Types Of Succulents Of All Shapes And Sizes

There are such a lot of various kinds of succulents, they usually’re all simply as beautiful as the following. Succulent crops are nice as a result of they don’t require a ton of fussing or care. And so they’re simple 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 excellent.

Whether or not it’s indoor succulents you need to develop or an out of doors succulent backyard, there’s at the very least 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 finest grown indoors. They don’t typically require as a lot water as greens and flowers, they usually stay for a very long time. A lot of them self-sow, and a few are simple 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 attainable 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 varieties of succulents that can liven any area they’re in. 

Cacti

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

Cacti have many sizes and shapes, with various flower colours and kinds. What unites them is their spines. Most desire 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 outdoor 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 best way to northern South America.  

Astrophytum

Often known as “dwelling 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 means than most cacti. Whereas all 6 species have totally 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. Typically the shoots are lined with tiny hairs, and generally they’re bald. Essentially the most broadly identified 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 generally have a thick trunk and a columnar development behavior. Others have a branching behavior. They’re all lined in thick white bristles, and flower from the vertical components of their ribs. They’re native to  Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. A number of are dealing with habitat loss. Due to this fact, take into account the supply in the event you purchase one. The preferred 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 colour from gradients in white to pink to inexperienced. They produce rectangular fruits, and enormous, distinct spines. If you happen to’re concerned with rising one your self, attempt 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 it’s best to perform a little research 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 lined in bristles. These cacti bloom white flowers at maturity and night time. 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 contains 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 don’t seem to be protected by any legal guidelines. Flower colours vary from pink to yellow, to peachy cream. 

Epithelantha

Generally known as button cactus, this genus incorporates 8 species. Their look is hanging, however it’s possible you’ll not discover them of their native habitats as a result of their dimension. Their globe-shaped or cylindrical stems by no means surpass a few inches. They’re lined 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 whole. They’re additionally small, not reaching greater than 5 inches tall. Their easy-to-bloom flowers are available a colour vary from white to purple and require vibrant direct gentle with excessive warmth. Due to this fact that is a type of genera that is stuffed with outside succulents. Moon cactus is the most well-liked of the genus, as a result of its purple pores and skin and vibrant pinkish flowers. 

Mammillaria

This is likely one of the most populated genera of cacti, comprised of over 200 species native to various components of southern North America, Central America, and South America. The genus is known as 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. One of the vital well-liked and widespread species is the Pincushion cactus.

Myrtillocactus

These cacti are native to Mexico and Guatemala. They develop tall, as much as 16 toes in peak. They like dry environments, and flower in the summertime. Additionally they produce edible purple berries. The bilberry cactus is probably 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 devour 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 enormous dense trunk-forming development. Succulent crops on this genus want a whole lot 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 simple to propagate and revel in full solar all 12 months lengthy. The preferred of the genus is prickly pear, however probably the most hanging 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 called the previous 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 stay within the mountains, they’re not cold-hardy succulent crops. Exterior 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 components 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 diversified berries. Mistletoe Cactus is likely one of the most typical succulents of the genus.  

Schlumbergera

You’re most likely nicely 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 frequent title refers to their approximate bloom time. All 9 species are native to Brazil however are generally grown indoors. The succulent flowers on these crops are to die for, with various pinks and reds. You may develop them in hanging baskets or on a patio. They’re simple to propagate and take care of as nicely. Particularly Christmas cactus.

Asparagaceae

We’re overlaying simply a few varieties 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 among the finest drought-resistant crops on the market, with a hanging look when planted amongst rocks and sandy desert flora. Each yucca and agave are of the perennial succulent class and are onerous to mistake. Agave succulents have sturdy fleshy leaves that may damage in the event you run into them. Agave species quantity 270 at the very least. Agave Americana is a popularly grown plant. Whale’s tongue agave is (Agave ovatifolia) is a prized plant amongst desert gardeners as nicely, with broad, vibrant inexperienced leaves which can be rimmed with darkish blue. 

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

Sansevieria

There are about 70 totally different species of snake plant on the market. And now we have a ton of content material on a number of cultivars. What you might want to find out 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. In contrast to agave, these crops 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 beautiful white and inexperienced variegated leaves. 

Ice Crops, Carpet Weeds, and Mesembs

If you happen to’re remotely acquainted with succulents, you already know in regards to the ice plant. These are small succulent crops throughout the identical household as carpet weeds, mesembs – or mimicry crops. Let’s run down this record of fascinating succulent identification. 

Delosperma

This genus is particular to the ice plant and carpet weeds. The entire members of this genus are native to South Africa. Normally known as ice crops, they’re solely one in every of a large variety of species which can be known as that. A luxurious plant with thick, crystal-like leaves, Delosperma species comprise a whole lot of probably the most well-known ice plant varieties.

Faucaria

This attention-grabbing 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 develop into bushy. If they’re uncovered to vibrant gentle the inexperienced leaves flip reddish in colour. Their blooms are yellow. The preferred 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 suggestions which can be translucent. The ideas are accountable for transferring gentle to the plant tissue beneath. Subspecies bloom white or yellow flowers.    

Lithops

Usually often called pebble crops or flowering stones, lithops are maybe probably the most attention-grabbing 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 generally purple. The markings on the tops of the leaves shield the plant in a type of camouflage. To provide fruit, growers should purchase two crops for cross-pollination. Flowers are yellow or white. Stone crops are a stunning addition to a window, so take into account them while you’re selecting which to develop.

