15 Best Senecio Succulents for Hanging Pots

You’ll discover that Senecio succulents are masterful choices for hanging pots, combining striking shapes with minimal care requirements. From the playful String of Dolphins that resembles jumping marine mammals to the elegant cascade of Chalk Fingers, these plants transform ordinary spaces into living art installations. Whether you’re working with a sunny window or a shaded porch, there’s a perfect trailing Senecio variety waiting to enhance your vertical garden display.

1. String of Dolphins

String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a charming trailing succulent known for its unique dolphin-shaped leaves that appear to be jumping along delicate stems. This hybrid plant, created from crossing Senecio articulatus and Senecio rowleyanus, features small, curved leaves that resemble miniature dolphins in mid-leap. The stems can grow up to 3 feet long, making it perfect for hanging baskets where its whimsical foliage can cascade downward.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Hanging basket or pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

2. String of Bananas

String of Bananas (Senecio radicans) is a trailing succulent with distinctive banana-shaped leaves that cascade gracefully from hanging baskets. The small, curved leaves grow along thin stems that can reach up to 3 feet in length, creating an eye-catching display of green “bananas.” This easy-to-grow succulent also produces small white flowers with a cinnamon-like fragrance when in bloom.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix with added perlite
• Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C); can tolerate down to 40°F (4°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Pot Requirements: Container with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

3. String of Pearls

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a distinctive trailing succulent characterized by its long, slender stems adorned with small, perfectly round leaves resembling green pearls. This unique plant can grow several feet long, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets where its bead-like strands can cascade down gracefully. Native to southwest Africa, this delicate-looking succulent is a popular choice for indoor decoration, though it requires specific care to thrive.

• Light: Bright indirect light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; can tolerate some direct morning sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; susceptible to root rot if overwatered
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C); cannot tolerate frost
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average indoor humidity
• Container: Shallow pot with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

4. String of Tears

The String of Tears (Senecio herreianus) is a trailing succulent with distinctive teardrop-shaped leaves that cascade elegantly from hanging baskets or tall containers. Each leaf is plump, blue-green in color, and features translucent stripes running lengthwise, giving them a delicate, crystalline appearance. The stems can grow up to 3 feet long, creating a dramatic waterfall effect when properly maintained.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Hanging baskets or containers with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

5. Chalk Fingers Senecio

Chalk Fingers Senecio (Senecio essentialis) is a striking succulent known for its cylindrical, upright blue-gray leaves that resemble chalk-covered fingers. This trailing plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and produces small yellow flowers in spring. Its distinctive color and elongated leaves make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, where its stems can cascade gracefully over the edges.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Low water needs; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: Thrives in 65-75°F (18-24°C); not frost hardy
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Requires pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings

6. Blue Chalk Sticks Succulent

Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio serpens, formerly Senecio mandraliscae) is a striking succulent known for its finger-like blue-gray leaves that grow in dense clusters. This low-growing plant typically reaches 6-12 inches in height and spreads horizontally, making it excellent for hanging baskets where its stems can gracefully trail over the edges. The powder-blue coloring comes from a natural waxy coating that helps protect the plant from intense sunlight and water loss.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; best blue coloring develops in bright light
• Water: Low water needs; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 10-11; protect from frost
• Humidity: Tolerates low to moderate humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season; minimal in winter
• Container: Must have drainage holes
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast growing when conditions are ideal

7. Himalayan Woolly Senecio

The Himalayan Woolly Senecio (Senecio namikawanus) is a striking trailing succulent known for its distinctive silvery-white, woolly foliage that gives it a fuzzy, ethereal appearance. Native to the Himalayan region, this plant forms cascading stems adorned with small, round leaves covered in dense, white hairs that help protect it from harsh conditions and temperature fluctuations. The woolly texture not only makes it visually appealing but also serves as a natural defense mechanism against intense sunlight and moisture loss.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial sun but protect from intense afternoon rays
• Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent mix with added perlite or pumice
• Temperature: Prefers 60-75°F (15-24°C); can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity; prefers drier conditions
• Container: Hanging baskets or containers with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced succulent fertilizer during growing season

8. Orange Bird Senecio

The Orange Bird Senecio (Senecio jacobsenii) is a trailing succulent that features vibrant, fleshy orange-green leaves shaped like small birds or dolphins. This low-maintenance plant cascades beautifully from hanging baskets and containers, with stems that can grow up to 3 feet long. The leaves are thick and glossy, measuring about 2-3 inches long, and the plant occasionally produces small yellow flowers in late summer or fall.

