Got a spare spot on a bookshelf or a lone hook from the ceiling? Hanging and trailing plants are an amazing and easy way to bring life and shape into your home and here are 12 of the best to add to your own collection.
1. Pothos / Devils Ivy
Pothos plants are a quintessential choice for anyone looking to add a hardy yet beautiful hanging plant to their home. Known for their resilience, Pothos can thrive in a range of conditions, including low light and irregular watering schedules. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns, from the classic green to striking variegated varieties like Marble Queen and Golden Pothos. Their long, trailing vines can easily reach several feet, making them ideal for high shelves or hanging baskets. Check out my detailed guide on the different Pothos varieties to start your collection!
2. Ric Rac Cactus
The Ric Rac Cactus, also known as the Fishbone or Zigzag Cactus, is a striking plant that adds a quirky touch to any plant collection. Its unique zigzagged stems and minimal care requirements make it a conversation starter. Although it's not a common plant, the Ric Rac Cactus is well worth the effort, needing very bright indirect light and infrequent watering to thrive. Be mindful of its susceptibility to pests like scale, but with proper care, it will reward you with beautiful, delicate blooms that appear in the summer months.
3. Hoya Plants
Hoyas, or "wax" plants, are a timeless favourite - odds are your mum or grandma probably had one back in the day! Their thick, glossy leaves makes them relatively low-maintenance, thriving in bright light with occasional exposure to direct sunlight. With hundreds of varieties to choose from, including the popular Hoya Carnosa and Hoya Compacta, these plants can also treat you with clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. They also prefer to be a little neglected, so make sure you leave the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
4. String of Turtles
The String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) is part of a larger group of "String Of" plants, each with its own unique charm. This particular variety is prized for its tiny, round leaves that resemble turtle shells, which dangle delicately from thin vines. The semi-succulent nature of this plant means it stores water in its leaves, requiring less frequent watering than other houseplants. However, it thrives in bright, indirect light, making it perfect for a sunny windowsill!
5. Curly Sue
I love how low maintenance a Curly Sue plant is—just a bit of water every once in a while, and its long curly stems grow wild! Curly Sue is part of the Rainforest Cactus family so will be happy in the shade or in part sun. Curly Sue is tolerant of low light conditions and doesn't need frequent watering, making it ideal for those who prefer low-maintenance plants. Occasionally, it will produce small, red fruit-like flowers, adding a pop of colour to its already interesting appearance. And yes... the fruits are edible!
This plant is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of the untamed jungle to their indoor space.
6. Burro’s Tail Succulent Plants
Burro’s Tail, or Sedum morganianum, is a stunning succulent that’s perfect for hanging planters. Its trailing stems are covered in plump, blue-green leaves that form long, cascading tails. While it's a hardy plant, it's important to remember that Burro’s Tail is quite delicate—its leaves can easily fall off if the plant is moved or handled too frequently. It is also very slow growing so handle with care!
It loves bright light and should be placed near a sunny window.
The good news is, its unique look more than makes up for its fragility, and with careful placement, it can become a show-stopping centrepiece in your home.
7. Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis, also known as the Mistletoe Cactus, is a diverse genus of trailing plants with over 35 species, each offering something unique. Some varieties have flat, ribbon-like leaves, while others sport thin, cylindrical stems. Despite their cactus classification, Rhipsalis plants prefer indirect light and regular watering, making them more similar to rainforest cactus than desert cacti. Their trailing branches can grow quite long, making them ideal for hanging baskets or draping over the edges of shelves.
8. Philodendron Cortadum
Philodendron Cordatum, often mistaken for Pothos, is a charming plant known for its heart-shaped leaves that grow on trailing vines. While it shares similarities with Pothos in appearance and care requirements, the Philodendron Cordatum tends to have a more pronounced heart shape and softer leaves. This plant comes in various shades of green, with the neon variety being particularly eye-catching. It's a fast grower, easy to care for, and thrives in both low and bright indirect light, making it a versatile choice for any indoor space.
9. Philodendron Micans
The Philodendron Micans is another popular member of the Philodendron family, loved for its velvety, deep green leaves with a subtle shimmer. The undersides of the leaves often display a beautiful reddish-purple hue, adding to the plant's allure. This trailing plant is perfect for hanging baskets or climbing trellises, and its soft, touchable leaves make it a favourite of mine! Like its cousin, the Cordatum, Micans is low-maintenance and adaptable to various lighting conditions, thriving in bright indirect light. Its unique texture and rich colour make it a standout addition to any home or collection.
10. Spider Plants
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are classic houseplants that have been adored for generations. Their arching, variegated leaves and ability to produce numerous "babies" or offshoots make them a fun and rewarding plant to grow. Spider Plants are extremely forgiving, thriving in a wide range of light conditions from medium to bright indirect light, and they’re quite drought-tolerant as well. They’re perfect for beginners or anyone looking to add a splash of greenery with minimal effort. Watch the plant produce its cascading stems, which dangle tiny new plants, and these baby plants can easily be propagated to share with friends or grow your collection.
11. Tricolour Tradescantia Zebrina Plants
Also known as Wandering Jew, the Tricolor Tradescantia Zebrina is a striking plant that features metallic stripes of purple, silver, and green on its leaves. This easy-to-care-for plant grows quickly, with long vines that can reach several feet in length. The plant is easy to propagate—simply cut a stem and place it in water or soil, and it will readily root, giving you new plants to enjoy or share.
12. Lipstick Plants
And finally, last on the list are lipstick plants! Lipstick plants have a couple of different varieties and named after their lipstick-shaped flowers that bloom regularly. They are hardy and busy as long as they’re in a well-lit location and watered regularly.
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