Cactus for Hanging Baskets: Top 9 Varieties

Looking for a way to bring the beauty of desert plants to your porch or patio? Hanging baskets offer a perfect solution for displaying cacti in a space-saving and eye-catching manner. These versatile containers allow you to showcase these drought-tolerant plants from a new perspective.

Hanging cacti create visual interest while requiring minimal maintenance compared to many other hanging plants. You can choose from numerous cactus varieties that trail, cascade, or remain compact, depending on your style preferences. The right selection will thrive in your specific conditions while adding unique texture and character to your outdoor or indoor spaces.

1. Rhipsalis Baccifera

Rhipsalis baccifera, commonly known as Mistletoe Cactus, is an excellent choice for hanging baskets. This unique epiphytic cactus features thin, cylindrical stems resembling green spaghetti noodles that cascade beautifully from containers.

Unlike typical desert cacti, Rhipsalis prefers bright, indirect light. You can place it near a window with morning sun, but it is best to keep it a few feet away to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can scorch its stems.

This tropical cactus thrives in well-draining soil. You’ll want to use a chunky potting mix that prevents water from sitting around the roots for too long.

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering during the plant’s dormant period in the cooler months. Rhipsalis appreciates higher humidity but can adapt to normal home conditions.

The Mistletoe Cactus creates a tranquil display with its trailing growth habit. Its distinctive form makes it versatile for hanging baskets or as an accent in plant arrangements.

You’ll find this plant relatively easy to care for compared to other succulents. It’s more tolerant of shade than most cacti, making it adaptable to various indoor locations in your home.

2. Hatiora Salicornioides

Hatiora salicornioides, commonly known as Dancing Bones or Drunkard’s Dream, makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets. This small cactus has unique jointed stems that resemble tiny sausage links or bottle brushes, creating an interesting cascading effect when grown in a hanging container.

Native to Brazil, this cactus thrives best in bright indirect light. You’ll want to avoid harsh afternoon sun which can scorch its delicate segments. Keep it in a location where it receives morning light or filtered sun throughout the day.

Dancing Bones prefers well-draining soil. You can use a commercial cactus mix or create your own by combining regular potting soil with perlite or pumice. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

During spring and summer, your Hatiora salicornioides may produce small yellow or orange flowers at the tips of its segments. These add a delightful touch to the already interesting plant form.

This cactus typically grows 12-18 inches long, making it perfectly sized for hanging displays. You’ll find it relatively easy to care for as it adapts well to indoor conditions.

3. Disocactus Anguliger

Disocactus anguliger, commonly known as Fishbone Cactus, Zig Zag Cactus, or Ric Rac Cactus, is a perfect choice for hanging baskets. Its distinctive stems grow in a unique zig-zag pattern that resembles fishbones or ric rac trim.

This cactus thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can harm its stems, so place it near a window with filtered light for best results.

You should allow the soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This low-maintenance plant is ideal if you sometimes forget to water your plants.

Fishbone cactus prefers well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. Its structural presence makes it versatile for hanging displays, adding visual interest from above.

As an epiphytic cactus, it naturally grows on trees in its native habitat. This growth habit makes it perfectly suited for hanging baskets where stems can cascade dramatically.

Pet owners will appreciate that the Fishbone Cactus is non-toxic to cats and dogs. This makes it a safe choice for households with curious pets.

4. Rhipsalis Pilocarpa

Rhipsalis Pilocarpa is an excellent choice for hanging baskets due to its unique trailing growth habit. This cactus species originated in the rainforests of Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree branches.

Unlike desert cacti, Rhipsalis Pilocarpa prefers partial shade and higher humidity. You’ll notice its distinctive cylindrical stems that cascade beautifully from hanging containers, creating a waterfall-like effect.

The stems are covered with small white bristles, giving it a fuzzy appearance that distinguishes it from other Rhipsalis varieties. When mature, it produces small white flowers that develop into pink or red berries, adding decorative interest.

You should plant it in well-draining cactus soil mixed with orchid bark for best results. Rhipsalis pilocarpa, being an epiphytic cactus from rainforest environments, requires more frequent watering than desert cacti. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil feels dry, allowing the soil to drain completely. This is more often than you would water a typical desert cactus, but less frequently than many tropical houseplants.

