Curly plants are a versatile way to green up any space. They can be beautifully tumbled from pots, balconies and shelves, transforming any space into a living arrangement. These trailing plants for pots help create coziness and express style.
Don't know what type of plant suits your light and lifestyle? Here you will find some types of trailing plants - from shade tolerant and perennial ones to decorative faux trailing plants that require no care. There are pet-safe options, compact forms and ones that grow meters long. Please refer to the list of the best trailing plants indoor and outdoor placement to find the perfect solution for any home, balcony or garden.
Quick Tips for Choosing Green Accent
Lighting. Clarify whether the place receives a lot of light - for th
e sun will suit light-loving, for partial and full shade - shade-tolerant varieties.
Format. Suspended cachepots, boxes, shelves or borders - from the placement depends on the length and shape of the shoots.
Care. No time - choose drought-tolerant or decorative options without requirements.
Safety. If there are animals or children in the house, choose non-toxic varieties.
Visible effect. Variegated foliage, dense cascades or delicate shoots - choose according to style and task.
Now let's get right down to business - below is a selection of plants to suit every taste.
Home Charmers: 6 Examples for Shade
Dark corners, bedrooms, northern windows - no problem, because these species adapt well there. They are easy to care for and grow well in low light. If you are looking for trailing indoor plants low light that do not require complicated care - this selection is for you.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Golden Pothos is an easy-care and fast-growing greenery that is often chosen for interior decoration. It is easy to care for and adapts even to low light, so it is one of the low light trailing plants. Being also one of the most popular choices among trailing house plants it is perfect for beginners.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Shade or diffused light. The leaves color is brighter in good light.
Soil
Universal substrate with drainage.
Water
Does not like overwatering, water after the soil dries out. In winter - rarely.
Toxic if ingested, i.e. not suitable for homes with animals.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
This one is a versatile and time-tested choice. It doesn't take up much space, grows quickly and is suitable for anyone looking for cat safe trailing plants. It is one of the best trailing house plants for hanging pots - its long leaves and “babies” look very impressive.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Bright diffused light or semi-shade. A typical example of trailing shade plants that easily adapts to conditions.
Soil
Light, well-drained soil.
Water
Moderate watering. Tolerates dryness better than stagnant water.
Hardiness
Zone 9-11. One of the best indoor trailing plants.
Precautions
Safe for pets. May occasionally suffer from spider mites.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)
Ideal if you are looking for the longest trailing plants for hanging baskets. Its dangling shoots and small heart-shaped leaves are a spectacular decorative element and care is minimal.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Bright diffused light or semi-shade. Avoid full shade.
Soil
Soil for succulents: light and breathable.
Water
Watering after the substrate is completely dry.
Hardiness
Zone 10-12.
Precautions
Toxic if ingested! Keep out of reach.
Peperomia Hope
It is a compact, ornamental plant with round leaves that forms dense, drooping shoots. It is ideal if you are looking for small trailing plants. It is also one of the few representatives suitable for people who want trailing plants safe for cats.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Semi-shade or diffused light. This is a prime example of indoor trailing plants low light.
Soil
Mix with peat and perlite (for drainage).
Water
Moderate, do not allow stagnation.
Hardiness
Zone 10-12. For indoors only.
Precautions
Safe for pets. Does not like sudden temperature changes or drafts.
Philodendron Hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
Philodendron with heart-shaped leaves is a fast-growing, home option. This unpretentious beauty deservedly enters the top of shade hanging basket trailing plants - it loves shade, beautifully drooping and enlivens any interior.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Semi-shade or low light. This is a classic among shade trailing plants.
Soil
Universal substrate with good drainage.
Water
Light humidity is welcome, do not allow drying out.
Hardiness
Zone 9-11. A plant for the home.
Precautions
Poisonous if ingested!
Tradescantia Zebrina (Inch Plant)
Tradescantia with purple-green leaves is one of the most striking representatives of purple trailing plants. This fast-growing example is suitable for hanging pots and is often used as one of the trailing low light plants as it tolerates semi-shade well.
Things to Know
Sunlight
A bright place without direct sunlight.
Soil
Universal with perlite or sand.
Water
Moderate watering, without overwatering.
Hardiness
Zone 9-11. Indoor plant.
Precautions
Handle with care - can be toxic. Leaves are sensitive to humidity (may soften)
Outdoor Stars: Heroes for Bright Sun
These greenery feel great in outdoor containers and flowerbeds. They don't fear the sun, enjoy lush foliage and fall easily from borders and walls. This list below includes colorful trailing flowering plants, hardy perennial trailing plants and unpretentious trailing succulent plants for the sunniest of corners.
Sutera Cordata
Small white, pink or lilac flowers on the background of green foliage - Bacopa is ideal for arrangements outdoors. It is one of the best trailing plants for hanging baskets and goes well with petunias and lobelia.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Full sun or light shade. Typical representative of full sun trailing plants.
Soil
Light, fertile and moisture retentive.
Water
Regular, especially in hot weather. Do not allow it to dry out.
Hardiness
Zone 9-11. As an annual in colder regions.
Precautions
Flowering is drastically reduced with lack of moisture
Sedum “Burrito” (Sedum Morganianum)
Sedum ‘Burrito’ is an unusual and beautiful specimen with fleshy hanging shoots. It is a real favorite among succulent trailing plants and is perfect for outdoor containers and ampelas.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Bright sun
Soil
Sandy, fast-drying soil.
