Best Trailing Houseplants for Shelves, Hanging Baskets, and Ledges

Common Causes

1. 1

   Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

   Pothos is the undisputed champion of trailing houseplants for beginners. It tolerates low light, irregular watering, and a wide range of temperatures. Long vines can reach 10 feet or more and look stunning trailing from a high shelf. The golden variety is the most forgiving; marble queen and neon varieties need slightly more light to keep their variegation.

   How to fix it: Place in any light from low to bright indirect. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Trim long vines occasionally to encourage bushier growth lower down.

2. 2

   String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

   String of pearls is one of the most distinctive trailing succulents, with round bead-like leaves strung along delicate stems. It prefers bright indirect to some direct morning light and very infrequent watering. Overwatering is the most common reason they fail; the pearl-shaped leaves store water and rot quickly in soggy soil.

   How to fix it: Place in bright indirect light. Water only when the soil is completely dry; typically every 2-3 weeks in summer and once a month or less in winter. Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.

3. 3

   String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

   String of hearts produces delicate heart-shaped leaves on long, thread-like vines. It is easier to grow than string of pearls and tolerates slightly lower light. The leaves are deep green with silver marbling on top and purple underneath. It grows relatively quickly and can trail 3-4 feet.

   How to fix it: Provide bright indirect light for best color and fastest growth. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Repot infrequently; it blooms and grows better when slightly pot-bound.

4. 4

   Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

   The heartleaf philodendron is as easy as pothos but with a more refined, velvet-textured leaf. It grows quickly, cascades beautifully from shelves and hanging planters, and tolerates medium to low light. Unlike some philodendrons, it rarely has pest problems and is nearly impossible to kill with neglect.

   How to fix it: Grow in medium to bright indirect light. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them glossy and improve light absorption.

5. 5

   Tradescantia (Tradescantia zebrina)

   Tradescantia (also called spiderwort or inch plant) is a fast-growing trailing plant with striking purple and silver striped leaves. It thrives in bright indirect light and grows so quickly that you can propagate it by snipping stems and placing them in water. The boldly colored foliage makes it a standout in any collection.

   How to fix it: Place in bright indirect light; the color fades noticeably in low light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Pinch back leggy stems to keep growth compact and colorful.

6. 6

   Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)

   Burro's tail is a trailing succulent with plump, blue-green teardrop leaves that overlap along thick drooping stems. It is striking in a hanging planter where the long tails (up to 4 feet over several years) can hang freely. It is best grown in a spot where it will not be brushed against, as the leaves detach easily.

   How to fix it: Needs bright indirect light with some direct morning sun. Water sparingly; only when soil is completely dry. Avoid moving frequently once established, as jostling causes leaf drop.