26 Best Trailing Succulents for Planting in Hanging Baskets

The cultivation and upkeep of plants and gardens are functional facets of plant care. Research has indicated that gardening serves as a beneficial means of self-care, improving mood and providing stress relief.

Succulents are a great choice for beginner gardeners because they are relatively easy to care for and demonstrate nature’s resilience without sacrificing beauty. Succulents are plants that evolved to survive drought, with leaves, stems, or roots consisting of water-storing tissue.

Below are twenty-six succulents you can grow in hanging baskets. I have limited the selection to what I believe will offer the greatest visual impact, are easy to maintain, and provide a sense of tranquillity.

26 best Trailing Succulents for Hanging Baskets

#Common NameScientific Name
1Burro’s TailSedum morganianum
2Christmas CactusSchlumbergera Bridgesii
3Echeveria ‘Set-Oliver’Echeveria setosa x harmsii
4Elephant BushPortulacaria afra
5Fishbone CactusDisocactus anguliger
6Ghost PlantGraptopetalum mendoxae
7Hindu RopeHoya compacta
8Thanksgiving CactusSchlumbergera truncata
9Baby Sun RoseMesembryanthemum cordifolium ‘Variegatum’
10Fung Wax FlowerHoya curttisii
11Lantern FlowerCeropegia haygarthii
12Crassula ‘Petite Bicolor’Crassula pellucida subsp. Marginalis
13Monkey’s TailCleistocactus winteri subsp. Colademono
14Pachyphytum rzedowskiiPachyphytum rzedowskii
15October DaphneHylotelephiem sieboldii
16Orchid CactusEpiphyllum (Disocactus)
17Wax PlantHoya linearis
18Peanut CactusEchinopsis chamaecereus
19Rattail CactusAporocactus flagelliformis
20Variegated Hindu RopeHoya compacta “Regalis’
21String of TurtlesPeperomia prostrata
22String Of HeartsCeropegia linearis subsp. woodii
23String Of NickelsDischidia nummularia
24String of PearlsCurio rowleyanus
25String Of WatermelonsCurio herreianus
26Variegated Trailing JadeCrassula sarmentosa

1. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

The flowering succulent “burro’s tail,” often called “donkey tail succulent,” is indigenous to Mexico. Homeowners love it since it is hardy and looks lovely in hanging gardens. The burro’s tail, however, has very delicate leaves.

Burro’s tail, also known as Sedum morganianum, is a tough yet fragile plant. The fact that the burro’s tail is a naturally delicate plant is the main cause of its leaves coming off. This plant’s tendency to drop leaves at the slightest provocation is normal and is typically an indication of overwatering.

2. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b

A well-known unique cactus with flattened stems segmented into the shape of leaves is Schlumbergera bridgesii. Wintertime sees the emergence of long-lasting flowers that resemble fuchsias from the tops or notches of stalks. They have an exact symmetry, are carmine crimson, and have a hint of purple in the middle.

These plants are simple to grow and are frequently handed down from one generation to the next. The key to growing Holiday Cactus isn’t how to get it to grow; it’s how to get it to bloom.

Your plants can bloom in time for the holidays with a little additional care during the fall months. Keep these plants away from frigid conditions!

3. Echeveria ‘Set-Oliver’ (Echeveria setosa x harmsii)

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.

A lovely succulent shrub called Echeveria “Set-Oliver” produces tight rosettes of mushy, hairy leaves at the ends of its branches.

It can reach a height of 12 inches (30 cm). The edges and tips of the lime-green leaves are typically colored red. Late spring and summer bring about the appearance of slender, up to 16 inches (40 cm) long inflorescences bearing red flowers with yellow ends and interiors.

Potting soil mix that drains fast is necessary for echeverias, and many growers will make their own blend.

4. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra)

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.

A tiny tree or thickly branched shrub, Portulacaria afra has small, juicy, glossy green leaves and brittle, reddish-brown stems. It can reach a height of 16.4 feet (5 m).