This cactus thrives in normal household temperatures between 60-75°F. You’ll find it’s quite low-maintenance once established, requiring only occasional fertilizing during the growing season.

5. Lepismium Cruciforme

Lepismium cruciforme is an excellent choice for hanging baskets. This trailing cactus has long, triangular to square-shaped stems that cascade beautifully over the sides of containers.

Unlike many cacti, Lepismium cruciforme thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, making it perfect for indoor hanging baskets or outdoor areas that don’t receive full sun. You’ll find it grows best in temperatures between 65-85°F.

The plant produces produces small white, pink, or yellow flowers in both spring and winter, adding a delicate touch to its already attractive form. Its stems can grow up to several feet long depending on the variety, creating a stunning display when allowed to hang freely.

When caring for your Lepismium, use a well-draining cactus mix and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant prefers more humidity than desert cacti, so occasional misting benefits it in dry environments.

You can propagate this cactus easily by taking stem cuttings. Allow them to callus for a few days before planting in fresh soil.

Lepismium cruciforme requires minimal pruning. Simply remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain its appearance and health.

6. Aporocactus Flagelliformis

Aporocactus flagelliformis, commonly known as the Rat Tail Cactus, is a perfect choice for hanging baskets. This cactus features long, trailing stems that can grow up to 6 feet (180 cm)  long, creating a dramatic cascading effect.

The Rat Tail Cactus produces stunning bright pink or red tubular flowers in spring and early summer. These vibrant blooms emerge along the stems, creating a striking display against the green stems.

You’ll find this cactus quite easy to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun. Soil should dry out completely between waterings

For your hanging basket, use a well-draining cactus soil mix. This prevents root rot and keeps your plant healthy. A terracotta or unglazed ceramic hanging pot works well as it allows excess moisture to evaporate.

You can propagate Rat Tail Cactus by cutting segments of the stem and allowing them to callus before planting. This gives you more plants to enjoy or share with friends.

7. Schlumbergera Truncata

Schlumbergera truncata, also known as the Thanksgiving cactus, makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets. This plant features flat, segmented stems that cascade beautifully over the edges of containers.

You’ll find that Schlumbergera truncata blooms in late fall to early winter, producing stunning tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple. The flowers appear at the ends of the segments, creating a waterfall of color when in full bloom.

This cactus prefers bright, indirect light rather than harsh direct sun. You should place your hanging basket in a spot that receives morning light or filtered sunlight throughout the day.

Water your Schlumbergera when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during its active growing season, but stop fertilizing as you approach the blooming period.

For best results, use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. Your Christmas cactus can thrive in humid environments, such as bathrooms or kitchens, provided they receive adequate bright, indirect light.

8. Epiphyllum Oxypetalum

Epiphyllum oxypetalum, commonly known as Queen of the Night, is an exceptional choice for hanging baskets. This unique cactus produces spectacular white flowers that open for just one night, but the plant can produce multiple blooms during its blooming season.

You’ll find this plant quite different from typical cacti. It has flat, leaf-like stems known as cladodes, that cascade beautifully from baskets, creating a dramatic display in your home or garden.

The Queen of the Night requires bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can damage its delicate stems, so positioning your hanging basket in a spot with filtered light is ideal.

Water your Epiphyllum when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants prefer more moisture than desert cacti but still need good drainage to prevent root rot.

For the best flowering results, you should place your hanging basket outside during summer months if possible. The natural day-night cycle helps trigger blooming.

When your plant flowers, prepare for an amazing experience. The large, fragrant blooms open at night and close by morning. Many plant enthusiasts stay up to witness this rare event.

9. Hylocereus Undatus

Hylocereus undatus, commonly known as dragon fruit or pitahaya, makes a stunning choice for hanging baskets. This climbing cactus naturally grows upward in the wild but can cascade beautifully when planted in suspended containers.

The long, triangular stems create an eye-catching display as they drape over the sides of your hanging basket. These stems can reach impressive lengths, adding dramatic vertical interest to your space.