Pleiospilos

This plant, not that totally 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 crops grown on this explicit succulent selection. 

Aloe Household

This household most likely doesn’t want a lot introduction, as most individuals are acquainted with 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 probably the most notable right here. 

Aloe

An aloe plant is maybe one of the vital crops 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 crops by cuttings. There are over 560 species throughout the genera, and all have thick fleshy leaves with serrated edges and tubular flowers that bloom occasionally. They’ve a rosette development behavior and produce pups, or new aloe crops, from underneath the soil. They could be vibrant inexperienced, mottled, or generally flip purple in vibrant gentle. Some aloe has a tree-like rising behavior. Aloe aristata or the torch plant has pronounced blades and a extra compact rosette. Torch crops and short-leaved aloe crops are nice for growers who get pleasure from aloe however want to save lots of area. As a result of they’re simple to propagate, aloe crops could possibly be sourced from pals. 

Gasteria

These aloe crops 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 crops are simple to categorise, as a result of their distinctive look.  One significantly attention-grabbing species is Dune Gasteria.

Haworthia

Whereas succulent identification of Haworthia is perhaps tough, it’s simple in the event you can do not forget 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 crops. 

Dogbane, Periwinkle, Oleander, Milkweed Household

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

Hoya

Every hoya plant on this genus is native to various components 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 nearly black flowers. All flowers of hoya crops 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’s greater than only one petal current, the plant won’t develop. 

Pachypodium

Members of this genus have an abnormally massive trunk with thick stems for his or her dimension. The trunks are designed to assist Pachypodium crops survive droughts, concealing water and vitamins inside. The entire crops on this genus could possibly be simply mistaken for cacti as a result of their spines, that are plentiful. Additionally they emit a transparent sap. One well-liked member of this species is Madagascar Palm.  

Stapelia

These low-growing succulents are simple to establish as a result 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 planet, principally native to various components of Africa. They’re glorious container crops, as they don’t require a lot care after planting. For many who need to develop species that don’t odor like rotting flesh, look to the intense 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. Typically they’re thick and fleshy. The tubular flowers are sometimes fused on the tip and inflated. These attention-grabbing crops depend on pollination by trapped flies that transfer about as they make their escape. String of hearts and string of pearls are probably the most outstanding species grown for his or her look. 

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

What’s frequent 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 could have orange blossoms or white ones that protrude from a central tube. One of the vital hanging crops in his genus is the Adromischus cristatus or Crinkle Leaf Plant. 

Cotyledon

This is likely one of the most typical succulents available on the market at present. You’ll discover Cotyledon leaves in reverse formation, round generally woody stems. The flowers are generally pendulous and generally 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 hanging genus, it’s no marvel lots of people spring for them. A few of these crops are frost tolerant, and plenty of are frequent amongst succulent growers and sellers. String of buttons is one well-liked species, with mushy, triangular leaves bunching collectively round a central stem in a pyramidic trend. The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a tree-like succulent that has many various varieties, all of that are attention-grabbing of their development patterns and leaf colours. One other hanging member of this household is Mom of Hundreds which grows considerably like aloe, with small crops alongside the leaf’s edge. Necklace vine and Hens and Chicks are two different gorgeous members of this genus.  

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe succulents are frequent 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. Improbable Flaming Katy has beautiful yellow blooms that pop amongst different crops in a backyard. The panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) has beautiful mushy, fuzzy greenish leaves with purple suggestions. The paddle plant (Kalanchoe luciae) is a quite common and straightforward to propagate succulent on this genus. Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is presumably probably the most recognizable of the genus. 

Echeveria

Echeveria succulents are generally evergreen and different instances deciduous. All 150 species are native to North America, Central America, and South America. These compact rosettes are jam-packed stuffed with brightly coloured leaves, which produce offspring very like aloe does. Many are host crops 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 standard member of the genus. Black Prince is a shocking deep purple member of the species as nicely. 

Graptopetalum

These rosette-forming perennial succulent crops are native to Mexico and Arizona. The genus incorporates 19 members. Their leaves are silvery-grey to waxy pink, and their flowers are both white or pink, sitting atop a protracted 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 shaped 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 12 months 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 frequent member of this genus. 

Sempervivum

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

Sedeveria

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

Sedum

Sedum succulents are nice crops that are available many various colours. They will 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 desire to bloom in spring and summer season. Flower colours have a variety, and so do flower varieties. It’s no marvel 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 programs too. Some have massive tuberous roots, and all have various development habits. Some are cactus-like, some have a shrubby development sample. Coral Cactus is maybe one of the best identified 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 incorporates seeds. The flowers are all some type of pink as nicely. One of many well-liked species within the genus is the Anacampseros telephiastrum. 

Othonna

This genus incorporates 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 colour, and flowers do too. One of the vital attention-grabbing of this genus is Ruby Necklace. 

Peperomia

All members of this genus are within the pepper household. They’ve massive waxy leaves, trailing or stout stems, and enormous brown or yellow conical flowers. They’re native to tropical areas of North America. Rising lower than 1 foot in peak, they’re typically chosen for shady tropical gardens the place they’ll exist in a rainforest-like atmosphere. 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 massive as a small tree. The leaves are small and spherical and develop densely alongside branches.