11 Best Trailing Indoor Plants: Easy, Low-Light & Cascading Picks

We grow trailing plants in our Brooklyn home — the best varieties with care and styling tips for each.

Trailing indoor plants arranged before a window

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We are extremely biased about trailing houseplants—they are the secret ingredient to transforming any indoor space into a vibrant sanctuary. Over the years of living in our Brooklyn community home, filled with dozens of houseplants, we’ve learned a thing or two about the art of choosing and nurturing the best trailing houseplants. Each plant has its own story and needs, and it especially excites us to see the hanging houseplants vining in directions that are all on their own.

In this article, we’ll guide you through:

  • 1. Best trailing houseplants for low to medium light
  • 2. Best trailing houseplants for Bright light
  • 3. Best fast growing trailing houseplants
  • 4. How to choose trailing houseplants
  • 5. How to create a Vertical Garden with trailing indoor plants: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • 6. How to style and create DIY planters for your trailing indoor plants?

Let’s dive in.

Try our Best Indoor Plants tool for a personalized plant recommendation.

Read also: Best soil and fertilizers for trailing houseplants, Best pet safe trailing indoor plants and how to style them

Summary:

What are the best trailing houseplants?

English Ivy, String Of Pearls, Lipstick Plant, Philodendron, Boston Fern, Pothos, Tradescantia, are some of the best trailing houseplants anyone can grow. They need minimal care and thrive indoors with the right amount of indirect sunlight.

What are the best cat-safe trailing houseplants?

Spider plants, lipstick plants, and tradescantia are the most commonly available trailing houseplants that are non-toxic to cats. Boston ferns are also cat-safe and trail beautifully from a hanging basket. Avoid pothos, philodendron, and devil’s ivy entirely if your cat chews on plants — all three are toxic and very commonly sold as trailing houseplants.

What Is a Trailing Plant?

A trailing plant is a plant whose stems or foliage naturally extend horizontally or downward rather than remaining upright.

There are several different growth habits hidden under that term.

Trailing vines such as Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron produce long stems that can either hang downward or climb when given support.

Creeping plants such as Tradescantia root along their stems and naturally spread across surfaces before spilling over the pot.

Cascading plants such as Spider Plant and Boston Fern are not vines, but their long arching leaves or fronds create a trailing appearance in hanging planters.

That distinction matters because a plant that looks good hanging is not necessarily a true vine.

Which Trailing Plant Is Easiest to Grow?

For us, Pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron, Spider Plant and Trailing Jade Peperomia are the easiest.

They tolerate ordinary indoor conditions, recover reasonably well from an occasional missed watering and do not need unusually high humidity.

Boston Fern and String of Pearls are beautiful, but we would not choose either as our first low-maintenance trailing plant.

Which Trailing Plants Grow in Low Light?

Our best lower-light choices are Pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron and English Ivy.

All three grow more strongly in brighter indirect light, but they tolerate weaker indoor light better than String of Pearls, String of Hearts, Hoya or Lipstick Plant.

We use the distinction tolerates low light rather than “thrives in darkness.” No trailing houseplant grows well without usable light.

11 Trailing Indoor Plants Compared

Plant Growth habit Best light Care level Best for
Pothos Climbing/trailing vine Low–bright indirect Easy Best overall
Heartleaf Philodendron Climbing/trailing vine Low–bright indirect Easy Long vines
English Ivy Climbing/trailing vine Low–bright indirect Moderate Cooler, dimmer rooms
Tradescantia zebrina Creeping/trailing stems Medium–bright indirect Easy Fast, colorful growth
Spider Plant Arching/cascading Medium–bright indirect Easy Hanging baskets
Boston Fern Arching/cascading Medium–bright indirect Moderate Full, lush baskets
Lipstick Plant Trailing stems Bright indirect Moderate Flowers
String of Hearts Fine trailing vine Bright indirect Easy–moderate Long delicate vines
String of Pearls Succulent trailing stems Bright light Moderate Sunny hanging spots
Hoya carnosa Climbing/trailing vine Bright indirect Easy Flowers + waxy foliage
Trailing Jade Peperomia Small trailing stems Medium–bright indirect Easy Small pots

← Swipe horizontally on mobile to see the full table →

Infographic of Trailing Houseplants

Infographic from Houseplants Nook titled 'Trailing Houseplants,' showing a vertical growth rate scale from fast growers at 2 feet per month to slow growers at 0.5 feet per month. Eight trailing houseplants are displayed along the scale according to their average growth speed. From top to bottom: English Ivy, Tradescantia, Pothos, Philodendron, Hoya, Hoya Rope, String of Pearls, and Lipstick Plant. The chart visually compares trailing houseplants based on how quickly they grow indoors.”

