Whether you’re a beginner succulent gardener or a seasoned pro, these are the 10 best plants for succulent gardeners, they will help you create a gorgeous and thriving garden. From low-maintenance sun-loving succulents to rare and exotic varieties, there’s something on this list for everyone. So get your green thumb ready and let’s get started!
Getting Started with Succulents
Succulents are beautiful and easy-to-care-for plants that come in a incredible range of colors, shapes, and sizes. If you’re new to succulents, or even if you’re a seasoned grower, these tips will help you get started on the right foot.
1. Start with a small number of plants. It can be tempting to buy a dozen or more succulents at once, but it’s best to start small. You will have more success if you focus on caring for a few plants well than if you try to care for too many at once.
2. Choose the right potting mix. Most succulents need well-draining soil, so it’s important to choose a potting mix that will drain quickly and not hold onto moisture for too long. A cactus or succulent mix is a good option, or you can make your own by mixing sand, perlite, and peat moss.
3. Select the right pots. In general, it’s best to choose pots that are only slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. This will help prevent overwatering, which can cause root rot. Be sure to choose pots with drainage holes so that excess water can escape.
4. Give your succulents plenty of light. Most succulents need bright light to thrive, so be sure to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. If you don’t have a spot in your home that gets full sun, you can grow succulents under fluorescent grow lights.
5. Water your plants deeply but infrequently. Succulents store the water in their leaves and roots, They don’t need to be watered as often as otherplants . In general, it’s best to water once every week or two , allowing the soil to dry out between watering . If you notice that your plants are starting to wilt , that’s a sign that they need water .
With these tips in mind , you’ll be on your way to growing healthy and vibrant succulents in no time !
The Best Succulent Plants for Beginners
Some of the best plants for succulent gardeners are :
1. Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’ – Also known as jelly beans or pudding stones, these unique succulents are perfect for adding color and texture to your garden. Their chubby leaves store water, so they’re perfect for dry spells or periods of neglect.
2. Echeveria ‘Topsy Turvy’ – A fun and quirky succulent that grows in a spiral shape, ‘Topsy Turvy’ is perfect for adding interest to your garden. It’s relatively low-maintenance, and can tolerate some neglect – making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
3. Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ – If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant thats easy to care for, look no more Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’. This hardy plant can tolerate long periods without water, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those who often forget to water their plants!
4. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora – A drought-tolerant succulent that originates from Madagascar, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is perfect for hot and dry climates. It produces clusters of yellow flowers that make a beautiful addition to any garden!
5. Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ – Better known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ is a hardy plant that can tolerate long periods of neglect. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can also survive in low-light conditions – making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
6. Aeonium haworthii – A beautiful succulent that produces rosettes of pink or red leaves, Aeonium haworthii is perfect for adding color to your garden! It prefers bright light but can also tolerate some shade – making it versatile and easy to care for.
7 .Sempervivum tectorum – Commonly known as houseleek or hens and chicks, Sempervivum tectorum is a drought-tolerant succulent that originates from Europe and Asia. It prefers full sun yet can also tolerate some shade – making it versatile and easy to care for!
8 .Echeveria elegans – A popular choice among succulent lovers, Echeveria elegans is known for its beautiful rosettes of blue-green leaves. It requires bright light but can also tolerate some shade – making it relatively easy to care for!
9 .Lithops spp.- Lithops spp., more commonly known as living stones or pebble plants, are small perennial plants native to Africa! They get their common name from a resemblance to small stones or pebbles – an adaptation that helps them blend in with their rocky surroundings and avoid being eaten by grazing animals! These fascinating plants are perfect for adding interest and intrigue to your succulent collection!
10 .Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi – Native to Madagascar, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is a beautiful succulent that produces clusters of small white flowers with purple stripes – a striking addition to any garden! This hardy plant can tolerate long periods without water, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those who often forget to water their plants
The Best Succulents for Sunny Locations
There are so many different varieties of succulents that it can be hard to know which ones will do well in your garden. If you have a sunny spot in your yard, these 10 succulents are the best plants for succulent gardeners.
