Cliff hanger plants, which naturally trail, cascade, or drape downwards, offer aesthetic appeal in various settings. These plants soften rigid edges and fill vertical spaces with flowing foliage or blooms. Their versatility allows them to enhance both garden landscapes and indoor environments.
What Defines a Cliff Hanger Plant
Cliff hanger plants are defined by stems that extend and hang freely, rather than growing upright or strictly climbing. This trailing or vining characteristic allows them to spill gracefully over containers or structures. They soften stark lines of shelves, walls, or pots into verdant displays. Their flexible growth makes them adaptable to diverse environments, whether indoors or outdoors. Their cascading form utilizes vertical space, adding depth and lushness to any area.
Where to Grow Cliff Hanger Plants
These plants are adaptable to various placements around the home. They are commonly featured in hanging baskets, where their trailing stems can cascade beautifully. Elevated planters, window boxes, and high shelves also provide perches, allowing foliage to drape attractively. Outdoors, cliff hanger plants excel in rock gardens, spilling over retaining walls, or softening the edges of pathways and steps. Their spreading habit also makes them effective as ground cover on slopes or where trailing is beneficial.
General Care for Cliff Hanger Plants
Proper care ensures healthy, vibrant plants. Many cliff hanger plants prefer bright, indirect light, supporting vigorous growth without scorching foliage. Some succulent varieties tolerate more direct sunlight, while others thrive in lower light conditions. Rotating the plant periodically ensures even light exposure on all sides, promoting balanced growth.
Consistent moisture is beneficial; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring water drains thoroughly from the bottom of the pot. Hanging plants dry out more quickly due to increased air circulation, often requiring more frequent watering, especially in warmer conditions. If the soil becomes extremely dry, submerging the pot in water for a short period can rehydrate it.
A well-draining potting mix is suitable for most cliff hanger plants. Some vining plants benefit from a chunky, aerated soil mix that mimics their natural growing environments. Regular maintenance includes pruning to maintain shape and encourage fuller growth, as trimming stems can stimulate new branching. Removing any yellowing or dead leaves contributes to the plant’s health and appearance. During their active growing seasons, typically spring and summer, these plants can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every few weeks.
Popular Cliff Hanger Plant Varieties
Many plant species suit a cliff hanger display, offering a range of textures, colors, and forms. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a widely recognized choice, known for its long, vining stems and adaptability, suitable for beginners. English Ivy (Hedera helix) features classic trailing vines with lobed leaves, often used for its air-purifying qualities. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a unique succulent with bead-like foliage that drapes beautifully.
For flowering options, Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) produces vibrant, tube-shaped flowers resembling lipstick tubes, emerging from its trailing stems. Trailing Petunias and Bacopa are common annuals offering abundant blooms cascading from containers, adding splashes of color. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a delightful succulent with heart-shaped leaves and a delicate appearance.
Foliage-focused varieties include Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), known for coin-shaped, chartreuse leaves and vigorous trailing habit. Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ stands out with shimmering, silver-green, kidney-shaped leaves, creating a soft, metallic cascade. Sedum varieties, such as Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) or Cascade Stonecrop (Sedum divergens), are succulents with fleshy leaves forming rope-like strands. For a fragrant option, Creeping Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) trails with aromatic foliage, ideal for rock walls or elevated garden beds.