Types Of Succulents Of All Shapes And Sizes

There are such a lot of several types of succulents, they usually’re all simply as pretty as the subsequent. Succulent vegetation are nice as a result of they don’t require a ton of fussing or care. They usually’re straightforward to propagate. As a result of there’s quite a bit to select from, chances are high there’s one on the market that fits you good.

Whether or not it’s indoor succulents you need to develop or an outside succulent backyard, there’s a minimum of one succulent acceptable for both or each. In order for you white flowers, pinkish flowers, woody stems, or luscious inexperienced stems, there’s one thing on the market for you. 

Succulents could be floor cowl. Some develop simply as shade succulents, and a few benefit from the searing solar in a xeriscape backyard. Some are greatest grown indoors. They don’t usually require as a lot water as greens and flowers, they usually dwell for a very long time. Lots of them self-sow, and a few are straightforward to develop from seed. There are many choices on the market becoming for everybody. 

On this piece, we’re going to cowl as many succulents as potential and categorize them so you possibly can simply find one which fits your wants. Then you possibly can plan your backyard design, and embrace a number of sorts of succulents that can liven any area they’re in. 

Cacti

You is likely to be questioning why we included cacti in our succulent plant piece, however the reality of the matter is cacti species are succulent species. A cactus is a member of the Cactaceae household. 

Cacti have many styles and sizes, with various flower colours and kinds. What unites them is their spines. Most favor full daylight, they usually propagate through stem cuttings, pad segments, or seeds.  

Acanthocereus

These cacti are succulent varieties with a shrub-like development behavior. They need to be grown outside as they’ll attain a number of meters tall. The genus title comes from the Greek phrases for candle or flame (cereus) mixed with backbone (acantha). That’s as a result of the flowers bloom from the guidelines of spiny cactus stems. These cacti are native to Texas and Florida, all the way in which to northern South America.  

Astrophytum

Also called “residing rocks” – to not be confused with Lithops, which we’ll cowl later on this piece – these cacti are small and compact, reaching only one.5 meters on the highest. The spines are additionally dense and compact, in a way more unassuming approach than most cacti. Whereas all 6 species have completely different development habits, they’re all comparatively barrel-like and have yellow flowers that burst on the adjoining part of their 4 to six ribs. Generally the shoots are coated with tiny hairs, and typically they’re bald. Essentially the most broadly recognized of those cacti is the sand greenback cactus. 

Cephalocereus

There are over 100 species throughout the Cephalocereus, or tree cactus genus. They’re all tall, and typically have a thick trunk and a columnar development behavior. Others have a branching behavior. They’re all coated in thick white bristles, and flower from the vertical elements of their ribs. They’re native to  Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. A number of are dealing with habitat loss. Subsequently, think about the supply when you purchase one. The most well-liked of the genus is Outdated Man’s Cactus. 

Cereus

This genus is comprised of 33 species which can be native to South America. They’re characteristically columnar, ribbed, and elongated. They derive vitamins from the air, and the water and filth within the surrounding air. They’ve a shrubby development sample, reaching as much as 15 meters. Their night-blooming, funnel-like flowers vary in shade from gradients in white to pink to inexperienced. They produce rectangular fruits, and huge, distinct spines. For those who’re fascinated by rising one your self, strive the Peruvian torch. 

Discocactus

Does anybody else take into consideration disco after they see Discocactus? These stout, disc-shaped cacti are native to southern Brazil, jap Bolivia, and northern Paraguay. That is one other plant you need to do a little analysis on earlier than shopping for. It’s almost extinct within the wild. The spines are sharp and criss-cross each other, and the tops of the flattened cactus discs are coated in bristles. These cacti bloom white flowers at maturity and evening. Whereas they’re nice for rock gardens, the commerce of those cacti is regulated commercially and internationally. 

Echinocactus

This genus encompasses 6 species of low-growing spiny cacti. It additionally consists of the golden barrel cactus which is a outstanding xeriscape plant. Echinocactus cacti produce small flowers and wooly fruits. Their pronounced spines haven’t stopped overharvesting within the wild, however they aren’t protected by any legal guidelines. Flower colours vary from pink to yellow, to peachy cream. 

Epithelantha

Generally known as button cactus, this genus accommodates 8 species. Their look is placing, however it’s possible you’ll not discover them of their native habitats as a consequence of their dimension. Their globe-shaped or cylindrical stems by no means surpass a few inches. They’re coated in tiny whitish spines too. Native to Northern Mexico, Arizona, and West Texas, button cacti produce tiny purple edible fruits. 

