Ever has a succulent take your breath away? I have! And I always want to know what type of succulent it is so that I can go grow one myself! In this article, we’ll explore 11 common succulents that are a must-have for any plant lover’s collection. Whichever succulent you choose to add to your garden, be sure you remember the name of it, because your friends and colleagues are going to ask you when they see your new baby!
Succulents: Nature’s Resilient Beauties
Succulents are a diverse group of plants known for their ability to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions. Their adaptation to harsh environments has made them incredibly resilient and easy to care for, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
A Brief Overview of Succulent Care
Before diving into the specific types of succulents, it’s important to understand some general care guidelines. Succulents thrive in well-draining soil, bright sunlight, and infrequent watering. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and other issues, so it’s crucial to let the soil dry out between waterings. Additionally, succulents appreciate good air circulation and moderate temperatures.
11 Common Succulents That You’re Missing In Your Garden
Echeveria
Echeverias are stunning rosette-shaped succulents known for their mesmerizing array of colors and textures. These plants come in various sizes, from small to large, and their leaves can range from smooth and glossy to powdery and textured. Echeverias thrive in bright light and well-draining soil. They are popular choices for indoor cultivation due to their compact size and low water requirements.
These succulents are native to arid regions, making them well-suited to dry and warm environments. However, they can also adapt to slightly cooler temperatures, making them versatile options for both indoor and outdoor gardens. With their captivating beauty and easy-care nature, echeverias are irresistible additions to any succulent collection.
Sedum
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are a diverse group of succulents that offer a wide range of shapes, colors, and growth habits. From low-growing ground covers to upright flowering varieties, sedums are beloved for their versatility and resilience. These plants thrive in bright sunlight and well-draining soil. They are particularly well-suited to rock gardens and containers, where their cascading or upright forms create visually striking displays.
Sedums are generally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them ideal choices for water-wise gardening. Their hardiness allows them to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot and dry climates to cooler regions. With their ability to thrive in different environments and their captivating foliage, sedums are must-have succulents for any garden enthusiast.
Crassula
Crassulas, commonly known as jade plants, are beloved succulents recognized for their thick, fleshy leaves and tree-like growth habit. These plants can vary in size, from small potted varieties to larger outdoor specimens. Crassulas prefer bright light and well-draining soil. They are well-suited to indoor cultivation and can tolerate lower light levels compared to some other succulent types. Their sturdy stems and glossy leaves give them a polished and elegant appearance, making them popular choices for both modern and traditional interior decor.
In terms of temperature tolerance, crassulas can withstand a wide range, including both hot and cold conditions. However, they are sensitive to overwatering, so it’s important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. With their striking appearance and adaptability, crassulas are highly sought-after succulents for both beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Aeonium
Aeoniums are unique succulents distinguished by their striking rosette shapes and colorful foliage. These plants exhibit a wide range of hues, from deep purples and burgundies to vibrant greens and variegated patterns. Aeoniums thrive in bright to partial sunlight and well-draining soil. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but they require protection from intense afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn.
Aeoniums make excellent additions to succulent arrangements and container gardens, adding height and visual interest. While they are generally resilient and drought-tolerant, some species are more sensitive to cold temperatures, so it’s important to provide them with adequate frost protection in cooler climates. With their architectural forms and captivating colors, aeoniums bring a touch of drama and elegance to any succulent collection.
Agave
Agaves are iconic succulents known for their bold and architectural presence. These plants feature rosettes of fleshy, spiky leaves that can vary in size and shape. Agaves prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They are ideal choices for outdoor gardens, rockeries, and xeriscapes, where their imposing forms create focal points and add a touch of desert charm. While some agave species can be grown indoors, their large size and long growth period make them better suited to spacious outdoor settings.
Agaves are known for their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in hot and arid climates. However, they can also withstand cold temperatures, making them versatile choices for a range of environments. With their sculptural beauty and low-maintenance nature, agaves are highly sought-after succulents for those looking to make a bold statement in their landscape.
Haworthia
Haworthias are small succulents admired for their compact size and unique rosette forms. These plants feature thick, fleshy leaves arranged in attractive rosettes, often with intricate patterns or raised ridges. Haworthias prefer bright but indirect light and well-draining soil. They are excellent choices for indoor cultivation, as they can tolerate lower light levels and adapt well to the conditions found in typical home environments.