Water
Scant watering
Hardiness
Zone 10-11. It is better to bring indoors in winter.
Precautions
Leaves easily fall off when touched. Does not like frequent rearrangements.
Begonia “Dragon Wing”
The spectacular shiny leaves and deep red flowers make this begonia the star of the balcony. An excellent choice among trailing begonia plants, it forms neat drooping clumps and tolerates the sun well with proper watering.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Morning sun + penumbra
Soil
Nutritious and loose. Works well in containers.
Water
Moderate, regular
Hardiness
Zone 10-11. In cool climates as a seasonal annual.
Precautions
Sensitive to drafts and overwatering.
Calibrachoa (“Million Bells”)
Calibrachoa are mini petunias that bloom profusely all summer long. These popular flowers are a great addition to your trailing hanging basket plants. They are loved for their rich palette and easy care.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Maximum sun
Soil
Lightweight, with good drainage.
Water
Regular, no stagnation.
Hardiness
Zone 9-11.
Precautions
Sensitive to alkaline soil. Fertilize 1-2 times a month.
Ice Plant (Delosperma Cooperi)
It is an example with succulent leaves and bright, shiny flowers. Among trailing ice plants, it is one of the most popular. It loves sun, drought and is well suited for flower bed edges and retaining walls.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Full sun, hot climate. Ideal as one of outdoor trailing plants.
Soil
Dry, poor, rocky. No stagnant moisture.
Water
Minimal water.
Hardiness
Zone 6-10. In winter in colder zones, shelter is a must.
Precautions
Does not like overwatering. Roots rot quickly.
Lobelia Erinus
A classic for trailing plants for containers in full sun. The bright blue or purple flowers cover the entire greenery, so it can be used as trailing plants for rock walls, creating a blue waterfall effect.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Sun or light shade
Soil
Air-permeable, fertile, with regular moistening.
Water
High water requirement. Water daily in hot weather.
Hardiness
Zone 10-11.
Precautions
Wilts when dry. Regular care is necessary.
Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium Peltatum)
This is one of the most popular plants in Germany and Switzerland - a pelargonium with glossy leaves and abundant blooms. Perfect choice among other trailing plants for window boxes and balcony decoration.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Sun or light shade. Feels well in southern windows.
It is not just another trailing plant for rock walls or low containers, but also a fragrant, decorative and edible specimen. It grows quickly, hangs beautifully and adds a touch of Mediterranean romance to your garden.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Full sun only
Soil
Sandy, dry, with good drainage.
Water
Small. Does not like dampness.
Hardiness
Zone 7-10. Requires shelter in the cold.
Precautions
Can become woody. Pruning is a must.
Trailing Vinca (Vinca Major ‘Variegata’)
A powerful and fast growing plant that creates a dense cover. One of the best trailing vine plants for containers and retaining walls. Characterized by its hardiness and decorative foliage.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Sun or semi-shade.
Soil
Universal soil.
Water
Temperate. Tolerates drought.
Hardiness
Zone 6-10.
Precautions
Can spread aggressively. Use stoppers.
Effortless Effect: 5 Options for Mood and Style
Not everyone has the time to care for fastidious flowers - but that's no reason to give up on greenery. These plants (and not just live ones!) decorate your space all year round. Here you will find both evergreen classics and decorative solutions that require neither watering nor sunlight.
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
A classic and evergreen plant, in a word, ideal one among evergreen trailing plants for hanging baskets. It grows quickly, creates a dense green cascade and looks great.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Shade or semi-shade
Soil
Versatile, with drainage
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant
Hardiness
Zone 5-10
Precautions
Can spread aggressively - do not plant in soil near flowerbeds
Faux String of Pearls
Want to create the look of beautiful trailing plants outdoor without the hassle? These faux trailing plants are almost indistinguishable from the real thing and look great in hanging planters and on shelves.
Things to Know
Sunlight
-
Soil
-
Water
-
Hardiness
Universal
Precautions
Avoid bright direct sun - may fade
Trailing Artificial Fern
A lush green cascade is the choice for interiors without living plants. These trailing artificial plants will help you create a jungle atmosphere in any room.
Things to Know
Sunlight
-
Soil
-
Water
-
Hardiness
Universal
Precautions
Clean dust 1-2 times a month
Artificial Hanging Eucalyptus
It sets the modern trend for artificial trailing plants in moderate colors. Opt it for kitchen, bathroom, balcony or office decor.
Things to Know
Sunlight
-
Soil
-
Water
-
Hardiness
Universal one
Precautions
-
Silver Falls Dichondra (Dichondra Argentea)
Delicate silver shoots make it excellent for contrasting compositions. It perfectly tolerates sun and drought and is a favorite as a decorative element.
Things to Know
Sunlight
Full sun
Soil
Light, drained
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant
Hardiness
Zone 8-11
Precautions
Sensitive to overwatering
In conclusion, vine plants are a great way to add life and coziness to any interior or garden. Regardless of the light and level of care, you can always find the perfect trailing plants for shade containers or sunny yards right for you. And don't worry - from now on, caring for your green favorites is easy. Just use the Plant Finder app to get care tips, an identification assistant and a resource for insights. With the right tools now you also have a green thumb.