Indoor succulent plants are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add greenery to their home without the burden of high-maintenance care. Popular succulent plants for indoor cultivation include Aloe, Jade Plant, Echeveria, Haworthia, and String of Pearls.
Succulents are a diverse group of plants that come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors, making them ideal for indoor decor. Whether you’re looking for a small, easy-to-maintain potted plant for your desk, a striking hanging succulent for a balcony, or an eye-catching arrangement for a living room, succulents offer endless possibilities to elevate your space. Their sculptural forms and varied textures make them both functional and decorative, suiting any interior style.
Indoor succulents are perfect for those who seek low-maintenance greenery that requires little water and attention. Thanks to their water-storing capabilities, they can survive periods of neglect, making them a top choice for busy individuals or novice gardeners. Additionally, succulents thrive in indoor environments where other plants might struggle, as they adapt well to dry indoor air and variable light conditions.
There are numerous succulent types for indoor gardening, each offering unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal.
Succulents are well-known for their ability to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, which makes them drought-tolerant and ideal for indoor environments. Some key benefits include:
Low maintenance: They require minimal watering, making them perfect for busy people or those who forget to water their plants.
Air purification: Like many houseplants, succulents help purify the air by removing toxins and improving the air quality in your home.
Aesthetic appeal: Succulents add a touch of greenery or color and can complement modern, minimalist décor styles.
Compact size: Many succulents are small and perfect for small spaces like desks, windowsills, or shelves.
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
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Genus | Haworthia, Hoya, Kalanchoe, Echeveria, Euphorbia, Mammillaria, Sempervivum, Senecio, Opuntia, Sedum, Agave, Aloe, Dracaena, Crassula |
Aloe Vera is a versatile and hardy succulent, well-suited for both indoor and outdoor environments. Known for its medicinal properties, it features fleshy, water-storing leaves that are useful for skin care and minor burns. Indoors, it prefers bright, indirect sunlight and minimal watering, making it a popular choice for home decor. Outdoors, it thrives in warm, sunny climates, adding a drought-resistant, low-maintenance element to gardens. Its ease of care and health benefits make Aloe Vera a favored plant among gardeners and health enthusiasts.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Sedum morganianum, commonly known as Burro’s Tail or Donkey Tail, is a striking succulent prized for its cascading stems densely packed with fleshy, blue-green leaves. Ideal for hanging baskets, it thrives in bright, indirect light and minimal water, making it a low-maintenance choice for adding lush, trailing beauty to any space.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Kalanchoe tomentosa, commonly known as Panda Plant, is an easy-to-grow and resilient succulent. Its fleshy, fuzzy leaves resemble plush rabbit ears with brown stitching. While it doesn’t bloom as often, it’s prized for its unique foliage. This popular houseplant works well in containers or as an accent in the garden.
Hardiness | 11 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Senecio rowleyanus, known as String of Pearls, is an eye-catching succulent ideal for indoors and outdoors. Its cascading stems with round leaves resemble pearls. Perfect for hanging baskets, it adds whimsy indoors in bright, indirect light and thrives outdoors in warm, shaded spots. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it’s a favorite among succulent lovers for its unique look and ease of care.
Hardiness | 9 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Senecio peregrinus, commonly known as String of Dolphins, is celebrated for its unique, dolphin-shaped leaves that cascade beautifully from hanging baskets. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it an ideal houseplant for adding a whimsical touch to indoor spaces.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Adenium obesum (Desert Rose) is a striking and unique plant, valued for its beautiful flowers, intriguing growth habit, and low-maintenance requirements. It’s a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts and those looking to add an exotic touch to their gardens or indoor plant collections.
Hardiness | 11 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 1' - 10' (30cm - 3m) |
Spread | 1' - 5' (30cm - 150cm) |
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom in winter. Unlike desert cacti, it originates from Brazilian rainforests and prefers humid conditions. Its segmented, flat stems and pendulous habit make it a unique and festive addition to indoor settings.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Lithops, often referred to as “living stones,” are unique, succulent plants that mimic the appearance of rocks to blend into their natural environment. They thrive in well-drained soil with minimal water, requiring bright light and a period of dormancy. Their fascinating shapes and textures make them a collector’s delight.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 1" - 2" (3cm - 5cm) |
Spread | 1" - 2" (3cm - 5cm) |
Astrophytum asterias, or Star Cactus, is a small, spineless cactus known for its round, flat body with eight distinct ribs. It produces vibrant yellow flowers with orange centers. Native to northern Mexico and southern Texas, it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 1" - 2" (3cm - 5cm) |
Spread | 2" - 6" (5cm - 15cm) |
Euphorbia trigona, commonly known as the African Milk Tree, is a striking succulent with tall, upright, triangular stems adorned with small, teardrop-shaped leaves. Its fast growth and unique, spiny form make it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m) |
Spread | 5' - 10' (150cm - 3m) |
Astrophytum myriostigma, known as Bishop’s Cap, is a spineless cactus with a striking, columnar shape and star-like appearance due to its ribbed body. Its smooth, green skin may display white speckles, enhancing its decorative appeal. It blooms with yellow flowers from the crown, adding seasonal interest.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 8" - 4' (20cm - 120cm) |
Spread | 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
Acanthocereus tetragonus ‘Fairy Castle’ is a whimsical cactus cultivar featuring multiple spire-like columns that resemble a castle’s turrets. It thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it a popular choice for indoor containers and low-maintenance gardens. Its charming, architectural form adds visual interest to any space.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm) |
Rhipsalis baccifera, known as Mistletoe Cactus, is an epiphytic cactus with slender, pendant stems. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, preferring well-draining soil. Small white flowers bloom in spring, followed by white berries, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and indoor gardens.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Echinocactus grusonii, or Golden Barrel Cactus, is known for its round, ribbed shape and bright golden spines. Native to Mexico, it thrives in dry, sunny environments and is often used in desert landscaping. Its unique appearance makes it a favorite choice for indoor and outdoor gardens.
