The 5 Best Trailing Plants to Create a Waterfall of Greenery
You’ve seen it in homes, cafes, and Instagram feeds: a lush cascade of green vines spilling from a high shelf or hanging planter. It looks effortless, elegant, and alive. But when you try it, your pothos grows leggy, or your ivy stops trailing altogether.
What if you could create that dreamy, cascading effect—on purpose?
Welcome to the world of **trailing houseplants**, nature’s answer to vertical greenery. These plants don’t just sit on a shelf—they flow, drape, and transform your space into a living waterfall of greenery.
In this guide, I’ll show you the **5 best trailing plants** for shelves and hanging baskets, how to care for them, and how to style them for maximum impact. Whether you’re growing in a studio apartment or a sunlit loft, these climbers will bring life to any corner.
And if you’re already exploring compact growing methods, you’ll love how trailing plants enhance the results of the 3 best ways to grow plants in small spaces we’ve shared at Grow It Indoor.
📚 Table of Contents
- Why Trailing Plants Are Perfect for Urban Spaces
- The 5 Best Trailing Houseplants (With Care Tips)
- Where to Place Trailing Plants for Maximum Impact
- How to Style Trailing Plants Like a Pro
- How to Propagate Your Trailing Plants
- Common Problems & How to Fix Them
- FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Why Trailing Plants Are Perfect for Urban Spaces
In small apartments, every inch counts. Trailing plants solve a major design challenge: how to add greenery without taking up floor space.
By growing **vertically and downward**, they use otherwise wasted space—above shelves, along walls, from ceiling hooks—creating lushness without clutter.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, trailing plants also improve air circulation and humidity distribution in indoor environments, making them ideal for urban homes with dry, recycled air.
Plus, their cascading form adds movement and softness to modern, angular interiors. They’re not just plants—they’re living sculptures.
And for those using soil-free methods, many trailing plants thrive in hydroponic systems. Discover how in our guide to soil-free gardening.
The 5 Best Trailing Houseplants (With Care Tips)
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Origin: French Polynesia
Light: Low to bright indirect (adaptable)
Watering: Every 1–2 weeks, when top inch is dry
Humidity: Tolerates dry air
Propagation: Stem cuttings in water (roots in 7–14 days)
Repotting: Every 2 years
Tips: Pinch tips to encourage bushiness. Can grow several meters long. One of the easiest trailing plants for beginners. Toxic to pets—keep out of reach.
2. Philodendron Heartleaf (Philodendron hederaceum)
Origin: Central and South America
Light: Medium to bright indirect
Watering: Every 1–2 weeks, when soil is dry
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: Stem cuttings in water or soil
Repotting: Every 2 years
Tips: Glossy, heart-shaped leaves add charm. Grows faster than pothos in good light. Also toxic to pets.
3. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Origin: Namibia, South Africa
Light: Bright, indirect to direct (needs strong light)
Watering: Every 3–4 weeks (drought-tolerant)
Humidity: Low
Propagation: Stem cuttings or single pearls in soil
Repotting: Every 2–3 years
Tips: Unique bead-like leaves. Susceptible to overwatering. Perfect for sunny windowsills. Keep out of reach of pets (mildly toxic).
4. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Origin: Mexico
Light: Bright indirect to direct
Watering: Every 3–4 weeks (drought-tolerant)
Humidity: Low
Propagation: Leaf or stem cuttings
Repotting: Every 2–3 years
Tips: Plump, blue-green leaves resemble a donkey’s tail. Handle gently—leaves fall easily. Hang high to protect from pets. Non-toxic.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Origin: Europe, Western Asia
Light: Medium to bright indirect
Watering: When top inch is dry
Humidity: Moderate to high
Propagation: Stem cuttings in water
Repotting: Every 2–3 years
Tips: Classic trailing vine. Can be invasive outdoors, but well-behaved indoors. Toxic to pets—best in high, unreachable spots.
| Plant | Trailing Length | Light Needs | Pet-Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Up to 10 ft | Low to bright | ❌ No |
| Philodendron | Up to 8 ft | Medium to bright | ❌ No |
| String of Pearls | Up to 3 ft | Bright | ❌ No |
| Burro’s Tail | Up to 4 ft | Bright | ✅ Yes |
Where to Place Trailing Plants for Maximum Impact
Location is key. Use height and sightlines to your advantage:
- High Shelves: Let vines spill down from bookcases or cabinets.
- Hanging Baskets: Install from ceiling hooks in living rooms or kitchens.
- Wall-Mounted Planters: Create a living tapestry in hallways or above desks.
- Bathroom Shelves: Humidity-loving pothos and ivy thrive here.
- Above Windows: Use tension rods to hang planters without drilling.
How to Style Trailing Plants Like a Pro
Don’t just hang a plant—create a moment:
- Layer heights: Combine short and long trailers for depth.
- Mix textures: Pair smooth pothos with beaded string of pearls.
- Use contrasting pots: Black ceramic for drama, woven baskets for warmth.
- Train stems: Gently guide vines with clips or strings.
- Group in odd numbers: 3 hanging planters feel more natural than 2.
How to Propagate Your Trailing Plants
Trailing plants are some of the easiest to propagate:
- Cut a 4–6 inch stem with 2–3 leaves.
- Remove lower leaves to expose nodes.
- Place in water or moist soil.
- Wait 1–3 weeks for roots to grow.
- Transfer to pot when roots are 1–2 inches long.
💡 Pro tip: Add a drop of liquid fertilizer every 2–3 water changes to boost growth.
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
- Leggy growth: Not enough light. Move to a brighter spot.
- Yellow leaves: Overwatering. Let soil dry out.
- Dry, crispy tips: Low humidity or tap water chemicals.
- Leaves falling off: Too much direct sun or underwatering.
- No trailing: Pinch the tips to encourage branching.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Can I grow trailing plants in low light?
R: Yes! Pothos and ZZ plant (trailing varieties) thrive in low light.
Q: How long do trailing plants get?
R: Pothos can reach 10+ feet. Others stay shorter. Prune to control length.
Q: Do trailing plants need support?
R: Most don’t. But you can train them on trellises for a different look.
Q: Can I grow edible vines indoors?
R: Yes! Trailing nasturtiums, strawberries, or cherry tomatoes work well in sunny spots.
Q: Are there pet-safe trailing plants?
R: Yes—Burro’s Tail and String of Turtles are non-toxic options.
Q: Should I mist trailing plants?
R: Only if humidity is low. Most prefer consistent watering over misting.
Q: Can I use smart planters for trailing plants?
R: Absolutely! Self-watering or hydroponic hanging planters reduce maintenance.
A waterfall of greenery isn’t just beautiful—it’s transformative. With the right trailing plants, you can turn any corner into a living masterpiece. 🌿💧
