Trailing foliage plants create an elegant cascade of greenery that instantly transforms your space. These unique plants soften hard edges, fill vertical gaps, and make hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes come alive.
With their flowing stems and eye-catching leaves, they add depth, texture, and movement to any garden or indoor display.
Many trailing varieties are easy to grow and adapt well to both small apartments and large outdoor spaces. Some purify the air, while others add vibrant pops of color with their patterned or unusual foliage.
If you want to elevate your plant displays and bring a natural sense of flow, explore these 14 unique trailing foliage plants and see which ones match your style.
#1 Golden Creeping Jenny
Golden Creeping Jenny offers a carpet of round, golden-yellow leaves that shimmer like coins. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for spilling over the sides of baskets or containers.
Plant it in moist soil where it gets morning sun for the brightest color. You’ll notice tiny black dots on the leaves if you look closely, adding even more detail.
Regular trimming helps keep it neat and encourages denser growth. This plant brings both softness and brightness to shaded corners.
#2 Ferns
Ferns are timeless choices for both indoor and outdoor displays, with their arching fronds and delicate textures. Varieties like Boston fern or maidenhair can add drama and softness to a room.
They thrive in indirect light with consistently moist soil, making bathrooms and shaded patios ideal spots. Mist the leaves often to maintain humidity.
Growing a group of ferns together enhances the lush, woodland look. Their graceful trailing fronds create an effortlessly calming atmosphere.
#3 Creeping Inch Plant
The Creeping Inch Plant shows off two-toned leaves, green on top with purple undersides. This contrast creates a vibrant cascading effect in any hanging basket. It grows quickly and can handle low to medium light indoors.
Keep the soil lightly moist, and it will reward you with lush, trailing stems. Pinching back the tips helps the plant branch out and look fuller. Its rich colors can brighten even a dull corner of your home.
#4 Red Trailing Queen Coleus
Red Trailing Queen Coleus adds bold foliage to your baskets with striking shades of red and burgundy. It thrives in well-draining soil and partial shade, making it versatile for both indoors and out.
Water regularly to keep its leaves from wilting, and pinch stems to encourage branching. The trailing growth habit makes it ideal for combining with other colorful plants.
Its fiery tones create a dramatic statement when cascading from containers. With minimal care, you’ll enjoy vivid foliage all season.
#5 Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet Potato Vine is known for its vigorous trailing habit and bold, heart-shaped leaves. Available in lime green, deep purple, and nearly black, it adds instant contrast to your garden.
Plant it in full sun to partial shade and water regularly for best growth. It cascades beautifully over baskets, planters, and retaining walls.
Fertilize monthly to keep the foliage lush and vibrant. This fast grower is a great way to add color and movement quickly.
#6 String of Turtles
String of Turtles is a charming succulent with button-like leaves patterned like tiny turtle shells. Its slow growth makes it a low-maintenance option for hanging planters.
Place it in bright, indirect light and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. The plump leaves give a jewel-like appearance as they trail down.
With time, the vines form a dense, cascading curtain of foliage. It’s a plant that adds both character and charm to any indoor space.
#7 Turquoise Jade Vine
Turquoise Jade Vine stands out with its rare blue-green foliage and cascading stems. Its unusual pigments give it a striking turquoise hue, making it a must-have for collectors. Grow it in a warm, sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Train the stems on a trellis or let them hang freely for a dramatic effect. Water consistently during the growing season to support its lush vines. This plant’s vibrant color guarantees it will be the centerpiece of any display.
#8 String of Pearls
String of Pearls is instantly recognizable with its round, bead-like leaves. These green pearls spill elegantly over the edge of pots, creating a striking waterfall effect.
Place it in bright light and water sparingly, as too much moisture can cause root rot. Use a well-draining succulent mix to keep it healthy.
Over time, it can grow into long, impressive strands. It’s a fun and whimsical plant that always catches attention.
#9 Spider Plant
Spider Plant is a classic trailing choice that grows fast and produces cascading baby plantlets. These “spiderettes” dangle gracefully, making baskets and shelves look lively. It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs moderate watering.
Trim off older leaves to keep the plant looking fresh. Besides its beauty, it helps clean indoor air by removing toxins. This is one of the easiest and most rewarding trailing plants you can grow.
#10 Nasturtium
Nasturtium trails beautifully with round, pad-like leaves and cheerful flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. It grows well in containers, spilling over the sides for a natural, flowing look.
Plant seeds directly into the soil in spring for quick growth. Water regularly but avoid overfeeding, as too much fertilizer reduces blooms.
The edible leaves and flowers add a peppery taste to salads. This plant brings both beauty and function to your space.
#11 Red Rhipsalis
Red Rhipsalis offers trailing stems in shades of red and violet that bring a unique look to your baskets. Its semi-succulent foliage is low-maintenance and thrives in bright, indirect light.
Water when the topsoil dries out, keeping conditions slightly humid for best results. The plant also produces tiny berries that add a decorative touch.
Its unusual color makes it a striking alternative to traditional green vines. With little care, it can grow into a dramatic cascade.
#12 Variegated Fuchsia
Variegated Fuchsia combines colorful foliage with delicate, dangling flowers. The patterned leaves add interest even when the plant isn’t blooming. Place it in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Regular feeding helps encourage its continuous flowering. The trailing stems are perfect for baskets on shaded patios. This variety creates a lively mix of texture and color throughout the season.
#13 Inch Plant
Inch Plant, also called Tradescantia, is prized for its purple and green striped leaves. Its cascading stems quickly fill hanging baskets and shelves with vibrant color. It thrives in medium to bright light and enjoys slightly moist soil.
Pinch back stems regularly to keep the plant bushy and prevent legginess. It grows fast, so you’ll see results quickly. With its bold coloring, it instantly livens up any room or garden corner.
#14 Parrot’s Beak
Parrot’s Beak is a trailing perennial with silver-gray leaves and exotic, bright red flowers shaped like beaks. This plant looks spectacular in hanging baskets during late spring and summer. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil.
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Regular deadheading will keep flowers blooming longer. Its striking flowers and foliage create a show-stopping centerpiece for outdoor displays.