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A succulent is a type of plant that stores water in its leave-taking or stalk . Succulents come in a wide variety of material body , size , colour , textures , and leaf patterns , and some even bloom with beautiful flowers . Since succulents are adapted to hold out in dry climate with little water or soil wet , they are first-class houseplant choices ; they even call for less frequent watering than other plants .
With so many different types of succulent out there , however , it can be unmanageable to establish which I will flourish in your domicile . We ’ve snipe up some of the most popular succulent types that grow well indoors — you’re certain to feel the one that ’s perfect for your digs !
Photo: istockphoto.com
1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensisMiller)
Aloe verais one of the best - roll in the hay type of succulent plant due to its long history of use in sept medicine . The gel found in aloe vera ’s plump , serrated leaves is a pop element in moisturizers , shaving creams , and other cosmetics because of its soothing timber and purported ability to heal minor wounds and sunburn .
Caring for an aloe works is wanton , as long as you ’re not prostrate to overwatering your houseplants . Because it is aboriginal to arid climate , aloe is quite drought - insubordinate , so it will survive even if you neglect it for a while . In fact , it only needs to be water twice a calendar month in the summertime and once a month or less in the winter when it ’s hibernating .
Best For : Harvesting soothing gel to treat minor burns and suntan .
Photo: istockphoto.com
2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Did you know thatsnake plantsare really succulents ? Because of their long , erect leaves , they definitely see different from many of the other pop succulents out there , but their care requirements are quite similar . Their leaves are mean to hold water system , making them drought - resistant , and the biggest error you could make with a snake in the grass plant is watering it too frequently .
If your snake plant life ’s leaves start to turn yellow or become limp , it ’s a sign you ’re water it too much . succulent generally flourish in lineal or indirect sunshine and Snake River plant are no unlike , but one of their elemental advantages is that they also can survive in shady areas that receive little born twinkle . This makes them perfect for offices or the corner of your home whereother flora often go to perish .
well For : Low - light corners of your home .
Photo: istockphoto.com
3. African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)
It ’s a misconception that succulents ca n’t have traditional leaves , and the African milk tree is one example that disproves it . The plant grows quickly and propagates easily alfresco in its native climate in Central Africa , but it also can be an excellent houseplant . In fact , it can produce as high-pitched as 4 feet tall indoors , setting it apart from many other low - growing succulents .
In appearance , the African milk tree look more like a cactus than anything else , but its little germination leaves place it apart . In the U.S. , it can exist outside in the quick climates of Zones 9b through 11 , where it will get somewhat white flowers in the summertime .
well For : Xeriscapingoutdoors in strong climate or as a unequaled , decorative houseplant in dusty field .
Photo: istockphoto.com
4. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plantsare popular as ornamental because their chummy , blue light-green folio make them look like tiny trees . They ’re considered to impart respectable luck in many cultures and are often egest down through family because they live so long . Indoors , they can grow to up to 3 foot mellow after several year .
While many plants choose indirect sunlight , jade flora need at least 4 minute of direct sun every mean solar day , so they ’ll do well on a undimmed windowsill or in another area that set out peck of sun . Try a south - facing window for the idealistic light conditions . Be careful when watering your slut plant , because they ’re prone toroot putrefaction . It ’s just to only water them when the soil is dry to the touch .
Best For : Placing in gay S - facing windows .
Photo: istockphoto.com
5. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Sedum morganianum , also screw as burro ’s tail or donkey ’s tail , is a gorgeous succulent that ’s popular as a hanging works because of its striking tendrils . It ’s native to the south of MexicoAt nurseries , burro ’s tail typically sells as a small plant , and it takes fate of TLC to help it develop to maturity . It needs memory access to bright , direct light , and must be establish in well - draining soil to forbid root word rot .
The tiny succulents line the industrial plant ’s tendrils are incredibly ticklish and can fall off if anything comes into touch with them . Because of this , it ’s good to keep them on a gamey ledge or in a cling handbasket in a secure location . This breakability also means you should deal the flora as infrequently as possible .
Best For : Experienced succulent owners who are up for a challenge .
Photo: istockphoto.com
6. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
The Panda plant , scientifically namedKalanchoe tomentosa , has a distinctive look with bleary , red- or brownish - rimmed farewell . It ’s also nicknamed the pussycat pinna plant because its triangular leaves look like a cat ’s ear . lesser panda plant are quite small , with a maximal altitude of 1.5 feet , and are aboriginal to Madagascar , where they bloom when grown outdoors .
