Contents
Succulents are some of the most commonly owned houseplants because they’re generally resilient and low-maintenance. Succulents are extremely versatile. Many succulents can grow in low light conditions, or in rooms with plenty of bright light. They are perfect for beginners due to their tolerance of neglect.
So, if you are just beginning to start your houseplant collection, or have a self labeled “black thumb” because plants don’t grow well in your care, a succulent may be the perfect match! If you live in a warm enough area, certain types of succulents can also thrive outdoors!
We’ve hand picked a comprehensive list of different succulents that make perfect houseplant companions. In this article, you’ll learn a bit about each of our favorite succulents, along with their names, and pictures of each. Let’s jump in!
Afrikaans
Scientific Name: Odontophorus
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 3-8 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out; Keep dry in winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Afrikaans succulents are adorable plants with broad but flat leaves that grow upward and bend over slightly. In the center, a medium-sized flower will bloom during particular times of the year. The flower is typically white or yellow.
The leaves also sometimes grow up and then split out, making a sort of peace sign. It enjoys full sun but will grow okay in partial shade. But the key to caring for the Afrikaans succulent is to keep it dry, as it needs very little water and can easily drown.
Image Credit: Winfried Bruenken (Amrum) via Wikimedia Commons(Image Use Allowed With Attribution)
Agave
Scientific Name: Agavoideae
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1 inch-8 feet
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Agave is a well-known succulent since its syrup is used in co*cktails and as a sugar substitute in many recipes. Agave plants love the heat, so keep them in a warm and sunny spot where they’ll thrive.
They have pointed leaves, so be careful not to stab yourself when admiring them. The leaves form large and symmetrical rosettes that offer a lovely and bold appearance.
Aloe
Scientific Name: Aloe vera
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1 inch-3 feet
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Aloe is best known as a soothing treatment for sunburns and some rashes. The inside of the leaves has a jelly-like substance that offers natural cooling effects, so it’s an impressive little plant. It’s also a beautiful bright green plant to keep in your home.
With the right drainage and plenty of sun, Aloe can grow up to three feet in height, but most stay pretty small when grown indoors. And make sure not to overwater it, as it loves a dry climate.
Ant Plant
Scientific Name: Dischidia pectinoides
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-3 feet
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The ant plant is another succulent that most people don’t think is a succulent because of the thin and loose leaves. This succulent doesn’t store as much water as others, so it does need a bit more attention, but still pretty resilient.
The leaves and branches grow very long and thin and then droop downward, so many people plant them in hanging pots. It has an enchanting appearance, like something from a secret garden.
Astridia
Scientific Name: Astridia velutina
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 8 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Astridia is one of the more finicky succulents, so if you were looking for a super easy plant to care for, this is not it. But worth it if you take the time and effort. This succulent grows small daisy-like flowers out of the cactus-like leaves.
So you get the best of both worlds, the delicate and dainty look of flowers with the resilience and sturdiness of a cactus plant. But the small cactus leaves by themself are beautiful.
Astroworthia
Scientific Name: Astroworthia bicarinata
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 6 inches-3 feet
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Astroworthia is a lesser-known succulent with beautiful green and red, chunky leaves that climb up the stem. They have very spiky leaves with defensive notches to deter predators.
But when they mature, they become a lovely shade of pink or red that can be very attractive in your home or garden. But they typically don’t grow very tall, so they’re ideal for along a pathway or in pots. Just make sure they get plenty of sun, as they do not do well in shade.
Image Credit: Abu Shawka, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)
Avonia
Scientific Name: Avonia ustulata
- Plant Type: Perennial or annual
- Plant Size: 1-3 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; Keep dry in the winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Avonia can be known as a tough succulent to grow and care for, but easier than many people think. It just needs a dry and warm climate but tends to be resilient to dampness. However, many people find the appearance to be slightly off-putting.
People sometimes liken the leaves to worms coming out of the dirt. But it’s an interesting plant in its own right, as not many other types of succulents take on this unusual leaf shape.
