For those of us who are fans (or fanatics!) when it comes to succulents and cacti, the only thing more enticing than a pot of plump, fleshy foliage might be a cascade of those same leaves trailing out of a hanging basket or planter.
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So if you’re interested in scouting out your options for just that type of succulent cornucopia, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re going to do a meet and greet with 35 different plants, sorting our way through vines of succulent leaves and columns of trailing cacti, until you find the plants you’re looking for.
For each of these succulent or cacti selections, I’ll let you know what to expect in terms of foliage type, flowers, and size at maturity.
I’ll also cover whether each option is safe for homes with pets or small kids when research is available on toxicity. And I’ll mention any spiny features you may want to be aware of.
I’ll also provide information on any particular light or humidity needs you’ll want to know about, so you can make sure you have the growing conditions it takes to make these succulents and cacti happy.
Finally, I’ll offer tips on where to find a specimen of your own – as well as USDA Hardiness Zones for those considering growing these selections outdoors year round.
Ready to get on a first name basis with some sensational succulent candidates? Put on your name tag and take a quick glimpse at today’s participants:
Types of Hanging Cactus Plants
Hanging cactus plants are a beautiful way to decorate both indoor and outdoor spaces. Their trailing stems and colorful blooms cascade elegantly over the sides of planters, bringing visual interest and a touch of nature. There are many varieties to choose from, ranging from jungle cacti with huge, showy flowers to delicate succulents with strings of bead-like leaves. Here is an overview of some of the most popular types of hanging cactus plants to help you pick the perfect one for your space.
Christmas CactusThe Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of the most popular hanging cacti, loved for its gorgeous flowers that bloom around the holiday season Its segmented, flattened stems hang down, with notches along the edges Flowers come in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, yellow and white depending on the variety. The plant needs bright, indirect light indoors and part to full shade outside. It prefers higher humidity and lower temperatures in fall and winter to initiate blooming.
Rat Tail Cactus
The rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is named for its very long, slender trailing stems covered in tiny bristles. Given support or a hanging basket, these vines can grow up to 6 feet long! Tubular flowers in bright shades of magenta, orange or pink appear in spring and summer. It thrives in full sun or partial shade with average watering and well-draining soil.
Burro’s Tail
With its fat teardrop shaped leaves densely stacked along trailing stems up to 3 feet long, the burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) is perfect for a hanging basket. The blue-green leaves flush red in full sun. Yellow star-shaped flowers may appear. It needs several hours of direct sun, modest watering, and very well-draining soil. Hardy in zones 10-11.
Coral Cactus
The coral cactus (Rhipsalis cereuscula) is named for its arching, jointed green stems that resemble underwater coral. Tiny white flowers may emerge. It has an epiphytic growth habit in its native jungle habitat, so does best with indirect light, high humidity and an orchid potting mix as opposed to regular cactus soil. Its graceful trailing stems work beautifully draped over a hanging basket.
Fishbone CactusThe fishbone cactus (Disocactus anguliger) has stems with raised ridges running the length, giving them a zig-zag, “fishbone” look Stems can grow several feet long over time. Large, showy white and yellow flowers bloom at night. Give this jungle cactus indirect light, high humidity, orchid mix soil and allow it to dry slightly between waterings Its lush trailing habit is perfect for a hanging container near a bright window.
Hens and Chicks
Technically a succulent, hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) form cute rosettes that produce many offsets, the “chicks” clustered around the larger “hen.” These mat-forming plants work great in planters where the chicks cascade over the container edge. Hens and chicks come in a variety of colors like red, green, purple or gray. Grow them in full sun and gritty, sandy soil. Hardy outdoors in zones 3-9.
Peanut Cactus
The peanut cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus) consists of short, cylindrical segmented stems covered in fine, white hairs, giving the appearance of peanuts stacked together. Flowers are bright red-orange. Given time, stems trail from containers up to 2 feet wide. It needs very well-draining soil and as much direct sunlight as possible to promote blooms. Protect from frost unless growing it in zones 9-11.
Queen of the Night
A type of epiphyllum cactus, queen of the night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is beloved for its huge, fragrant flowers that bloom after dark. Its long, arching stems can grow up to 10 feet long if given adequate support and space. Use an orchid potting mix and provide bright indirect light. Blooms are most prolific with a dry winter dormancy period. Queen of the night cascades beautifully from a hanging pot near a window or under a covered patio.
Silver Dollar Vine
The silver dollar vine (Xerosicyos danguyi) is a rare succulent in the melon family. Its stems are lined with round, fleshy, silver-green leaves the size of old US silver dollar coins, giving it a charming nubby texture. Long vines will form over time. Partial shade and infrequent watering is recommended. Display it in a hanging basket or pot with a trellis where its small yet showy foliage can trail to its heart’s content.
