Bring fresh life and charm to your indoor space with trailing houseplants. Whether you want to liven up a shelf or style a hanging basket, these leafy gems add texture, color, and elegance to any room. They're perfect for beginners, plant lovers with small spaces, or anyone looking for low-fuss greenery. Trailing plants don’t need much care, but still make a significant impact. They’re easy to grow and love and offer instant style. With just a few cascading beauties, your space can feel cozy, lush, and full of life.
1. English Ivy
English ivy grows quickly and has elegant vines that spill over containers. Its lush green leaves add a classic look to bookshelves or baskets. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistent moisture. It also helps purify the air. Trim regularly to control growth and encourage fullness. It’s perfect for creating a timeless, sophisticated vibe.
2. Pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest trailing plants to grow. Its heart-shaped leaves come in green, golden, and variegated types. It thrives in low to bright light and tolerates irregular watering. Pothos grows fast and cascades beautifully. You can also train it to climb if preferred. It’s ideal for beginners and adds vibrant greenery to any room.
3. String of Pearls
This quirky succulent features bead-like leaves that hang like strands of pearls. String of Pearls loves bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Its cascading form makes it a showstopper in hanging planters. It’s drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings. Handle it gently, as the delicate strands can break. Perfect for adding drama and texture.
4. Heartleaf Philodendron
Known for its charming, heart-shaped leaves, this plant thrives in low to moderate light. It grows quickly and trails gracefully over shelves or pots. It’s low-maintenance and only needs watering when the topsoil is dry. This philodendron adapts well to most homes. Regular pruning keeps it full and bushy. It is a reliable choice for effortless greenery.
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants are famous for their arched, striped leaves and baby plant offshoots. They adapt easily to most environments and are safe for pets. Hang them high to enjoy their cascading charm. They like indirect light and moderate watering. Their offshoots can be replanted to grow new spider plants. A fun and easy addition to any home.
6. String of Hearts
This delicate trailing plant features tiny heart-shaped leaves in purple and silver tones. It prefers bright, indirect light and slightly dry soil. The vines can grow impressively long, making them perfect for hanging baskets. Its romantic, dainty look adds whimsy to any space. It’s slow-growing but worth the wait. Great for bedrooms or cozy corners.
7. Burro’s Tail
Burro’s Tail has thick, fleshy leaves that drape beautifully from containers. It thrives in bright light and needs minimal water. This succulent is sensitive to touch; handle carefully to avoid leaf drop. It looks best in hanging pots where the stems can trail freely. Perfect for sunny spots and plant shelves. Adds a unique, sculptural vibe.
8. Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew offers striking purple and silver striped leaves. It grows quickly and cascades over edges with flair. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular moisture. Pinch back the stems to encourage fullness. It’s easy to propagate from cuttings. This bold plant adds vibrant color to your greenery mix.
9. Trailing Jade
Unlike common jade, trailing jade has smaller, cascading stems and rounded leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light and likes to dry out between waterings. Its thick foliage creates a complete, lush look. This plant does well in hanging pots or over shelf edges. It is easy to grow and maintain and adds a soft, trailing texture.
10. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is a fast-growing plant with bright green or golden leaves. It does well in partial sunlight and consistently moist soil. The vines spread out beautifully, perfect for baskets or shelf edges. It brings a burst of cheerful color to indoor spaces. Trim it back to prevent overgrowth. Great for adding a pop of brightness.
11. Boston Fern
Boston ferns have feathery fronds that gently cascade from planters. They enjoy humidity and indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist for best results. Hang them in bathrooms or kitchens for natural air purification. Their lush greenery adds softness and movement. A classic choice for vintage or tropical decor.
12. Baby’s Tears
This delicate trailing plant has tiny, round leaves that form a dense mat. It thrives in humid conditions with bright, indirect light. Perfect for terrariums or hanging baskets. Its soft texture adds a cozy, moss-like feel. Keep the soil moist and trim for shape. An enchanting plant that softens any space.
