20 Best Trailing Plants for Cascading Beauty

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 the 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.

1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

A lush golden pothos plant with bright green - yellow leaves trailing down elegantly.

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.
Hardiness	Zone 10-12 (arranging in home only).
Precautions	Toxic if ingested, i.e. not suitable for homes with animals.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

Green spider plant with long, narrow leaves in a hanging pot.

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.

3. String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)

A succulent vine plant with small heart‑shaped leaves trailing elegantly

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.

4. Peperomia Hope

Peperomia Hope plant with round, fleshy green leaves growing on trailing stems in a small container

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.

5. Philodendron Hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)

Heartleaf Philodendron with glossy heart-shaped leaves is trailing from a hanging pot

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!

6. Tradescantia Zebrina (Inch Plant)

Tradescantia Zebrina with vibrant purple and green striped leaves is placed in a container.

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.

7. Sutera Cordata

Bacopa (Sutera cordata) plant with small white flowers and trailing green foliage placed outdoors.

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

8. Sedum “Burrito” (Sedum Morganianum)

Donkey’s Tail succulent with thick, bead-like leaves forming dense, trailing stems spilling over the edge of a pot.

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.

9. Begonia “Dragon Wing”

Begonia 'Dragon Wings' with colorful golden-yellow leaves and delicate pink flowers in a garden setting.

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.

10. Calibrachoa (“Million Bells”)

Calibrachoa flowers known as Million Bells of different colors are in hanging pots in full blum.

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.

11. Ice Plant (Delosperma Cooperi)

Succulent Ice Plant with bright pink flowers and fleshy green leaves trailing over rocky soil

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.

12. Lobelia Erinus

Lobelia erinus trailing plant with bright blue flowers in full blum.

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.

13. Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium Peltatum)

Trailing Ivy Geranium with shiny foliage and pink blooms cascading from a planter.

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.
Soil	Universal substrate with drainage.
Water	Regular, especially in the heat.
Hardiness	Zone 9-11. As an annual in cool climates.
Precautions	Needs regular removal of wilted flowers.

14. Trailing Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis “Prostratus”)

Trailing Rosemary with slender, needle-like leaves gracefully cascading over the wall.

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.

15. Trailing Vinca (Vinca Major ‘Variegata’)

Close of a trailing plant with colorful green leaves and delicate light purple flowers.

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.

16. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)

English Ivy (Hedera helix) trailing down a red brick wall with dense, glossy green leaves forming a lush vertical cascade.

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

17. Faux String of Pearls

An artificial twig of a trailing plant and this artificial potted plant in a home interior.

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

18. Trailing Artificial Fern

Close up of the plastic artificial fern for home decoration.

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

19. Artificial Hanging Eucalyptus

Example of artificial hanging eucaliptus for any conditions.

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	-

20. Silver Falls Dichondra (Dichondra Argentea)

Silver falls dichondra with delicate silvery-green trailing foliage cascading gracefully.

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.

Top Trailing Plants to Grow

Contents:

Quick Tips for Choosing Green Accent