Babies’ Toes
Scientific Name: Fenestraria
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 3-6 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
This succulent has a very accurate common name, as the leaves and stems grow fat and short and look just like babies’ toes! The leaves grow to a maximum of six inches, so they look like super fat blades of grass when they grow in.
They’re relatively easy to take care of, but do not do well in the shade or the cold. They must live indoors if you live in a zone lower than 9. And they will die rather quickly if kept out of the sun.
Braunsia
Scientific Name: Braunsia maximiliani
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 5-10 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; Keep dry in the winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Braunsia leaves have a triangular and chunky appearance, making them a very dynamic plant. They also sometimes sprout these lovely little purple blossoms that will add a pop of color to your garden or home.
But even without the little flowers, the thick leaves drape over the pots or on the ground. The plant looks like a cross between ivy and a cactus. For gardeners that love exotic and unusual succulents, this is a great one to add to your collection.
Image Credit: Dwergenpaartje, via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)
Bunny Succulent
Scientific Name: Monilaria
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-6 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; When soil is completely dried out in winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
The bunny succulent, also sometimes called the string of pearls, is a gorgeous plant that grows very slowly. The small bulb leaves along the branches make it look like a bunch of pearl necklaces coming out of a pot.
They start super small, and it can take years for them to reach their full size. But this little succulent is super persistent, so it can survive droughts, frosts, darkness, and more and still grow year after year.
Chandelier Plant
Scientific Name: Kalanchoe
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 8-12 inches tall
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun
The chandelier plant is another succulent that doesn’t look like a succulent. It has thin, shiny leaves, and this succulent grows tiny flowers in many colors, from red to pink to white to yellow.
While the succulent is a perennial and will bloom year after year, many treat it as an annual when the blossoms fade.
But the blossoms will come back, typically during summer or fall. And while these succulents love the heat, they don’t love too much sunlight, so filtered light is the best way to avoid burning the leaves.
Chinese Dunce Cap
Scientific Name: Orostachys japonica
- Plant Type: Biennial
- Plant Size: 0.5-2 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
This succulent has a dainty and ethereal appearance. It’s green but has a soft white hue overlapping the green to make it look like an icy and elegant plant.
People love having these in their plant collection because it’s a departure from the typical green you see in many other houseplants.
The leaves are thick and circular, overlapping in concentric circles to make a cactus blossom. But the center of each blossom is shaped like a dunce cap, hence the silly name. These will thrive in colder environments compared to many other succulents.
Chinese Jade
Scientific Name: Sinocrassula yunnanensis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 2-4 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
This tiny succulent is known as Chinese jade because of its origins and soft green color. They grow in spiky spheres on top of one another and look like a pile of sea urchins with chunky spikes instead of slender needles.
While some can have a soft jade color, many mature into a deep forest green color, and some even get so dark they look black.
Chiovenda
Scientific Name: Pseudolithos
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 2-3 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; Keep dry in the winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The Chiovenda succulent is one funky-looking plant. The scientific name pseudo-lithos translates to fake stone. They look like weird pebbles with bumps and deformities all over them. So there aren’t any leaves on these succulents, it’s just a plant mass.
Sometimes it will sprout red star-shaped flowers in a cluster on top of the base of the plant. The succulent almost looks like a funny planet or other worldly specimens. They’re incredibly resilient and will put up with some of the harshest climates, but they hate the cold.
Concrete Leaf
Scientific Name: Titanopsis calcarea
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-3 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out; Keep dry in the winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Also called the Sheep’s Tongue or the Carpet Leaf, this succulent has rough leaves that look like concrete, but aren’t as hard if you touch them. The chunky wavy leaves are usually a bluish-green or light gray color, and during certain times of the year, small yellow flowers will sprout out of the mats.
Their natural look is strange, and many people assume they’re dying, but the odd gray appearance is just how they look! They’re pretty resilient, but they do need very hot weather and sun.