Dragon fruit cactus requires well-draining soil to thrive in baskets. Mix cactus soil with perlite to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot in your hanging arrangement.

Place your hanging basket in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight, as Hylocereus undatus needs bright light to flourish. However, it can tolerate partial shade during the hottest part of the day.

When planting in hanging baskets, cuttings should be allowed to callus for a few days before being planted about 5 cm deep in a well-draining soil mixture. Some gardeners provide support for their cuttings using trellises or stakes.

The most spectacular feature of this hanging cactus is its impressive flowers. These large, night-blooming blossoms can reach up to 30 cm in size, creating a breathtaking display for your hanging garden.

Choosing the Right Cactus Variety

Selecting the perfect cactus for your hanging basket involves understanding growth habits and environmental needs. The right variety will thrive in your specific conditions while creating the dramatic trailing effect you desire.

Considerations for Different Climates

Climate plays a crucial role in cactus selection for hanging displays. If you live in a humid area, choose drought-tolerant varieties like Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis), which handle humidity better. But, always ensure excellent drainage and airflow to prevent rot, as even these cacti can’t survive constantly wet conditions. This popular trailing cactus features long, slender stems that cascade beautifully.

For cooler regions, opt for Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) which tolerates temperatures as low as 50°F and even produces colorful blooms during winter months. Their segmented stems create an attractive trailing display.

Climate-Based Selection Guide:

• Hot/Dry: Peanut Cactus, Rat Tail Cactus
• Cool/Temperate: Christmas Cactus, Easter Cactus
• Humid: Mistletoe Cactus, Fishbone Cactus

Tips for Beginners

Start with forgiving varieties that tolerate occasional neglect. The Christmas Cactus makes an excellent beginner choice with its reliable growth pattern and stunning blooms. Its cascading stems create a lovely display even for novice gardeners.

Consider the weight of mature plants when selecting containers. Some trailing cacti become quite heavy over time, requiring sturdy hanging mechanisms. Choose lightweight plastic containers for heavier varieties.

Look for cacti labeled specifically as “trailing” or “hanging” varieties. These naturally grow downward rather than upward, creating the desired effect without special training.

Beginner-Friendly Varieties:

• Christmas Cactus – Blooms in winter, tolerates lower light
• Mistletoe Cactus – Grows quickly, adapts to various conditions
• Rat Tail Cactus – Dramatic trailing habit, drought-tolerant

Check the mature size before purchasing. Some varieties expand significantly, while others maintain a compact form. This helps you select appropriately sized containers from the start.

Benefits of Using Cactus in Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets with cacti offer unique advantages that combine visual appeal with practical benefits. They’re perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces where you want greenery without a lot of work.

Space Optimization in Small Areas

Hanging cacti baskets make excellent use of vertical space in your home or garden. You can hang them from ceilings, walls, or balcony railings to add greenery without using valuable floor space. This is especially helpful in apartments, small patios, or crowded garden areas.

For tiny homes or urban dwellings, vertical gardening with cacti creates a green oasis without sacrificing your limited square footage. These hanging displays draw the eye upward, making rooms feel larger and more dynamic.

You can create different levels of hanging baskets to maximize your space. Try hanging multiple baskets at varying heights for a dramatic display that takes advantage of unused air space.

Space-saving locations for hanging cacti:

• Above kitchen windows
• From pergolas or porch ceilings
• Along fence lines
• In bathroom corners
• Near bright doorways

Low Maintenance Advantages

Cacti require significantly less care than most hanging plants. You’ll only need to water them every 10-14 days in summer and even less frequently in winter. This makes them ideal if you travel often or tend to forget plant care.

Most cacti thrive in full sun, requiring 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, while some sensitive varieties prefer bright, indirect light. Unlike ferns or flowering baskets, they won’t drop leaves or wilt dramatically if you miss a watering session.

Key maintenance benefits:

• Drought tolerance
• Minimal fertilizer needs (2-3 times yearly)
• Slow growth means less repotting
• Few pest problems

These hardy plants can withstand temperature fluctuations better than many houseplants. They can survive short cold spells, but freezing temperatures for too long can hurt them. Some cacti are more cold-hardy than others. So, while they’re flexible, know your cactus type and protect it from extreme cold.