Gymnocalycium

Generally known as chin cacti, these South American species quantity about 70 complete. They’re additionally small, not reaching greater than 5 inches tall. Their easy-to-bloom flowers are available in a shade vary from white to purple and require shiny direct gentle with excessive warmth. Subsequently that is a kind of genera that is stuffed with out of doors succulents. Moon cactus is the most well-liked of the genus, as a consequence of its purple pores and skin and shiny pinkish flowers. 

Mammillaria

This is among the most populated genera of cacti, comprised of over 200 species native to various elements of southern North America, Central America, and South America. The genus is called for the distinctive break up areole. They’ve a globular form and conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, or spherical tubercles. They bloom white to pink to purple, flowers which can be funnel-shaped, and produce berry-like fruit. Some of the in style and widespread species is the Pincushion cactus.

Myrtillocactus

These cacti are native to Mexico and Guatemala. They develop tall, as much as 16 ft in top. They like dry environments, and flower in the summertime. In addition they produce edible purple berries. The bilberry cactus is essentially the most well-known of the genus, because it roots rapidly from cuttings and its berries are offered for meals in Mexico. 

Opuntia

These cacti are well-known to those that eat cacti as a meals supply. Right here in Texas, prickly pear cacti pads and fruits are used culinarily. So are they of their native ranges Western and South Central United States, the Rocky Mountains, and the southern Nice Plains. They’re characterised by small spines on fruit and pads and huge dense trunk-forming development. Succulent vegetation on this genus want a variety of room to develop. However they’re nice in sandy or rocky soils. They’ve showy flowers that bloom in summer season and produce scrumptious fruits. They’re straightforward to propagate and luxuriate in full solar all yr lengthy. The most well-liked of the genus is prickly pear, however essentially the most placing is Bunny Ears Cactus. 

Oreocereus

These cacti are native to the Andes. All 10 species have wooly hairs with protruding spines. Some species are often known as the outdated man of the mountain.

Parodia

This genus is stuffed with upland cacti endemic to Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay. With 50 members, they’ve globular and columnar development habits with various modes in between. Whereas they’ll dwell within the mountains, they’re not cold-hardy succulent vegetation. Outdoors their native vary, they need to be grown as indoor succulents. Most have yellow blooms, and a few have pink flowers. The ball cactus is the most well-liked species within the genus. 

Rhipsalis

These bizarre cacti are present in elements of Africa, Asia, and in Central America, the Caribbean, and the northern areas of South America. They sometimes develop in tropical rainforests, making them glorious indoor container dwellers. The stems are cylindrically furrowed, angular, and flattened. Most don’t have spines. Flowers are both yellow or purple and produce various berries. Mistletoe Cactus is among the most typical succulents of the genus.  

Schlumbergera

You’re most likely properly conscious of Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus. Do you know there’s an Easter Cactus too? These are all members of the Schlumbergera genus, and their widespread title refers to their approximate bloom time. All 9 species are native to Brazil however are generally grown indoors. The succulent flowers on these vegetation are to die for, with various pinks and reds. You’ll be able to develop them in hanging baskets or on a patio. They’re straightforward to propagate and take care of as properly. Particularly Christmas cactus.

Asparagaceae

We’re protecting simply a few sorts of succulents within the asparagus household. These have sharp pointy leaves and inexperienced leaves. You’ll discover them both in full solar or in shade.  

Agave and Yucca

These are a number of the greatest drought-resistant vegetation on the market, with a placing look when planted amongst rocks and sandy desert flora. Each yucca and agave are of the perennial succulent class and are laborious to mistake. Agave succulents have sturdy fleshy leaves that may harm when you run into them. Agave species quantity 270 a minimum of. Agave Americana is a popularly grown plant. Whale’s tongue agave is (Agave ovatifolia) is a prized plant amongst desert gardeners as properly, with broad, shiny inexperienced leaves which can be rimmed with darkish blue. 

Yucca is one other a kind of desert sorts of succulents you’ll discover rising alongside agave. Each are flowering succulents with thick leaves which can be straightforward to take care of. They do want full direct daylight and well-draining soil. Plant succulents like agave and yucca outside, so every succulent grows good and massive. Blue Beaked Yucca is a placing plant that grows darkish inexperienced leaves and blooms giant compound white blooms in summer season.  Spanish Bayonet is one other in style yucca kind.