Coral Plant
Scientific Name: Neohenricia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 0.5-1 inch
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Unlike most types of succulents, the coral plant appreciates a bit of cool weather and even shade from time to time. Experts recommend keeping it in full sun during the winter and then moving it to partial shade for the summer.
As far as succulents go, this one does require a bit more attention but is still low maintenance. The plant grows very law in small but thick sprouts of green leaves. It’s one of the less impressive-looking succulents, but it’s resilient.
Image Credit: Michael Wolf,via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)
Deltoid-leaved Dew Plant
Scientific Name: Oscularia deltoides
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 10-12 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; Keep dry in the winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
This succulent is interesting because it thrives in rather damp and rocky places. It absorbs a great deal of water from the air rather than from its roots, meaning it can be displaced and repotted or replanted with ease. It’s a tough plant and will put up with a lot.
This succulent looks like a bushy flowering plant from far away, and it’s only when you get closer you’ll notice the chunky leaves and branches typical of a cactus.
Fairy Elephant’s Feet
Scientific Name: Frithia pulchra
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 4-8 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
Fairy elephant’s feet is another adorable succulent with chunky cactus leaves but will surprise you with a colorful purple or pink flower that blooms every once in a while.
The leaves look similar to the babies’ toes succulent, but the plant is more exciting, thanks to the flowers that bloom. The club-shaped leaves make for an interesting addition to your plant collection and are simple to take care of, just plenty of sun, like most types of succulents.
Hens and Chicks
Scientific Name: Echeveria elegans
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-4 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
This variety of hens and chicks is also called the Mexican snowball, Mexican gem, or white Mexican rose. It almost looks like an artichoke with more plump leaves and a lighter shade of green, similar to the color of jade stones.
The plant has a symmetrical and layered appearance and looks like a rose-shaped small cactus when viewed from the top. Many types of hens and chicks often grow together, covering the ground, as they don’t grow more than just a few inches tall.
Ice Plant
Scientific Name: Corpuscularia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 8-12 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Despite the common name, this succulent does not do well in cold weather and cannot survive a frost if left outside. But other than temperature, they’re a breeze to take care of.
It’s called the ice plant because the green, fat cactus leaves sometimes take on an icy blue color combined with the green undertones. The leaves are also super plump, taking on the shape of ice cubes in more mature plants.
Jade Plant
Scientific Name: Crassula ovata
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 3-6 feet
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun
The Jade plant is one of the more resilient types of succulents, as it can survive and thrive in many different living conditions. In some cases, it can survive a frost, but it does like sunny, warm climates.
This succulent has a simple appearance, making it one of the more common house plants you’ll see. It’s the most popular succulent of the crassula genus of plants you’ll see displayed in plant collections.
There are small oval leaves that cluster together on branches and grow upward firmly. With the right care, it’ll grow super tall and strong, and start to look like a little tree!
Juttadinteria
Scientific Name: Juttadinteria suavissima
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 4-10 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Juttadinteria is another snazzy succulent with cactus-like leaves and a beautiful flower that blooms from the center. This plant is a low-growing succulent that won’t get very big. They have very woody roots, so if you can successfully grow them to be quite large, they may start to look like baby trees.
The boat-shaped leaves cluster together, giving the plant a full appearance without looking bushy. People love the look of this succulent, and it’s a breeze to take care of as long as it gets sunlight. But they do grow very slowly, so have patience!
Image Credit: Michael Wolf,CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)
Karoo Rose
Scientific Name: Lapidaria margaretae
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-3 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The karoo rose is a tiny succulent that won’t grow very large but has a breathtaking appearance. It grows in fat clumps for leaves, so it stores an immense amount of water for the little plant.
They look like small triangular pebbles stuck together, so the plant has a bulky and unusual appearance. You may not even realize it’s a plant until someone tells you! But if well cared for in direct sunlight, it can sometimes sprout a pretty yellow flower in the center of the leaves.
Lampranthus
Scientific Name: Lampranthus bicolor
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 6-12 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Lampranthus succulents are gorgeous and rather fascinating. They look like regular flowers from a distance, but when you get up close, you realize the stems and branches are super thick and plump because they’re filled with water.