Older stems have a woody color. The obovate leaves can be up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) broad and 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Small, star-shaped, pink to mauve flowers are abundantly produced at the ends of the short lateral branchlets in dense sprays. In the late spring and early summer, they emerge.

When growing Elephant Bush indoors, pick a position with some indirect sunlight. The leaves may burn and fall off if the sun is too bright. Make that the container has big drainage holes.

5. Fishbone Cactus (Disocactus anguliger)

USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b.

Epiphytic cactus Disocactus anguliger, originally known as Epiphyllum anguliger, has smooth, green stems that are heavily branched.

Secondary stems can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and 2 inches (5 cm) in width and are fleshy, flat, and deeply lobed. The lobes may be square-shaped or slenderly rounded. Flowers (white or pale yellow) have a rich sweet aroma and bloom at night.

They can be up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. Fruits can be up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, greenish or yellowish, and oval.

Disocactus needs rich soil that still drains effectively to develop. Regular watering and fertilization are required to achieve healthy growth and flowering.

6. Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum mendoxae)

USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b.

A little succulent shrub called Graptopetalum mendozae has erect to pendent or decumbent stems and rosettes of light gray leaves that get darker in the summer. It can reach a height of 6 inches (15 cm), and the diameter of rosettes can reach 1.4 inches (3.5 cm). Small, star-shaped, white flowers are in bloom.

Make careful to select a potting mix that drains effectively and a container with drainage holes before planting your Ghost Plant in a container.

The Ghost Plant needs full or partial daytime exposure to the sun to grow and thrive. Keep it close to south-, east-, or west window if grown indoors.

You can let it become a bit “leggy” for a different style or prune it for shape. Not pruning allows the stems to climb out of the pot and gradually cascade down. Between waterings, make sure the soil has dried up entirely.

7. Hindu Rope (Hoya compact)

USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b.

A draping succulent vine with lovely clusters of waxy star-shaped flowers is called Hoya compacta, also known as Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’.

It is possible to miss fresh peduncles and buds until they are fairly large because of how closely the curly leaves grow on the vine. Although the leaves are different in size and color, they can be compared to the curly Hoya carnosa leaves.

Flowers are typically light pink, and a red ring surrounds the center of the white corona. They last approximately a week and create nearly spherical balls of 30 to 50 flowers. Each blossom has a maximum diameter of 0.6 inches (1.5 cm).

Leave the flower stalk on your Hoya after it has finished blooming to create more flowers; otherwise, the plant will have to grow a new stalk, which will delay flowering and use energy.

8. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncate)

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.

Schlumbergera truncata is a cactus with strongly flattened segments and two or three “teeth” of various shapes along its edges and ends. The stems’ ends seem “chopped off” instead of pointed.

Each segment can be up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide and 2.4 inches (6 cm) long. Flowers can reach lengths of 3.1 inches (8 cm) and 2.4 inches (6 cm). Six to eight tepals are present, and they can be any color, including red, orange, pink, and white hues. In the fall, the flowers bloom.

These plants are simple to grow and are frequently handed down from one generation to the next. The key to growing Holiday Cactus isn’t how to get it to grow; it’s how to get it to bloom.

Your plants can bloom in time for the holidays with a little additional care during the fall months. Keep these plants away from frigid conditions. Although they enjoy milder weather, they are still tropical plants and cannot endure freezing temperatures.

9. Baby Sun Rose (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium ‘Variegatum’)

USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b.

Formerly known as Aptenia cordifolia “Variegata,” Mesembryanthemum cordifolium “Variegatum” is a gorgeous mat-forming succulent with silky green leaves and cream-colored edges as well as vivid pink to purplish flowers.

The leaves can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and are heart-shaped. Summer and fall are when flowers bloom.

The soil should only be watered for Aptenia when it is absolutely dry, and only to a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm). Try sticking your finger into the ground to feel for dryness.

10. Fung Wax Flower (Hoya curttisii)

USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b.

Small leaves on a slowly expanding plant called Hoya curtisii build a dense mat over the soil before flowing down the pot’s sides.

The thick, olive-green leaves have silver flecks on them. They can grow up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long and are heart-shaped.

The odd blooms feature fuzzy yellowish-green corollas and bloom in bunches. With a crimson or pink core, the corona is off-white.

Hoyas don’t require much outside of the warm, humid climate that many tropical flowers require and well-draining soil. They dislike dense soil or wet feet; many naturally grow as epiphytes.

When the Hoya has finished blooming, leave the flower stalk because it might bear more flowers. When the stalk is taken away, the plant is forced to grow a new one, which delays blooming and uses energy.

11. Lantern Flower (Ceropegia haygarthii)

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b.

A robust succulent called Ceropegia haygarthii has stems that ascend or trail and bear tiny egg-shaped leaves.

The stems are up to 10 feet (3 m) long, 0.25 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, meaty, green, and coated in a glaucous bloom.

Flowers can reach a length of 1.6 inches (4 cm) and a diameter of 1 inch (2.5 cm). The funnel-shaped tube has cream-colored purple specks, is enlarged at the base, is bent upward, and expands.

During warm weather, Ceropegias like water and a little fertilizer, though some caution is needed when watering the more challenging species. The species that resemble vines can experience protracted droughts.

Where tubers are present, it is preferable to plant them on the surface of the compost and let the vegetative growth twine around supports or trail down from a hanging pot.

12. Crassula ‘Petite Bicolor’ (Crassula pellucida subsp. Marginalis)

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.

A mat-forming succulent with loose rosettes of broadly ovate to rounded, grey-green leaves with pink-flushed, pale green borders, Crassula “Petite Bicolor” is frequently mislabeled as Sedum “Little Missy.”

Small white and pink flowers with five petals and five stamens are clustered at the ends of the stems, which can be up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. In the summer, the flowers bloom.

Although crassulas are simple to grow, they are vulnerable to fungus and mealy bugs. Overwatering will always harm succulents, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet.

13. Monkey’s Tail (Cleistocactus winteri subsp. Colademono)

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

The lovely cactus Cleistocactus winteri subsp. colademono, commonly known as Cleistocactus colademononis, has soft, white, long spines resembling hair. The term “Monkey’s Tail” is a colloquial phrase for the look of hairy stems.

It is an active epilithic (rock-growing) cactus with branches at the base. The spines entirely hide the pale green, cylindrical stems. They can grow to 8.2 feet (2.5 m), with a diameter of up to 3 inches (7.5 cm), and begin upright before drooping. Bright red flowers can reach a length of 3 inches (7.5 cm).

If the ground dries out throughout the fall, cut back on watering to once every five weeks. Keep your cactus dry during winter to prevent root rot brought on by wet soil, chilly temperatures, and inactivity.

14. Pachyphytum rzedowskii (Pachyphytum rzedowskii)

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.

In the succulent Pachyphytum rzedowskii, the apex of the stems generates loose to dense rosettes. The rosettes can have a diameter of 2.8 inches (7 cm).

The stems range from 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm). The spirally arranged leaves are blueish-green to lavender-grey, up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long, and up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) broad.

Flowers are green to whitish-yellow at the base and bluish-green at the apex, with an inside red spot. They can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, with green to pinkish stalks.

Frosts will not be well tolerated by Pachyphytum. The plant will die at temperatures below 20 °F (-6 °C), and prolonged exposure to temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C) is to be avoided.

It can withstand extreme heat and sunlight. Pachyphytum, like most Crassulaceae succulents, can tolerate (and even prefer) poor soil conditions as long as the soil is well-draining. In either full or partial sunlight, it can grow.

Before watering, let the soil dry and prevent water on the leaves. As the plants start their active growing season in the winter, they will need more water.

