The difficulties of being a plant parent are numerous, especially if you don’t have a green thumb. Even serial houseplant killers, thankfully, can keep a succulent alive. This plant group is well-known for being low-maintenance, requiring only intermittent watering and no special care. (We’d even go so far as to suggest they beg to be ignored!) If this sounds like a good fit for your house, we recommend reading on the whole scoop on the many sorts of succulents before heading to the garden center.
HOW MANY VARIETIES OF SUCCULENT PLANTS ARE THERE?
There are thousands of succulent variations, but a precise number is difficult to determine since “succulent is an umbrella term that can be attributed to any plant that has evolved adaptations to survive arid conditions [and] does not refer to any specific family of plants. Furthermore, non-succulent plants can become succulents, or at least more succulent, in reaction to changes in their climate, thus the number of kinds isn’t even fixed. Having stated that, all succulents have some characteristics: They are native to hot and arid locations, require less watering than the ordinary houseplant, and have some “physical characteristic relating to their moisture-storing capacity (such as plump leaves, thick stems, or rhizomes).”
15+ TYPES OF SUCCULENTS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
So you’re ready to brighten up your space with a low-maintenance succulent, but you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options. We understand, which is why we’re offering our favorite succulent varieties.
Haworthia
This small succulent has rough, prickly leaves and is suitable for pets. It prefers bright indirect to direct light but may withstand medium-indirect light better than other popular succulents. Haworthia, like other succulents on our list, should be watered every two to three weeks—more frequently in brighter light and less frequently in lower light—while allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Aloe
To keep their thick, meaty leaves healthy, irrigate aloe plants every 2-3 weeks until the soil feels fully dry to the touch.
Echeveria
Echeveria plants come in various forms and colors, but they always have a distinctive rosette appearance. (It’s worth noting that most Echeveria types are also pet-friendly.) These guys work best in direct light but can also work in indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and water them in direct light every two to three weeks.
Another Good Read For You: 20+ Houseplants That Are Safe For Cats
Jade Plant
Jade plants, also known scientifically as Crassula, resemble small trees, and their appealing appearance has made them a popular decorative option. Best of all, they’ll live for a long time if you keep them in direct solid light (though they can withstand brilliant indirect light as well) and water them every two to three weeks.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is a medium-sized succulent that can grow six to twelve inches tall when given medium to bright indirect light. These tough houseplants, known botanically as dracaena trifasciata, are drought-resistant and practically impossible to kill. However, it is recommended to water them every 2-3 weeks and let the soil dry thoroughly between waterings.
ZZ Plant
The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, or ZZ plant, is an extremely appealing indoor plant with its broad, dark green leaves. With this one, avoid direct sunlight and instead go for medium to brilliant indirect light. Watering the drought-resistant ZZ plant once every two to three weeks is all that is required to keep it healthy.
String Of Pearls
The trailing beads of this perennial succulent, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, make it an eye-catching option for a hanging house plant; make sure it gets six to eight hours of bright, indirect light each day. (If the light is too harsh, move your string of pearls further away from the window to avoid sunburn.) It’s also vital not to overwater this succulent: only water it every two to three weeks when the weather is warm and mild, and once a month when it’s cold.
Hoya
The Hoya plant is a flowering vine with long tendrils, thick, waxy leaves, and clusters of scented blossoms when conditions are favorable. It’s worth mentioning that this exotic home plant can be more difficult to care for than some of the other succulents on the list. As a result, you might start with a leaf clipping (as shown above) for a low-maintenance alternative that will look nice if it gets sunny or indirect light and is watered every two to three weeks.
Sempervivum
Sempervivum succulents, sometimes called houseleeks or ‘hen and chicks,’ are recognized by their rosette shape and vividly colored, pointed leaves. This pet-friendly plant is cold resilient, and simple to care for indoors—provide it with direct solid to indirect light and water it every two to three weeks, and you’ll be fine.
Peperomia
The ‘baby rubber plant’ (seen above) is a low-maintenance succulent with thick, juicy leaves in this genus of tropical plants. This pet-friendly house plant requires bright indirect to low light and watering every one to two weeks. If you show it some love, it may return the favor with a yearly display of white blossoms.
Kalanchoe
These thick-leaved tropical succulents, often known as window’s thrill, are popular for their eye-catching, brilliantly colored flowers. To ensure that your Kalanchoe blooms, set it in a location with plenty of bright, indirect light and water it thoroughly every three weeks (and only when the soil has dried out).
Dracaena
The Dracaena is a big, tree-like succulent with woody stems and drooping, vivid green leaves that makes a striking addition to any indoor environment. This easy-care plant enjoys low-to-bright indirect light and should be watered every one to two weeks, or when the top soil is dry to the touch.
Gasteria
The dark green succulent’s wide, thick, and sometimes textured (read: warty) leaves resemble those of the aloe plant. To thrive, the gasteria plant need plenty of bright light but not too much direct sunlight. Like the others on our list, this succulent requires little water—just give it a drink when the soil dries out and it’ll be fine.
Another Good Read For You: The 10 Best Succulents You Can Grow Inside Your Home
Euphorbia
Although this unusual succulent resembles a cactus, it actually belongs to a different family. The euphorbia blooms quickly, with little white or yellow flowers, and requires minimal care. Give this plant plenty of time in direct sunshine and just water it when the soil is absolutely dry, and it will not cause you any problems.
Agave
You’ve definitely heard of the popular sweetener derived from this South American succulent, but it may also be enjoyed as a lovely house plant. The prickly agave plant will thrive in a container if you water it after the soil has completely dried and position it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Ice Plant
The ice plant (or aizoaceae) is commonly used as ground cover outdoors, but it can also be planted in a hanging basket as a trailing interior succulent. If you purchase an ice plant, make sure you water it every two weeks and place it in full sun.
Moonstone Plant
This little to medium-sized succulent has a striking appearance, with pastel-colored leaves that are so plump that they resemble miniature eggs. Moonstone succulents require a lot of light, so a sunny windowsill is best for them. The moonstone, like most succulents, is drought-resistant and sensitive to overwatering—hydrate them every two weeks, or when the soil is completely dry, and they’ll be happy.
How Do I Know What Kind Of Succulent I Have?
Given the enormous variety of succulent variations available and the fact that they do not all belong to the same botanical family, it should be no surprise that determining what type of succulent you have on your hands can be tricky. We recommends taking a photo to your local plant store and having an expert weigh in. Of course, you may type a physical description of the plant into your search box and try your luck. (Alternatively, take a photo with Google Lens on your phone and see what it shows.)
Another Good Read For You: How to Grow Succulents?
What Is The Most Common Type Of Succulent?
Aloe, Haworthia, Echeveria, String of’s—String of Pearls, String of Dolphins—assorted cacti, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Jade Plant, and some Hoya varieties” as among the most popular succulent house plants.
Do indoor succulents like the sun?
This question has an unequivocal yes answer. Succulents are often found in hot, sunny, and arid conditions, so it’s critical to ensure they get enough light when brought indoors. Indeed, with a few exceptions, all plants require light [because] it’s an essential part of their photosynthesis process. As a result, the question isn’t whether you should give your succulent some sunshine but rather what kind of sunlight it prefers (i.e., direct or indirect).
Start with a bright, indirect light source if you’re unsure how much light your plant needs. If your plant is turning pale and yellowish-green, or scorched areas are visible, it could be a sign it…needs to be moved further into your space, away from the window.
