Trailing plants are an excellent way to add visual interest to windows, bookcases, and shelves. While common hanging plants such as pothos and heartleaf philodendrons are beloved classics, plenty of other options can add variety to your plant collection. This blog will cover five unique trailing plants and their individual care requirements to help you decide which would be the perfect fit for you and your home.
Hoya Compacta
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Hoyas are a diverse genus of plants native to the tropical regions of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia. Hoya compacta is a cultivar of the common hoya carnosa species and is easily identified by its folded leaf appearance. Unlike many hoya species, hoya compacta has a true pendant growth habit, giving it an appealing trailing appearance rather than a climbing or vining pattern.
Light
Hoya compacta enjoys bright sunlight and will thrive best in an unobstructed East or West-facing window, or a South-facing window that receives filtered sunlight.
Water
Like many hoyas, the compacta grows best in a chunky soil mix that is allowed to dry completely between waterings.
Humidity
Because hoyas are native to the tropical regions of Asia, they do appreciate humidity levels of 50% or greater, but the hoya compacta will grow happily in most standard household conditions.
Toxicity
Hoyas are non-toxic and make excellent houseplants for those with pets and small children.
Peperomia Hope
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Peperomias are a favorite at Pollen Plant Boutique and for good reason! This genus of plants is extremely versatile, easy to care for, and pet-friendly. Many peperomia varieties have a shrub-like growth pattern, but the peperomia hope has a unique trailing habit that makes an excellent statement piece.
Light
Peperomia hope grows best in a spot with bright indirect sunlight, such as an east-facing window or set back from a window with southern exposure.
Water
Peperomia hope has thick succulent leaves and is tolerant of periods of drought. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and ensure your plant is in a well-draining soil mix to avoid over-watering.
Humidity
Like most peperomia, peperomia hope is not picky about humidity in your home and will tolerate typical household conditions.
Toxicity
Plants from the Peperomia genus are non-toxic and considered safe for homes with pets and small children.
Rhipsalis Baccifera
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Rhipsalis is a genus of epiphytic cacti native to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Florida. Also known as the mistletoe cactus, Rhipsalis baccifera has a lovely trailing growth habit with long, slender, branching stems that create a curtain of foliage.
Light
Rhipsalis baccifera thrives best in bright light with at least 2 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water
Unlike many cactus species, Rhipsalis baccifera is quite thirsty and will appreciate a thorough watering every week or two. Allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings.
Humidity
Because Rhipsalis baccifera is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, they prefer higher levels of humidity but will tolerate normal household conditions with proper watering habits. Misting your plant with a spray bottle might help recreate its natural conditions and encourage healthy growth as well.
Toxicity
Rhipsalis is non-toxic and safe for homes with pets and small children.
Aeschynanthus Black Pagoda
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If you are looking for a unique and eye-catching trailing plant, you can’t go wrong with the Aechynanthus Black Pagoda! This plant is a member of the Lipstick plant family but is well known for its striking foliage rather than its blooms. The Black Pagoda lipstick plant has ovate leaves with striking burgundy veining that resembles tiger stripes or lightning.
Light
The aeschynanthus black pagoda grows best in bright indirect light. Place your plant in an east-facing window where it will receive morning sunlight and indirect light for the rest of the day.
Water
Allow your aeschynanthus to dry between thorough waterings. Ensure your plant is in a well-draining potting soil to avoid over-watering.
Humidity
Aeschynanthus black pagoda is not particularly fussy about humidity and will grow well in typical household conditions.
Toxicity
Aeschunanthus are non-toxic plants and suitable for homes with pets and small children.
Anthurium Pallidiflorum
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If you have experience with rare aroids and are looking for a plant that will make a statement in your home, consider adding an anthurium pallidiflorum to your collection. This delicate strap-leafed anthurium looks stunning when draped over a bookshelf or planted in a hanging basket, but may not be an ideal addition for more novice plant collectors. Anthurium pallidiflorum can be difficult to find and comes with a bit of a price tag.
Light
Give anthurium pallidiflorum bright indirect light for the best results. Place your plant in a spot that receives mostly morning light and avoid the harsh afternoon sun.
Water
Anthurium pallidiflorum is a true epiphyte and will grow best in a chunky soil mix with excellent drainage. We find ours grow best in a mixture of tree fern fiber and coarse perlite, but any chunky aroid mix will suffice. Allow the soil to dry about halfway between waterings to avoid root rot.
Humidity
Like most anthurium, the pallidiflorum thrives best in an environment with at least 50% humidity. Avoid placing your plant near heat sources or air conditioners and run a small humidifier to help recreate its natural tropical environment.
Toxicity
Anthurium pallidiflorum is a member of the aroid family and is considered toxic to most animals and people if consumed. Be sure to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.