1. Aeoniums
2. Agaves
3. Aloes
4. Cacti
5. Echeverias
6. Kalanchoes
7. Sedums
8. Sempervivums (Houseleeks)
9. Crassulas (Jade Plants)
10. Euphorbias
The Best Succulents for Shade
Theres many different types of succulents that can tolerate shade, including:
-Aloe vera
-Echeveria
-Haworthia
-Sedum
-Sempervivum
-Senecio
-Crassula
-Kalanchoe
-Pachyphytum
The Best Succulents for Hanging Gardens
There are a variety of succulents that can do well in hanging gardens, as they don’t require much soil and can tolerate some drought. Here are 10 of the best succulents for hanging gardens:
1. Crassula ovata: Also known as jade plants, these succulents have thick, fleshy leaves and can tolerate some neglect. They prefer bright light but can also do well in partial shade.
2. Sedum morganianum: Also known as burro’s tails, these succulents have long, trailing stems that are covered in small, fleshy leaves. They prefer bright light but can also do well in partial shade.
3. Hoya carnosa: Also known as wax plants, these vines have thick, fleshy leaves and clusters of small flowers. They prefer bright light but can also do well in partial shade.
4. Senecio rowleyanus: Also known as string of pearls, these succulents have small, round leaves that are strung along thin stems. They prefer bright light but can also do well in partial shade.
5 . Aptenia cordifolia: Also known as heart-leaved ice plant, these succulents have fleshy leaves and pink or white flowers. They prefer full sun but can also do well in partial shade.
6 . Kalanchoe thyrsiflora: Also known as fluted kalanchoe or chandelier plant, these succulents have long, cascading stems with small, greenish-white flowers. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.
7 . Haworthia attenuata: These slow-growing succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that are patterned with white stripes or spots. They prefer bright light but can tolerate some shade.
8 . Rhipsalis pilocarpa: These epiphytic cacti have thin stems that are densely covered with small spines. They prefer bright light but can tolerate some shade.
9 . Lampranthus aureus: Also known as golden vyre or yellow trailing ice plant, these succulents have dense mats of trailing stems with yellow flowers. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade
The Best Succulents for Container Gardens
There are many reasons why succulents make great container plants. They are drought tolerant, low maintenance, and come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. If you’re looking for some help choosing the best succulents for your container garden, consider the following 10 varieties.
1. Sedum
Sedum is a large genus of succulents that come in a wide range of colors, including green, red, purple, blue, and yellow. They are easy to care for and make great additions to any container garden.
2. Sempervivum
Sempervivum is a genus of succulent plants that includes many common varieties such as hen and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) and houseleeks (Sempervivum arachnoideum). They are characterized by their rosette shape and ability to thrive in both sunny and shady locations.
3. Crassula
Crassula is a genus of succulent that includes many popular varieties such as jade plants (Crassula ovata) and Echeveria (Crassula elegans). They are characterized by their fleshy leaves and stems which store water for dry periods.
4. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a genus of succulent plants that includes several popular species such as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (also known as flaming Katy or Christmas Kalanchoe) and Kalanchoe thyrsifolia (also known as Paddle Plant or Flapjack Plant). They are characterized by their fleshy leaves and stems which store water for dry periods.
5. Aeonium
Aeonium is a genus of succulent plants that includes many popular species such as Aeonium haworthii (also known as Pinwheel Plant or Swingtop Succulent) and Aeonium nobile (also known as Tree Aeonium or Noble Aeonium). They are characterized by their rosette shape and ability to thrive in both sunny and shady locations.
6. Echeveria
Echeveria is a genus of flowering plants in the Crassulaceae family native to semi-desert regions of Central America, Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Honduras and the West Indies. These charming succulents come in a wide variety of shapes and colors with many common varieties available such as Echeveria elegans (also known as Mexican Snowball) Echeveria laui ( also known Octopus plant or Giant misconception),and Echeveria setosa one of the fluffiest echeverias with its’ powdery pink-greyish leaves . The commonality between all echeverias is that they grow in rosettes . Most echeverias grow best outdoors but can also do well if indoor conditions are ideal . When planting echeveira make sure the pot has drainage holes
7. Aloinopsis
Aloinopsisis a small genus comprising about 20 species from South Africa . The name ‘Aloinopsis’ originates from the Greek words ‘alon’ meaning thistle + ‘opsis’ meaning appearance , referring to spines on the leaves which appear similar to thistles . These small rosette forming mesembryanthemums typically have pale yellow flowers which only open during sunny weather conditions Aloinopsis spathulata , Aloinopsis luckhoffii ,and Aloinopsis rubrolineata are some examples
8. Delosperma
Delosperma , commonly referred to as ice plant is an attractive groundcover with daisy like flowers which bloom throughout spring & summer . It is native South Africa & Lesotho . Due it being fast growing & low maintenance it makes it perfect for beginner gardeners
9.Fenestraria
Fenestraria , Commonly referred to babys tears plant or window plants , get their name from Latin fenestra meaning window , referring to window like pores at tips of leaves which allow light penetration deep into plant allowing it photosynthesize . Fenestraria rhopalophylla & Fenestraria aurantiaca are some examples
10. Titanopsis
Titanopsiscalled stone bums due built-in water storage reserves they have so they don’t require much watering making them perfect choice for beginner gardeners or those who often forget to water their plants on time
The Best Succulents for Groundcover
There are a variety of plants that can make good choices for groundcover in succulent gardens. Here are 10 of the best:
1. Sedum spurium: A small, low-growing succulent with fleshy leaves and pink or white flowers. Spurium is one of the most drought-tolerant groundcover plants and can handle full sun to partial shade.