Best trailing houseplants for low to Medium light

1. Pothos

pothos plant in a beige ceramic pot

Toxic

Low light

Grows upto 10 feet

East/North facing windows

Toxic

low light

grows to 10 feet

east/North facing windows

The Pothos (aka Epipremnum aureum): This Trailing indoor plant, a member of the Araceae family, has stunning heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with beautiful shades of green, white, or yellow. We have placed our Pothos in one of our east-facing rooms where it thrives in bright, indirect light. Styled in a hanging planter, its trailing vines cascade beautifully.

However, be aware that Pothos is toxic to pets if ingested — we recommend putting it high above and tying the vines to the walls where cats can’t reach.(Also — this may look like philodendron, but the main difference is the leaves texture — this one has thicker waxier leaves that come in many colors, while philodendrons come in shades of green and are smooth and thin!)

Pet note: ASPCA lists Golden Pothos as toxic to cats and dogs because it contains insoluble calcium oxalates.

Care tip:

  • Water it every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Watch for yellowing leaves — a sign of overwatering, or brown tips that indicate too much direct sunlight

Propagation tip:

  • Cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a node with 4-5 leaves.
  • Place it in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged, and then place in bright, indirect light.
  • Roots will develop in 2-4 weeks

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • The Pothos plant symbolizes perseverance and prosperity — ideal for Scorpios!

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Low maintenance
  • Rapid growth with 10 feet long vines!
  • Not pet safe
  • Can become leggy with sparse leaves if not pruned regularly or if it doesn’t receive enough light.

$44

“My Golden Pothos has grown so quickly! It’s perfect for hanging baskets and requires minimal maintenance”


2. Boston fern

Boston fern plant held by a hook

pet safe

Medium light

Grows upto 4 feet

East/south facing windows

Pet safe

medium light

grows to 4 feet

east/South facing windows

The Boston Fern (aka Nephrolepis exaltata): This Trailing indoor plant, part of the Nephrolepidaceae family, has lush, arching fronds with feather-like leaflets. We have placed ours in one of our North-facing room. This one thrive in low to medium light and prefer high humidity – so a bit more demanding, but worth it for their aesthetic appeal. These could also work great in bathroom as hanging plants!

Bonus: This one is also a pet safe trailing indoor plant!

Water: Keep more consistently moist than Pothos, allowing the surface to begin drying between waterings.

Best for: Cooler rooms and classic trailing foliage.

Watch for: Spider mites indoors.

Read more: Ultimate Boston fern Care guide

Care tip:

  • Place it in indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, watering when the top inch feels dry.
  • Mist regularly to maintain high humidity.
  • When fronds turning yellow, it indicates low humidity or under-watering​​.

Propagation tip:

  • Divide a healthy plant into sections which has fronds and roots.
  • Plant them in well-draining potting soil.
  • Keep the soil moist and place in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in 4-6 weeks.

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • Symbolizes sincerity and shelter. Ideal for Pisces known for their nurturing and empathetic nature​

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Non toxic to pets.
  • Beautiful tropical aesthetic
  • Consistent watering to keep soil moist, not soggy.
  • Prone to spider mites and scale insects.

“Beautiful, lush plant that adds a lot of greenery to my home. Needs regular watering”


3. Birds nest fern

Birds fern plant in an off-white ceramic pot

Pet safe

Low light

Grows upto 3-4 feet

East/west facing windows

pet safe

low, light

grows to 3-4 feet

east/west windows

This is a stunning trailing indoor plant that brings a fresh, tropical vibe to your home. Its large, wavy-edged fronds that radiate from a central rosette creates a lush, fountain-like effect. The glossy, bright green leaves grow up to 2 feet long!

We’ve placed ours in a medium-light spot in the east-facing reading room in a sleek, ceramic pot. You could also ofcourse hang it since the leaves are large and drape down! The Bird’s Nest Fern loves humidity and indirect light — so a bathroom or kitchen is also a great spot for it!

Care tip:

  • Keep the soil consistently moist, watering when the top inch feels dry.
  • Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn, and mist regularly or place near a humidifier to keep it happy.

Propagation tip:

  • Divide the plant at the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each has roots and fronds.
  • Plant each section in a pot with moist, well-draining soil and keep in indirect light. New growth will appear in 4-6 weeks.

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • Symbolizes resilience and renewal, making it ideal for nurturing Virgos who appreciate routine and care for their spaces

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in medium to bright light.
  • Beautiful large tropical leaves!
  • Pet safe!
  • Direct light can cause leaf burn
  • Requires regular misting

$58

“I love how dramatic this plant looks. It requires regular watering and misting but is worth it for the bold foliage”


4. Spider Plant

spider plant in a black pot with a hook

Pet safe

low/medium light

Grows upto 4 feet

East/north facing windows

Pet safe

Low/medium, light

grows to 4 feet

east/North facing windows

The Spider Plant (aka Chlorophytum comosum): This Trailing indoor plant is a member of the Asparagaceae family. It is super slender, has arching leaves, and boasts a bursting green with a distinctive creamy white stripe running down the center. This plant doesn’t just sit pretty—its cascading foliage can look stunning in hanging baskets or even in high shelves where you don’t get much sunlight.

We have placed our Spider Plant in the east-facing reading room, where it benefits from a lot of indirect light. Occasionally, the Spider Plant produces small white flowers and spawns mini “spiderettes” that can be propagated easily. Personally, we’ve styled it in a maroon ceramic pot that complements both the plant and the decor of our rustic reading room.

Read also: Curly spider plant care and Hawaiian spider plant care

Care tip:

  • Water weekly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Place in bright, indirect light and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
  • Browning leaf tips can indicate fluoride sensitivity – try using distilled or rainwater.

Propagation tip:

  • Place a spiderette in a glass jar filled with room temperature distilled water. Only roots are submerged, not the leaves.
  • Place the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water every week or so to prevent stagnation.
  • Roots should start to appear within a week or two. Once they are 2-3 inches long, transfer to soil.

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • The Spider Plant symbolizes abundance, and purity, and good luck because of its prolific nature in producing offshoots. Perfectly suited for Virgo’s who are known for their attention to health and cleanliness, and are most apt to care for this plant.

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Rapid growth and prolific reproduction.
  • Non-toxic to pets and humans
  • Susceptible to root rot if overwatered
  • Sensitive to fluoride and chlorine. Better with distilled or non-fluoridated water to avoid leaf tip burn

“This plant is very forgiving and easy to propagate. Great for plant beginners”


5. Philodendron

Philodendron plant in a white pot hung from the roof

Toxic

low/medium light

Grows upto 4 feet

East/north facing windows

Toxic

Low/medium, light

grows to 4 feet

east/North facing windows

The Philodendron (aka Philodendron spp.): This Trailing indoor plant, a member of the Araceae family, has heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. We have placed ours in the east-facing reading room, where it thrives in bright, indirect light.

Its vines cascade around the top of the window frames that add a super inviting dynamic element to the room. When mature, the Philodendron can trail or climb, growing up to 10 feet long indoors! While Philodendrons rarely flower indoors, when they do, they produce small, white, or greenish flowers 🙂

Best for: Long, soft green vines.

Pet note: ASPCA lists Heartleaf Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs because of insoluble calcium oxalates.

Read also: Philodendron Micans care and styling guide, and Philodendron care guide

Care tip:

  • Thrive in bright, indirect light — need watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn . They’re low-maintenance — don’t let the furry animals ingest the leaves.

Propagation tip:

  • Cut a 6-inch stem with at least one node, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • Often associated with health and growth — it is well-suited for Pisces for their nurturing and caring nature

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Low maintenance
  • Long and trailing 10 feet vine
  • Not pet safe
  • Overwatering leads to yellowing leaves.

“Philodendron is stunning and easy to care for. It’s growing beautifully and quickly!” –


6. Tradescantia zebrina

tradescantia in hanging pot

Toxic

low/medium light

Grows upto 4-8 feet

East/north facing windows

Toxic

Low/medium, light

grows to 4 feet

east/North facing windows

Tradescantia zebrina spreads rapidly through soft stems that root at their nodes and spill readily over the edge of a pot.

The silver, green and purple leaves make it one of the easiest ways to add color to a trailing display.

Light: Medium to bright filtered light for the strongest color.

Water: Let the mix partially dry between thorough waterings.

Best for: Fast growth and colorful foliage.

Pet note: We do not include Tradescantia zebrina on our pet-safe list. Its leaves and sap can irritate pets and people.

Best trailing indoor plants for bright light

1. Lipstick plant

Lipstick plant in green hanging planter

Pet safe

Medium to Bright light

Grows upto 4 feet

East/west facing windows

Pet safe

Bright/medium, light

grows to 4 feet

east/west facing windows

This charming trailing indoor plant belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. We love its dark green, waxy leaves, which elegantly cascade from hanging planters. The leaves themselves are oval and slightly pointed that add a touch of texture and depth to your decor.

The most striking feature is its vibrant, tube-shaped flowers (Refer our list of flowering houseplants for more info). These buds, resembling a tube of lipstick, pop open to reveal a burst of red or orange. They typically bloom in summer and last a few weeks. Our Lipstick Plant is placed it in the east-facing reading room where it can enjoy the morning sun!

Reade more: Lipstick plant care guide

Care tip:

  • Thrives in bright – indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, about once a week, but avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.
  • Look for leaves curling or browning which is a sign it needs more humidity – so a misting every few days will help

Propagation tip:

  • Cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a jar of water; roots will sprout in 2-3 weeks, then transfer to well-draining potting mix once roots are 1-2 inches long

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • Symbolizes joy and vibrant energy, making it perfect for enthusiastic and nurturing Leos who thrive on bringing life and color into their spaces

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Stunning bright red flowers!
  • Safe for pets
  • Requires regular humidity and misting to prevent leaf curling and browning.
  • Needs well-draining soil and careful watering to avoid root rot – slightly high maintenance.

“The flowers of the lipstick plant are the best! like tiny lipstick buds!” – Amazon customer


2. English Ivy

English Ivy plant in a ceramic pot beige in color

Toxic

Medium to Bright light

Grows upto 8 feet

East/North facing windows

Toxic

Medium/Bright light

grows to 8 feet

east/North facing windows

The English Ivy (aka Hedera helix): This Trailing indoor plant belongs to the Araliaceae family. It has charming lobed leaves and variegated patterns of green and white. It thrives in low light so we have place it in our east-facing room on the top floor, but can certainly be placed in west or north facing windows.

We’ve styled it cascading from a hanging planter, which drapes around a chair by the window under which one of our roommates loves to read! When mature, it can trail up to 8-10 feet long, creating a lush, indoor vine effect.

Read more: Ultimate English Ivy care guide

Care tip:

  • Thrives in bright, indirect light — needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry.
  • Mist regularly to maintain humidity and watch for yellow leaves which is a sign of overwatering.
  • No direct sunlight for this one — its leaves scorch..

Propagation tip:

  • Cut a 4-6 inch stem with at least three leaves, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil..

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • English Ivy symbolizes fidelity and eternal life — well-suited for Capricorns for their dedication and perseverance

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Easy to maintain -moderate watering.
  • Lush trailing vines
  • Not pet safe
  • Prone to spider mites and aphids if humidity is low.

“Great plant for beginners. It’s hardy and does well in indirect light”


3. String of pearls

String of pearls in black pot

Mildly toxic

Bright light

Grows upto 6-8 feet

East/west facing windows

Mildly Toxic

Bright, light

grows to 6-8 feet

east/west facing windows

The String of Pearls is a stunning trailing houseplant from the Asteraceae family. Its trailing stems adorned with round, bead-like leaves resemble a string of pearls. These quirky leaves store water – we know, this is one of those exotic houseplants! – so it’s a drought-tolerant beauty.

We’ve placed ours in a west-facing living room and is easy to care for – just let the soil dry out completely between waterings. While it’s not pet-friendly, it is not highly toxic as well so we have kept it high above out of reach from our cats. Occasionally, it graces us with tiny, white flowers that have a subtle, cinnamon scent and bloom in late spring to early summer!

Read more: String of pearls care guide

Care tip:

  • Water only when the soil is completely dry, about once every two to three weeks.
  • Watch for shriveled pearls, which means it needs more water.
  • And avoid letting water sit in the saucer of your hanging planter to prevent root rot

Propagation tip:

  • Cut a 4-6 inch stem, remove the bottom pearls, and place it in water;
  • roots will appear in 2-3 weeks, then transfer to a well-draining cactus mix once roots are 1-2 inches long

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • Symbolizes joy and vibrant energy, making it perfect for enthusiastic and nurturing Leos who thrive on bringing life and color into their spaces

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Stunning pearl like cascading
  • Very infrequent watering
  • Toxic to pets when eaten in high quantities
  • Prone to root rot if overwatered

“Like pearls they drape over my window and i have tied it up so that it goes up and covers the whole rectangle of my window frame!”