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial sun; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; ideal for hanging baskets
• Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings or leaves

9. Senecio Rowleyanus ‘Orange

Senecio rowleyanus ‘Orange’ is a colorful variant of the classic string of pearls plant, featuring small, spherical leaves in vibrant orange hues. This trailing succulent creates cascading stems adorned with bead-like foliage, making it particularly attractive for hanging baskets and elevated containers. The orange coloration develops most intensely when the plant receives adequate sunlight, though the intensity may vary seasonally.

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial sun; morning sun is ideal; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; susceptible to root rot if overwatered
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix; add perlite or pumice for enhanced drainage
• Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C); protect from frost; minimum 50°F (10°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity; prefers dry conditions
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season with balanced succulent fertilizer
• Container: Must have drainage holes; shallow containers work well due to shallow root system

10. Ruby Necklace Senecio

The Ruby Necklace Senecio (Senecio radicans) is a trailing succulent known for its distinctive purple-red stems and small, banana-shaped leaves that create a fascinating cascading effect. This South African native produces bead-like foliage that takes on deeper purple hues when exposed to adequate sunlight, making it particularly attractive in hanging baskets where its strands can grow up to 3 feet long. The plant occasionally produces small, daisy-like white flowers, though it’s primarily grown for its colorful trailing stems.

• Light: Bright indirect to full sun; more sun exposure intensifies purple coloring
• Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Hanging baskets or containers with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

11. Canary Bird Vine Senecio

The Canary Bird Vine Senecio (Senecio tamoides) is a trailing succulent vine with bright green, glossy leaves that can grow up to 20 feet long when properly supported. Native to South Africa, this climbing plant produces clusters of small, yellow, daisy-like flowers in fall and winter, giving it its common name. The leaves are somewhat fleshy and have a slight succulent quality, though not as pronounced as other Senecio varieties. Its vigorous growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant on trellises and walls.

• Light: Bright, indirect light to partial sun; can tolerate full sun in cooler climates
• Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Pruning: Regular trimming to control length and promote bushiness
• Container: Hanging baskets or containers with good drainage

12. Coral Beaded Senecio

Coral Beaded Senecio (Senecio herreianus) is a trailing succulent with distinctive bead-like leaves that cascade gracefully from hanging baskets. The plant features small, pea-shaped leaves arranged along thin stems, creating a striking resemblance to strings of pearls but with a bluish-green hue. This drought-tolerant succulent can grow up to 3 feet long when mature, making it an excellent choice for hanging displays where its delicate strands can freely drape.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Hanging basket or pot with drainage holes
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

13. Trailing Green Finger Senecio

Trailing Green Finger Senecio (Senecio radicans) is a charming succulent featuring slender, elongated leaves that resemble small bananas or fingers, growing on trailing stems that can reach up to 3 feet in length. Its cascading growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, with bright green foliage that creates an attractive waterfall effect as it spills over the edges of containers.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); not frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average household humidity
• Container: Hanging basket or pot with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced succulent fertilizer during growing season
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings

14. Angel Wings Senecio

Angel Wings Senecio (Senecio candicans) is a striking succulent known for its silvery-white, velvety leaves that grow in dense rosettes. The large, rounded leaves have a soft, fuzzy texture and can reach up to 6 inches in length, creating an elegant cascading effect when planted in hanging baskets. This drought-tolerant plant originates from South America and typically grows to about 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor hanging displays.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; best color develops in bright light
• Water: Low to moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Temperature: 20-80°F (-6 to 27°C); frost tolerant
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season
• Container: Requires drainage holes and good air circulation
• Hardiness: USDA zones 8-11

15. Fuzzy Dusty Miller Senecio

The Fuzzy Dusty Miller Senecio (Senecio cineraria) is a silvery-white herbaceous plant known for its velvety, finely-cut foliage that creates a striking visual contrast in gardens and containers. Though not technically a succulent, this drought-tolerant Mediterranean native is often grouped with Senecio succulents due to its similar care requirements and ability to store water in its leaves. The plant typically grows 12-18 inches tall and produces small yellow flowers, though it’s primarily grown for its distinctive silver-gray foliage that appears fuzzy due to dense, woolly hairs covering the leaves.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; best silver coloring develops in full sun
• Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
• Temperature: Hardy in zones 7-10; prefers temperatures between 60-75°F
• Humidity: Tolerates both dry and humid conditions
• Fertilizer: Light feeding during growing season; too much nitrogen reduces silver coloring
• Pruning: Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess