• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sublime Succulents
  • Welcome to Sublime Succulents
  • Care Guides
    • Watering
      • How to Water Succulents and Cacti: The Ultimate Guide
      • Is My Succulent Over or Under Watered: Knowing the Difference
      • How Long Can Succulents Go Without Water?
    • Light
      • Light and Sun for Succulents and Cacti: The Ultimate Guide
      • Grow Lights for Succulents – Best Indoor & Outdoor Use Guide
      • How to Grow Colorful Succulents
    • Soil
      • Soil for Succulents and Cacti: Ultimate Guide
      • Succulent Soil vs Gritty Mix: Which is Better?
      • 7 Best Succulent and Cactus Soils
      • Should I put gravel in the bottom of a pot?
    • Propagation
      • Succulent Propagation: The Ultimate Guide
      • How Often to Water Propagated Succulents to Encourage Growth
      • Water Propagation for Succulents – How to Avoid Root Rot Guide
    • Fertilizer
      • How and When to Fertilize Succulents
      • Best Liquid Fertilizer in 2022 (Our Reviews & Comparisons)
      • How Often Should I Give My Plant Nutrients?
    • Pots and Planters
      • How to Care for Succulents in Pots without Drainage Holes
      • Best Pots For Succulents in 2022 (Our Reviews & Comparisons)
      • Should Succulents Be Planted in the Ground or in Pots?
    • Beginners: Start Here
      • 7 Best Places to Buy Succulents Online 2022
      • Succulent Starter Pack
      • How to Identify Root Rot and Treat It
  • Shop Succulents
    • Accessories
    • Pots and Planters
    • Soil and Fertilizer
    • Books
    • Plants
    • Grow Lights
  • Succulent Types
    • Easy Beginner Succulents
    • Indoor Succulents
    • Succulents by Color
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • Beginners
  • Reviews
  • Sorting
  • Types
  • Beginner Buys
search icon
Homepage link
  • Care
  • Beginners
  • Reviews
  • Sorting
  • Types
  • Beginner Buys
×

9 Best Trailing Succulents and Cacti

Modified: Jul 10, 2022 by Tarah Schwartz · This post may contain affiliate links ·

If your garden is getting crowded, but you can't seem to stop buying new succulents and cacti, it's time to consider your options. You could curb your spending, but that would be silly. Instead, make use of your vertical space with trailing succulents and cacti.

Collage of best trailing succulents and cacti.

These spectacular trailing plants are an interesting addition to any garden. Their long, draping stems are absolutely stunning as wall art, but they look just as good in fairy gardens and living wreaths. These gorgeous, cascading plants add character and whimsy to any room or garden.

Jump to:
  • Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls)
  • Crassula Marginalis Rubra (Calico Kitten)
  • Echinopsis Chamaecereus (Peanut Cactus)
  • Dischidia Nummularia (String of Nickels)
  • Hildewintera Colademononis (Monkey’s Tail)
  • Sedum Morganianum (Burro’s Tail)
  • Othonna Capensis (Little Pickles)
  • Aporocactus Flagelliformis (Rat Tail Cactus)
  • Senecio Herreianus (String of Beads)

Senecio Rowleyanus (String of Pearls)

String of Pearls in a yellow pot on a brown table.
Add this beautiful String of Pearls from Mountain Crest Gardens to your collection of trailing succulents!

Buy it from:

MCG
Etsy
Amazon

String of Pearls is one of the most popular trailing succulents. The nearly spherical leaves on this plant are about the size of a pea and the trailing stems can reach two to three feet in length. They are a great addition to hanging baskets but also make excellent ground cover.

Mountain crest garden's free mistery succulent with each order banner

This gorgeous succulent is easy to care for and can easily be propagated with cuttings. They do best in partial sunlight but can handle full sunlight if properly acclimated. They are typically dormant during the summer, doing most of their growing during the winter months.

See Also: Jade Plant Care

See Related Reading: Ruby Plants Nursery - Interview

Crassula Marginalis Rubra (Calico Kitten)

Hand holding Calico Kitten succulent.
Leaf and Clay offer some of the most beautiful Crassula Marginalis Rubra around!

Buy it from:

MCG
Etsy
Amazon

This adorable succulent has long, trailing stems covered in heart-shaped leaves. The leaves come in shades of green, pink, and cream. Their draping stems can reach a length of about 12 inches. In mild climates, they make excellent ground cover, but also do well in indoor containers.

See also
36 Wonderful White Succulents

Calico Kitten thrives in partial or filtered sun and with well-draining soil. They tend to bloom in the spring and produce petite white flowers. They do not tolerate frost, but they can handle dry conditions. They are also easy to propagate with cuttings.

