Hanging succulents are your go-to plants if you’re looking for a unique way to spruce up your garden. Not only are they beautiful and low maintenance, but they can also be used in many ways to create stunning displays. Let’s take a closer look at why hanging succulents make a great addition to any garden.
What do I need to know about hanging succulents? Hanging succulents are also known as trailing succulents. They differ from other succulents because they have longer stems and tendrils supporting the growing plant. Over time, these stems will get longer, and an entire display of hanging succulents can be created.
Some common hanging succulents include the string of hearts, the string of beads, Christmas cactus, strings of bananas, and mother-in-law’s tongue. Most are hardy plants that can be grown just about anywhere as long as they have plenty of indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. They don’t require much water or maintenance, so they’re ideal for those who want a beautiful garden without all the fuss.
This blog post discusses everything you need to know about hanging succulents. We’ll look at the different types of hanging succulents, how to care for them, and where you can find them. We’ll also touch on the benefits of having hanging succulents in your garden.
What Is a Hanging Succulent?
Before we dive deep into hanging succulents, let us talk about what they are.
As mentioned earlier, hanging succulents are also known as trailing succulents. They produce long stems and tendrils that hang down, making them perfect for creating a hanging display in your garden or home. These plants come in various colors and shapes, so you can mix and match them to create a beautiful display.
Hanging succulents are easy to care for and require little maintenance, making them ideal for those who don’t want to spend hours tending to their garden. They need plenty of indirect sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive, so ensure you provide these basic needs for your succulents.
Some people refer to them as trailing succulents because they tend to cascade down the sides of containers, creating an elegant display.
In their natural habitat, these plants mostly grow in bright light and rocky terrain, so they can quickly adapt to various garden styles.
Common Types of Hanging Succulents
Here is a list of some of the common types of hanging succulents:
1. String of Hearts
The string of hearts is native to parts of South Africa and is one of the most popular trailing succulents. The leaves are heart-shaped and come in shades ranging from green to purple.
This plant is a fast grower and can reach up to three feet in length. It thrives in bright, indirect light and must be watered regularly. The string of hearts blooms small, white flowers during spring.
2. String of Beads
Also known as the Senecio rowleyanus, this is a popular trailing succulent with round leaves that look like beads.
It can reach up to three feet in length and comes in shades of green and white. This plant does best in bright, indirect light and must regularly be watered.
The string of beads usually blooms in the spring and summer, producing small yellow flowers. It is essential to water the plant more frequently and feed it during this time. Consider pruning it after the flowering season is finished to keep it tidy.
3. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful succulent that produces colorful blooms during winter. It’s native to Central and South America and can reach up to four feet in length over time.
The Christmas cactus is one of the most popular trailing succulents because of its festive look. It has pointed leaves in green and pink shades, making it perfect for adding a pop of color to any garden.
The succulent likes bright indirect light and needs to be watered regularly to thrive.
4. Burro’s Tail
Burro’s tail is an all-favorite hanging succulent that is a true showstopper thanks to its lush foliage. It has thick, cylindrical leaves that hang down in bunches and can reach up to two feet in length over time.
The succulent is native to Mexico and prefers bright, indirect light and plenty of water during summer.
During the winter months, it should only be watered sparingly. The burro’s tail may produce small white flowers in the spring and summer.
However, this plant isn’t a massive bloomer. So, don’t be frustrated if yours doesn’t produce many flowers.
5. String of Dolphins
The string of dolphins is also known as the Senecio peregrinus, one of the most exciting trailing succulents. This plant has dark green leaves resembling dolphins and can reach up to three feet long.
The string of dolphins prefers bright, indirect light and must be watered regularly during summer. During winter, it should only be watered sparingly.
This succulent is an excellent choice for those who want to add texture and interest to their garden with a unique hanging plant. Plus, it’s low maintenance and doesn’t require much care!
That’s why they can make a wonderful addition to any outdoor space or balcony, creating a stunning display that will last for years.
How Do I Care for Hanging Succulents?
Hanging succulents are low-maintenance plants that don’t require much care. If you provide them with plenty of indirect sunlight, regular watering during the summer months, and occasional pruning to keep them tidy, they should thrive in your garden.
It’s also essential to give them a well-draining soil mix so their roots don’t become waterlogged.
You can use a potting mix specifically made for cacti and succulents to do this. This will help to ensure that your trailing succulents get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.
Most of them can survive without feeding, but it doesn’t hurt to feed your succulents every few months with a balanced fertilizer during their growing season. Use a liquid or slow-release fertilizer for best results.
Check on them regularly and trim any dead or dying leaves. This will help keep the plant healthy and looking good. Consider pruning your trailing succulent after the blooming season to keep it neat.
Finally, consider repotting your succulents every couple of years with fresh soil and a bigger pot if necessary. This will help ensure that your plants have plenty of room to grow and stay healthy.
The best way to know when it’s time to repot is to check the roots. If you notice that the roots are filling up the pot, it’s time to repot. This is also a great time to divide your succulents and create more plants!
How to Choose the Best Hanging Succulents for Your Garden
When selecting the best hanging succulents for your garden, you should consider a few things.
First, look at the plant’s size and ensure it’s suitable for where you plan to hang it. For example, if you want to hang a large trailing succulent in a small space, you may need to look for a smaller variety.
You should also consider the amount of light your hanging succulents will receive. Most prefer bright, indirect light, but some can tolerate full sun.
Finally, make sure you choose one suitable for your climate and conditions. Do research the particular type of succulent you are interested in and ensure it will thrive in your area.
Some do well in dry, desert climates, while others prefer humid environments. Therefore, you must provide your preferred trailing succulent with the right conditions for it to thrive.
Where Can I Buy Hanging Succulents?
Hanging succulents can be found in many places. You can purchase them at nurseries, garden centers, home improvement stores, and even online.
It’s essential to ensure that you buy your succulent from a reputable source to know it is healthy and will thrive in your garden.
When shopping online, check the seller’s reviews and ensure they have a good reputation. This will help ensure that you get a healthy plant that will be easy to care for.
If you are not experienced in identifying healthy succulents, it is advisable to purchase them from a local nursery to get expert advice on which varieties are best suited to your climate and conditions.
Conclusion
Hanging succulents are a great way to bring life and color to any outdoor living space. These unique plants have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their incredible beauty and low maintenance needs, from the string of beads to the Burro’s tail.
These succulents require bright, indirect light and regular watering during the summer months. During winter, they should only be watered sparingly.
Be sure to give them plenty of space in well-draining soil and provide them with occasional fertilization. Remember to prune any dead or dying leaves!
With a bit of care, your hanging succulents will thrive and bring beauty to your garden for many years.
Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
