The right amount of water and light may be all the care some plants require, but trailing plants, such as ivy and burroÆs tail, need a proper place to grow. Pedestals, plant stands, columns, or hanging baskets are all suitable for keeping trailing plants neat and protected, and for showing off their best traits, their long stems.
Plant List
Trailing Plants
BurroÆs tail (Sedum morganianum)
This trailing succulent requires bright but indirect light and a fast-draining, coarse soil mix. Hang larger plants in a basket; otherwise, their tails can be too long to sit atop a surface, causing their fragile leaves to fall off.
Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
A member of the lily family and a native of South Africa, the asparagus fern is technically not a fern but has fernlike foliage. It needs bright filtered sunlight, a minimum winter temperature of 50░F, and moderate water. The asparagus fern lives for a very long time and makes a wonderful hanging plant; use clip-on hangers that grip the lip of the pot to hang it.
Ivy (Hedera helix)
Originally from the Mediterranean, ivy is an adaptable and easy-to-grow plant. It requires bright indirect light, but if it has variegated leaves, give it some direct sun. Water it weekly in winter and as needed in summer. The trailing stems need to be lifted up, which you can do by simply placing the potted plant atop an inverted terra-cotta pot.
Wax flower (Hoya compacta)
The wax flower prefers bright light with some direct sun. Water moderately with regular misting, avoiding the flowers. It flowers best when pot-bound, and makes a wonderful hanging plant.
String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
For a nice display, place this unusual-looking succulent on a metal stand. Its tiny, almost round leaves, which resemble peas or green pearls, trail nicely over the edge of a pot. This creeping succulent thrives in fast-draining gritty soil mix, which keeps it from rotting, and requires bright light with some direct sun. Water the plant just enough so that it doesnÆt dry out completely. Handle very gently to keep the leaves from falling away.
Plush vine (Mikania dentata æPurple PleasureÆ)
From the tropical forests of Brazil, this trailing plant is best displayed on a plant stand or column in a low-light spot; too much sun will bleach out the leavesÆ colors. Keep the plant moist, but do not overwater. To keep it full and lush, groom regularly, and trim the stems just below the leaf node.
Rosary vine, hearts on a string (Ceropegia linearis woodii)
This tuberous succulent has slim twining stems and fleshy, heart-shaped leaves that are mid-green on top and purple beneath. It needs at least 4 hours of direct sun daily, a minimum temperature of 55░F, good air circulation, and moderate water. Display it on a plant stand.