4. peperomia

Peperomia in white ceramic pot on top of a man's head

Pet safe

Bright light

Grows upto 3-4 feet

East/North facing windows

pet safe

Bright, light

grows to 3-4 feet

east/North facing windows

The Peperomia (aka Peperomia spp.), part of the Piperaceae family, is a charming low light trailing houseplant plant that has thick, glossy leaves that come in various shapes and patterns: from heart-shaped to rippled, and colors ranging from deep green to variegated silver and red.

We have placed it in our east-facing reading room where it thrives in indirect light. Peperomia is non-toxic to pets. This plant reaches about 6-12 inches in height. We’ve styled ours in a sleek ceramic planter that complements its modern appeal, but this will also look amazing in a hanging planter! This is one of the best trailing plants for shelves!

Read more: Peperomia care guide

Care tip:

  • Water your Peperomia every 1-2 weeks.
  • Place it in medium bright, indirect light, such as an east-facing room.
  • Watch for yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering

Propagation tip:

  • Cut a healthy leaf with at least one inch of stem and place it in water.
  • Use a jar that allows the stem to be submerged while the leaf stays above water.
  • Roots should start forming in 2-3 weeks. Transfer to well-draining potting soil once roots are 1-2 inches long​

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • Symbolizes friendship and positive energy. It is a perfect match for the sociable and caring Libra​​

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Non toxic to pets.
  • Very low maintenance.
  • Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot
  • susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, needing occasional pest checks

“So easy to maintain. It likes to be neglected sometimes i don’t water for 3 weeks and its fine!”


5. Hoya

hoya plant

Pet safe

bright light

Grows upto 3-4 feet

East/North/west facing windows

pet safe

Bright light

grows to 3-4 feet

east/North facing windows

The Hoya Plant (aka Wax plant) belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family and has become a standout addition to our home. We have placed it in the west-facing bedroom on the first floor. Its waxy leaves glisten under the sunlight, and capture our guests attention with their unique shapes and sometimes even speckled or marbled patterns.

During spring, the Hoya surprises us with clusters of sweet-scented, star-shaped flowers that seem almost sculpted from wax — trust us, this is a keeper! We’ve chosen a rustic terracotta hanging planter for it, enhancing the organic elegance it lends to our space!

Read more: Hoya Kerrii care guide

Care tip:

  • Place it in a spot that gets medium to bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Water your hoya only when the soil has completely dried out—about every 10 to 14 days, and less frequently in winter. Hoyas store water in their leaves.
  • These plants thrive in average household humidity and prefer temperatures between 60-85°F.
  • Avoid pruning the flower stalks after blooming as they will rebloom from the same spurs​

Propagation tip:

  • Cut a 4-5 inch stem below a node, strip lower leaves, submerge one node in water, and place in bright, indirect light.
  • Change water every few days. Expect roots in about a month, then pot in soil​

Symbolism and zodiac signs:

  • Symbolizes protection and spiritual healing. Individuals born under the zodiac sign of Cancer are well-suited to care for this plant!

Pros and cons

  • Thrives in a range of light conditions.
  • Low maintenance, and produces flowers!
  • Pet safe!
  • Prefers high humidity – frequent misting
  • Overwatering leads to root rot

Amazon

(~$18)

$48

“hoya plant feels so exotic. This is one plant I rarely see in other households and is so easy to manage!”


Best Fast growing trailing indoor plants

Trailing houseplants that are safe for pets

  • Hoya Linearis – soft, draping vines that stay safe for cats and dogs.
  • Hoya Carnosa ‘Compacta’ (Hindu Rope) – thick twists, slow trailing, non-toxic.
  • Hoya Pubicalyx – longer vines with star-like blooms, pet-safe.
  • Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) – vigorous, full, and totally non-toxic.
  • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – arching, trailing offsets, very safe.
  • Burro’s Tail / Donkey Tail Sedum (Sedum morganianum) – fully non-toxic succulent vine.
  • String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) – slow, patterned trailers; non-toxic.
  • Peperomia Hope (Peperomia tetraphylla) – soft round trailing leaves, pet-safe.
  • Dischidia nummularia (String of Nickels) – mellow, compact trailer that’s non-toxic.
  • Rhipsalis varieties – forest cacti with gentle, draping growth, pet-safe.

