Climbing Succulents: A Guide to Growing and Caring for these Unique Plants

Oleh Marcia Reilly May 25, 2023 Post a Comment

If you're looking for a plant that's unique, easy to care for, and can add some visual interest to your space, look no further than climbing succulents. These plants are versatile, drought-resistant, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes climbing succulents so special, how to grow and care for them, and some of the best types to consider for your home or garden.

What Are Climbing Succulents?

Climbing succulents are plants with fleshy leaves and stems that store water, allowing them to thrive in hot, dry environments. Unlike other succulents, however, they have a vining or trailing habit and can be trained to climb up walls, trellises, or other supports.

Some of the most popular climbing succulents include:

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): This plant has long, bead-like leaves that resemble strings of pearls. It's perfect for hanging baskets or training up a trellis.
Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum): With its long, trailing stems covered in plump, teardrop-shaped leaves, this plant is a favorite among succulent enthusiasts.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): While not technically a succulent, this plant's thick, glossy leaves and vining habit make it an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance climbing plant.

How to Grow Climbing Succulents

Growing climbing succulents is generally quite easy, as they're adapted to survive in harsh conditions. Here are some tips to get ed:

Choose a well-draining soil mix: Climbing succulents prefer soil that drains quickly and doesn't hold onto excess moisture, which can cause root rot. A mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand is a good option.
Provide bright, indirect light: While climbing succulents can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can scorch their leaves. Aim for a spot with bright, filtered light instead.
Water sparingly: Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes that people make when growing succulents. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions, and be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the bottom.
Train your plant: If you want your climbing succulent to grow up a wall or trellis, you'll need to train it by gently tying the stems to the support as they grow.

Types of Climbing Succulents

There are many different types of climbing succulents to choose from, each with its own unique look and growth habit. Here are a few to consider:

String of Pearls

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is a popular trailing succulent with small, spherical leaves that resemble pearls. It's native to South Africa and is often grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb up walls or trellises.

To care for your String of Pearls plant, provide bright, indirect light and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. You can also propagate new plants by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix.

Burro's Tail

Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum) is a trailing succulent with long, plump leaves that hang down like tails. It's native to Mexico and is often grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb up walls or trellises.

To care for your Burro's Tail plant, provide bright, indirect light and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. You can also propagate new plants by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix.

String of Hearts

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a trailing vine with small, heart-shaped leaves that are green on top and purple on the underside. It's native to South Africa and is often grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb up walls or trellises.

To care for your String of Hearts plant, provide bright, indirect light and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. You can also propagate new plants by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix.

Common Problems with Climbing Succulents

Like all plants, climbing succulents can be susceptible to pests, diseases, and other issues. Here are some common problems to watch out for:

Overwatering: As mentioned earlier, overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes that people make when growing succulents. Be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Root rot: If your plant's leaves are turning yellow or brown and falling off, it could be a sign of root rot caused by too much moisture in the soil. To fix this problem, you may need to repot the plant into fresh soil and reduce watering.
Pest infestations: Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects are all common pests that can affect succulents. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of these pests and treat them promptly if you notice any.

Climbing succulents are a unique and interesting addition to any home or garden. With their vining habit and drought-resistant nature, they're easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Whether you choose String of Pearls, Burro's Tail, or another type of climbing succulent, these plants are sure to add some visual interest to your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can climbing succulents grow in low light?

Most climbing succulents prefer bright, filtered light, but some can tolerate lower light levels. Heartleaf Philodendron, for example, is a good choice for spaces with lower light.

Q2. How often should I water my climbing succulent?

Watering frequency will depend on the specific plant and growing conditions, but as a general rule, you should allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. This may mean watering once every two weeks or so.

Q3. Can I grow climbing succulents outdoors?

Yes! Many climbing succulents can be grown outdoors in warm, sunny climates. Just be sure to protect them from frost and excessive moisture.

Q4. Do climbing succulents need fertilizer?

While climbing succulents don't necessarily require fertilizer, you can give them a boost by applying a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season.

Q5. How do I propagate my climbing succulent?

Most climbing succulents can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in a well-draining soil mix. Be sure to let the cuttings callus over for a few days before planting them in soil.

Q6. My climbing succulent is getting too long. What should I do?

If your plant is getting too long, you can prune it back to encourage bushier growth. Just be sure to use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Q7. Can I grow climbing succulents in water?

While some plants can be grown hydroponically, climbing succulents generally prefer to be planted in soil. Water propagation may work for some types of succulents, but it's not recommended for climbing varieties.

Q8. How do I train my climbing succulent to climb up a wall or trellis?

To train your plant, gently tie the stems to the support using soft twine or plant ties. Be sure not to tie the stems too tightly, as this can damage the plant.

Q9. Is it normal for my climbing succulent to drop leaves?

Some leaf drop is normal for most plants, including climbing succulents. However, if you notice excessive leaf drop, it could be a sign of a problem like overwatering or pest infestations.

Q10. Can I grow different types of climbing succulents together?

Yes! Mixing and matching different types of climbing succulents can create a beautiful and interesting display. Just be sure to choose plants with similar light and watering requirements.