Hanging and trailing succulents and cacti are an excellent way to add a touch of nature and elegance to any indoor or outdoor space. Their unique growth habits and stunning appearances make them a favorite among plant enthusiasts. Here’s a comprehensive guide to 35 beautiful types of hanging and trailing succulents and cacti, perfect for your garden.
1- Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis):
Known for its long, trailing stems covered in small spines, this hanging cactus produces vibrant pink to red flowers that are truly eye-catching. The Rat Tail Cactus adds a burst of color and interest to any collection, especially when placed in a hanging basket, where its stems can cascade beautifully.
2- Golden Rat Tail Cactus (Cleistocactus winteri):
This striking hanging cactus features golden-yellow spines and tubular, reddish-orange flowers. The Golden Rat Tail Cactus is perfect for adding a touch of brightness to your plant display, and its long, trailing stems make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets.
3- Monkey Tail Cactus (Hildewintera colademononis):
Characterized by its long, white-haired stems that can trail several feet, this hanging cactus blooms with bright red flowers. The Monkey Tail Cactus is a conversation starter with its unique appearance, making it ideal for hanging displays where its full beauty can be appreciated.
4-Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum spp):
With large, fragrant flowers in various colors, these hanging cacti are perfect for creating a tropical feel. The Orchid Cactus thrives in hanging baskets, allowing its vibrant blooms and succulent foliage to be showcased to their fullest.
5-Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.):
A popular holiday plant, this hanging cactus boasts vibrant blooms in pink, red, or white during the winter months. The Christmas Cactus is a festive addition to any home, particularly when displayed in a hanging basket where its colorful flowers can brighten up the space.
6-Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri):
This hanging cactus blooms with bright, star-shaped flowers in the spring, adding a burst of color to your home. The Easter Cactus thrives in hanging baskets, providing a vivid display of flowers that can liven up any room.
7-Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum):
Famous for its large, fragrant, nocturnal white flowers, this hanging cactus is a true showstopper. The Queen of the Night Cactus captivates with its stunning blooms, making it a dramatic and elegant choice for hanging displays.
8-Fishbone Cactus (Epiphyllum anguliger):
Also known as the Ric Rac Cactus, this hanging cactus has zigzag stems and night-blooming flowers. The Fishbone Cactus adds a unique touch to any hanging pot with its distinctive, whimsical appearance.
9- Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus):
This small hanging cactus has finger-like stems and produces bright orange flowers, making it perfect for small spaces. The Peanut Cactus fits well in hanging baskets, where its compact size and vivid blooms can be enjoyed.
10-Lepismium (Lepismium cruciforme):
With its trailing, flat stems and small flowers, this hanging cactus adds an interesting texture to any arrangement. The Lepismium is ideal for hanging baskets, providing a lush, green backdrop with its unique form.
11-Dancing Bones Cactus (Hatiora salicornioides):
Its segmented stems and small, yellow flowers make this hanging cactus a fun and quirky addition to any plant collection. The Dancing Bones Cactus looks great in hanging pots, adding a playful element with its whimsical appearance.
12- Rhipsalis (Rhipsalis baccifera):
Known for its cascading, pencil-thin stems, this hanging cactus produces small, white flowers followed by white berries. The Rhipsalis is perfect for hanging baskets, where its delicate stems can create a soft, flowing effect.
13- Chain Cactus (Rhipsalis paradoxa):
Featuring chain-like stems, this hanging cactus is perfect for hanging baskets and produces tiny white flowers. The Chain Cactus adds a unique, trailing form that enhances any hanging display.
14- Climbing Aloe (Aloiampelos ciliaris):
This trailing succulent has narrow, toothed leaves and produces bright red-orange flowers on tall spikes. The Climbing Aloe makes a striking addition to hanging baskets, where its vibrant flowers and cascading leaves can be showcased.
15- String of Bananas (Curio radicans):
With its banana-shaped leaves and fast-growing nature, this hanging succulent is great for adding greenery to high shelves. The String of Bananas creates a lush, trailing effect that adds a playful touch to any space.
16- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus):
A favorite for its bead-like leaves, this hanging succulent creates a beautiful, cascading effect in hanging pots. The String of Pearls adds a touch of elegance and charm with its unique, flowing form.
17- String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii):
This trailing plant has heart-shaped leaves and produces small, tubular flowers, adding a touch of romance to any space. The String of Hearts is perfect for hanging baskets, where its delicate vines can create a lovely, draping effect.
18- Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum):
With its plump, trailing stems and soft, bluish-green leaves, this hanging succulent is perfect for hanging baskets. The Burro’s Tail adds a lush, cascading green display that is both attractive and unique.
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19- Trailing Jade (Kleinia petraea):
This succulent has long, trailing stems with oval-shaped leaves, ideal for adding a splash of green to your home. The Trailing Jade works well in hanging baskets, providing a rich, green backdrop with its flowing stems.
20- String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus):
Known for its dolphin-shaped leaves, this hanging succulent is a playful and unique addition to any plant collection. The String of Dolphins is perfect for hanging pots, adding a whimsical touch with its distinctive foliage.
21- Calico Kitten (Crassula pellucida ‘Variegata’):
With its colorful, variegated leaves, this hanging cactus adds a pop of color to hanging baskets. The Calico Kitten is perfect for adding a vibrant touch to any space, as its trailing stems gracefully fall over the edges of the container.
22- Ruby Necklace (Othonna capensis):
This hanging cactus features thin, red stems and elongated green leaves that turn reddish-purple in full sun. The Ruby Necklace is a striking plant for hanging baskets, providing a unique and colorful display with its trailing stems and changing hues.
23- Donkey Tail Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites):
This plant features blue-green leaves on trailing stems and produces small, yellow-green flowers. The Donkey Tail Spurge is ideal for hanging displays, where its unique foliage and cascading stems can add a distinctive look.
24- Rosary Vine (Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii):
Also known as String of Hearts, this hanging cactus has delicate, heart-shaped leaves and small, lantern-like flowers. The Rosary Vine adds a touch of romance to hanging baskets, with its trailing vines creating a lovely, draping effect.
25- Creeping Devil (Stenocereus eruca):
This unusual hanging cactus crawls along the ground, rooting as it goes, and produces large, white flowers. The Creeping Devil is perfect for hanging baskets where its creeping stems can create a unique and dramatic display.
26- Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus):
With its numerous columnar stems and star-shaped flowers, this hanging cactus adds a whimsical touch to any garden. The Fairy Castle Cactus looks stunning in hanging baskets, where its unusual shape and form can be fully appreciated.
27- Trailing Jade Plant (Crassula sarmentosa):
Its bright green leaves and red stems make this hanging cactus a colorful addition to hanging baskets. The Trailing Jade Plant adds a vibrant splash of green, perfect for creating a lush, hanging display.
28- Night Blooming Cereus (Selenicereus grandiflorus):
This hanging cactus produces large, fragrant white flowers that bloom at night, adding a dramatic touch. The Night Blooming Cereus is ideal for hanging baskets, where its beautiful, nocturnal blooms can be showcased.
29- Climbing Onion (Bowiea volubilis):
With its climbing, twining stems, this plant is not a true cactus but adds a unique look to any hanging arrangement. The Climbing Onion adds an intriguing, trailing element to hanging baskets, perfect for creating an interesting display.
30- The Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis micrantha)
is a graceful option for hanging baskets with its thin, trailing stems and tiny white flowers. This hanging cactus offers a gentle, flowing aesthetic that enhances the elegance of any setting.
31- Coral Cactus (Rhipsalis ramulosa):
This hanging cactus has flat, red-tinged stems and small, white flowers, adding a splash of color. The Coral Cactus is perfect for hanging baskets, where its vibrant stems can create a striking display.
32- Blue Haze (Senecio serpens):
This hanging cactus has powdery blue leaves and creates a beautiful trailing effect in hanging pots. The Blue Haze adds a serene, blue-toned touch to any hanging display, perfect for creating a calming ambiance.
33- Christmas Tree Cactus (Rhipsalis cassutha):
With its delicate, trailing stems, this hanging cactus produces tiny white flowers, resembling a Christmas tree. The Christmas Tree Cactus is a festive addition to hanging baskets, adding a touch of holiday cheer to your home.
34- Vining Hoya (Hoya linearis):
Its long, trailing stems and clusters of fragrant flowers make this hanging cactus a popular choice for hanging baskets. The Vining Hoya creates a beautiful, fragrant display, perfect for adding elegance to any space.
35- Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus):
Not a true succulent or cactus, but its trailing, vine-like growth and clusters of pink flowers make it a stunning addition to any garden. The Coral Vine adds a vibrant splash of color to hanging baskets, perfect for creating a lively and beautiful display.
These hanging and trailing succulents and cacti not only add beauty and interest to your garden but are also relatively easy to care for, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. Happy planting!