The mealybug, one of the most frequent pests of indoor plants, may attack your Pachyphytum.

15. October Daphne (Hylotelephiem sieboldii)

Formerly known as Sedum sieboldii, Hylotelephium sieboldii is a lovely low-growing succulent that produces unbranched stems from a small rootstock.

The stems, which can reach 12 inches (30 cm), are ascending or dangling over the pot’s sides. The blue-green, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter, round-tipped leaves have a few modest, undulating serrations along their borders.

They expand in three-whorl groups around the stem. Fall brings out circular clusters of star-shaped, bright pink flowers at the stem ends. Winter brings a decline in the foliage, while spring brings new growth.

16. Orchid Cactus (Disocactus)

Cacti belonging to the Disocactus genus can be found in northern South America, the Caribbean, and Central America. It should not be confused with the distinct genus Discocactus.

Most cultivated plants classified as Epiphyllums are hybrids between Disocactus species (rather than Epiphyllum species) and other genera in the Hylocereeae.

17. Wax Plant (Hoya linearis)

USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b.

Hoya linearis is a pendent epiphytic succulent with soft, thin grayish-green stems that bear linear, hairy, dark-green leaves up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and deep grooves on the underside.

It bears loose umbels of 10 to 13 fragrant pure white flowers resembling stars and has yellowish-white coronas with pink undertones. The umbels can reach a diameter of 1.5 inches (3.7 cm).

The diameter of a single blossom can reach 0.5 inches (1.2 cm). They may be followed by long, cylindrical follicles that contain seeds and hairy tufts. Check out my article on the Hoya linearis

18. Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus)

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.

Echinopsis chamaecereus is a branching cactus with several densely packed pale green branches that resemble fingers. It can reach a height of 6 inches (10 cm).

The diameter of the stems ranges from 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm). Each areole has 10 to 15 soft white bristles and 8 to 10 ribs.

The flowers are orange-red, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Between late spring and early summer, there are several flowering bursts.

A potting mix with good drainage is required for the peanut cactus. Before you water the plant again, let the soil dry halfway down the container and water the plant well until water comes through the holes in the pot.

Because it has thin roots, this cactus thrives in hanging baskets or smaller, 4-inch (10-cm) nursery containers. Deeper pots can accommodate hybrids.

19. Rattail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)

USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.

A lovely cactus with broad hanging stems with 8 to 13 ribs and clusters of bristle-like spines is called Disocactus flagelliformis.

The thin, green to gray-green stems can reach 6.6 feet (2 m) in length and have a diameter of 0.8 inches (2 cm).

15 to 20 reddish-brown to reddish-yellow, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long spines are present on each white areole. Magenta-colored flowers can reach 3.2 inches (8 cm) in length and 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter.

The Rat Tail Cactus grows relatively quickly and is simple to grow. This cactus is perfect for a hanging basket because of its trailing stems.

20. Variegated Hindu Rope (Hoya compacta “Regalis’)

USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b.

A lovely variegated succulent Hoya compacta ‘Regalis’ has meaty, curled, dark green leaves with creamy white edges.

The flowers are dense umbels, waxy, and mildly fragrant from late spring through fall. The umbels have about 20 star-shaped bracts and can reach up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter.

Hoyas don’t require much outside of the warm, humid climate that many tropical flowers require and well-draining soil. They dislike dense soil or wet feet; many naturally grow as epiphytes.

Give them at least a half-day of sunshine, and bring them inside when it gets colder than 50 °F (10 °C).

Keep the flower stalk after your Hoya has finished flowering because it might bear more flowers. When the stalk is taken away, the plant is forced to grow a new one, which delays blooming and uses energy.

21. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrate)

USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b.

A tiny vine plant called Peperomia prostrata has thick, spherical, dark green to purple leaves with a lovely pattern of white veins.