13. String of Bananas
A cousin to String of Pearls, this succulent has banana-shaped leaves. It grows quickly in bright light and well-draining soil. The vines dangle beautifully over pots or baskets. Let the soil dry between waterings. It’s playful and eye-catching; a great conversation starter.
14. Wax Plant
Hoya carnosa, also known as the Wax Plant, features thick, waxy leaves and produces sweet-smelling star-shaped flowers. It grows well in bright, indirect light and enjoys drying out between waterings. The vines can trail beautifully from shelves or baskets. It’s a hardy, long-living plant that adds a lush, glossy look to your space. When happy, it may even reward you with clusters of blooms. An excellent choice for those who want both greenery and flowers.
15. Mistletoe Cactus
Mistletoe Cactus, or Rhipsalis baccifera, features long, pencil-thin stems that grow in a tangle of soft green. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers slightly moist soil. Unlike desert cacti, it loves humidity and is native to rainforests. Its cascading stems make it perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves. It’s low-maintenance and pet-friendly. This quirky plant adds a fresh, tropical look to any space.
16. Satin Pothos
This plant features silvery variegated leaves that shimmer in the light. It’s easygoing and adapts to various lighting. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering. Its vines look great hanging or climbing. This plant adds a touch of sparkle and elegance. It is ideal for modern and chic spaces.
17. Flame Violet
Flame Violet, or Episcia cupreata, has vibrant, velvety leaves with colorful patterns and trailing stems. It thrives in bright, indirect light and loves warm, humid conditions. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Its bright flowers add even more charm during blooming seasons. Perfect for hanging baskets or shelf edges, it is a gorgeous, eye-catching plant for adding tropical flair indoors.
18. Lipstick Plant
This tropical stunner blooms with red, tube-like flowers resembling lipstick. Its dark green vines trail beautifully in bright, indirect light. Water the soil when it feels dry. It’s ideal for adding a splash of color and uniqueness. An excellent choice for plant lovers who want blooms, too. Eye-catching and bold.
19. Ripple Peperomia
Ripple Peperomia or Peperomia caperata has deeply textured, heart-shaped leaves in rich green, red, or purple shades. It prefers bright, indirect light and light, infrequent watering. This compact plant grows well in containers and has soft trailing stems perfect for shelves. Its unique leaf texture adds interest and variety to any plant collection. It is easy to care for and pet-safe. It is a charming pick for low-maintenance, eye-catching greenery.
20. Monstera Monkey Mask
Monstera Monkey Mask, also known as Monstera adansonii, is famous for its unique, perforated leaves and trailing vines. It thrives in bright, indirect light and likes its soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This playful plant grows quickly and looks fantastic spilling over shelves or hanging baskets. Its bold, holey leaves bring any space a fun, tropical vibe. It’s relatively easy to care for and adds instant character. Perfect for creating a lush, jungle-like feel indoors.
21. Variegated Cupid Peperomia
Variegated Cupid Peperomia or Peperomia Scandens 'Variegata ' features heart-shaped leaves with creamy white edges and soft trailing stems. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. This charming vine is both easy to care for and pet-friendly. Its lush foliage makes it perfect for shelves, windowsills, or hanging planters. The variegated leaves add lightness and contrast to green plant collections.
22. String of Nickels
This unique plant has coin-like leaves on thin, trailing stems. It grows well in warm, humid environments with filtered light. It’s epiphytic, which means it can grow on surfaces or in airy mixes. It has low water needs and high charm. It adds quirky flair to hanging setups. It is a rare but rewarding addition.
23. Turtle Vine
Turtle Vine, called Callisia repens, has small, round, purple-green leaves that grow densely on trailing stems. It thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light too. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant quickly grows and adds a pop of color and texture. It’s easy to propagate and great for beginners. Its compact growth makes it ideal for smaller baskets or shelf corners.
Elevate Any Space With Cascading Greenery
Trailing houseplants are more than just decor; they add life, color, and a sense of calm to your home. From easy-care pothos to exotic lipstick plants, there’s a trailing beauty for every space and style. With a bit of light and love, these cascading companions can completely transform your shelves and baskets. Start with a few favorites and watch your indoor jungle grow.