Plant lovers love hanging succulents with stems that trail, vine, or cascade. These plants look great in hanging baskets or pots. Hanging succulents are low maintenance and hard to kill since they don’t need frequent watering. From a hanging succulent planter or a basket, they can hang over the sides, grow in a mound over the edges, or fall several feet from the top.
Hanging cactus plants are a beautiful and unique way to decorate your home or office Their cascading stems and colorful flowers can transform any indoor space into a desert oasis Hanging cacti come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors – there is sure to be one that fits your style and space perfectly. In this article, we will look at 12 of the most popular and readily available types of hanging cactus plants.
1. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of the most popular hanging cactus plants. These epiphytic cacti are native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil. The Christmas cactus gets its name from the fact that it blooms in late fall and early winter, usually around Christmas time. The flowers come in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and orange. The segmented, flattened, green stems cascade gracefully in a hanging basket or pot. The Christmas cactus thrives in bright, indirect light and average household humidity
2. Easter Cactus
Closely related to the Christmas cactus, the Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri, formerly known as Schlumbergera gaertneri) produces beautiful blooms in the spring, usually around Easter time. The flowers come in shades of red, pink, orange, white, and yellow. The fleshy, jointed, bright green stems cascade attractively over the sides of a hanging container. The Easter cactus needs bright light to bloom properly and should be shielded from direct hot sun.
3. Orchid Cactus
The orchid cactus (Epiphyllum spp.) is named for its large, colorful flowers that look like orchids. There are over 20 species of epiphyllum that can be grown as hanging plants. Popular varieties include E. truncatum, E. oxypetalum, and cultivars like ‘Frank Headley’ and ‘Edna Bellamy’. The stems are flat, broad, and leaflike. When happy, this jungle cactus cascades abundantly with curly stems up to 3 feet long. Orchid cacti need warm temperatures, humidity, bright light, and excellent drainage.
4. Rat Tail Cactus
With its long, trailing segmented stems, the rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) makes a distinct statement in hanging baskets. Native to Mexico, this unique cactus can grow up to 6 feet long! The stems are pencil-thin and produce small, tubular pink or purple flowers in late spring. Rat tail cactus thrives in bright light and should be allowed to dry between waterings. Provide this hanging cactus with a tall trellis or pillar to encourage its vertical growth habit.
5. Angel Wings Cactus
The angel wings cactus (Opuntia microdasys) is named for its distinctive paddle-shaped stems that resemble angel wings. Covered in soft, fuzzy glochids, the lime green stems can grow up to 2 feet long. In late spring and summer, this prickly pear cactus produces cheerful yellow flowers. Grow angel wings in a hanging basket in full sun. Be sure to use gloves when handling it to avoid the glochids. The dangling stems make a living curtain.
6. Fishhook Barrel Cactus
Fishhook barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) is a round, stout succulent that can thrive in hanging containers. Given adequate sunlight, the stems will cascade attractively over the basket sides. This cactus is covered in fierce hooked spines that resemble fishhooks, giving it its common name. In summer, the fishhook barrel cactus produces gorgeous, large yellow blooms. Native to Mexico and the Southwestern United States, it is adapted to hot, dry climates.
7. Golden Rat Tail Cactus
A hybrid of the rat tail cactus, the golden rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis ‘Golden Torch’) displays abundant curly stems that can cascade 3 feet or more from a hanging pot. As its name suggests, the stems have a golden yellow hue that brightens up any space. Small pink or purple flowers may appear in spring if the plant gets enough sunlight. Provide this hanging succulent with temperatures above 50°F and be cautious of overwatering.
8. Burro’s Tail
With its densely packed blue-green leaves, the burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) is one of the most popular trailing succulents. Native to southern Mexico and Honduras, it can be grown outdoors in mild climates or indoors near a bright window. The heavily laden stems can grow up to 4 feet long but are prone to snapping if not supported. Burro’s tail provides year-round interest with its tightly packed leaves arranged in a spiral pattern.
9. String of Pearls
One of the most sought-after hanging succulents is string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus). This South African native gets its name from the rows of small, spherical, pea-like leaves that densely clothe its gracefully arching stems. The stems can trail up to 3 feet long from a hanging pot. String of pearls thrives in bright, indirect light. Take care not to overwater this succulent beauty. Its cascading tendrils make a wonderful living curtain.
10. Ruby Ball Cactus
The ruby ball cactus (Notocactus leninghausii) is a small, round cactus that grows in hanging clusters. Covered in soft, fine spines, each stem segment is about the size of a golf ball. They produce vibrant red flowers in summer. Ruby ball cactus should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Bright light helps maintain its compact shape and encourages blooming. Its globular stems dangle attractively in hanging containers.
11. Bishop’s Cap Cactus
Native to Africa, the bishop’s cap cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma) displays unique triangular segmented stems covered in soft fuzz rather than spines. As it matures, a tall flower stalk topped with yellow blooms may emerge from the center. Bishop’s cap cactus can cascade gracefully when grown in a hanging pot. Provide this fuzzy cactus with plenty of sunlight and minimal water to prevent rot.
12. Chocolate Drop Cactus
The chocolate drop cactus (Mammillaria elongata) is a petite cactus that grows in small colonies, with each stem segment resembling an oblong chocolate drop. Covered in tiny white spines, these attractive succulents reach about 8 inches tall. However, their short stems will cascade attractively over basket edges. In summer, chocolate drop cactus produces rings of purple or white flowers around its center. Grow this cute cactus in full sun.
There you have it – 12 amazing types of hanging cactus plants to adorn your home with graceful cascades of lush greenery and seasonal flowers. Hanging displays allow you to appreciate the intriguing shapes and textures of these desert wonders up close. Trailing succulents and cacti can beautify otherwise dull corners and fill vertical spaces in a uniquely natural way. Which trailing or cascading cactus will you choose to liven up your interior landscape?
Variegated String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii Variegata)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 11, 12
- Blooming Period: Late winter, early spring
- Mature Size: 12 ft. long
- Flower Color: Pink, purple
The Variegated String of Hearts is a lovely variation of the String of Hearts plant. It features delicate, heart-shaped leaves that are variegated with shades of green and creamy white. The variegation adds a touch of uniqueness and visual interest to the plant. The Variegated String of Hearts’ trailing stems make it perfect for hanging planters, where it can fall and make a beautiful display. Learn more.
Hindu Rope Plant (Hoya carnosa compacta)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10, 11, 12
- Blooming Period: Late Spring–Early Summer
- Mature Size: 15 in. long
- Flower Color: White, light pink
The Hindu Rope Plant gets its name from the way its vines are twisted and twisted, making them look like a rope or a chain. These climbing succulents have thick, waxy leaves that are close together, making them look dense and compact. The leaves are typically a deep green color, but can also have variegated patterns of cream or pink. The Hindu Rope Plant produces beautiful clusters of star-shaped flowers that have a sweet, honey-like fragrance. Use a good orchid mix or well-drained soil to plant your hoya in a hanging basket. Learn more.
10 Most Popular Hanging Succulent Plants Varieties
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 are the different types of hanging cacti?
In this section, we will explore three popular types of hanging cacti: Rhipsalis, Epiphyllum, and Hatiora. Rhipsalis is a genus of hanging cacti that is native to the rainforests of Central and South America. These cacti are known for their long, trailing stems that hang gracefully from baskets or planters.
Which Cactus is best for hanging cacti?
No matter which species you choose, Rhipsalis is sure to bring a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your hanging cacti collection. Epiphyllum, also known as the orchid cactus, is another popular choice for hanging cacti enthusiasts.