Discover the beauty and ease of growing hanging succulents with our comprehensive guide. These succulents are great for both beginners and experts. They are perfect for adding a touch of nature to balconies, window sills, and indoor spaces. They have captivating forms and need little care.
Why Choose Hanging Succulents?
Hanging succulents bring a unique look to any space. They transform it with their green cascades. These succulents are great for hanging planters. They can also dazzle as hanging flowers. They offer visual interest without blooms thanks to their striking leaf shapes. Are you a leaf fan? Or, do you want to add some green to your place? Hanging succulents are a good option. They are versatile and great for beginners.
Top 7 Hanging Succulents for Your Home
1. String of Dolphins Succulent (Senecio peregrinus)
The String of Dolphins succulent gets its name from its unique leaves. They look like playful dolphins leaping through the ocean waves. This distinctive feature makes it charming and appealing to plant lovers. But, it’s still unknown to many enthusiasts, despite its charm. This is because it’s not as grown as other types.
String of Dolphins is a hybrid plant. It resulted from a cross. The cross was between the Pearl Succulent (Senecio rowleyanus) and another Crassula species. Its care requirements resemble those of the Pearl Succulent. During the summer, it’s crucial to shield it from direct sunlight. Also, protect it from excessive rainfall. And, manage watering to prevent overwatering.
Overall, caring for the String of Dolphins succulent isn’t complicated. It thrives in medium, indirect light. It prefers its soil to dry between waterings. A well-ventilated, dry, and cool place will create the ideal conditions. They will allow it to grow and flourish.
2. String of Bananas and String of Pickles
The succulent plant pictured above is the String of Bananas (Senecio radicans).
Both the String of Bananas and the String of Pickles belong to the Senecio genus of succulent plants. They share similar care needs. These plants originate from South Africa and have a fast growth rate.
Above, we see the String of Pickles (Crassothonna capensis).
Their leaves resemble those of the String of Bananas, but they have differences in size and shape. For instance, the leaves of the String of Bananas look like small green bananas. They have a semi-transparent stripe. You must avoid direct sunlight when caring for them.
In contrast, the leaves of the String of Pickles are like those of the String of Bananas. But, they are a pale purple. Big temperature swings and low temperatures can turn the leaves purplish-red. During the hot summer and autumn months, the leaves of the String of Pickles will revert to green.
3. String of Pearls (also known as String of Beads and String of Tears)
The String of Pearls is a hanging succulent native to the northwest region of Africa. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and the Senecio genus. It has round, plump leaves that look like beads or tears. String of Beads and String of Tears are the names given to the different leaf shapes. But, they are the same plant; only their leaf shapes vary.
The String of Pearls has variegated varieties, with leaves displaying variegation. They are pretty, but need more care. They photosynthesize less.
String of Pearls are hard to care for. This is especially true in hot summer months. They are prone to dying. Shade and ventilation protect from rain and heat. They also regulate watering. These things are crucial. In the summer heat, the plant enters a semi-dormant state. Overwatering can cause root, stem, and leaf rot.
Water the plant a bit in summer to keep it alive. Do so even if its leaves start to wrinkle a bit. It’s better than its roots and stems rotting. Once the weather cools down in autumn, resume regular watering.
4. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrate)
The String of Turtles gets its name from its leaves. They look like tiny buttons or even tiny turtles. These leaves are oval-shaped, usually dark green, and adorned with charming patterns. This plant is sensitive to direct sunlight and cold. So, don’t bury it too deep in its pot. Also, ensure the soil drains well.
The String of Turtles doesn’t grow fast. This makes it ideal for small pots. It doesn’t must much space, so even compact windowsills can host many pots.
This plant thrives in gentle, indirect light. When kept indoors, water it when the soil dries out. In areas with ample sunlight, the soil may dry out more , so be vigilant and water it as needed.
5. String of Hearts Succulent
The String of Hearts succulent is charming. It has one of its most charming features: its trailing heart-shaped leaves. Typically, these leaves are dark green with silver and white markings. But, for the Variegated String of Hearts, you may see hints of pink. They are along the edges of the leaves and markings.
With care, the String of Hearts may develop small tubers at its growth nodes. Its rhizomes may also produce tubers at the base. Over time, the leaves will thicken in indirect light. They may even bloom with pink flowers.
Caring for both the String of Hearts and the Variegated String of Hearts is quite similar. Both plants thrive in indirect light and should shield them from direct sunlight. Too little light can slow growth. It can also result in leggy plants with less vibrant leaves. You must use soil that drains well. Don’t overfill the pot with too much soil. In rainy regions, it is okay to let the tubers stick out of the soil a bit.
If you’ve recently bought a potted String of Hearts, it’s best to wait to repot it. Additionally, avoid frequent fertilization. Once the roots have filled the soil, put it into a larger pot. The new pot should be one size larger than the current one.
6. String of Coins Succulent
Many mistake the String of Coins for a succulent. But, it is actually an epiphytic plant. This means it grows on trees and tree trunks. You can also encourage it to climb up. Do this by fixing its rhizomes and stem nodes onto wood or boards. Wrap the roots with sphagnum moss, coarse coconut husks, or pine scales. Secure them with rope. As the stem grows, roots will emerge at the growth nodes, creating a unique plant landscape.
It thrives in gentle, indirect light. It can tolerate artificial light, but may not grow as well without enough light. This leads to slower growth. Before watering, make sure the soil is almost completely dry. During colder seasons, you must water a moderate amount. This keeps the least temperature above 5 degrees Celsius.
7. Million Hearts (Dischidia ruscifolia)
The care method for Million Hearts is like that for Round-leaf Epiphyllum. They both belong to the Apocynaceae family. Specifically, they are in the Dischidia genus. This makes them ideal for hanging planters. Million Hearts has smaller leaves than Round-leaf Epiphyllum. But, their flowers are the same. Its leaves are all heart-shaped, with slender tips.
It prefers a warm and humid environment with plenty of indirect light. If the environment is humid, it may even develop aerial roots at its growth nodes. After potting, be cautious not to overwater. Wait until the soil is dry before watering again. During hot summers, water less and move the plant to a shaded area with good air flow.
Conclusion
Hanging succulents are a delightful option. They are easy to maintain and bring natural beauty into your home. With their varied shapes, sizes, and colors, they can adapt to any space, providing a lush, vibrant touch. Follow the care tips in this guide. Even beginners can enjoy growing these enchanting plants. You might be decorating a balcony or adding greenery to your indoor space. Hanging succulents are a perfect choice.
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