Did you know that there are over 10,000 succulent species in the world? This provides you with a variety of options for your garden or home. One popular succulent group is the trailing succulents. These succulents are becoming popular since they can fit in different spaces and look beautiful. But for starters, it can be challenging to identify which trailing succulents types may work best for you. Fortunately, we are here to help you.
So, what are some of the best trailing succulents? Trailing succulents come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Some of the most common ones include the monkey’s tail, the string of pearls, the rat tail cactus, the string of bananas, and the climbing aloes. Others include the string of nickels, the string of hearts, the string of buttons, and the starfish cactus.
This blog post discusses seven of the most popular trailing succulents, their features, and how to care for them. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What Are Trailing Succulents
The term “trailing succulents” refers to a group of plants that grow in a trailing or cascading pattern. This is because they have stems that hang down and cascade over the sides of planters, hanging baskets, and other vessels.
Trailing succulents come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to choose something that best fits your space. They can be used in various ways, including small hanging baskets, ground covers, or window boxes.
You can also use these succulents to cover large areas like walls and fences. The best part is that they are easy to care for, making them perfect for busy gardeners who don’t have much time to devote to their plants.
Different Types of Trailing Succulents
Now that you know what trailing succulents are, let’s discuss the types available. The seven most popular trailing succulents are:
1. String of Pearls
The string of pearls is one of the most popular trailing succulents. Native to parts of South Africa, this plant has become a common houseplant thanks to its beauty and versatility.
The succulent looks beautiful anywhere you stick it and can be used to add a unique dimension to your overall plant arrangement. The succulent will grab everyone’s attention, from little teacups to hanging baskets.
Its stem can grow up to three feet long, with a large portion hanging. When cut, the stem automatically splits into two or more parts and keeps growing. Its stems are lined beautifully with small, round, pea-like leave.
The string of pearls is less fussy, and caring for it is less tedious once you figure out what it needs to thrive.
Typically, the succulent requires a well-draining potting mix and less watering. However, young plants require frequent watering to establish stable roots. Only water your string of pearls when the soil is completely dry. consider
The succulent requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Therefore, it is crucial to protect it from the intense afternoon soon. In fact, the string of pearls thrives in a partially shaded area.
For fertilization, use a soluble fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer.
When mature, this succulent produces white flowers with a sweet, vanilla scent. The flowers appear in late spring or early summer and last for a few days before disappearing.
2. Monkey’s Tail
The monkey’s tail is another popular trailing succulent that has become quite common with gardeners. It is native to Mexico, where it can be found growing on rocky hillsides or cliffs.
The succulent has long, thin stems that hang and trail down, much like a monkey’s tail. Its leaves are small, oval-shaped, and light green in color.
The monkey’s tail is relatively easy to care for, requiring well-draining soil and regular watering. The succulent needs bright filtered sunlight to thrive, so it should be placed near a window or other area with plenty of light.
It should be watered when the soil is dry and fertilized in the spring and summer. It also requires protection from strong winds and sudden temperature changes, so avoid placing it outdoors if possible.
The succulent produces small yellow flowers in the late spring or early summer, giving it a unique look and adding a nice pop of color to your plant arrangement.
The monkey’s tail can be used in various ways, from ground cover to hanging baskets or window boxes. When used in the latter two, ensure the stems are secured so they don’t fall as the succulent grows.
3. String of Nickels
The String of Nickels is another great trailing succulent. The succulent has green, bluish-gray leaves that are primarily flat and round, giving them the appearance of nickels (coins) hanging on a piece of string.
They are native to the tropical rainforest of Central and South America and are natural epiphytes. The term “epiphyte” refers to a group of plants that mainly grow on tree trunks, rocks, or other plants.
The String of Nickels looks excellent in living wreaths, hanging baskets, or wall art cascading down on the sides of the planter.
As with most succulents, the string of nickels requires well-draining soil and regular watering when the soil is dry.
They need plenty of light to thrive, so place them near a window or other area where they can get bright filtered sunlight. During the spring and summer months, fertilize with a soluble fertilizer once a month.
The String of Nickels produces white flowers in spring or early summer, adding an extra touch to your plant arrangement.
4. String of Hearts
The String of Hearts is a beautiful succulent with heart-shaped leaves. Native to parts of South Africa, the String of Hearts has vines that can trail endlessly, reaching up to seven feet long.
The leaves of this succulent are usually dark or pale green, depending on their exposure to sunlight. They also have ivory-colored veins, giving them the appearance of hearts.
The String of Hearts requires well-draining soil and regular watering when the soil is dry. It needs bright indirect sunlight to thrive, so keep it near a window or other area with plenty of light. Fertilize in the spring and summer with a soluble fertilizer once a month.
The String of Hearts produces purple flowers in spring, adding an extra pop of color and life to your plant arrangement.
When growing this succulent, ensure that you support its long vines, as they can become heavy when mature. Secure them at regular intervals to keep them from drooping down.
5. Wax Plant
Also known as Hoya, the wax plant is native to Australia, East Asia, and Southern India. This succulent is known for its heart-shaped leaves and vine-like qualities. But remember that not all Hoyas are succulents.
These plants are popular houseplants but also do well outdoors. Most of them require bright but filtered sunlight to thrive. Also, protect your wax plant from the intense afternoon sun.
Wax plants are typically grown in hanging baskets and require more watering than other succulents to thrive.
You should also provide it with a well-draining potting mix and only water when it is dry. Consider watering it more during the active growth season and less often during winter.
Fertilize the wax plants twice a month in the spring and summer with a soluble fertilizer.
The succulent produces clusters of waxy, star-shaped white flowers that are very fragrant and attractive. This adds an extra level of interest to your plant arrangement.
6. Burro’s Tail
Native to parts of Mexico, the Sedum Burrito (Burro’s Tail) is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for trailing succulent. It has fat, teardrop-shaped leaves that are bright blue-green and grow on long stems or tails.
This succulent does not require much maintenance and is generally relatively easy to look after.
Place it near a window with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and water it when the soil is dry. Fertilize twice a month in the spring and summer with a soluble fertilizer.
The Burro’s Tail produces small, white-pink star-shaped flowers during spring, adding extra beauty to your plant arrangement. This succulent also makes a great addition to hanging baskets as it has an excellent trailing habit.
7. Rat Tail Cactus
The rat tail cactus derives its name from its long, thin stems reminiscent of a rat’s tail. Native to Central and South America, this cactus prefers bright indirect sunlight and fast-draining soil.
Water the rat tail cactus when the soil is dry but avoids overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize with a soluble fertilizer twice a month during the spring and summer.
The rat tail cactus produces white-pink flowers at its tips in summer, adding extra beauty to your plant arrangement.
This cactus is known for its ability to tolerate full sun and very low temperatures, making it an excellent choice for outdoor succulents.
Summary
Trailing succulents are perfect for filling in empty spaces in your garden or for cascading down from a hanging planter.
They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find one to fit your needs.
Although they’re relatively easy to care for, it’s essential to know which type of plant you have so that you can give it the proper amount of sunlight and water.
Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
