to warmer climates but some cold-hardy ones can withstand lower temperatures.
How can I display hanging succulents creatively?
Explore innovative ways to showcase your hanging succulents, such as using macrame planters, letting them trail down from shelves, or suspending them from the ceiling. These plants add charm and character to any space.