And they can come in a wide array of lovely colors like orange, purple, pink, blue, white, and yellow.
This plant is the perfect crossover for a gardener looking for something bright and colorful that’s super low maintenance. These succulents need lots of sun and warmth and barely any water!
Larryleachia
Scientific Name: Larryleachia cactiformis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 4-7 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; Keep dry in the winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The Larryleachia succulent has an odd look. They grow in one big lump and look like a small wrinkly watermelon with small red stars on top. The red stars are the flower blossoms, which look like thin starfish with a hold in the middle.
If you want an exotic and slightly strange succulent to add to your collection, this is a rare find. It’ll catch the attention of friends and neighbors, and once planted in a warm place, thrive with practically no maintenance, just keep it in the sun!
Lifesaver Plant
Scientific Name: Huernia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 4-8 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; Keep dry in the winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
The lifesaver plant is one of the weirdest types of succulents, as it has a wide, red ring inside the tubular leaves, making it look a little ominous but still fascinating. Many people that enjoy rare or exotic plants like to add this to their collection.
And it is a resilient plant as long as it avoids frost. But it can even survive with just a few hours of sunlight every day in dry or damp climates. But like most types of succulents, it prefers warm, dry, and sunny spots.
Little Jewel
Scientific Name: Pachyveria haagei
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 3-7 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
The little jewel succulent, sometimes called the jeweled crown, grows in lovely rosettes that are very elegant and simple. They are typically a mint or pea green with lots of chunky cactus leaves that grow out and up from the roots.
The edges can take on a pink hue, and in some cases, the entire plant can become a pinkish-red color for an interesting look. This plant is one of the most popular succulents people keep because they’re common, but they require plenty of warmth.
Liveforever
Scientific Name: Sempervivum
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 2-8 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
As the name suggests, this succulent is super hardy and will ‘live forever’. They grow well in many different hardiness zones, making them easy to care for. Some varieties of this succulent have purple tinges to their leaves, giving them a truly unique look.
In nature, they tend to form ground mats of rosettes and can do this in home gardens too. But when grown in pots, they tend not to spread as much. They are small, dense rosettes with pointed edges that could cut you.
Living Stone
Scientific Name: Lithops
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 0.5-2 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The living stone succulent literally looks like a stone, hence the name. These grow super low to the ground in almost perfect spheres, but with a split down the middle, which divides the leaves. They can be a soft gray, light green, or even a muted copper color.
If you’re not careful, you may step on one. But when you plant several together in one pot or plot of dirt, they often make a fun multi-colored appearance that is very aesthetically pleasing.
Lobster Claws
Scientific Name: Cheiridopsis denticulata
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 2-6 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Cheiridopsis is a short succulent that doesn’t grow very big or tall but has a subtle and quaint appearance. It almost looks like super fat blades of grass. And while they can grow up to six inches in height, this is uncommon, and they’re typically only about one or two inches tall.
But Cheiridopsis are low maintenance, so once they start to grow, you can leave them in the sun to thrive and add some green to your home or garden with little effort.
Macho Mocha
Scientific Name: Mangave
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 8-20 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
The macho mocha is one of the larger succulents on this list, so if you want a succulent statement this is a great choice. But it’s not the most colorful. Sometimes it takes on a super dark purple hue, but for the most part, it’s a brownish color, hence the name mocha.
It can also be a dark red if grown under certain conditions. They’re a hardy plant, so they do well in most conditions and can even survive a frost if they aren’t subjected to the cold for too long.
Monanthes
Scientific Name: Monanthes pallens
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 3-6 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The monanthes plant is one of the types of succulents with leaves that look like geometric fractals. People love staring at the intricate grooves on the stubby rounded leaves that look too perfect to be natural.
The leaves grow in small clumps, making for a bumpy plant. These grow incredibly slowly, so they aren’t great if you want a new plant quickly.