Sansevieria

There are about 70 completely different species of snake plant on the market. And we’ve got a ton of content material on a number of cultivars. What you want to learn about them is that they have darkish inexperienced fleshy leaves that benefit from the partial shade. Their leaf edges are sometimes yellow, however some are darkish inexperienced similar to their leaves. Not like agave, these vegetation don’t develop in a rosette formation however bunched collectively. They’re generally grown in potting soil. You’ve seemingly seen snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) rising in an workplace someplace. However there are many bizarre ones, just like the Kenya Hyacinth, named for its spindly lavender flowers. There’s additionally bowstring’s hemp, which produces pretty white and inexperienced variegated leaves. 

Ice Vegetation, Carpet Weeds, and Mesembs

For those who’re remotely conversant in succulents, you understand concerning the ice plant. These are small succulent vegetation throughout the similar household as carpet weeds, mesembs – or mimicry vegetation. Let’s run down this listing of fascinating succulent identification. 

Delosperma

This genus is particular to the ice plant and carpet weeds. All the members of this genus are native to South Africa. Often known as ice vegetation, they’re solely certainly one of a large variety of species which can be known as that. An opulent plant with thick, crystal-like leaves, Delosperma species comprise a variety of essentially the most well-known ice plant varieties.

Faucaria

This fascinating genus is comprised of 33 species that share a resemblance to animal mouths and a rosette rising behavior. They begin small, with thick serrated leaves, and as they mature turn out to be bushy. If they’re uncovered to shiny gentle the inexperienced leaves flip reddish in shade. Their blooms are yellow. The most well-liked of the species is Tiger Jaws. 

Fenestraria

The one species on this genus are infants’ toes or window plant. This plant is inexperienced and clustered with rounded ideas which can be translucent. The ideas are liable for transferring gentle to the plant tissue beneath. Subspecies bloom white or yellow flowers.    

Lithops

Typically often known as pebble vegetation or flowering stones, lithops are maybe essentially the most fascinating 35 species of the Aizoaceae household. They’re low-growing, with leaves buried barely beneath the soil. Throughout drought, they’ll shrink beneath the soil floor in an act of self-preservation. The tops of the leaves seem like a cross between a mind and a pair of lungs. They vary from gentle inexperienced to purple, and typically purple. The markings on the tops of the leaves defend the plant in a form of camouflage. To supply fruit, growers can purchase two vegetation for cross-pollination. Flowers are yellow or white. Stone vegetation are a stunning addition to a window, so think about them once you’re selecting which to develop.

Pleiospilos

This plant, not that completely different from Lithops, is comprised of two or 4 reverse plump leaves which can be grey-green. The stems are sometimes principally underground. Their blooms are yellow and reproduce asexually and with cross-pollination. The mimicry plant and the splitrock are the most well-liked decorative vegetation grown on this specific succulent selection. 

Aloe Household

This household most likely doesn’t want a lot introduction, as most individuals are conversant in Aloe Vera. There are 40 genera throughout the household, most of that are native to South Africa. We are going to take care of just some of essentially the most notable right here. 

Aloe

An aloe plant is probably one of the crucial essential vegetation for gardeners. Not solely does the gel of an aloe vera plant heal sunburned pores and skin, nevertheless it additionally acts as a rooting medium for propagating vegetation by cuttings. There are over 560 species throughout the genera, and all have thick fleshy leaves with serrated edges and tubular flowers that bloom sometimes. They’ve a rosette development behavior and produce pups, or new aloe vegetation, from underneath the soil. They might be shiny inexperienced, mottled, or typically flip purple in shiny gentle. Some aloe has a tree-like rising behavior. Aloe aristata or the torch plant has pronounced blades and a extra compact rosette. Torch vegetation and short-leaved aloe vegetation are nice for growers who get pleasure from aloe however want to avoid wasting area. As a result of they’re straightforward to propagate, aloe vegetation could possibly be sourced from pals. 

Gasteria

These aloe vegetation are tongue-like of their development habits. They’re small and compact, with a rosette formation and small bell or stomach-shaped pale pink flowers. Amongst points in succulent identification, Gasteria vegetation are straightforward to categorise, as a consequence of their distinctive look.  One significantly fascinating species is Dune Gasteria.

Haworthia

Whereas succulent identification of Haworthia is likely to be tough, it’s straightforward when you can keep in mind that they – see, the zebra plant – are compact types of the Aloe household, not reaching heights of greater than 1 foot. Some have translucent leaves, and others have opaque foliage. They both clump or develop singly. They’ve white blooms, which have inexperienced striations. The zebra plant (Haworthia attenuata) is the most well-liked of all of the Haworthia vegetation. 

Dogbane, Periwinkle, Oleander, Milkweed Household

Vegetation on this household are offered broadly in grocery shops and nurseries alike. All members have star-shaped flowers and lengthy stems that include waxy succulent leaves. You’ll seemingly acknowledge a minimum of a number of of those as you go down the listing. 

