10 Hanging Succulent Varieties

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

The string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is perhaps the most popular hanging succulent thanks to its impressive trailing appearance and ease of care. They are fast-growing under the right conditions and can reach lengths of three to four feet. String of pearls are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested, so they should be kept out of reach of pets.

• Light: Bright, direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings; water once the ‘pearls’ have a puckered appearance

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is another gorgeous trailing succulent characterized by colorful heart-shaped leaves that grow on thin stems. They are easy to propagate and can be fast-growing in the right conditions - with stems reaching four to five feet in length. The string of hearts is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans, so it might be a better choice than the string of pearls if you have pets.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water once the soil is dry

String of Bananas (Curio radicans)

Another hanging succulent is the string of bananas (Curio radicans or Senicio radicans). Characterized by fleshy, banana-shaped leaves and long trailing stems, this succulent is known to be easier to care for than its relative the string of pearls because it grows faster and its stems are thicker and less delicate. Unfortunately, the string of bananas is also toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested.

• Light: Direct sun
• Water: Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings

Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum), also commonly known as burro’s tail, is a perennial succulent with blue-green foliage and trailing stems that can reach up to 24 inches long. It is a popular houseplant because of its drought-tolerance and the pleated appearance of its fleshy leaves. It is non-toxic to pets and humans.

• Light: Direct sun
• Water: Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings

String of Dolphins (Senecio x. peregrinus)

The string of dolphins (Senecio x. peregrinus) gained its name because its leaves resemble a pod of jumping dolphins! It doesn't reach the longer lengths as some of its relatives in the Senecio genus and tends to top out at about one to three feet long, but it still has a trailing habit. The string of dolphins is considered toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested.

• Light: Direct sun
• Water: Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings

String of Beads (Senecio herreianus)

Often confused with the string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), the string of beads (Senecio herreianus) is a trailing succulent that can be distinguished based on the oval shape of its fleshy leaves. Also commonly known as string of tears, its stems can grow one to several feet in length. Like all plants in the Senecio genus, it is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. 

• Light: Direct sun
• Water: Water when the ‘beads’ have a puckered appearance

Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)

The rat tail cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is an attractive cactus variety characterized by long, trailing stems that can grow three to six feet in lenght.

Compared with most cactus varieties this species is fast-growing and its stems can grow as much as one foot per year in length. Keep the rat tail cactus in a safe, out-of-reach spot because its spiky flesh can easily injure curious pets or children. 

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Keep watered during the growing season; keep dry when inactive

String of Nickels (Dischidia nummularia)

The string of nickels (Dischidia nummularia) is a tropical succulent grown for its attractive, coin-shaped foliage that ranges in color from pale green to a stunning silvery-green. These plants are epiphytes and in nature grow on trees. Thus, don't plant Dischidia nummularia in normal potting soil; use an orchid mix or coco husk chips instead. Unlike other high-light succulents, the string of nickels can tolerate lower-light conditions and grows well indoors. The trailing vines can reach three to four feet in length. Be aware that this species is mildly toxic if ingested.

• Light: Bright indirect light to medium filtered light
• Water: Let potting medium become somewhat dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging

Fishbone Cactus (Disocactus anguliger)

Another hanging plant that is revered for its unique appearance is the fishbone cactus (Disocactus anguliger), also commonly known as the zig-zag cactus. This species has an upright growth habit as a young plant, and as it matures, the leaves begin to bend and develop a trailing habit As a result, these succulents do well in hanging baskets as well as planters. Fishbone cactus plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the soil is dry; overwatering can cause root rot

String of Rubies (Othonna capensis)

The string of rubies (Othonna capensis) is a fast-growing trailing succulent that is characterized by a reddish-purple stem and thin, bean-shaped leaves that turn bright red when exposed to direct sun. The stems of a non-toxic string of rubies can grow up to a foot long and can be easily propagated.

• Light: Medium-light to direct sun
• Water: Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings