25 Gorgeous Trailing Plants for Your Home & Garden

Trailing plants bring a lush, cascading look to any indoor or outdoor area. They’re captivating when draped from hanging baskets or spilling over garden edges. Many varieties thrive in different lighting and watering conditions, so there’s something for everyone. Get ready to discover 25 stunning options that add vibrant greenery wherever they grow.

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy (also known as the common ivy) is an evergreen vine with lobed leaves that stay vibrant year-round. It will drape elegantly from hanging baskets or climb up a trellis if given support. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and keep it in moderate to bright, indirect light for healthy growth. Occasional pruning helps maintain a neat appearance.

2. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

Lipstick plant features bright red tubular blooms that peek out of darker buds, creating a striking “lipstick” effect. The trailing stems can get fairly long, which makes them great for shelves and hanging containers. Provide bright, indirect light and allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering, though extra humidity can encourage fuller foliage and frequent blooms.

3. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden pothos is known for its variegated, heart-shaped leaves and incredibly easy care routine. It tolerates low light but prefers medium, indirect light for robust growth. Water sparingly, ensuring the top portion of soil dries out to prevent soggy roots. Trim leggy vines if they get unruly.

4. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Heartleaf philodendron has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and adapts well to most indoor conditions, as well as moderate to bright, indirect light. Keep in mind that this plant can also handle slightly dimmer spots, which makes it really versatile. Allow the topsoil to dry a bit between waterings to prevent root issues. Fertilizing lightly during spring and summer supports steady growth.

5. Silver Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)

Silver inch plant stands out with its purple and silver-striped leaves that shimmer in bright light. It does best in bright, indirect light but can get by in slightly lower conditions, though leaf colors may fade. Keep the soil lightly moist, avoiding extremes of dryness or saturation. Pinch back stems occasionally to promote a bushy shape.

6. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

String of pearls shows off unique, spherical leaves that resemble tiny green beads. It craves bright light, some direct sun, and well-draining soil to keep its roots dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so a gentle hand is important.

7. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

String of hearts produces dainty vines decorated with small, heart-shaped leaves. Bright, indirect light suits it, and it needs a moderate watering schedule where the soil is allowed to dry slightly between drinks. Diluted fertilizer during the growing season can maintain leaf color.

8. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

Creeping Fig bears miniature, puckered leaves that cling to surfaces or dangle over a pot’s edge. It thrives in bright, filtered light and should be watered consistently, though not to the point of waterlogging. Pruning helps keep growth controlled, as it can spread quickly under the right conditions. Good humidity levels keep its foliage lush.

9. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

Creeping Jenny forms trailing stems with round leaves in a cheery chartreuse hue. Gardeners often use it as a ground cover or to spill over container edges. It enjoys partial sunlight and likes to stay evenly moist but not soggy.

10. Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ (Dichondra argentea)

Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ boasts cascading silver-gray foliage that forms long, flowing strands. It grows best in full sun to light shade and prefers well-draining soil. Water with care, as too much moisture can harm the roots.

11. Vinca minor (Periwinkle)

Vinca minor produces glossy leaves and violet or blue flowers, spreading nicely as a ground cover. It tolerates a range of light conditions, though partial shade is often preferred. Keep the soil evenly damp, especially during extended dry spells.

12. Bacopa (Sutera cordata)

Bacopa delights with tiny blooms in white, pink, or lavender that blanket its foliage. It does well in full sun or bright partial shade and appreciates consistent moisture. Removing spent flowers encourages continuous flowering.

13. Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)

Lobelia dazzles with bright blue, purple, or white flowers that spill over the edges of containers. It grows well in cool conditions and enjoys moderate sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to maintain steady blooms. Pinch off faded blossoms to prolong the flowering period.

14. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

Sweet potato vine sports striking, deeply lobed leaves in shades like lime green or deep purple. It grows quickly in warm weather and works nicely as a spiller in mixed plantings. Adequate sunlight and regular watering help it maintain strong, healthy foliage.

15. Million Bells (Calibrachoa)

Million bells resemble miniature petunias and burst into color in shades ranging from pastel pinks to bright reds. They favor full sun and require a potting mix that drains well. Steady watering and a balanced fertilizer applied every couple of weeks keep the flowers coming. A hanging basket shows their trailing stems most effectively.

16. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)

Purple heart features deep purple leaves and stems that can become even more vibrant in strong light. It copes with partial shade too, but the color may be less intense. Water when the topsoil is slightly dry, avoiding constant moisture.

17. Creeping Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)

Creeping rosemary has a fragrant scent and a sprawling, trailing habit perfect for garden edges or tall planters. Full sun is essential, and sandy or rocky soil helps excess water drain away. Water lightly, allowing the soil to dry between sessions. Trim it after flowering to shape and stimulate new growth.

18. Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Donkey’s tail is a succulent with dense, plump leaves forming long, dangling stems. It asks for bright, indirect light and a sparing watering schedule. The foliage breaks off easily, so handle it carefully when moving or repotting. Using a cactus or succulent mix prevents soggy soil and root damage.

19. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)

String of bananas resembles its cousin, string of pearls, but with curved, banana-like leaves. Plenty of bright light and gritty soil keep it happy. Let the soil dry thoroughly before watering again to avoid rot.

20. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plant has slender, arching leaves and produces baby plantlets that dangle from the parent plant. It does best with bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light as well. Water it once the top inch of soil has dried, and ensure extra water drains away. If desired, those baby “spiders” can be rooted easily in water or soil.

21. Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)

Mistletoe cactus grows thin, trailing stems that can become quite long over time. This tropical cactus prefers moderate, indirect light and regular moisture, though the soil should never stay waterlogged. Higher humidity suits its growth pattern well.

22. Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)

Wax plant has thick, waxy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers that sometimes exude a sweet scent. It grows best in bright, filtered light and takes a bit of dryness between waterings. A sturdy trellis or a hanging container lets its vines expand naturally. Avoid moving the plant once buds appear, since Hoyas can drop their blossoms if disturbed.

23. Turtle Vine (Callisia repens)

Turtle vine forms a compact mat of small, purple-tinged leaves. It adapts well to bright light, though it will manage in lower-light areas too. Let the top layer of soil dry slightly before each watering to prevent rot. Pinching back lanky stems encourages a thicker, more uniform shape.

24. Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera)

Strawberry begonia is not a true begonia, but it bears fuzzy, round leaves and sends out runners to create mini plantlets. It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs moderate watering, keeping the soil lightly moist. Fertilizing in spring can promote new plantlet growth.

25. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

String of turtles flaunts adorable, miniature leaves patterned like turtle shells. It’s fond of bright, indirect light and infrequent watering. The leaves are fragile, so handle them gently when moving or repotting. A shallow container with good drainage supports its shallow roots.