Trailing houseplants bring life, movement, and texture to interior spaces. Whether cascading from a high shelf, spilling over a hanging planter, or climbing elegantly along a wall, these plants create a lush, jungle-like ambiance. But beyond the classic pothos and ivy, there’s a world of unique trailing houseplants that offer surprising foliage, fascinating forms, and show-stopping visual appeal. If you’re ready to elevate your indoor jungle with something extraordinary, explore these 10 unusual trailing houseplants that are sure to turn heads and spark conversation.
1. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Delicate yet striking, the String of Hearts features trailing vines adorned with heart-shaped leaves in a mix of silver, green, and purple hues. This plant grows quickly and gracefully, forming cascading chains that can reach several feet long. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out between waterings. Its unusual leaf patterns and dainty form make it ideal for hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters. Bonus: mature plants may produce quirky, lantern-like flowers that add to their whimsical charm.
2. Dischidia nummularia (String of Nickels)
Dischidia nummularia, or String of Nickels, earns its name from its round, coin-like leaves that trail down in thick, elegant strands. This epiphytic plant prefers bright, filtered light and moderate humidity, making it a great fit for kitchens or bathrooms. It’s unusual in appearance and offers a distinct, tropical vibe. You can grow it in hanging planters, let it spill from wall shelves, or mount it on driftwood for a natural display. Its compact growth and muted green tones add sophistication to indoor jungles.
3. Peperomia prostrata (String of Turtles)
The String of Turtles is a petite, eye-catching plant with small, round leaves patterned like turtle shells. Its intricate markings and low trailing habit make it a conversation piece on windowsills or in terrariums. This slow grower thrives in bright, indirect light and needs well-draining soil. It’s ideal for plant lovers who enjoy detail and texture over size. Despite its delicate look, String of Turtles is relatively hardy, and when mature, its cascading vines create a stunning waterfall effect.
4. Hoya linearis
Unlike typical waxy Hoyas, Hoya linearis boasts long, thin, trailing leaves that resemble pine needles. Its unique form gives it a wispy, ethereal appearance perfect for softening modern interiors or adding texture to minimalist spaces. Under the right conditions bright light and proper humidity it blooms with clusters of fuzzy, fragrant white flowers. Its unusual structure and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite for Hoya collectors and design-conscious plant enthusiasts alike.
5. Senecio herreianus (String of Watermelons)
A close cousin of the String of Pearls, this trailing succulent features bead-like leaves striped like miniature watermelons. Senecio herreianus offers both playfulness and exotic appeal, perfect for bright spots that could use a touch of whimsy. It thrives in well-drained soil with infrequent watering and enjoys sunny windows. The trailing strands can grow long and full, making this plant ideal for hanging baskets or tall planters. It’s drought-tolerant and visually stunning what’s not to love?
6. Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’
Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ is a showstopper with its vibrant pink, purple, and green variegated foliage. This plant trails gracefully and grows rapidly in bright, indirect light. What makes it especially unique is its combination of bold color and soft texture. Its stems can spill beautifully from shelves or cascade down hanging baskets, adding dramatic flair to any room. Easy to propagate and care for, ‘Nanouk’ is ideal for beginners who want a colorful, low-maintenance trailing plant with a bit of personality.
7. Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)
Rhipsalis, or Mistletoe Cactus, is a trailing jungle cactus with slender, spaghetti-like stems that form wild, tangled masses of greenery. Native to tropical rainforests, it thrives in indirect light and appreciates a bit of humidity. Rhipsalis is non-spiny, pet-safe, and wonderfully weird, making it a great alternative to more traditional trailing plants. With time, it develops tiny white flowers and berries, adding subtle charm. It’s an excellent plant for creating a lush, hanging canopy in your indoor space.
8. Ceropegia ampliata (Bushman’s Pipe Vine)
One of the most intriguing trailing plants, Ceropegia ampliata features long, leafless vines with tubular, green-white flowers that look like tiny pitchers or pipes. Though not known for foliage, its exotic flowers give it a one-of-a-kind look. It thrives in bright light and warm conditions and makes a fantastic conversation piece for collectors of rare plants. Its stems grow long and fast, offering a ghostly, surreal aesthetic ideal for eclectic or boho-style interiors.
9. Ficus pumila ‘Quercifolia’ (Mini Oakleaf Creeping Fig)
This rare trailing fig features miniature, oak-shaped leaves in a rich green that gives it a fairytale vibe. It’s a slow-growing but visually captivating plant, great for hanging pots, terrariums, or cascading over the sides of shelves. Unlike the larger-leaved Ficus pumila, the ‘Quercifolia’ variety is better suited to small spaces and detailed arrangements. It appreciates humidity and indirect light and can be trained to climb or drape. Its delicate structure makes it feel like a living vine from a magical forest.
10. Callisia repens ‘Pink Panther’
The Callisia ‘Pink Panther’ is a pastel dream, with tiny, fleshy leaves in shades of pink, purple, and green that trail elegantly over containers. It’s compact and fast-growing, making it perfect for small hanging planters or as a filler in mixed arrangements. It enjoys bright, indirect light and moist (but not soggy) soil. While delicate in appearance, it’s surprisingly hardy and quick to propagate. If you’re looking to add a soft, dreamy touch of color to your indoor garden, this one’s a must.