String of Buttons
The whimsical string of buttons plant (Crassula perforata) has upright stems lined with concave, grey-green leaves stacked like buttons. Given time, the 18-24 inch stems will trailing gracefully. Small yellow or white starry flowers may emerge. Provide very bright, indirect light. Allow soil to dry between deep waterings. Its button-like foliage dangling from a hanging basket is quite playful and cute.
A hanging basket is by far the most popular way to display trailing cactus plants, allowing their stems to spill out in abundance. But trailing cacti and succulents also look fabulous simply planted as groundcover or positioned on a high shelf where they can drape down. Whether going for bold and showy or delicate and lacy, there are so many options when it comes to choosing a hanging cactus plant for your home or garden.
Ruby Necklace Plant (Othonna capensis)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9, 10, 11
- Blooming Period: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Mature Size: 12 in. long
- Flower Color: Bright Yellow
The String of Rubies or ruby necklace is also a stunning succulent with trailing stems adorned with small, ruby-red leaves. Just like its name suggests, it looks like a string of precious rubies cascading down from a hanging planter. The vibrant red color of the leaves adds a pop of color and visual interest to any space. With its captivating appearance and low-maintenance nature, the String of Rubies is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of elegance and beauty to your hanging succulent planter. Learn more…
Our Favorite Types of Hanging Succulents
succulent plants for your space can be a big challenge since there are a lot of choices. Aside from using single plants in a pot, you can also make amazing succulent arrangements using various types of hanging plants in a planter to cascade over the side while having another main focal plant.
Below, you will find the 24 most popular types of hanging succulent plants to cascade from a basket or planter. Further down the page, you will learn how to care for them and much more to keep them thriving.
25 Trailing & Hanging Succulent Plants
FAQ
What is the name of the hanging succulent?
The Donkey’s Tail Plant is a popular hanging succulent with long, trailing stems that are covered in plump, fleshy, and cylindrical leaves, resembling the tail of a donkey. The beautiful blue-green leaves have a slightly powdery texture, which adds to their charm.
What is the difference between a cactus and a succulent plant?
A cactus has various physical features that make it different from a succulent. Cacti are identified by their needle-like spines. They have fleshy stems that store water and are capable of performing photosynthesis. A succulent plant, on the other hand, holds water and nutrients in its fleshy leaves.
What succulent looks like a burro’s tail?
Native to Southern Mexico, this Sedum burrito plant is like a superstar hanging from your ceiling, with its mesmerizing trailing stems. While it may resemble a donkey tail plant at first glance, this gorgeous burrito sedum has shorter stems and smaller, more rounded leaves than the donkey tail succulent.
How to care for trailing succulents?
If you want to grow this succulent as a houseplant all you need is nice bright light and to be stingy with the water. Whether you grow Fishhooks Senecio indoors or out, just make sure you give it room to trail!
What cactus hang & trail?
When mature, the hanging plants produce showy bring magenta or red blooms. This is one of the most interesting succulents that hang and trail to have to grow in any space. It has so much character and creates so much interest. Echinopsis Chamaecereus ‘Peanut Cactus’ is native to Argentina.
What are hanging cactus & trailing succulents?
Hanging cacti and trailing succulents are a fun and unexpected option for your hanging basket. The name hanging cactus tells you everything you need to know about these plants- they grow in such a way that allows you to hang them on a wall or a trellis with their branches and leaves hanging down.
What cacti & succulents can you hang in your garden?
The following are the most beautiful and popular hanging cacti and succulent plants that you can hang or trail in your garden or indoor area: #1. Euphorbia tirucalli, ‘’Sticks on fire’’ Don’t let this name scare you! These cacti have a toxic sap, so put them away from children and pets. You can easily grow them indoors or outdoors.
What is a hanging cactus?
The name hanging cactus tells you everything you need to know about these plants- they grow in such a way that allows you to hang them on a wall or a trellis with their branches and leaves hanging down. They tend to have exquisite shapes and are typically suited for indoor spaces, although some of them can also thrive outdoors in certain climates.
Can a cactus grow in a hanging basket?
R. cereuscula will trail beautifully from a hanging basket. Coral cactus is an easy-care houseplant that is quite tolerant of neglect. This cactus needs a bit more soil moisture than its desert relatives – use an orchid potting medium rather than a pre-mixed medium designed for cacti.
Are hanging cactus suitable for outdoor use?
This hanging cactus loves humidity and direct sun, so it’s also suitable for outdoors. This extraordinary plant is an epiphyte and is native to tropical rainforests. It has long vines with unique half-an-inch wide leaves that are pale green and resemble coins.