For succulent and cactus fans, the only thing that might be more appealing than a pot of full, fleshy leaves is a hanging basket or planter with those same leaves trailing off of it.
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You’ve come to the right place if you want to look into your options for that kind of tasty cornucopia.
There are 35 different plants that we are going to meet. We will sort through the succulent leaf vines and trailing cactus columns until we find the plants you want.
I’ll tell you what to expect from each of these succulents and cacti in terms of foliage type, flowers, and size when fully grown.
When research on toxicity is ready, I’ll also talk about whether each choice is safe for homes with pets or little kids. And I’ll mention any spiny features you may want to be aware of.
Additionally, I will tell you about any specific light or humidity needs you may have, so you can be sure you have the right conditions for these succulents and cacti to grow well.
Finally, I’ll tell you where you can find a specimen of your own and give you information on USDA Hardiness Zones for those who want to grow these plants outside all year.
Ready to get to know some very attractive candidates by their first names? Put on your name tag and take a quick look at today’s participants:
Hanging cactus plants are popular indoor and outdoor plants that add visual interest and vibrancy to any space Their cascading habit allows them to gracefully spill out of containers, bringing life to balconies, patios, and indoor areas
There are many different types of hanging cacti to choose from. Here are 10 of the most popular and gorgeous varieties:
1. Rat Tail Cactus
Botanically known as Aporocactus flagelliformis, rat tail cactus is distinctive for its long, trailing stems, which grow to about 4 feet once they are mature. The stems are cylindrical and segmented, almost finger-like. Small white flowers may bloom in summer. It thrives in bright, indirect light and is an easy plant to grow.
2. Peanut Cactus
Echinopsis chamaecereus, also called peanut cactus, has short, cylindrical stems that produce vibrant red, orange, or yellow flowers in spring and summer. As the plant matures, aerial roots emerge from the stems, giving the appearance of peanuts Peanut cactus flourishes in full sun and blooms best when somewhat rootbound
3. Monkey’s Tail
Hildewintera colademononis, or monkey’s tail, has thin, fuzzy, prehensile tails that can reach up to 3 feet long. The stems are brownish-green and lined with tiny hairs. Tiny white flowers may emerge if growing conditions are optimal. Monkey’s tail thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
4. Burro’s Tail
Sedum morganianum, or burro’s tail, has trailing stems densely packed with blue-green teardrop-shaped leaves. The leaves drop easily when touched. In summer, tiny pink or white flowers bloom. Burro’s tail does best in full sun and can tolerate some drought, though not complete neglect.
5. Silver Dollar Vine
Xerosicyos danguyi is named for its nearly round, silvery green leaves that resemble silver dollar coins. A quick grower, its stems can reach 6 feet long in ideal conditions. Tiny white blooms may emerge in summer. Provide silver dollar vine with plenty of bright light for best growth.
6. String of Pearls
One of the most popular hanging succulents is Senecio rowleyanus, or string of pearls. Round, plump, pearl-like leaves densely pack its trailing stems. The stems can grow 2-3 feet long. Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy. Too much water can cause leaves to swell and split. Bright light keeps leaves compact.
7. String of Bananas
Sedum lucidum is aptly named string of bananas for its yellow, banana-shaped leaves that cluster along vining stems. The trailing stems grow quickly in the right conditions and cascade beautifully from hanging pots. Provide plenty of sunlight.
8. Fishhook Cactus
Disocactus flagelliformis has arching, elongated stems lined with sharp spines shaped like fishhooks. When mature, large white flowers bloom at night and fade by morning. Fishhook cactus thrives in indirect sunlight and evenly moist soil.
9. Angel Wing Cactus
Opuntia microdasys, or angel wing cactus, has paddle-shaped segments lined with tiny hairlike spines called glochids. The segmented pads emerge in pairs along the stem like wings. Beautiful yellow flowers may bloom in late spring or early summer. Grow angel wing cactus in full sun for best results.
10. Ruby Necklace
Lastly, Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana ‘Ruby Necklace’ is valued for its red-tipped leaves tightly stacked along cascading stems resembling a ruby necklace. New stem growth has a purple hue. Avoid excess sunlight which can fade the leaves. Bright indirect light is best.
The gorgeous varieties of hanging cactus plants featured here are just a sampling of the many choices available to add beautiful trailing greenery to your home or garden. With the right care, these low-maintenance succulents offer a spectacular and unique way to decorate.
2 String of Beads
String of beads (Curio herreanus) is a creeping, low-growing succulent species with trailing or climbing stems.
Pale green to bluish-green leaves are oval, pointed, and bead-like, hanging on thin vines. Leaves are streaked with darker green or purple.
String of beads (C. herreanus). Photo via Sreifa, Wikimedia Commons, via
Previously classified as Senecio herreanus, Kleinia gomphophylla, or K. herreana, string of beads bears showy, fragrant white blooms.
This species is also commonly called “string of tears,” “string of watermelons,” and “green marble vine. Some people also call it “string of pearls,” but that name usually refers to a different species, Curio rowleyanus, which we’ll meet soon.
It’s really beautiful when a string of beads hangs from a basket and its long, succulent vines trail limply. It’s also easy to care for and will grow quickly.
Give plants bright light or filtered sun, as well as at least two to three hours of direct sunlight every day, whether they are inside or outside.
You can grow string of beads in Zones 9b to 11b, but little kids and pets shouldn’t get it because it’s poisonous.
String of beads is the necklace you never need to wear. You can find a live string of beads plant in a two-, four-, or six-inch pot from the Succulents Box Store via Amazon.
2 String of Bananas
The Curio radicans plant, also known as “string of bananas,” has long, thin, cascading vines with fleshy, pale green, crescent-shaped leaves.
This type of succulent used to be called Senecio radicans. It has “banana”-covered vines that can grow up to three feet long and bears puffy, white flowers.
With its long, delicately trailing vines, placing C. radicans in a hanging basket is no-brainer.
String of bananas is easy to care for and grows quickly.
It needs at least two to three hours of direct sunlight a day and very bright indirect light when grown indoors.
It does well outside in full sun and is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11.
If you’re worried about safety, don’t be fooled by this succulent’s fruity name. This plant is not edible and is poisonous, so keep it away from curious kids and pets.
No doubt this is the perfect plant for clowns and comics – but nonetheless, try not to slip on it! You can find a live string of bananas plant in an eight- to ten-inch pot from Terrain.
10 Most Popular Hanging Succulent Plants Varieties
FAQ
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