It grows beautifully in hanging baskets, cascading over the pot’s sides and producing a thick mat. The width of the leaves can reach 0.5 inches (1.3 cm), and Reddish-brown flower spikes are slender.

Peperomias are little, fragile plants that are easy to grow, making them ideal for dish gardens and desktop arrangements. Rarely will they outpace or shade out their neighbors. In a nutshell, they are charming tiny plants with impeccable manners.

Watering-related issues are typically the major issues. Although they can be highly sensitive to overwatering, they prefer consistently moist soil. Peperomia that has received too much water often wilts or develops raised, scab-like protrusions on its leaves. More information here

22. String Of Hearts (Ceropegia linearis subsp. Woodii)

USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b.

The trailing succulent Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii, also called Ceropegia woodii, has thin stems and heart-shaped leaves with a grey pattern.

The stems can develop up to 13.1 feet (4 meters) long. The leaves are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and equally wide. They have a vivid green hue when exposed to enough light and are a light green color in low light.

It grows a woody caudex at its base as it ages. Flowers can last up to 6 weeks, measure up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, and normally bloom in late summer or early fall.

For species with white thickened roots and species developing huge tubers, gritty compost is excellent, and clay pots aid drainage.

During warm weather, Ceropegias benefit from water and a little fertilizer, while some watering care is needed for the more challenging species. The species that resemble vines can experience protracted droughts.

Many of these species typically climb and develop naturally among shrubs, which offer shelter and moisture to the base while the vegetative growth is in the light.

23. String Of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia)

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °C).

A creeping epiphyte called Dischidia nummularia has round, dull greenish-yellow leaves and short stalks. On the trees where it naturally occurs, it frequently develops large clumps.

The opposite, thick, fleshy leaves can measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. Sometimes young leaves will have a powdered bloom.

Typically in the spring, flowers are white to yellowish-white and come in umbels of 1 to 5 flowers. Fruits are follicles that develop and split open on one side.

Before watering the plant, let the soil become completely dry. They cannot tolerate soggy media because they are accustomed to receiving moisture from dew and the air. Submerge the container in water until all air bubbles disappear once the bark media is dry.

24. String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)

This species is native to South Africa and southern Namibia.

The popular succulent Curio rowleyanus, formerly Senecio rowleyanus, has trailing stems covered in tiny pea-shaped leaves. The stems can reach three feet (90 cm) and root at the nodes. The leaves are virtually spherical, have a diameter 0.3 inches (0.8 cm), and have a translucency stripe.

On up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long peduncles, small, white to virtually white blooms with long red stamens and bright yellow anthers bloom in brush-like clusters in the summer. They have a cinnamon-like scent.

Note: Curio rowleyanus is a toxic plant, so take great care if you have children, pets, or livestock.

25. String Of Watermelons (Curio herreianus)

This species is native to South Africa.

The gorgeous succulent Curio herreanus, also known as Senecio herreanus or Senecio herreianus, has trailing stems and egg-shaped leaves. Despite having larger and longer leaves than Curio rowleyanus, it has a fairly similar appearance.

The thin stems, which trail from pots or creep along the ground and root at the nodes, can reach lengths of over 12 inches (30 cm). Greenery and leaves are “windowed” by fine, dark green or purple stripes.

The purple hues on the leaves and stems will deepen when exposed to direct sunshine. Small, brush-like, white or virtually white, and appearing from spring to fall on long peduncles are the flowers of this plant.

26. Variegated Trailing Jade (Crassula sarmentosa)

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.

Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealy bugs and fungal diseases. Overwatering is sure to be fatal as with all succulents, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet.

Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, pour off any excess water after a few minutes.

Summary to Succulents in Hanging Baskets

Growing succulents has several benefits as they demonstrate nature’s diversity and beauty, even in harsh environments. Their sheer resilience to thrive in dry environments and still produce awe-inspiring foliage is astounding.

Two factors are essential in growing succulents: Don’t overwater and manage mealybugs – check out my article on the topic.

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