These plant life call for a wad of sunlight and do best in strong surroundings between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit . Despite their feline show , however , panda plants are actually toxic if consumed by household pets like cats and dogs . Like most succulent , Ailurus fulgens plants do n’t need to be repotted often ; every 2 year should suffice .
Best For : Pet - detached households because they ’re toxic to cats and dog .
Photo: istockphoto.com
7. Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana , better known as flare Katy , is a succulent that will produce coloured bloom even when develop indoors . One of the plant ’s most unique feature is that it blossom in the wintertime , which earns it the nickname of Christmas kalanchoe .
take account the flowering season while you could , because it only lasts a few week . To encourage more prime , deadhead the ones that have decease off . This is a frail works that must be handled with caution because its leaves are brittle and prostrate to snapping . After 2 to 5 geezerhood , expect your flaming Katy to reach stature of about 1.5 feet .
Best For : lustrous cold - weather condition blooms .
Photo: istockphoto.com
8. Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria)
The pincushion cactus is aboriginal to Mexico as well as role of Central America and the southern United States . This genus has more than 200 subspecies , and is among the most coarse succulent in the Cactaceae family . While some of the popular varieties are pear-shaped , they can also have conical or cylindric embodiment .
Though they usually remain quite modest , pincushion cacti can ultimately raise to over a foot in height . The succulent produce flowers in a rainbow of colors , which eventually break into yield that face like a cherry berry . It ’s prosperous to worry for , making it keen for cactus and succulent novices .
Best For : beginner who require an soft - care cactus that get colorful flower .
Photo: istockphoto.com
9. Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)
Aphelandra squarrosa , or zebra industrial plant , produces promising yellowish flowers at the end of its spring up season in the fall and has strip unripened folio twelvemonth - round . Indoors , these are tardily - growing succulents , reaching a maximal height of 2 foundation after 3 long time or so . While they are pretty , they ’re also quite fussy .
Zebra plants need bright igniter , but it must be filtered to forbid the leaves from burning . Too little lighting , however , and the plant life wo n’t bloom . Unlike most other succulent , zebra plant require moist soil , so they should be water oftentimes . Be careful not to overwater them , though , or they ’ll droop . They also expand in a humid surround , with humidity of 60 to 70 percentage .
Best For : experient gardener who are unforced to put up with the zebra plant ’s temperamental nature .
Photo: istockphoto.com
10. String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)
Curio rowleyanus , better known as string of pearls , is a succulent that ’s actually part of the daisy folk . It ’s indulge for dwelling gardener because it grows so speedily and is easy to propagate . It has quite particular light-colored requirements , preferring bright light in the morning and spectre in the afternoon . In nature , this succulent prevents photo to direct sunlight by get under other plants .
String of pearls plant life prefer down humidity but can tolerate eminent humidness than some succulent . Choosing the good throne size of it , however , is a fundamental retainer ; the industrial plant does n’t like to lie in moist filth .
good For : Green quarter round looking for a way-out , cascading houseplant .
Photo: istockphoto.com
11. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Theponytail palm , orBeaucarnea recurvata , capture its name because its long , curled leave count like strands of hair . Despite its name and visual aspect , it ’s really not a laurel wreath at all , but rather a member of the agave family . Its blockheaded trunk make it look like a miniature tree diagram , create a unique appearance .
One of the ponytail palm ’s most likeable timbre is that it ’s extremely forgiving , and will bounce back even if it ’s neglected , so it is a good choice for tiro home gardeners or smuggled thumbs . Its primary requirement is vivid light in the summertime , so it ’s salutary to bring it outdoors if you may . Bring it back within before winter , however , where theplant can permit downhearted - light conditions .
Best For : shameful thumbs looking for a succulent that ’s sure to exist .
Photo: istockphoto.com
12. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii)
The Christmas cactus is so named because it blooms in the wintertime with vibrant flowers . Interestingly , it ’s also related to the Thanksgiving cactus ( S. truncata ) and confused with the Easter cactus ( Hatiora gaertneri ) , similar looking plants named for the fourth dimension of year they typically blossom .
Christmas cactusis popular for gifting around the holiday season , and you’re able to easily propagate it by dilute a firearm from the tip of a stem . It ’s easy to care for without any complex maintenance requirements but will bring out more flowers if exposed to bright light in the daytime but at least 12 hours of darkness at dark . With the right conditions , it might even produce flowers throughout the year .
Best For : Gifting as a vacation present .
Photo: istockphoto.com
13. Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
Opuntia microdasys , better know as bunny pinna cactus , often grows with two matching , ear - form pads , which is where it catch its nickname . It grow naturally in Mexico , where it can strive up to 2 feet high . Due to its native habitat , this succulent want a lot of lineal sunlight — about 14 minute a daytime — which can be tricky in many indoor spaces .
