Tahitian Bridal Veil Growth and Care Guide

Tahitian Bridal Veil (Gibasis geniculata) is a graceful trailing plant known for its cascading stems, soft green foliage, and tiny white flowers that resemble a delicate veil. Often grown as a houseplant or used in hanging baskets, it adds movement and elegance wherever it’s displayed. The fine texture and fast-growing habit make it ideal for brightening shelves, patios, and indoor spaces. With proper light and care, it quickly forms a lush, flowing curtain of foliage and blooms.

This plant guide walks you through everything needed to grow Tahitian Bridal Veil successfully, from light and watering requirements to pruning and maintenance. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, these tips will help keep it healthy, full, and beautifully trailing.

By: Reggie Meehan (01/08/2026)

Introduction to Tahitian Bridal Veil

The Bridal Veil plant, scientifically known as Gibasis geniculata and often called Tahitian Bridal Veil or Wedding Veil, is a stunning cascading perennial native to Central and South America. Known for its delicate, trailing foliage and dainty white, star-shaped flowers, this plant brings an ethereal charm to any setting. Its cascading habit makes it a favorite for hanging baskets, ornamental displays, or as a lush ground cover, particularly in tropical or indoor environments where it thrives as Tahitian Bridal Veil.

In addition to its beauty, Bridal Veil is prized for its low-maintenance and adaptable nature. It grows equally well indoors or outdoors when provided with the right conditions, such as bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Its dense, trailing growth creates a soft, textured effect, making it an ideal choice for enhancing the visual appeal of any space with minimal effort.

Characteristics of Tahitian Bridal Veil

Bridal Veil plants are known for their delicate, cascading foliage and small, white flowers that resemble a bride’s veil. These graceful plants add a touch of elegance to both gardens and indoor spaces, making them a favorite among gardeners.

Size & Growth Rate 

Tahitian Bridal Veil typically grows to a height of 12-18 inches and spread 24-36 inches, depending on the variety and growing conditions. They are fast-growing plants that thrive with optimal light, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil. Their cascading, trailing habit makes them particularly suited for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers, where they gracefully spill over the edges to create a soft, flowing effect.

When used as ground cover, Bridal Veil plants quickly fill in spaces, making them an excellent option for creating lush, carpet-like coverage in gardens or under taller plants.

Leaves & Flowers

The leaves of Bridal Veil plants are small, oval-shaped, and vary in color depending on the variety. Some feature rich dark green foliage, while others are variegated with green and white, providing added visual interest. The leaves often have a glossy texture, giving the plant a vibrant, healthy appearance that enhances its aesthetic appeal. The dense leaf coverage not only creates a full, bushy effect but also serves a practical purpose by suppressing weeds when planted in garden beds as ground cover.

Tahitian Bridal Veil is known for its delicate, star-shaped white flowers that bloom profusely from spring to fall. These tiny, ethereal blooms stand out against the dense foliage, adding a light, airy charm to plantings. The flowers also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to gardens focused on supporting local ecosystems. With their long bloom season and ecological benefits, Bridal Veil plants offer both beauty and function in a variety of settings.

Is Bridal Veil Annual Or Perennial? 

Bridal Veil plants can be either annual or perennial, depending on the species and climate. In USDA hardiness zones 9-11, they are grown as perennials and can survive year-round with proper care. These plants thrive in warm, frost-free climates, where they continue to provide greenery and blooms throughout the year. In colder climates, Bridal Veil plants are often treated as annuals or brought indoors during winter months to protect them from freezing temperatures. 

In my South Carolina garden, I treat Tahitian Bridal Veil as an annual, enjoying its rapid growth and cascading beauty during the growing season before replanting the following spring. This versatility makes Bridal Veil a popular choice for gardeners across a range of climates and conditions.

How To Grow & Care For Bridal Veil 

Bridal Veil is an adaptable and low-maintenance plant, capable of thriving in various environments, including containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover in garden beds. By following these care tips, you can maximize the plant’s cascading habit and ensure its delicate foliage and flowers remain vibrant and healthy throughout the season.

Planting Bridal Veil

Plant Bridal Veil in spring after the last frost for a strong start. Choose a well-draining soil mix and space plants adequately to allow for growth. For container planting, use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Sunlight Requirements

Bridal Veil plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Place them in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade for best results. Indoor plants should be positioned near a bright window but away from direct sun.

