How to Choose the Right Succulent for You: 36 Recommended Varieties
Succulents have become a beloved choice for plant lovers around the world, and for good reason! Their diverse shapes, sizes, and colors make them perfect for any space, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice. With so many varieties available, how do you choose the right one? Here are 36 recommended succulent varieties that are perfect for various lifestyles and environments.
Echeveria
These rosette-shaped beauties come in a variety of colors and sizes. Echeverias are perfect for indoor settings, needing just bright indirect light.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
A symbol of good luck, jade plants are easy to care for and can grow quite large. They thrive in bright light and only need watering when the soil is completely dry.
Aloe Vera
Known for its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera is a hardy succulent that prefers bright light. It’s perfect for beginners and provides a soothing gel from its leaves.
Haworthia
These small, attractive plants are perfect for low-light areas. Their unique, thick leaves have interesting textures that make them visually appealing.
Sedum
With hundreds of species, sedums are incredibly versatile. They can be ground covers or container plants, requiring minimal care and thriving in sunny spots.
Zebra Plant (Haworthia fasciata)
With striking white stripes on its leaves, the Zebra Plant is an eye-catching choice for any collection. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires infrequent watering.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
This trailing succulent features small, bead-like leaves that look great in hanging pots. It prefers bright light and needs careful watering to prevent rot.
Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
With its fuzzy leaves and unique appearance, the Panda Plant is a fun addition to any succulent garden. It enjoys bright light and is relatively low-maintenance.
Euphorbia
Often resembling cacti, many Euphorbia species have striking shapes. They thrive in bright light and require little water, making them ideal for sunny spaces.
Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
This trailing succulent has thick, teardrop-shaped leaves. It’s perfect for hanging baskets and needs bright, indirect light.
Lithops
Also known as “living stones,” these quirky succulents mimic the appearance of rocks. They require minimal watering and prefer bright, indirect light.
Agave
With its architectural leaves, Agave makes a bold statement. These hardy plants thrive in bright light and require infrequent watering.
Kalanchoe
Known for its vibrant flowers, Kalanchoe is perfect for adding color to your indoor garden. It thrives in bright light and likes to dry out between waterings.
Aloe ‘Blue Elf’
This hybrid Aloe has stunning blue-green leaves with red tips. It requires bright light and minimal care, making it ideal for beginners.
Graptopetalum
These lovely succulents have rosette shapes and come in various colors. They prefer bright light and should be watered only when dry.
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
These hardy perennials are perfect for outdoor gardens. They form clusters and thrive in full sun with minimal watering.
Cactus
While not traditional succulents, many cacti have similar care requirements. Choose varieties like the Easter Cactus or the Barrel Cactus for unique options.
Rhipsalis
Known as mistletoe cactus, Rhipsalis has trailing stems and prefers indirect light. It’s perfect for hanging arrangements.
Senecio
With unique shapes and colors, Senecio species like the ‘Blue Chalksticks’ are great for adding variety to your collection.
Crassula
This diverse genus includes the popular Jade Plant and others like Crassula perforata, known for its stacked leaves.
Dudleya
These striking succulents are native to California and are excellent for outdoor gardens in dry climates.
Faucaria (Tiger Jaws)
This unique succulent has tooth-like edges on its leaves and enjoys bright light with moderate watering.
Tylecodon
These South African natives have unique shapes and interesting textures. They prefer bright light and infrequent watering.
Cotyledon
With thick leaves and vibrant colors, Cotyledon is perfect for sunny spots and requires minimal care.
Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant)
This succulent has large, paddle-shaped leaves that turn vibrant red in bright sunlight, making it a striking choice.
Aloe ‘Firecracker’
This compact Aloe has beautiful red and orange flowers. It thrives in bright light and needs minimal care.
Plectranthus
These unique succulents have interesting foliage and are perfect for hanging baskets in bright, indirect light.
Echeveria ‘Lola’
With its soft, pastel colors, this Echeveria variety is a favorite among collectors. It requires bright light and minimal watering.
Senecio serpens (Blue Chalksticks)
This trailing succulent has stunning blue-green leaves and thrives in full sun, making it great for hanging pots.
Kalanchoe beharensis (Felt Plant)
This unique succulent has fuzzy leaves and a distinctive appearance. It prefers bright light and can grow quite large.
Hoya
Often referred to as wax plants, Hoyas have thick, waxy leaves and produce beautiful flowers. They thrive in bright, indirect light.
Echeveria agavoides
With its spiky rosettes and vibrant colors, this Echeveria variety is perfect for adding texture to your collection.
Crasula Ovata ‘Gollum’
This variation of the Jade Plant has unique, tubular leaves that resemble fingers. It requires bright light and minimal care.
Pachyphytum
With plump leaves and a unique appearance, Pachyphytum varieties thrive in bright light and require infrequent watering.
Rudbeckia
This unique succulent has vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, making it a lovely addition to any garden.
Tropaeolum
This flowering succulent is great for hanging baskets and requires bright light. Its colorful blooms add a touch of vibrancy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right succulent is all about finding the right fit for your space, light conditions, and personal style. With these 36 recommended varieties, you’re sure to find the perfect succulent to enhance your home or garden. Happy gardening!