Disclosure: Amazon links on this page are affiliate links, so this site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commissions don’t decide which products are recommended. See the full affiliate disclosure.
A trailing plant on a high shelf, vines cascading toward the floor, transforms a room in a way that no upright plant can. The ten plants here suit that use, with honest notes on which ones genuinely trail versus which ones need to be redirected.
Trailing versus climbing: the difference matters
Most vining plants can do both — trail down from a hanging position or climb up a support structure. What determines which behavior you get is gravity and what you give them to grab.
True trailers in a hanging basket: the vines follow gravity downward, no support needed. Pothos, heartleaf philodendron, string-of-pearls, and spider plant all work this way.
Climbers that trail gracefully: Hoya, syngonium, and some philodendrons will trail from a shelf but grow more vigorously and produce larger leaves when given something to climb. They're on both lists.
Climbers that look messy when trailing: Monstera, climbing philodendron species, and pothos in its "active growth" mode want to climb. Let them trail long enough and the vines get awkward and leggy. Better on a shelf with some redirection than in a hanging basket.
This list focuses on plants that look genuinely good trailing or hanging — either because they trail naturally and elegantly, or because the trailing form is one of their best-looking presentations.
The 10 picks
In each plant's summary line, the light rating comes from the houseplant light table in NC State's Extension Gardener Handbook (or, for the two string plants, which that table doesn't list, from their NC State Plant Toolbox entries), and vine, stem and frond lengths come from the NC State Plant Toolbox.
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
- String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)
- Philodendron 'Brasil' (Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil')
1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Light (NC State): High to low | Vines (NC State): As long as 40 feet | Pet safe: No | Difficulty: Very easy
Pothos is the benchmark trailing plant — the one everything else on this list is measured against. It's been around long enough that almost every houseplant owner has had one; there's a reason for that. It grows steadily, the vines trail cleanly from any height (NC State says its long vines make it "well-suited for hanging baskets"), and it tolerates the lower-light conditions where long shelves typically live.
The variegation in golden, marble queen, and neon cultivars adds visual interest to the vines beyond just the trailing form. In low light, variegated forms can lose their variegation, per NC State — which looks fine, just less decorative. Full guide: pothos care.
For hanging versus shelf use, pothos often works better on a high shelf with long vines cascading down than in a traditional hanging basket. The pot stays more stable and the vines have more room to grow long before needing trimming.
2. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Light (NC State): High to medium | Stems (NC State): 4 feet or more | Pet safe: No | Difficulty: Easy
Heartleaf philodendron is the faster-growing, slightly more heart-shaped alternative to pothos. The leaves are thinner and smoother than pothos's waxy foliage, which gives the trailing vine a lighter, more papery look. It grows eagerly and the vines stay tidy — they trail in long, clean sweeps rather than the slightly thicker, chunkier vines of pothos.
In terms of choosing between them: if you want faster growth and slightly more tropical-looking leaves, heartleaf philodendron. If you want more drought tolerance and a waxy, slightly more polished leaf, pothos. Both handle low-medium light.
Full identification guide for telling them apart: pothos vs. philodendron. Full care guide: heartleaf philodendron care.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Light (NC State): High to medium | Pet safe: Yes | Difficulty: Very easy
Spider plants trail differently from pothos and philodendron: the main plant stays as a rosette, and it produces long, arching runners (stolons) tipped with "spiderettes" — baby plants that hang down. In a hanging basket, the mature spiderettes create a layered, cascading look that's quite different from the vine-style trailing of the other plants on this list.
Non-toxic to dogs and cats, which makes spider plants the correct first choice for trailing plants in pet households. The spiderettes are easy to propagate — NC State says spider plant "propagates easily by plantlets or division." Clip one, stick it in water, and pot it up once roots form.
4. Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
Light (Clemson): High | Pet safety (ASPCA): Non-toxic | Difficulty: Easy
Hoyas are waxy-leaved trailing plants with the bonus of producing clusters of starry, fragrant flowers (in spring, summer, or fall, per NC State) if they get enough light. The foliage alone is attractive — the thick, succulent-like leaves catch light beautifully — and the vines trail elegantly from shelves or hanging baskets.
Care-wise, hoyas are drought-tolerant (treat more like a succulent than a tropical for watering — let the soil dry between waterings) and prefer bright indirect light to bloom. In lower light, they'll grow and trail but may not flower.