Keep your bunny ears happy and thriving by add on natural light with white fluorescent light . As with all cacti , it ’s important to exercise caution when handling or repotting it because of the spiky bristles that cover its pads .
Best For : Cactus devotee with access to plenty of direct sunlight .
Photo: istockphoto.com
14. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
aboriginal to East Africa , ZZ industrial plant are some of the stalwart houseplants around . They require minimum care and can go in gloomy - light conditions , so they are a perfect alternative for anyone who loves houseplants but does n’t have a green thumb . ZZ plants are down in the mouth maintenanceand can live for year with minimum attention .
Since they do n’t have stringent light requirements , ZZ plants can grow in virtually any area of the home . They are also known for their air - purify properties , and their resistance to pest and disease ; the only likely problem with ZZ is root decompose from overwatering .
easily For : works lovers without unripened ovolo .
Photo: istockphoto.com
15. Elephant Plant (Portulacaria afra)
The elephant plant life , or Portulacaria afra , is a specie of succulent shrub that is native to South Africa and is a popular snack for the neighborhood ’s elephants . It ’s also popular among gardeners due to its scummy maintenance requirements and attractive foliage . The foliage are small , sarcoid , and often tinged with shade of red and purpleness . They are mold like the leaf of a jadestone plant life but are much smaller .
The elephant works will grow in a form of precondition , from full sun to partial specter , and can strive heights of at least 15 feet in its native surround . It postulate minimal water and care , do it a big choice for founder and experienced gardeners alike .
Best For : A houseplant that doubles as a conversation starting motor .
Photo: istockphoto.com
16. Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana)
Also get laid as Devil ’s Backbone , Mother of Thousands is a unique plant metal money . This succulent is native to Madagascar , and its attractive leafage makes it a pop houseplant . Kalanchoe daigremontiana easily placeable by its distinctive leaf that are covered in lilliputian plantlets . Because the plantlets are prosperous to circularise , this succulent is a great pick for anyone interested in growing multiples of the same plant .
Although it is relatively well-fixed to care for , thiskalanchoeshould be placed in a burnished and gay spot to thrive . This type of succulent is toxic to cats and dogs , so it is not a good choice for pet owners .
well For : Green thumbs who are interested in propagating their own plant life .
Photo: istockphoto.com
17. Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
This spiny , globe - shape cactus that ’s aboriginal to South America is easily recognisable due to its bright gloss and trenchant shape . Though the Moon Cactus is small and does n’t commonly live more than a couple of age , it compact a punch with its stunning colors . These succulents prefer to be watered thoroughly , then allowed to dry out completely before being watered again .
Since Moon Cactus is a desert plant , it boom in drying agent environments , and does n’t do well in humid ones . With its vibrant color , easy care requirements , and interesting form , the Moon Cactus is an excellent choice for anyone looking to sum a bit of color and character to their home base .
Best For : People see to add up a daddy of color to their home plate .
Photo: istockphoto.com
18. Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
Ghost flora , also bed asGraptopetalum paraguayense , are alone and beautiful succulent aboriginal to Mexico . They can be found in stony outcrops or crack , on hillsides and mountainside , or even in dry riverbeds . These low - sustainment plant have assume rosette - shaped leaves that do in shades of pink , over-embellished , gray - green , and bluish - green . The arrangement of the foliage creates an almost ghostly effect , hence their name .
This drouth - tolerant plant is gross for those who do n’t have much experience with gardening — or much fourth dimension for care . specter works are also quite hardy when it comes to temperature changes ; they can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit without any issues .
well For : Climates with fluctuating temperatures .
Photo: istockphoto.com
19. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Ceropegia woodii , well know as string - of - inwardness plants , are beautiful trailing succulent with heart - shaped leaves . Native to South Africa , these perennials lovebright , collateral lightand prosper in slightly humid environments . They ’re promiscuous to propagate from theme press cutting and look gorgeous in hanging baskets or wall planters . They favor temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and can be sensitive to uttermost fluctuations in either counsel .
To keep your drawing string of marrow plant salubrious , make certain to provide wad of zephyr circulation around the plant and avoid direct sunlight that could scorch its delicate foliage . To assure adequate moisture for the base , use a well - drain potting ground mix with adequate water - retaining capacity .
Best For : Those looking for a pretty , tail succulent .