Hoya

Every hoya plant on this genus is native to various elements of Asia. They’re often organized on creeper vines, with furry, clean, or felted leaves. The flowers look characteristically like milkweed flowers and are principally white to pink. Some have yellow, orange, and virtually black flowers. All flowers of hoya vegetation develop in tight spherical clusters. Sweetheart Hoya (Hoya kerrii) is everybody’s favourite, although many retailers attempt to promote only one heart-shaped petal. Growers beware! Until there may be greater than only one petal current, the plant is not going to develop. 

Pachypodium

Members of this genus have an abnormally giant trunk with thick stems for his or her dimension. The trunks are designed to assist Pachypodium vegetation survive droughts, concealing water and vitamins inside. All the vegetation on this genus could possibly be simply mistaken for cacti as a consequence of their spines, that are plentiful. In addition they emit a transparent sap. One in style member of this species is Madagascar Palm.  

Stapelia

These low-growing succulents are straightforward to determine as a consequence of their fleshy flowers which can be star-shaped. They’re of various colours and emit a pungent odor and a glance that resembles rotting flesh, which is why they’re generally known as carrion flowers. 43 species of carrion flower exist on the earth, principally native to various elements of Africa. They’re glorious container vegetation, as they don’t require a lot care after planting. For many who need to develop species that don’t scent like rotting flesh, look to the brilliant yellowish-green flowers of Stapelia flavopurpurea.

Ceropegia

Most species of Ceropegia have skinny stems which can be vining or trailing. Their roots are tuberous and their leaves are reverse. Generally they’re thick and fleshy. The tubular flowers are sometimes fused on the tip and inflated. These fascinating vegetation depend on pollination by trapped flies that transfer about as they make their escape. String of hearts and string of pearls are essentially the most outstanding species grown for his or her look. 

Stonecrop, Jade plant, Sedum, and Hen-and-chicks Household

What’s widespread amongst all family members Crassulaceae is they’re all dicotyledon. There are variations in rising habits starting from shrubby to tree-like, with some preferring aquatic circumstances. There are over 1400 species within the household underneath 35 genera. 

Adromischus

Species on this genus have thick stems. Every is an opulent plant with fats leaves which can be organized in rosette formation. They might have orange blossoms or white ones that protrude from a central tube. Some of the placing vegetation in his genus is the Adromischus cristatus or Crinkle Leaf Plant. 

Cotyledon

This is among the most typical succulents available on the market at this time. You’ll discover Cotyledon leaves in reverse formation, round typically woody stems. The flowers are typically pendulous and typically tuberous and formed like a downturned bell. The flowers produce small brown seeds after they bloom and fade. Pig’s ear succulent is the most well-liked member of the genus, with bunches of pink blooms that dazzle the attention. 

Crassula

With 200 species on this placing genus, it’s no surprise lots of people spring for them. A few of these vegetation are frost tolerant, and plenty of are widespread amongst succulent growers and sellers. String of buttons is one in style species, with tender, triangular leaves bunching collectively round a central stem in a pyramidic vogue. The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a tree-like succulent that has many alternative varieties, all of that are fascinating of their development patterns and leaf colours. One other placing member of this household is Mom of 1000’s which grows considerably like aloe, with small vegetation alongside the leaf’s edge. Necklace vine and Hens and Chicks are two different beautiful members of this genus.  

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe succulents are widespread in nurseries and grocery shops. They’ve small 4-petaled flowers that cluster and sit atop stems. The flower colours vary from white to yellow to pink and orange. Their leaves are waxy and shiny inexperienced. Incredible Flaming Katy has pretty yellow blooms that pop amongst different vegetation in a backyard. The panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) has pretty tender, fuzzy greenish leaves with purple ideas. The paddle plant (Kalanchoe luciae) is a quite common and simple to propagate succulent on this genus. Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is presumably essentially the most recognizable of the genus. 

Echeveria

Echeveria succulents are typically evergreen and different occasions deciduous. All 150 species are native to North America, Central America, and South America. These compact rosettes are jam-packed filled with brightly coloured leaves, which produce offspring very like aloe does. Many are host vegetation for butterflies. Wax agave is one species that’s categorized as an echeveria, and never an agave, regardless of its title. Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a typical member of the genus. Black Prince is a shocking deep purple member of the species as properly. 

Graptopetalum

These rosette-forming perennial succulent vegetation are native to Mexico and Arizona. The genus accommodates 19 members. Their leaves are silvery-grey to waxy pink, and their flowers are both white or pink, sitting atop an extended skinny stem. The commonest of those is the Mom of Pearl plant.  

