Best Trailing Succulents for Hanging Pots & Mixed Containers

Running out of ground space? Go vertical. Trailing succulents transform hanging baskets, wall pots, and mixed containers with their cascading forms. In nature they sprawl over rocks; in pots, their draping habit becomes a design asset. Here are top performers by genus.

Cacti (Epiphyllum, Disocactus, Rhipsalis, Hatiora, Lepismium, Schlumbergera)

True standouts for hanging culture. Most prefer bright indirect light, not scorching sun. Rhipsalis species (dozens of them) offer incredible texture variety—R. paradoxa, R. capilliformis, R. clavata. Disocactus flagelliformis (rat-tail cactus) and Aporophyllum hybrids bloom spectacularly. Hatiora salicornioides (drunkard's dream) and H. gaertneri (Easter cactus) add seasonal color. Schlumbergera (Christmas cactus) and Epiphyllum are grown more for flowers than foliage.

Crassulas

Crassula perforata (string of buttons) and C. rupestris are compact, reliable trailers. C. sarmentosa is stunning but gangly. 'Calico Kitten', C. capitella, C. pellucida, and C. volkensii work well but can rot or get leggy in humid climates. Most tolerate sun to part shade.

Euphorbias

Few truly trail, but E. peltigera/hamata (pencil-like, caudiciform) drape elegantly. E. caput-medusae (medusa's head) cascades spectacularly. Handle with care—sap is irritating.

Hoyas & Dischidias

Hoyas are premier trailers with waxy leaves and fragrant flowers. H. carnosa, H. compacta (Hindu rope), H. curtisii, H. kerrii, H. obovata thrive in bright shade. Dischidia (related genus) similarly excel but need more warmth.

"Ice Plants" (Aizoaceae)

Genera like Delosperma, Lampranthus, Malephora, Carpobrotus, Aptenia, Dorotheanthus. Most make better groundcovers, but Delosperma echinatum (pickle plant) and D. lineare work in pots. Aptenia cordifolia (red apple) is ubiquitous in Southwest hanging baskets.

Rosette-Formers That Trail

Graptopetalum paraguayense (ghost plant) is the king—stems elongate and cascade beautifully. Graptoveria, Dudleya, Echeveria (e.g., E. coccinea), Pachyphytum ('Fred Ives') also drape as they mature.

Sedums (Stonecrops)

S. morganianum (burro's tail) is iconic—thick, bead-like leaves on long stems. S. nussbaumerianum, S. clavatum, S. rubrotinctum (jelly beans), S. pachyphyllum, and 'Harry Butterfield' (morganianum hybrid) are excellent. Many need summer shade in hot climates.

Senecios

S. rowleyanus (string of pearls) and S. radicans (string of bananas) are must-haves. S. radicans is nearly unkillable. Blue "chalk stick" senecios (S. mandraliscae, S. serpens) trail aggressively but need large containers.

Others Worth Trying

Tradescantia (purple heart), Portulacaria afra variegata, Kalanchoe manginii, Plectranthus spp., Faucaria.

Hundreds more exist—this is a starting palette. Match plants to your light, climate, and container size.