Their small size and slow growth make them ideal for terrariums, windowsills, and small spaces. Haworthias are generally easy to care for and have moderate water requirements. They prefer slightly cooler temperatures compared to some other succulents, making them well-suited to indoor environments. With their charming and diverse leaf patterns, haworthias add a touch of elegance to any succulent collection.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are vibrant and colorful succulents that bloom with clusters of flowers in various shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. These plants have fleshy leaves and come in different forms, including upright and trailing varieties. Kalanchoes thrive in bright light and well-draining soil. They are commonly grown as indoor houseplants, bringing a burst of color to any room. With proper care, they can also be cultivated outdoors in containers or garden beds.
Kalanchoes are known for their long-lasting blooms, making them popular choices for gift-giving and special occasions. These succulents are generally hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, they prefer slightly warmer conditions and may require protection from frost. With their vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, kalanchoes are delightful additions to any succulent collection.
Sempervivum
Sempervivums, often referred to as “hen and chicks,” are captivating succulents recognized for their rosette-like clusters of leaves. These plants come in a wide variety of colors and forms, with some displaying intricate patterns or fine hairs on their leaves. Sempervivums thrive in bright light and well-draining soil. They are popular choices for outdoor cultivation, as they can withstand colder temperatures and even frost. Their compact size and ability to multiply through offsets make them excellent ground covers or additions to rock gardens.
Sempervivums are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners. With their charming clusters and resilient nature, sempervivums bring a touch of whimsy and resilience to any succulent garden.
Euphorbia
Euphorbias encompass a vast group of succulent and non-succulent plants, including the popular crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) and pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli). These plants exhibit a range of unique forms, from spiky shrubs to tall columnar structures. Euphorbias prefer bright light and well-draining soil. While some species can be grown indoors, many euphorbias are better suited to outdoor cultivation due to their larger size and potential for vigorous growth.
These succulents are known for their fascinating architectural shapes and striking visual appeal. However, it’s important to handle euphorbias with care, as some species produce a milky sap that can cause skin irritation. In terms of temperature tolerance, euphorbias can adapt to a range of conditions, including hot and dry climates as well as milder temperate regions. With their unique and eye-catching forms, euphorbias add a touch of intrigue to any succulent collection or garden.
Senecio
Senecios, also known as string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) or blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae), are succulents celebrated for their trailing and cascading growth habits. These plants feature slender, cylindrical leaves that resemble pearls or elongated chalk sticks. Senecios thrive in bright light and well-draining soil. They are popular choices for hanging baskets, tall planters, and vertical gardens, where their trailing nature creates stunning visual displays. Senecios are relatively easy to care for and have low to moderate water requirements.
They are well-suited to both indoor and outdoor cultivation, provided they receive sufficient sunlight. In terms of temperature tolerance, senecios prefer warmer conditions and are sensitive to frost. With their graceful cascading foliage and unique forms, senecios bring a touch of elegance and whimsy to any succulent arrangement.
Aloe
Aloes are iconic succulents known for their striking rosettes of fleshy leaves and impressive flower spikes. These plants exhibit a range of sizes, from small potted varieties to large outdoor specimens. Aloes thrive in bright light and well-draining soil. They are excellent choices for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, as they can adapt well to different light conditions.
Aloes are renowned for their healing properties and are commonly used in skincare products. In terms of temperature tolerance, aloes can withstand a wide range, including both hot and dry climates as well as cooler regions. They are generally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them popular choices for water-wise landscaping. With their architectural beauty, vibrant blooms, and therapeutic benefits, aloes are must-have succulents for any plant enthusiast.
To explore more succulent types and their respective aesthetic qualities, head on over to our Types of Succulents page.
Succulents Soothe The Soul
In the remarkable world of succulents, these 11 varieties of desert plants have undoubtedly stolen the hearts of plant enthusiasts and designers alike. From the striking and spiky presence of the Agave to the delicate rosettes of the Sempervivum, these common succulents have a way of reminding us of nature’s incredible ability to thrive in the most challenging environments. Whether you choose to nurture them indoors or showcase them in your outdoor garden, these plants effortlessly add a touch of elegance, tranquility, and natural artistry to your surroundings.
Caring for succulents goes beyond mere gardening; it’s a journey of discovery and patience. As you watch your succulents grow, and adapt, you’ll witness the intricate dance between nature and your own nurturing touch. These plants teach us valuable lessons about resilience, as they thrive with minimal care in arid conditions and bring joy (and sometimes shock!) with their colorful blooms.
We encourage you to cultivate your own succulent oasis, be it a windowsill adorned with colorful Kalanchoes or a sun-soaked garden showcasing the architectural grandeur of Agaves. The possibilities are endless, and with each new succulent you introduce to your collection, you invite a new story, a new chapter, and a new connection with the natural world.
