Trailing houseplants are one of the most dramatic options out there. Be it the top of a bookshelf or a dim lackluster corner, a mass of green cascading foliage promises to brighten up your space. But how do you know which one is right for you?
Since almost every genus of plant has a trailing variety of some kind, there are a whole host of colors, shapes and styles to choose from when decorating with plants. Some love dry and warm spots while others thrive in shadier, moist conditions - and, inevitably, they grow at different rates too. With this in mind, you should carefully consider which type of tumbling greenery would work best for you.
To help you out, we've asked some plant experts to pick their cream of the crop, alongside all the plant care and styling tips you need before introducing a new leafy friend into your home.
Ian Drummond is an interior landscape designer and author. Ian has been at the forefront of the indoor plants revival in recent years and has won multiple gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower for his indoor gardens. His book, At Home with Plants, is published by Octopus Books.
What are the best trailing plants?
1. Aeschyanthus Pulcher (Lipstick Plant)
If there's anything better than a flowering houseplant, it's a flowering houseplant that trails. This cascading beauty has red flowers that grow in clusters among a mass of waxy green foliage making them a great choice for a hanging planter or for a stylish shelving idea.
'The Aeschyanthus produces bright red tubular flowers, hence its common name the Lipstick plant,' says Ian Drummond, plant expert and author of At Home with Plants, available at Amazon. 'It has cascading stems with glossy green leaves and can grow up to 70cm in length.'
The Lipstick Plant is one of the best houseplants for beginners since it's very low maintenance. 'It should be kept in a bright position away from direct sunlight, and only watered when the top of the compost feels dry,' says Ian. Don't risk overwatering as this plant is susceptible to root rot. Instead, give it a regular mist between watering.
2. Epipremnum Aureum (Devil's Ivy)
Epipremnum, better known as Devil’s Ivy, is characterized by its heart-shaped leaves that are usually variegated in green and yellow. This tropical vine plant is a particularly fast grower so, as trailing plants go, it will fill gaps on a shelf in no time.
'Affectionately nicknamed "Rapunzel", you’ll enjoy seeing this plant let down its long hair as it grows,' says Jo Lambell, founder and plant expert at Beards & Daisies. 'Reaching up to an incredible 65 feet in the wild, you’ll be relieved to hear it tends to peak around six feet when kept indoors.'
For those who aren't so green-thumbed, the Devil's Ivy is an incredibly hardy plant. According to Jo, it enjoys indirect light, but it's also one of the best houseplants for low light levels making it perfect for brightening up a dim corner. 'Just ensure you keep its soil lightly moist with weekly watering and even an occasional misting,' Jo adds.
When it comes to styling this plant, it looks great on top of a tall bookshelf as it tumbles down the wall. 'The beauty of this trailing plant is you can guide it to trail exactly how you’d like using hooks on the wall, so it’s a great chance to get creative and bring the green indoors,' says Jo.
3. Hoya Linearis
The Hoya Linearis is one of the most beautifully striking on this list. The succulent-like perennial has soft, fuzzy stems that drape down in long, curtain-like greenery. It produces white flowers during the growing season that reportedly have a lemony scent.
When it comes to how often you should water this houseplant, it prefers the soil more on the dry side. 'Don’t be afraid of leaving it a little longer before watering and remember to check that the top layer of soil is completely dry before watering again,' Jo advises. 'However, it does appreciate a weekly misting to help recreate the humidity levels of its native home.'
We weren't joking when we said this plant has the qualities of a succulent. The Hoya Linearis is not a fan of the cold, so Jo recommends using room-temperature water to keep it happy. It also likes a sunny spot with plenty of natural light throughout the day. Try hanging it in a window of the home where you use your blinds or curtains less. As Jo points out: 'Its structured leaves work beautifully against a rustic macramé hanger.'
4. Vanda Orchids
There's a reason why orchids are one of the most beloved ornamental plants. Vanda orchids produce stunning clusters of blooms in a host of colors with long aerial roots that cascade downwards.
'The flowers have flat petals and are one of the only orchids that have blue flowers,' explains Ian. 'Its most distinguishing feature is its rambling aerial roots which can grow up to six feet long.' Their roots grow this way because in their native tropical habitat Vanda orchids hang from trees with barely any soil.
If you're wondering how to care for orchids, it takes a little more skills than some of the other trailing houseplants listed here. As Ian points out: 'They require high humidity, very warm temperatures and bright light. The Vanda Orchid especially enjoys a water drenching followed by a dry period.'
Although they require a little more care than other plants, these orchids make them one of the best plants for bathrooms. Ian suggests creating a shower curtain of orchids, as seen above.
5. Sedum Burrito (Donkey's Tail)
The Sedum Burrito, better known as the Donkey's (or Burro's) Tail, is a pale green trailing succulent with thick stems of packed leaves that almost look braided or woven.
During their early days the stems will grow upwards but, as the plant matures, they'll begin to trail down in long, tail-like shapes (hence the name). 'These chunky textured stems can grow up to 12 inches long,' says Ian. 'Small pink flowers can appear at the tips in the summer and the leaves turn pink when in bright sun.'
As is the case with all succulents, the Burro's Tail is a heat and drought-tolerant plant so it requires minimal watering. 'Remember to keep it in a sunny position to encourage growth and water sparingly, only when the top of the compost is dry.'
Ian suggests positioning this houseplant alongside other dry-loving plants above your sofa. If you don't have a shelf available to hang it from, read our advice on how to hang plants from the ceiling.
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