2. Aeonium haworthii: A low-growing succulent with rosettes of fleshy leaves that range in colors from green to red and purple. Haworthii can handle full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of drought conditions.
3. Echeveria elegans: A rosette-forming succulent with fleshy, blue-green leaves that may turn pink or red in full sun. Elegans is tolerant of drought conditions and does best in partial shade to full sun.
4. Sedum rupestre: A small, low-growing succulent with needle-like leaves that are green or yellowish green in color. Rupestre is tolerant of drought conditions and does best in full sun to partial shade.
5. Sempervivum tectorum: A rosette-forming succulent with fleshy, green leaves that turn red or brown in full sun. Tectorum is quite drought tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade.
6. Jovibarba heuffelii: A small, low-growing succulent with rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that are green in color. Heuffelii is quite drought tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade.
7 .Orostachys spinosus: A small, low-growing succulent with rosettes of fleshy leaves that are blue-green in color and tipped with spines. Spinosa does best in partial shade to full sun and is tolerant of drought conditions.
8 .Sedum adolphi: A small, low growing succulent with spaghetti-like foliage that is green or bluish green in color . Adolphi does well in full sun to part shade locations and is tolerant of drought conditions .
9 . Euphorbia myrsinites :A small ,low -growing Euphorbia with blue -green foliage that turns reddish purple in high light levels .Myrsinites does well tolerates dry , rocky soil it grows best if given some summer shading 10./ Lithops optica :A slow -growing Lithops that produces 5 -6 cm wide tan bodies ,each topped by two opposite , grey -green leaf windows
The Best Succulents for Indoor Gardens
If you’re looking for a plant thats easy to grow and care for, succulents are a great option. These tough plants are perfect for those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to garden maintenance. Succulents are also a good choice for indoor gardens since they don’t need a lot of light or water to survive.
Here are 10 of the best succulents for indoor gardens:
1. Aloe vera – Aloe vera is a type of succulent that is known for its thick, fleshy leaves. This plant is very easy to care for and doesn’t need a lot of water to survive. Aloe vera is also known for its medicinal properties and can be used to treat burns and cuts.
2. Snake plant – Snake plants are known for their tall, upright leaves that have a striped or mottled appearance. These hardy plants are very tolerant of drought conditions and can even withstand low light levels. Snake plants are also known to purify the air, making them an ideal choice for indoor gardens.
3. Jade plant – Jade plants are easily recognized by their signature oval-shaped leaves that are often variegated with green and white streaks. These slow-growing plants are very easy to care for and can live for many years with minimal maintenance. Jade plants also make excellent houseplants since they can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering.
4. Echeveria – Echeveria is a large genus of succulent that includes hundreds of different species and hybrids. These diverse plants come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. Echeveria are generally easy to care for and require minimal watering once they are established.
5. Aeonium – Aeonium is a genus of evergreen succulents that includes both shrub-like varieties and rosette-forming types. These dramatic plants range in color from green to purple, red, or even black, depending on the species or hybrid involved. Aeoniums prefer bright light but can tolerate some shade, making them suitable for indoor gardens in most homes.
6. Crassula – Crassula is another large genus of succulent that contains many popular houseplants, including jade Plants (Crassula ovata) and donkey tails (Crassula perforata). These tender succulents come in a wide range of colors, textures, and forms, giving gardeners plenty of options to choose from. Most crassulas prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade if necessary
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