Light: Clemson Extension puts wax plant in its high-light group (500 to 1,000 foot-candles preferred); NC State says, "Bright indirect light year-round is ideal."
Toxicity: the ASPCA's Honey Plant entry (Hoya carnosa, also called wax plant) classifies it as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and its Wax Plant entry, for the 'Krinkle Kurl' cultivar, classifies that as non-toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA's plant list also notes that "the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats." For other hoya species, see hoya care.
5. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Light (NC State): Bright, indirect | Stems (NC State): 1 to 2 feet long | Pet safe: No | Difficulty: Moderate
String of pearls is the most visually distinctive trailing plant available — round, pea-sized leaves on thin stems that genuinely look like a beaded necklace. In a hanging pot with stems cascading below the rim, it's an extraordinary-looking plant.
The difficulty: it needs more light than most trailing plants (bright indirect, near a south or west window) and is sensitive to overwatering. In the right conditions — bright light, infrequent watering — it's straightforward. In low-light conditions or with enthusiastic watering, it rots quickly. The mesmerizing appearance is worth the care requirements if you can meet them.
Note: string of pearls is not in the ASPCA database. NC State (which now lists it as Curio rowleyanus) rates its poison severity as low and lists it as a problem for cats and dogs: eating the leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it out of pet reach.
6. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Light (NC State): Bright, indirect | Stems (NC State): Hang about 3 feet | Pet safe: Unknown | Difficulty: Easy
String of hearts has small, heart-shaped leaves with silver marbling on deep green, on thin purple-pink stems. It's a subtler, more delicate look than pothos — the vines are thinner and the leaves smaller, giving it an airy quality that looks good in small terracotta pots hung with macramé.
It's drought-tolerant (semi-succulent nature) and handles variable humidity well. The main requirement is at least moderate indirect light to maintain the leaf coloring. In dim conditions, the silver marbling fades.
Toxicity: no ASPCA standalone entry and NC State lists it without toxicity data. Unknown — treat with caution around pets.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Light (NC State): High to medium | Vines (NC State): 20 to 80 feet outdoors | Pet safe: No | Difficulty: Easy
English ivy is included with full caveats: it's toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA; NC State lists it as an invasive species in North Carolina; and there are better trailing options if you have pets. It's here because it remains one of the most classically elegant trailing houseplants available — the lobed leaves and neat vines look excellent in traditional rooms and tolerate a wide light range.
If you have no pets and no plans to ever let it outdoors, English ivy is a forgiving and attractive trailing plant. If you have pets, choose pothos or spider plant instead.
8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Light (NC State): High to medium | Fronds (NC State): 2–3 feet long | Pet safe: Yes | Difficulty: Moderate
Boston ferns don't "trail" in the vining sense — the fronds arch outward and downward from the center rosette, creating a cascading, layered look in a hanging basket. It's a different visual language from pothos vines, but equally dramatic at scale: a large, well-maintained Boston fern in a hanging pot is one of the best-looking hanging houseplants available.
The demand: consistent moisture and humidity. NC State says the soil "should never be allowed to dry out" and that the fern "needs high humidity," so check it often; it struggles in dry conditions. In the right environment (humid room, regular watering), they're genuinely outstanding. Non-toxic per ASPCA. Full care: Boston fern care.
9. Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Light (NC State): High | Stems (NC State): Up to 24 inches | Pet safe: Yes | Difficulty: Easy
Burro's tail is the succulent entry in this category — tightly packed, blue-green leaves overlapping along trailing stems that hang down like a rope of beads. It's non-toxic to cats and dogs per NC State Plant Toolbox, which is unusual among the visually interesting trailing plants.
The requirement: bright light. It won't trail gracefully in dim conditions — it etiolates and the leaf spacing stretches out unattractively. NC State says it "prefers high light interior environments such as a windowsill with at least partial sun." In those conditions, it's essentially self-maintaining as long as the soil dries out between waterings.
One practical note: the leaves are very fragile and fall off easily when touched. Hang it somewhere it won't be bumped regularly.