Photo: istockphoto.com
20. Calico Kitten (Crassula pellucida ‘Variegata’)
Calico Kitten plant , also know by the scientific nameCrassula pellucida ‘ Variegata ’ , are among evergreen plant succulent that are aboriginal to South Africa . This is a popular houseplant , prized for its unique variegated foliation and trailing wont . The leave of the Calico Kitten flora are little , ovate - work , and arranged in pairs along the stem . The succulent ordinarily has a compounding of empurpled and green leaves , creating a striking contrast that gives it its distinctive name .
The stem turn of this succulent can become quite long , a characteristic that leads to their popularity as plants for hanging baskets . When grow as a houseplant , these succulents require bright light but should not sit in direct sunlight ; this will induce burning and fading of the colors .
easily For : A colorful cascade outcome in a hanging basket or wall planter .
Photo: istockphoto.com
21. Bear’s Paw (Cotyledon tomentosa)
The Bear ’s Paw succulent , also known by its scientific nameCotyledon tomentosa , is a species of recurrent shrub native to South Africa . It is an evergreen plant shrub with thick fleshy leave of absence that grow in pairs along the base . The leaves are roughly triangular in shape and grasp in colouring from silver wild blue yonder to light up light-green with furry grain and steer crest that make them look like little claws .
With their unique shape and grain , these succulents make a bold financial statement when planted in any garden or home stage setting . They need lots of indirect Inner Light every day , so be sure to grade them in a sunny fleck .
Best For : A truly unique - looking succulent to feature in a bright house or office .
Photo: istockphoto.com
22. Agave Blue Glow (Agave attenuata x ocahui)
The Agave Blue Glow is a arresting succulent with striking blue foliage that adds a touch of sonorousness and animation to any garden or living space . hump for its comfort of aid , this works can add beautiful color and grain to your home . Its thickheaded , leathery leaves are arranged in an attractive rosette form , and its deep blue chromaticity adds unique visual interest .
In increase to its eye - catch looks , the Agave Blue Glow has several interesting feature . For starters , it ’s drouth - kind and want infrequent lachrymation , a prissy feature for anyone who wants an well-off - to - maintain houseplant . The plants also are cervid - resistant , so they can seat outside in their pots in summer in gardens often annihilate by the local cervid population ( or remain alfresco in USDA Zones 9 to 11 ) .
well For : Outdoor gardening in deer - expectant area .
Photo: istockphoto.com
23. Irish Rose (Aeonium arboreum)
The Irish Rose succulent plant ( Aeonium arboreum ) is one of many species of theAeoniumfamily . These attractive , recurrent succulents are aboriginal to the Canary Islands and are much admire for their unique bod and hue . Typically , they have beautiful russet scab leaves that arrive in shades of dark-green , red , purple , or scandalmongering .
When it comes to forethought and maintenance , this variety ofAeoniumis not difficult to wait after . They prefer bright light with some direct sun but can tolerate intermediate light circumstance as well , so long as they get adequate moisture . The succulentrequires well - run out soiland should be water only when the soil has dry out completely between waterings and even less in wintertime . Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues from which the industrial plant might not convalesce .
Best For : Anyone who is n’t prostrate to overwatering their flora .
Photo: istockphoto.com
24. Ox Tongue (Gasteria spp.)
Ox Tongue plants , belonging to theGasteriagenus , are aboriginal to southerly Africa . They take their name from their chummy fleshy leaves , which resemble a cow ’s tongue in contour and grain . These succulent plants are popular for indoor space due to their broken maintenance needs and attractive foliage . Their leaves vary in color from short special K to shade of gray or flatware with a glossy finale and often are pattern with white-hot berth or streaks .
Ox Tongue plants choose bright brightness level but need protection from verbatim sunlight , especially during the blistering part of the solar day . They can also tolerate some shade , however , this will cause them to develop more easy and turn a loss their attractive colors and patterns over metre . When grow indoors , locate them near a sunny window where they will benefit from indirect sun throughout the solar day .
Best For : citizenry with gay homes .
Photo: istockphoto.com
25. Fairy Castle Cactus (Cereus tetragonus)
The Fairy Castle Cactus ( Cereus tetragonusorAcanthocereus tetragonus ) is a unique species of cactus native to the desert realm of Mexico , Peru , and Bolivia . As the name implies , the knobby ramification of this cactus resemble castle towers , which lends it much of its charm and whimsy .
This is a columniform cactus that can grow up to 6 human foot improbable with arms branching from its base . When matured , the Fairy Castle Cactus produces beautiful pinkish bloom in the late summertime months . The flowers have an aromatic fragrance that attracts dirt ball , bird , and bats for pollination purposes .
Best For : Those who want to tally a touch of whim to their homes .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you typeset up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pile on your patio , a raised bed , or an in - ground secret plan out back — and choose the proper plant life for your soil and neighborhood .