Read Also: 10 Interesting Facts About Succulents

Echinopsis Chamaecereus (Peanut Cactus)

Flowering peanut cactus growing in a pot.
Mountain Crest Gardens is a great place to find your new Peanut Cactus.

Buy it from:

MCG
Etsy
Amazon

The Peanut Cactus is an interesting looking plant with long, finger-like stems up to six inches in length. The stems are about a half inch in diameter and are covered in soft, bristly white spines. The Peanut Cactus grows in clumps and are ideal for both hanging planters and ground cover.

Bestseller No. 1
10 Assorted Live Succulent Cuttings, No 2 Succulents Alike, Great for Terrariums, Mini Gardens, and as Starter Plants by The Succulent Cult
10 Assorted Live Succulent Cuttings, No 2 Succulents Alike, Great for Terrariums, Mini Gardens, and as Starter Plants by The Succulent Cult
  • GUARANTEE HEALTHY ARRIVAL: Healthy arrival of cuttings with no roots or soil. for Every order comes with THE SUCCULENT CULT...
  • UNIQUE VARIETIES: You will receive assorted succulent cuttings ranging from 1" to 3" in diameter or length NO ROOTS INCLUDED...
  • WHATS INCLUDED?: Succulent Cuttings with NO ROOTS, NO SOIL, NO POTS included. Please read the listing to be well informed of...
Check Price on Amazon
Bestseller No. 2
Altman Plants, Assorted Cactus Plants Live Plants (4 Pack), Live Cactus Plant Live Succulents Plants Live Houseplants, Cacti Live Indoor Plants Succulent Plants House Plants in Cactus Soil Potting Mix
Altman Plants, Assorted Cactus Plants Live Plants (4 Pack), Live Cactus Plant Live Succulents Plants Live Houseplants, Cacti Live Indoor Plants Succulent Plants House Plants in Cactus Soil Potting Mix
  • UNIQUE HAND SELECTED: Each order contains GROWN WITH LOVE and hand selected cactus plants. You will receive a variety of...
  • EASY CARE: Featuring Eye-Catching flowers, spines and forms, these cacti are easy to grow and grow great together in gardens...
  • SIZE: Succulents come in 2 ½" pots fully rooted in soil. Plant measurements will vary as different species grow in...
Check Price on Amazon

Peanut Cacti do well in shallow containers placed in partial sun. They prefer little to no water during the winter months, but in the Spring they are ready to bloom. The Peanut Cactus produced bright orange or red flowers about two inches in diameter.

See also
35 of the Most Beautiful Flowering Succulents

See Also: Planet Desert Online Succulent and Cactus Store Review

 

Dischidia Nummularia (String of Nickels)

Dischidia nummularia hanging succulent plant.
Wouldn't this plant be a fabulous addition to your garden?

Buy it from:

Etsy
Amazon

The String of Nickels is actually a trailing epiphyte, or air plant, similar in appearance to the String of Pearls. However, rather than having round leaves, the leaves of Dischidia Nummularia are wide, flattened in appearance, and about a half inch wide. They are green or greenish-yellow in color and the cascading stems can reach about 18 inches in length

As an epiphyte, the String of Nickels thrives in humid environments. They are sensitive to overwatering and must be planted in well-draining soil. They do not tolerate frost and prefer partial sunlight.

Hildewintera Colademononis (Monkey’s Tail)

Monkey tail cactus growing in a pot.
The Monkey's Tail Cactus is definitely a conversation starter!

Buy it from:

Etsy
Amazon

This unique cactus is sometimes referred to as "Monkey's Tail" because of its long, draping stems and bristly white spines. Its trailing stems can reach an incredible eight feet in length. Beneath the soft, hairy spines, the stems are a greenish yellow in color and measure up to three inches in diameter. These interesting looking plants don’t start out with trailing appendages, instead they grow upright at first, then droop and trail as they mature.

Monkey’s Tail Cacti prefer full sunlight and little to no water during the winter months. They require well-draining soil and must be watered in the spring and summer only when the soil is dry. The long stems can cause this plant to be somewhat difficult to repot, so be sure to handle it carefully.

Read Also: Succulent Gardens Online Succulent Nursery Review

Sedum Morganianum (Burro’s Tail)

Sedum morganianum in a pot.
Mountain Crest Gardens has a wonderful selection of Burro's Tail plants.

Buy it from:

MCG
Etsy
Amazon

The Burro's Tail is one of the most popular trailing succulents, and with good reason. It's easy to care for and easy to propagate. Its long, trailing stems can reach up to three feet in length. The stems are covered in thick, fleshy leaves that are bright green in color.

See also
Rock Garden Succulents: 37 Easy to Grow Succulents

This lovely succulent does best in partial sun and when protected from frost. The leaves can be somewhat delicate and may fall off easily, but they can be propagated with ease. The Burro’s Tail blooms in spring and produces beautiful pink flowers at the tips of its stems.