Soil Preferences

Bridal Veil plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Amend garden soil with compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage. Ensure container plants have a quality potting mix that retains moisture without becoming soggy.

Watering Needs

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering in winter when plant growth slows down. Use a watering can with a fine spout to avoid splashing water on the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Watering can be tricky, but I’ve found that a consistent schedule works best. 

Fertilizing

Feed Bridal Veil plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced flowering. I remember one year when I overdid it with fertilizer. The plants grew lush and green, but the flowers were sparse. Since then, I’ve learned that a light touch is best, and my Bridal Veil plants always reward me with abundant blooms.

Pruning & Maintenance 

Regularly prune Bridal Veil plants to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and prevent seed formation. For trailing varieties, trim back long stems to encourage fuller growth and prevent legginess.

Overwintering

In colder climates, bring potted Bridal Veil plants indoors before the first frost. Place them in a bright, frost-free location. Bringing plants indoors for the winter is a bit of a chore, but it’s worth it to see them survive and thrive. I set up a cozy spot near a sunny window and make sure they get just the right amount of care to keep them going until spring.

Common Pests

Bridal Veil plants are occasionally troubled by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, which can damage their delicate foliage. Spider mites often leave fine webs, while aphids cluster on stems and mealybugs appear as cotton-like spots. Regularly inspecting the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil can effectively control these pests and keep the plant healthy.

Common Diseases

Root rot is the most common issue with Bridal Veil plants, typically caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Powdery mildew can also appear in overly humid conditions, leaving a white, powdery residue on the leaves. Prevent these problems by ensuring well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, and maintaining good air circulation around the plant.

Common Mistakes

Overwatering is a frequent mistake, often leading to root rot and plant decline. Placing Bridal Veil plants in excessive shade can reduce their flowering and overall vibrancy. Additionally, neglecting to trim or prune the plant can cause it to become leggy, detracting from its lush, cascading appearance.

Common Misconceptions

Many believe Bridal Veil is exclusively an indoor plant, but it thrives outdoors in warm climates with proper care. Another misconception is that it won’t flower indoors; in reality, it can bloom beautifully with adequate light. Finally, while some think it requires constant watering, Bridal Veil prefers moderate watering and well-draining soil to avoid root-related issues.

Using Bridal Veil in the Garden

Bridal Veil’s cascading habit and delicate flowers make it a versatile addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Its trailing growth is perfect for hanging baskets, where the foliage can drape elegantly, showcasing its small white blooms.

Hanging Baskets

Bridal Veil plants are ideal for hanging baskets due to their trailing growth habit, creating a cascading effect. Make sure to place Bridal Veil baskets in locations where the plants can receive bright, indirect light or direct morning sun. Combine them with other trailing plants like ivy or petunias for a lush, mixed display. One year, I paired them with trailing ivy and bright petunias, creating a stunning display that greeted visitors as they approached my porch. As the season progressed, the Bridal Veil filled in beautifully, softening the edges of the basket and tying all the colors together. Regular trimming kept the basket looking full and prevented the vines from becoming sparse or leggy.

Flower Borders

Use Bridal Veil as a border plant along pathways, garden beds, or edging for a neat, defined look. Combine with taller plants like hydrangeas or roses for a layered garden design. The intricate flowers of Bridal Veil contribute an element of elegance, their subtle beauty providing a striking contrast against bold, larger blooms. Its spreading habit helps gently soften hard edges along walkways without becoming aggressive or unruly. In shadier borders, it adds lightness and movement where heavier foliage plants might feel dense.

Container Gardening 

Bridal Veil plants are perfect for patio containers, window boxes, and mixed planters. Plant with other shade-loving annuals or perennials to create vibrant container displays. Easy to move around, they offer flexibility in garden design. I love the flexibility of container gardening with Bridal Veil. When one area gets too much sun or shade, it’s simple to relocate the pot and keep the plant thriving. With consistent watering and occasional pruning, container-grown Bridal Veil stays lush and well-shaped all season long.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Whether cascading from a hanging basket, spilling over a container, or brightening an indoor space, Tahitian Bridal Veil brings soft texture and effortless charm wherever it’s grown. Here at Delivery, we ship healthy, high-quality Bridal Veil plants. Bring home this graceful favorite today and let it add movement, beauty, and timeless elegance to your garden or home.