Succulents are popular houseplants because they are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and beautiful. There are many varieties to choose from, some of which flower while others grow lengthy, hanging stems. Succulents are best known for their fleshy, thick leaves that store water and help them survive.
They tend to thrive in warm temperatures and dry air, which is already the environment of most homes. Whether you're a new plant parent or simply want to add a little extra greenery to your home, succulents are a great choice.
These top beginner-friendly succulents are unique and eye-catching in their own way. Learn about the care requirements so you can determine which ones make the perfect addition to your growing list of houseplants.
Christmas Cactus
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Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant, especially around Christmas. This is because the plant blooms during winter when in a warm environment. It develops thick, fleshy, segmented stems that grow in an arching shape in a deep green color. The flowers are large and vibrant, appearing in shades of magenta, crimson, or even white.
Unlike most succulents, Christmas cactus is from a tropical environment. It prefers humidity, so it's best kept in a humid bathroom or add a humidifier to your space. The plants also prefer bright but filtered light and water whenever the soil is dry. When you notice buds for blooms, water more regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist.
Note: Easter and Thanksgiving cacti are similar in appearance, with respective blooms in spring or fall. If you purchase a plant for each season, you'll enjoy blooms year-round! They're also non-toxic, making the perfect alternative to a Christmas poinsettia.
Panda Plant
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The panda plant, or Kalanchoe tomentosa, is a blue-green velvet or fuzzy-textured succulent. The plant also blooms orange or yellow flowers in late fall or early winter. The rounded, slightly cupped succulent leaves are often tipped with a dark brown or black color that resembles panda paws.
Frost-sensitive and ideal for growing indoors, this plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. As with many succulent plants, water only when the soil is completely dry. Wrinkled leaves are a sign it is time to water.
Note: The roots, leaves, and flowers of the panda plant are toxic.
Kalanchoe
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Another member of the kalanchoe family and often sold as a kalanchoe, the K. blossfeldiana has unique dark green, thick waxy leaves with scalloped edges. The plant blooms during the late winter and early spring, featuring colorful clusters of flowers held just above the foliage. It comes in a number of different colors, including red, magenta, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
Full sun and well-drained potting soil are best for growing K. blossfeldiana. In lower light conditions, the plant is prone to overwatering. As a general rule, allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Burro's Tail
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Known as the burro's tail or donkey's tail, Sedum morganianum is a tropical succulent that is perfect for hanging baskets or placing on shelves. It is a very decorative plant, featuring lengthy, trailing foliage that is blue-green in color with a silvery hue. The stems can grow up to 4 feet long, storing water in their cylindrical overlapping leaves that look similar to a braid.
Burro's tail is best kept in a location out of reach since the foliage is delicate and may easily brush off when touched. Though it rarely blooms, pink and red star-shaped blooms may show off during summer in the right conditions. Keep in bright light to full sun in a well-drained potting medium.
Zebra Haworthia
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Haworthiopsis fasciata, also known as the zebra haworthia, is a small succulent with a rosette of thick, pointed dark green leaves that have unique, raised white spots. While it is slow growing, it is incredibly low-maintenance and has a life span of up to 50 years.
The plant prefers well-drained potting mix and full to partial sun, though it can tolerate low-light conditions. Direct bright light will produce the best coloring for the foliage, while less light can result in a dull or washed appearance. Water only when the soil is dry as excessive watering can result in root rot.
String of Pearls
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The string of pearls, Curio rowleyanus, grows bead-like leaves that resemble pearls. The plant grows lengthy stems that can reach about six feet, hence the name. String of pearls does best in bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained cactus potting medium. Allow the succulent to completely dry out between watering as overwatering can quickly result in death.
The unique dangling beady foliage will thrive in a hanging basket or on a shelf. And if you're lucky, a string of pearls succulent will produce petite white flowers that smell like cinnamon in summer.
Suc-Cute-Lent!
Whether you're interested in adding beautiful blooms or unique greenery to your space, these low-maintenance succulents are a perfect choice. In general, they only require watering when the soil dries out or when the succulent leaves begin to wrinkle. If they bloom, water a little more often to ensure the soil doesn't completely dry out.
Do you know of any low-maintenance succulents that make a perfect addition to your home garden? Share in the comments below!