Navelwort
Scientific Name: Umbilicus rupestris
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 3-10 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
This succulent also goes by penny-pies or wall pennywort, all of which are pretty funny names. This is one of the more unique succulents, as they cascade down cliff walls and love a damp but shaded environment, but they also appreciate the sun.
The leaves look like lily pads but they have small impressions in the center that make them look like belly buttons! That’s how they got the nickname navelworts. These can be tough to grow and care for if you live in a dry climate, as they thrive in high humidity.
Opalina
Scientific Name: Graptoveria
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 6-8 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The Opalina plant is a cute little succulent that changes to a deep purple color when it matures. It’s a rare hybrid succulent from Echeveria and Graptopetalum plants.
The leaves are sharp tear-drop shapes that start as a mint green color but eventually get pink edges, or in more mature plants, they become a dusty shade of purple.
The leaves are chunky and grow in concentric circles around the thick bud. It stores plenty of water to survive, so it only needs full sun to be happy.
Ox Tongue
Scientific Name: Gasteria
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 4-24 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The ox tongue succulent has a unique appearance, as the leaves are large and flat with rounded ends that do kind of look like tongues. Rather than growing in all different directions, they grow in line with one another, creating a sort of fanned look.
The leaves are a deep shade of green with light green, yellow, or white spots all over the leaves. They’re one of the more simple succulents as far as appearance, but have something unique to offer your plant connection to how the leaves grow.
Pepper Elder
Scientific Name: Peperomia pellucida
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 6-18 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
Also known as the Shining Bush plant and Man to Man, this peperomia variety does not do well in the cold, and will perish very quickly if the temperature gets too low. But it loves a damp and steamy environment, so it thrives in warm and humid places.
It has chunky succulent stems, but the leaves are thin and shiny, typical of a monstera or similar plant. The leaves are often bi-colored, with white or light green edges or stripes over a dark green color.
Pig’s Ear
Scientific Name: Cotyledon
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-4 feet
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
This succulent is one of the more stunning plants. It has flat tear-shaped leaves that are a light shade of green, but as it matures, the leaves can turn a pink or red color, which is how it got the common name ‘Pig’s ear’.
They can grow up straight, but often once they approach a foot or taller, the leaves and branches droop down, making them ideal as a lovely hanging plant in your home.
Plover Eggs
Scientific Name: Adromischus cooperi
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 2-6 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Plover eggs are one of the rarest kinds of succulents, making them sought-after by exotic plant-lovers. This plant is very slow-growing but worth the wait.
It starts as small fleshy succulent leaves, but as it grows, it becomes more tree-like, and super mature ones can start to look like chunky bonsai trees. The leaves take on an array of powdery colors from green to brown to purple.
Prenia
Scientific Name: Prenia pallens
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 2-4 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Prenia plants creep along for more than 2 feet. The gray-green leaves range from narrow and elongated to egg-shaped. Daisy-like flowers blossom from the plant in the summer months in pale pink to white or yellow. They are quite common along roadsides in South Africa.
It grows super fast, so it’s a great succulent to plant and get your gardening confidence up if you’re nervous! Plant it in a container to ensure it does not invade the rest of your garden.
Prince Albert Vygie
Scientific Name: Ebracteola wilmaniae
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 2-3 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
The Prince Albert Vygie succulent is one of the most adorable and pretty types of succulents. It grows long, slender leaves similar to aloe vera, but a daisy-like flower often blooms in the center of two leaves.
The flowers can be white, purple, or pink and will bring a lovely accent of color to your green garden. Unlike other succulents, this plant does well in both dry and wet climates, as long as it gets enough sun, it will grow well.
Purslane
Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea
- Plant Type: Annual
- Plant Size: 3-18 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Like most types of succulents, the purslane plant does best in dry and warm climates where it’s directly in the sun. But it’s one of the more showy succulents, with chunky cactus leaves and stems and then colorful and flashy flowers.
While many succulents have one or two flowers, this succulent has many vibrant blossoms, making it one of the most colorful and lively succulents. It’s also one of the few succulents that grow as an annual, even in the best conditions.