Othonna Capensis (Little Pickles)

Othonna capensis close-up.
Don't you want to add some Little Pickles to your succulent collection? Grab 'em on Etsy.

Buy it from:

MCG
Etsy
Amazon

This fascinating little succulent gets its common name from the pickle-like shaped leaves that cover its stems. The brightly-colored, trailing stems grow quickly and can reach up to about eight inches in length. They do well in hanging containers, but their densely growing stems make excellent ground cover as well.

Little Pickles prefer partial sunlight and well-draining soil. They can bloom year-round and produce bright yellow flowers that stand high above the leaves on bright red or purple stems. Little Pickles thrive in shallow containers with enough space for them to spread.

Check Also: Rose Succulent Care

Aporocactus Flagelliformis (Rat Tail Cactus)

Rat tail cactus growing in a pot.
The cascading stems and beautiful pink flowers make the Rat Tail Cactus a wonderful choice for any garden.

Buy it from:

Etsy
Amazon

The Rat Tail Cactus has long, trailing stems that can reach up to five feet in length and nearly an inch in diameter. They're covered in fine, white spines, giving the plant and almost fuzzy appearance. Rat Tail Cacti grow quickly, as far as cacti are concerned, and are easy to care for.

Rat Tail Cacti enjoy partial sun and well-draining soil. They do not tolerate frost but are drought tolerant. This unique looking plant blooms in the Spring, producing bright pink flowers. The Rat Tail Cactus is easy to propagate with cuttings, but can also be grown successfully from seeds.

See also
Indoor Hanging Succulents: Beginner-Friendly Varieties and How To Grow Them

Read Related Topic: 10 Best Indoor, Low-Light Succulents

Senecio Herreianus (String of Beads)

Senecio Herreianus growing in a pot.
Find this adorable succulent at Leaf and Clay!

Buy it from:

MCG
Etsy
Amazon

The String of Beads, sometimes called the String of Raindrops, is similar to the String of Pearls except the leaves have a more elongated, raindrop shape. The leaves are bright green in color and are about half an inch in diameter. The trailing stems can reach two to three feet in length.

String of Beads are easy to care for and require partial sun and porous soil. They flower in the Spring, producing small, white, brush-like flowers. They do not tolerate frost, but are extremely drought tolerant. String of Beads are easy to propagate as well as grow from seed.

With these trailing succulents and cacti, there's no need to limit your succulent garden to what you can fit on the ground. Now, you can confidently add more beautiful plants to your collection without having to worry about running out of room.

« Terracotta vs. Plastic Pots for Succulents
The Difference Between Aloe and Haworthia »

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • WhatsApp

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judith Cmero

    October 02, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    What is the name (botanical & common) of the plant in your very first photo, before your numbered list starts? I have this myself and am having no success in identifying it.

    • Ann

      August 09, 2020 at 7:56 pm

      Hello Judith, I used “PICTURE THIS” App and it says it’s Stringy Stonecrop aka Gold Moss stonecrop, botanical name Sedum Sarmentosum.
      Hope this help,
      Anna

  2. marilyn needham

    September 18, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    Hi, do you have a newsletter please? Cheers and thankyou, Marilyn in the UK.

Primary Sidebar

Fun head-shaped succulent planter growing beautiful succulents.

Hi, I'm Patrick! Welcome to SublimeSucculents.com, your one-stop source for everything related to growing and enjoying succulents!

More about me →

Popular Guides

  • Female artist pianting terracotta pots.
    How to Paint a Terracotta Pot - Simple Step by Step Painting Guide
  • Three snake plants in pot near a window.
    49 Types of Snake Plant - Most Popular Sansevieria Varieties
  • Man holding tablet, online succulent buying concept.
    7 Best Places to Buy Succulents Online in 2023
  • Pots with drilled hole and a driller on a table.
    How to Drill Drainage Holes in Terracotta and Clay
  • Lizzard on the rock close-up.
    11 Succulents Safe for Reptiles
  • Indoor succulent plants in pots.
    21 Best Low Light Indoor Succulents - Dead-Easy to Grow Inside

Recent Posts

  • Kalanchoe Mother of Thousands growing in a pot.
    Kalanchoe Mother of Thousands Growing Guide (Mexican Hat Plant)
  • A tiny succulent with spikes growing in a pot.
    35 of Rarest Succulents in the World: Endangered, Expensive or Effortful 
  • A gardener holding a succulent hybrid in a pot.
    Succulent Nothogenera - Everything You Need to Know
  • Different varieties of succulents in pots indoor.
    Succulent Pots With Drainage That You Should Use

Pages

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQs & About Me
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 · Sublime Succulents LLC.

33.6K shares
  • 12.5K