Pachyphytum

The thick-leaved species of the Pachyphytum genus love excessive altitudes in Mexico. They’ve rosette varieties and branching shoots that emerge from dusty, spherical, bluish-green leaves. The flower’s inflorescence hangs over the plant and is white, pink, or reddish. They produce fruit and seeds. Moonstones is the most well-liked of the genus. 

Aeonium

Aeonium succulents have leaves organized round a central stem in a densely fashioned rosette. The flowers have 6 to 12 petal sections and bloom solely as soon as. Most are from the Canary Islands, however some are from North Africa. Some members of the genus are carnivorous. Aeonium haworthii ‘Kiwi’ is a stunning hybrid species on this genus. 

Orostachys

Over half the species of Orostachys are native to China. They’re characterised by ovate leaves which can be alternate and infrequently have purple dots on them in a rosette formation. Of their second yr of development a rosette flower varieties on a central stem, blooming white, greenish, pink, or reddish flowers. Every bloom produces a small seed. Chinese language Dunce Cap is one widespread member of this genus. 

Sempervivum

Sempervivum succulents are dense mat and rosette-forming vegetation which can be native to the Center East. They’re evergreen, with gentle to darker inexperienced leaves which can be usually tipped with purple. Essentially the most well-known of those vegetation is the hen and chicks plant. Whereas flower stalks differ, all types of this genus bloom six to eight-petalled flowers that vary in shade from pale inexperienced to pink. 

Sedeveria

These succulents are hybrids of Sedum and Echeveria vegetation. They produce densely fashioned leafy rosettes that look quite a bit like flowers. The thick, padded leaf shade ranges from silver blue to blue-green. Some have coloured leaf ideas. Flowers emerge between leaves on the facet of the rosette and vary in shade from yellow to pink. Sedeveria x ‘Hummelii’ is doubtlessly one of the crucial in style of this hybrid genus, with densely packed elongated ghostly inexperienced leaves which have pinkish ideas. 

Sedum

Sedum succulents are nice vegetation that are available in many alternative colours. They’ll act as creeping floor cowl or shrubs for the decrease portion of a panorama. They’re annual, biennial, or perennial. Some are autumn bloomers whereas others favor to bloom in spring and summer season. Flower colours have a variety, and so do flower sorts. It’s no surprise that is the case with over 450 species assigned to the household. Burro’s tail or Sedum morganianum is an all-time favourite of this genus. Russian Stonecrop and Jelly Beans are different favorites. 

Graptosedum

These succulents are hybrids of Sedum and Graptopetalum. They share the traits of sedum of their lengthy stems, and that of Graptopetalum of their waxy pinkish leaves. These densely organized rosettes are similar to the Echeveria succulent. Graptosedum ‘California Sundown’ is a beloved type of this genus. 

Euphorbia

All members of Euphorbia secrete latex of their roots. That’s why it’s advisable that growers put on gloves after they up pot or transplant them. They’re all spurges with various root methods too. Some have giant tuberous roots, and all have various development habits. Some are cactus-like, some have a shrubby development sample. Coral Cactus is probably the most effective recognized of the genus. Pencil Cactus is one other favourite. 

Anacampseros

Members of this genus are from Southern Africa, Ethiopia, and Latin America. Whereas there was an Australian species included right here, it has seen been reallocated to a different genus. All members are perennial, with alternate leaves organized round a central stem. All flowers on this genus have 5 petals and ripen right into a capsule that accommodates seeds. The flowers are all some type of pink as properly. One of many in style species within the genus is the Anacampseros telephiastrum. 

Othonna

This genus accommodates about 90 species of succulents which can be perennial herbs and shrubs. They’re characterised by lengthy slender leaves which can be organized alternately and sparsely on trailing stems. Stems vary in shade, and flowers do too. Some of the fascinating of this genus is Ruby Necklace. 

Peperomia

All members of this genus are within the pepper household. They’ve giant waxy leaves, trailing or stout stems, and huge brown or yellow conical flowers. They’re native to tropical areas of North America. Rising lower than 1 foot in top, they’re usually chosen for shady tropical gardens the place they’ll exist in a rainforest-like setting. Leaves are heart-shaped or lance-shaped, and a number of colours are related to every species. A typical and enjoyable peperomia to develop is Child Rubber Plant. 

Portulacaria

Members of the Elephant Bush genus embrace the Elephant bush, Dwarf jade plant, and Cocoon plant. All of those succulents look have woody stems and ranging tree-like varieties. Some are very small, whereas others can develop as giant as a small tree. The leaves are small and spherical and develop densely alongside branches.