Rabies
Scientific Name: Rabiea albipuncta
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-2 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The rabies succulent has fang-shaped leaves that are chunky with a pointed end. The leaves grow out and then curve upward, almost making a spherical shape. In the middle of the leaves is a teeny-tiny yellow flower during the blooming season, in spring and summer.
They’re a pretty easy plant to take care of for beginners, but they need plenty of sunlight and a dry climate. They won’t do well if you grow them in a humid climate.
Image Credit: Michael Wolf,via Wikimedia Commons (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)
Revolut Flower Succulent
Scientific Name: Tromotriche revoluta
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 7-10 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Partial sun
This succulent is a long-living perennial that has a star-shaped flower that can be red, purple, or pink. Like many other succulents, the flowers look like tiny starfish.
The succulent leaves grow straight up and they have sharp spikes all over them as a defense tactic. Sometimes the points of the stars don’t fully form, leaving a softer-looking flower with rounded edges.
Image Credit: Tromotriche revoluta flower, via Flickr (Image Use Allowed With Attribution)
Ribbon Plant
Scientific Name: Trachyandra tortilis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 4-10 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to filtered sun
This succulent is hands down one of the most mesmerizing and fascinating plants. The leaves look like wavy ribbons or tender spirals and grow upward. It looks like something from a Dr. Suess book or magical alien realm.
The plant can be hard to find and care for, but plant collectors that love unusual and striking plants love this one as it’s eye-catching and one of the coolest succulents in existence. They also have an unusually long lifespan, so in the right conditions, they could outlive you.
Roselings
Scientific Name: Callisia repens
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 4-12 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Looking at a callisia plant, you may not think it’s a type of succulent because it has leaves that don’t look like they belong to a cactus. But this low-growing succulent is super easy to care for and has a fern-like appearance that can bring life to hanging pots or your home.
The leaves are super tiny and cute, making for a slightly bushy appearance that adds depth and volume to your collection of plants.
Sea Rocket
Scientific Name: Othonna
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 3-4 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
The sea rocket succulent is a fleshy plant that grows quickly under the right conditions. It has a woody feel as you near the root, but it grows very low to the ground and spread out rather than reaching up toward the sun.
The leaves grow crowded next to each other, and they’re shaped like tiny pickles, so it’s a super cute plant. Dainty yellow and orange flowers will sprout from this succulent when it’s time for it to bloom.
Snake Plant
Scientific Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
- Plant Type: Perennials
- Plant Size: 8 inches – 12 feet
- Watering Needs: When the soil is nearly dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
The snake plant is a well-known plant, but many don’t know that it is a succulent. It also goes by the names Saint George’s sword, mother-in-law’s tongue, and viper’s bowstring hemp. It grows tall and straight up.
The leaves are broad and thin and have the shape of a sword’s blade, hence one of the nicknames. They can grow massive in the right conditions, but most household snake plants grow to be about a foot or so, which is large for a succulent.
Spiderwort
Scientific Name: Tradescantia
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 5-10 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
Also known as the Wandering Jew, the spiderwort plant is a luscious purple color with long slender leaves that don’t always look like a succulent.
The leaves can be all purple, like the color of red wine, or they can be striped with purple and a muted green. Plants that get a lot of direct sunlight, which isn’t ideal, may fade to a pinkish color, but this typically means they should be removed from the sun.
Silver Dollar Plant
Scientific Name: Xerosicyos danguyi
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-4 feet
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
The silver dollar plant is a popular species of succulents because they’re relatively easy to care for. They got their nickname because of the perfectly circular and fleshy leaves that stand out amongst other plants.
They have thin branches, making the coin-shaped leaves even more noticeable and alluring. They’re a delicate-looking plant but are resilient to imperfect conditions and temperatures. It’s a common houseplant because of how low-maintenance but stylish it is.