10. Philodendron 'Brasil' (Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil')
Light (NC State): High to medium | Stems (NC State, for the species): 4 feet or more | Pet safe: No | Difficulty: Easy
Philodendron 'Brasil' is the variegated cultivar of heartleaf philodendron, with yellow-green and lime green stripes through the heart-shaped leaves. It grows vigorously and the color combination is warm and vibrant — noticeably different from the standard green options.
It maintains its variegation better in medium to bright indirect light than many variegated plants, and the trailing form is clean and attractive on shelves. Care is identical to heartleaf philodendron: keep slightly moist, medium indirect light, average household temperatures.
Plants that look like trailers but behave differently
Pothos vs. climbing mode: Pothos naturally trails but produces its best, most fenestrated leaves when given something to climb. Let it trail from a shelf for decorative purposes, but don't expect the same leaf size you'd get on a moss pole.
Monstera adansonii — Often sold in hanging baskets as a "trailing" plant. It will trail, but it prefers climbing and grows awkward without support after a certain length. Better on a small moss pole than in a hanging basket for long-term display.
Tradescantia (spiderwort) — Genuinely trailing, fast-growing, and striking in purple or variegated forms. It's left off the main list because the sap is a mild skin irritant and causes allergic reactions in some people, which makes it problematic for shared spaces.
Quick comparison table
Light ratings and lengths are from NC State Extension, as described above, except the hoya light rating, which is Clemson Extension's; a dash means NC State gives no length.
| Plant | Light | Pet safe | Trail length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | High to low | No | Vines as long as 40 ft |
| Spider Plant | High to medium | Yes | — |
| Boston Fern | High to medium | Yes | Fronds 2–3 ft |
| Heartleaf Philodendron | High to medium | No | Stems 4 ft or more |
| Hoya | High (Clemson) | Non-toxic (ASPCA) | — |
| Burro's Tail | High | Yes | Stems up to 24 in |
How to choose between these picks
If pets are the priority: spider plant or Boston fern. Both are non-toxic, both trail/cascade beautifully, and the spider plant is the easier of the two.
If low light is the constraint: pothos first, then heartleaf philodendron. Both handle dim conditions better than anything else in this list.
If you want maximum visual drama: a large Boston fern in a hanging basket or a long-vined pothos trailing from a ceiling shelf. Both require different things (Boston fern needs consistent moisture; pothos needs occasional trimming and redirection) but deliver similar impact.
If you want low watering frequency: hoya or burro's tail. Both prefer drying out between waterings and tolerate extended dry periods.
FAQ
How do I make trailing plants trail longer instead of growing upward?
Plant them in hanging baskets or place them on high shelves with no support structure for the vines. Gravity and the absence of a surface to grip will direct the vines downward. If you want maximum vine length, trim the ends periodically to encourage branching (more stems = denser, fuller trailing habit) rather than a single long vine.
How do I keep trailing plants from getting leggy and sparse?
Trailing plants in low light stretch between nodes and produce smaller leaves — that's "leggy." The fix is either more light or regular pruning. Cut stems back to within a few nodes of the pot, and the plant will branch and produce new, bushier growth. The cuttings you remove can be rooted in water and made into new plants.
Can I put trailing plants in hanging baskets in the shower?
A bright bathroom can work for moisture-loving trailers such as pothos, heartleaf philodendron, and Boston fern, but don't count on the shower to do the watering. NC State's Extension Gardener Handbook says bathrooms may have higher humidity only "for short spurts of time," while foliage plants need consistent humidity rather than levels that fluctuate, so water by soil moisture as you would anywhere else. The main limitation is light — a shower with no window, or a dim frosted one, is too dark for most trailing plants except pothos.
Sources
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Golden Pothos
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Heartleaf Philodendron
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: English Ivy
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Boston Fern
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Honey Plant (Hoya carnosa)
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa 'Krinkle Kurl')
- ASPCA: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list
- Clemson Extension: Indoor Plants: Light Requirements
- NC State Plant Toolbox: Hoya carnosa
- NC State Plant Toolbox: Ceropegia woodii
- NC State Plant Toolbox: Sedum morganianum
- Illinois Extension: Pothos vs Philodendron
- NC State Extension Gardener Handbook: Plants Grown in Containers (houseplant light table)
- NC State Plant Toolbox: Epipremnum aureum, Philodendron hederaceum, Chlorophytum comosum, Curio rowleyanus, Hedera helix, Nephrolepis exaltata