Top 10 Hanging Plants — Trailing Houseplants to Enjoy from Above

Trailing and cascading houseplants add three-dimensional beauty to any space. Here are 10 easy-to-grow hanging varieties plus tips for choosing pots and watering.

Top 10 Recommendations

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) One of the most popular entry-level houseplants. Highly shade-tolerant with long trailing vines. Available in many varieties including Golden, Marble Queen, and Neon. Roots easily in water, making propagation simple.

2. Hoya carnosa A semi-succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves and fragrant star-shaped flowers. Drought-tolerant; water only when soil is completely dry. Avoid cutting flower stalks (peduncles) to encourage repeat blooming.

3. Dischidia A tropical Asian epiphyte in the milkweed family. The "Million Hearts" variety with tiny round leaves strung together is popular. Best grown on sphagnum moss or cork bark.

4. Aeschynanthus (Lipstick Plant) Vibrant red or orange tubular flowers with glossy dark green leaves. Prefers warm, humid conditions and bright indirect light. Flowering adds dramatic flair.

5. Rhipsalis A jungle cactus (not a desert cactus) with thin, trailing stems. Prefers bright shade and dislikes direct sun. Adapted to humid tropical forest canopies.

6. Sugar Vine (Cissus striata) Charming five-lobed leaves on delicate vines. Tolerates shade and prefers slightly dry conditions. Relatively cold-tolerant.

7. String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) Spherical leaves strung like beads. Requires well-draining soil and dry management. Watch for humidity-related rot during the rainy season; ensure adequate airflow.

8. English Ivy (Hedera helix) A classic trailing plant with excellent shade and cold tolerance. Many variegated cultivars are available. Prone to spider mites; regular leaf washing helps.

9. Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil') A variegated heartleaf philodendron with green and lime-green tones. Prefers warm, humid conditions and grows similarly to Pothos.

10. Tradescantia Striking foliage in purple, pink, and white. Fast-growing and easily propagated from cuttings. Best in bright indirect light; direct sun causes leaf burn.

Choosing Hanging Pots

By material - Plastic: Lightweight with good moisture retention. Suits moisture-loving species (Aeschynanthus, Pothos) - Terracotta: Breathable, prevents overwatering. Suits semi-succulents (Hoya, String of Pearls) - Basket (coconut fiber): Excellent drainage and airflow. Suits epiphytes (Dischidia, Rhipsalis)

Size: Choose slightly larger than the root ball. Oversized pots retain too much moisture and risk root rot.

Drainage holes: Essential. If absent, add a 2-3 cm gravel layer at the bottom. Empty saucers promptly after watering.

Watering Tips

Hanging pots dry faster than floor pots and are harder to reach.

• Long-nozzle watering can: Reaches elevated pots easily
• Bucket soaking for baskets: Submerge the entire pot to absorb water evenly from below
• Watering frequency: Varies with temperature, light, and season. Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry
• Summer caution: Watch for both drying and leaf burn in bright, warm locations

Safe Purchasing on Bri-Choku

Selecting healthy specimens is the first step to long-lasting hanging plants. On Bri-Choku, buy directly from specialist growers and choose your perfect plant.