Trailing houseplants that tangle too easily

  • String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) – ultra-thin vines that knot the moment they’re moved.
  • String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) – beads catch on each other, forming tight knots.
  • English Ivy (Hedera helix) – grabby tendrils that latch onto each other and nearby objects.
  • Hoya Linearis – soft strands mat together if not gently separated during watering.
  • Tradescantia Fluminensis & Zebrina – rapid, wandering vines that weave around themselves.
  • String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata) – delicate stems that tangle during pruning or repotting.
  • Pothos varieties (Golden, Neon, Marble Queen) – long, quick runners that twist when they trail down shelves.
  • Philodendron Micans – soft velvet vines that cling and overlap quickly.
  • Hoya Lacunosa – wiry stems spiral around each other over time.
  • String of Dolphins – fragile segments that knot tightly with light movement.

How to choose best trailing indoor plants?

Hanging plants in the kitchen
Some of our Trailing plants by the kitchen

How to Choose the Best Trailing Indoor Plant

Start With the Light

A plant hanging near the ceiling often receives much less light than the window below it.

For lower-light positions, we choose Pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron or English Ivy.

For bright positions, String of Pearls, String of Hearts, Hoya and Lipstick Plant become much better options.

Decide Whether You Want a Vine or a Cascade

If you want long stems that can also climb, choose Pothos, Philodendron, Ivy or Hoya.

If you mainly want foliage spilling over the pot, Spider Plant or Boston Fern creates a fuller cascading effect.

Think About How High the Plant Will Hang

A plant we need to water frequently is inconvenient six feet above the floor.

For difficult-to-reach baskets, we prefer plants such as Hoya or Trailing Jade Peperomia that do not need constantly moist soil.

Boston Fern makes more sense somewhere we can easily reach it.

Match the Plant to Your Watering Style

If you tend to water frequently, Boston Fern is much more forgiving of consistent moisture than String of Pearls.

If you regularly forget to water, choose Hoya or another thicker-leaved trailer rather than a fern.

Check Pet Safety Before the Vines Reach the Floor

Hanging a toxic plant high up does not automatically make it inaccessible.

Vines grow downward, leaves fall and cats climb.

If pet safety is essential, start with our Pet-Safe Trailing Indoor Plants guide rather than relying only on planter height.

Best Small Trailing Indoor Plants

For a small pot or limited space, our favorites are Trailing Jade Peperomia, String of Hearts and String of Pearls.

Trailing Jade stays visually compact even as the stems spill over the pot.

String of Hearts produces much longer vines but uses very little horizontal space.

String of Pearls also works well in a small planter, provided it receives enough light.

If the plant is specifically going on a bookcase or floating shelf, see our Trailing Plants for Shelves and Hanging Baskets guide.

FAQ

What Are the Best Low-Maintenance Trailing Indoor Plants?

Pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron, Spider Plant and Trailing Jade Peperomia are our easiest choices.

They tolerate ordinary household conditions and do not require constantly moist soil or unusually high humidity.

What Are the Best Cascading Indoor Plants?

For true vines, choose Pothos, Philodendron, English Ivy or Hoya.

For a fuller cascading shape rather than vines, Spider Plant and Boston Fern work particularly well.

What Are the Best Low-Light Trailing Plants?

Pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron and English Ivy are our strongest low-light choices.

They grow faster and fuller in brighter indirect light, but tolerate weaker indoor light better than String of Pearls, Hoya or Lipstick Plant.

What Are the Best Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets?

Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Lipstick Plant, String of Pearls and Pothos all work well in hanging baskets.

Choose according to the light and how easily you can reach the basket for watering.

For basket hardware and placement, see our Best Hanging Baskets for Trailing Indoor Plants guide.

What Is the Best Way to Water a Hanging Trailing Plant?

When practical, we take the plant down and water it thoroughly over a sink or tub.

Let the excess drain completely before rehanging it.

We do not use the same watering schedule for every hanging plant because a Boston Fern and String of Pearls have almost opposite moisture needs.

Should You Put Pebbles in the Bottom of a Hanging Pot for Drainage?

No.

A layer of rocks or pebbles does not replace a drainage hole.

We use a container with proper drainage and a saucer or removable cachepot to catch runoff.

How Do You Keep a Trailing Plant From Getting Leggy?

Start with adequate light.

Then prune or pinch selected growing tips when a vine becomes long and sparse.

The exact pruning method depends on the species, so see our guide to training trailing houseplants to grow longer and fuller vines for the detailed process.

Read also: our guide to training trailing plants to grow longer vines, and how to make them climb

FAQ

Conclusion

We hope this article has been useful for you to take the leap and start using trailing plants to elevate your interior decor. Like we said before, hanging plants are the secret ingredient for making the living space have depth and height and feel organic with other plants and furniture, and we hope you will give our tips a shot. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. If you have any tips for new parents, please put it in the comments as well and help the community out. Happy planting!

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