Starfish Plant
Scientific Name: Orbea variegata
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 4-20 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out; Keep dry in winter
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Also called a carrion flower, the starfish succulent has unique blossoms shaped like stars and has a deep purple color. This succulent is a fun plant to have in your home or yard because it has a distinct and noticeable appearance, even among a sea of other plants.
The branches and stems are often spiky, so they can draw blood if you get too cozy with them. But it can handle an array of elements as long as it has plenty of sunlight.
Stonecrops
Scientific Name: Sedum allantoides
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-3 feet tall
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
Stonecrops do best in moderate temperatures and filtered or indirect sunlight. But they’re a hardy plant that will handle a lot of unpleasantness before dying. It’s a common household succulent among plant-lovers.
It has fleshy, powdery branches and leaves that look like the typical image of a cactus, but with more little arms along the stem. People love them for their mint green color and understated appearance.
Stone Plant
Scientific Name: Dinteranthus vanzylii
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 1-2 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The common name for this succulent is spot-on, as the plant looks like a little rock. Each one has two super fat and bulbous leaves that sometimes produce a delicate yellow flower in the center.
This succulent is popular among avid plant collectors that like unique and strange plants, as it is quite odd in appearance. These succulents store so much water in their leaves that you hardly ever have to water them once it starts to grow.
String of Hearts
Scientific Name: Ceropegia woodii
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 6 inches-12 feet
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full to moderate sun
Ceropegia is a super fascinating plant in appearance and has an eerie or dark appearance that is perfect for the goth gardener. The leaves are thick and fleshy but have a muted color, so they aren’t as colorful as the bright green types of succulents like aloe.
Some people refer to his plant as the string of hearts, but a few plant species have earned that nickname, and most are not succulents. The thin leaves may fool you, but they store plenty of water to take care of themselves. They are quite popular and are easy to propagate.
Tavaresia
Scientific Name: Tavaresia barklyi
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 5-10 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out; Keep dry in the winter
- Sun Exposure: Light shade
This funky tubular plant is one of the most memorable succulents, with trumpet-shaped flowers. The showy flowers often grab people’s attention, but the muted colors make it look like a typical cactus.
The flowers grow from the stems, which are chubby cactus arms that look like skinny bowling pins standing up in the dirt.
Turkish Stonecrop
Scientific Name: Rosularia platyphylla
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 0.25 to 0.50 feet
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The origin of this succulent is not fully known because it has popped up in so many different regions, exemplifying how hardy and resilient it is.
If you live in a cold, damp climate, this may be the best succulent for you because it will thrive in zones 5 to 11 and may even survive a frost if you don’t move it indoors soon enough. It has a delightful appearance with many clustered rosettes packed together, so it looks like a cactus bouquet!
Zebra Cactus
Scientific Name: Haworthia spp.
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 3-5 inches
- Watering Needs: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
The zebra cactus enjoys full sun and dry weather, so you will hardly ever have to water this plant. It has a spiky and bold appearance. The edges can pierce your skin if you bump into it too hard, and the spikes can sometimes grow in a fascinating star shape when you look at the plant from above.
Sometimes the cactus leaves can be slender, but other varieties will be super chunky. The leaf size typically depends on how much water the plant is storing. If the look of the Zebra Plant doesn’t interest you, there are many different types of Haworthia to choose from.
Zulu Giant
Scientific Name: Stapelia gigantea
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Plant Size: 6-12 inches
- Watering Needs: When the soil is completely dried out
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
This succulent is known as the Zulu giant because of the large size of the star-shaped flowers it grows. It is not at all cold-hardy, so only grow it if you know you can keep it warm and happy.
The plant doesn’t grow very high, never more than a foot, but the flower can be up to eight inches in width, typically bigger than someone’s hand. The star flower is fuzzy and typically a combination of yellow and Fuschia colors.
Final Thoughts
Succulents are the perfect plant for an absent-minded caretaker or a plant collector looking for some super strange plants that are more interesting than typical monsteras or daisies. For a chunky and hardy plant that would love to sit on your sunny windowsill, adopt one of these lovely types of succulents.
