10 Best Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets
- Choosing the Right Location for Your Hanging Baskets
- How to Care for Your Trailing Plants in Hanging Baskets
- Final Word: Let It All Hang Out
Not all plants like staying grounded. Some are born to hang, drape, and trail like botanical supermodels on a viney runway.
Whether you're a proud plant parent with a ceiling hook collection or just looking to make your balcony a little more dramatic, hanging baskets are the perfect excuse to let your plants show off. Trailing plants add that cascading, jungle-chic vibe that regular pots just can’t compete with.
And the best part? Many of these leafy stunners are surprisingly low effort.
So grab your hooks, clear some vertical space, and meet the top 10 trailing plants that were basically made to hang.
Top 10 Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets
Choosing the Right Location for Your Hanging Baskets
Picking the perfect spot for your trailing plants is key to helping them thrive. While these plants love to dangle, they also have some pretty specific needs when it comes to light, airflow, and access to water.
Here’s what to keep in mind to ensure your hanging plants flourish:
Light, Light, Light
Most hanging plants love bright, indirect light, but some can handle a bit of direct sunlight. Plants like Pothos and String of Pearls are great in lower light conditions, while Calibrachoa thrives in full sun.
Make sure to place your hanging baskets in areas where they’ll get the light they need. Too little light, and they’ll become leggy; too much direct sun, and they could scorch. A windowsill or a spot near a sheer curtain is often ideal.
Airflow Is Key
Hanging baskets need light and good airflow. A location with plenty of air circulation helps prevent mold, mildew, and stagnant moisture around your plants. If you’re hanging baskets indoors, try placing them near an open window or in a room with natural ventilation. For outdoor plants, a gentle breeze is always appreciated!
Ease of Access
One thing to remember is that hanging plants still need some TLC! Position your baskets in places that are easy for you to reach so you can water and maintain them regularly. You don’t want to hang them so high that watering becomes a chore, so aim for a spot where you can easily grab a ladder or reach with your watering can.
Humidity Matters
Some trailing plants, especially tropical varieties like Hoya, love a little extra humidity. If your indoor environment is dry, consider placing them in bathrooms or kitchens where humidity is naturally higher.
Consider the Environment
Are you placing your baskets inside or outside? Indoors, hanging plants can thrive near windows, in corners, or even in a cozy nook. Outdoors, look for areas that won’t be exposed to harsh winds or extreme temperatures. Some plants may need to be brought inside during winter, so keep that in mind when choosing a location.
How to Care for Your Trailing Plants in Hanging Baskets
Caring for trailing plants in hanging baskets is a bit different from your typical potted plants. They love to hang out, but they still need some care and attention to really thrive. Here’s what you can do to keep your hanging plants looking lush and vibrant:
Watering
Hanging baskets tend to dry out faster than regular pots, so make sure to water your plants thoroughly. Check the soil every few days, especially in warmer months, and water when the top inch feels dry.
Here’s another pro tip: always water from the top and let it drain through the bottom to avoid root rot. If you notice water sitting in the saucer, make sure to empty it to prevent soggy soil.
Light Needs
As we mentioned already, trailing plants need the right balance of light to thrive. Before you bring one home, make sure you understand what kind of light it prefers and what its ideal conditions are.
Plants like Calibrachoa and Trailing Lobelia love plenty of sunshine, so make sure they get around 6 hours of bright, indirect light each day. On the other hand, plants like String of Hearts or Hoya pubicalyx can tolerate lower light, so they’re great for spots that get some natural light but aren’t flooded with sun.
Humidity & Temperature
Many trailing plants are tropical or subtropical, so they thrive in a bit of extra humidity. If you notice the tips of the leaves turning brown, it might be a sign that the air in your space is a little too dry.
Try placing a humidity tray under your hanging baskets, or group your plants together to create a microclimate. Also, remember that plants like Bacopa and Pothos prefer moderate temperatures, so avoid placing them in areas with cold drafts or fluctuating temperatures.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps keep your hanging baskets looking full and healthy. Trim back any dead or overgrown stems to encourage new growth. For plants like English Ivy or Bacopa, trimming helps them stay in shape and prevents them from getting too leggy. Don’t be afraid to cut back your trailing plants to keep them neat and bushy — plus, you can propagate the cuttings and grow more plants!
Fertilizing
While trailing plants don’t need a ton of fertilizer, they do benefit from a little extra nutrition during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month to give your plants a boost. If you're using a slow-release fertilizer, make sure to follow the package instructions to avoid over-fertilizing.
Rotation for Even Growth
Plants in hanging baskets tend to get more light on one side than the other. To keep your plants growing evenly, rotate them every week or so. This helps prevent one side from becoming leggy while the other stays full and healthy. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in the overall appearance of your hanging plants.
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to care for your trailing plants and keep them thriving in their hanging baskets. This way, they will keep adding that beautiful, cascading look to your home all year long!
Final Word: Let It All Hang Out
Trailing plants were made for drama — the good kind. Whether you're going for minimalist vines or full-on hanging jungle, the right trailing plant can transform your space.
And if you haven’t tried growing a hoya yet? This is your sign. Between their dreamy tendrils and low-maintenance vibes, hoyas are the ultimate hang-time heroes.
Now all that’s left? Pick your favorites, pop in those hooks, and let gravity (and greenery) do the rest.