Hardiness | 9 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 2' (60cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Peperomia graveolens, known as Ruby Glow, enchants with succulent leaves that boast a vibrant ruby red underside and a green top, resembling glowing embers. Ideal for bright, indirect light and infrequent watering, this compact plant thrives in well-draining soil, making it a striking, low-maintenance addition to any indoor garden.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm) |
Spread | 8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm) |
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Kathy) is a beloved, award-winning evergreen succulent with thick, shiny, dark green leaves. It is cherished for its vibrant, large clusters of dainty blooms in soft pastel colors or brilliant shades of red, orange, pink, or yellow. While commonly used as a houseplant, it can also thrive outdoors with frost protection. It flowers approximately every 6 months, with blooms lasting for 6 weeks or more.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant, is a succulent with thick, oval-shaped leaves that embody a rich green hue, often with red edges. It thrives in bright light and requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance choice for indoor gardeners seeking to add a touch of resilience and prosperity to their space.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 2' - 9' (60cm - 270cm) |
Spread | 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm) |
Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm), an award-winning evergreen, features a unique, bulbous trunk and a dense rosette of long, curving green leaves, resembling an elephant’s foot. Its swollen base stores water, allowing drought tolerance. With age, it may develop multiple trunks and sparse branches, occasionally producing panicles of small white flowers, adding a dramatic flair to any landscape.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm) |
Crassula falcata, also known as Propeller Plant, is prized for its striking gray-green leaves arranged like an airplane propeller. This succulent features dense clusters of bright red flowers that bloom in summer, making it a standout in containers and rock gardens. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Ceropegia woodii, commonly known as String of Hearts, is cherished for its delicate, heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering, making it perfect for hanging baskets where its cascading tendrils can be displayed beautifully.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 3" - 4" (8cm - 10cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Senecio radicans, known as String of Bananas, features cascading stems with succulent, banana-shaped leaves. This easy-care plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires infrequent watering, making it ideal for hanging baskets in indoor settings. It blooms with small, fragrant white flowers that add subtle charm.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, commonly known as Moon Cactus, is a small, colorful grafted cactus renowned for its vibrant top and green base. It thrives in bright, indirect light with minimal watering and prefers well-draining soil. Ideal for indoor settings, it adds a striking pop of color to any collection.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm) |
Spread | 2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm) |
Peperomia prostrata, known as String of Turtles, is celebrated for its charming, turtle-shell patterned leaves and trailing growth. Thriving in bright, indirect light and requiring moderate watering, it’s perfect for hanging baskets or as a tabletop display, adding a touch of whimsy and nature to any indoor setting.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 3" - 4" (8cm - 10cm) |
Pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, is celebrated for its unique, round, coin-like green leaves on long petioles, creating a striking visual appeal. Thriving in bright, indirect light with moderate watering, this easy-care houseplant symbolizes good fortune and is perfect for adding a touch of greenery to indoor spaces.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Schlumbergera truncata, known as Thanksgiving Cactus, is a popular epiphytic cactus with segmented, green stems and vibrant tubular flowers. Native to Brazil’s coastal mountains, it blooms in late November. Distinguished by its claw-like stem projections, it thrives in humid conditions, contrasting typical desert cacti, and is a cherished indoor ornamental plant.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Easter Cactus, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, is a tropical epiphyte native to Brazil. Boasting star-shaped, vibrant blooms around Easter, it differs from its holiday relatives with its distinctive segmented stems and rounded, scalloped edges. Typically grown indoors, this ornamental plant adds a splash of spring color, thriving in non-soil mediums and hanging baskets.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Faucaria tigrina, also known as Tiger Jaws, is a distinctive succulent with fleshy, triangular leaves edged with soft, tooth-like spikes. It produces bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and thrives in well-draining soil under full sun. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for rock gardens and container displays.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
Spread | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as Queen of the Night, is an epiphytic cactus famed for its large, fragrant, nocturnal white flowers that bloom for a single night. It features long, flat, leaf-like stems, thriving in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, often grown in hanging baskets.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Anacampseros rufescens, known as Sand Rose, is a succulent with dense, rosette clusters of fleshy leaves that range from green to deep purple. It blooms with pink star-shaped flowers, thrives in well-draining soil, requires bright, indirect light, and minimal water, making it ideal for rock gardens and containers.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 3" (8cm) |
Spread | 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
Crassula perforata (String of Buttons) is a fast-growing, shrubby succulent with stacked, triangular gray-green leaves edged in pink. Initially upright, its stems become pendant, ideal for containers and hanging baskets. In spring, small yellow flowers bloom, though many gardeners trim them to prevent unsightly dried stems. It spreads by suckering to form small colonies.
Hardiness | 9 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Pleiospilos nelii, commonly known as Split Rock, is a succulent with two to four fleshy, stone-like leaves that mimic its natural rocky environment. It produces vibrant daisy-like flowers and thrives in well-draining soil with minimal water, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance indoor or rock gardens.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm) |
Spread | 2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm) |
Incredibly attractive, award-winning Agave victoriae-reginae is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a perfectly spherical, solitary rosette of thick, smooth and spineless, dark green leaves. Each leaf is adorned with almost ‘hand-painted’ white margins and a small terminal spine. Very slow-growing, this distinctive Agave is terrific for sunny borders or containers.
Hardiness | 7 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 9" - 1' (23cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Adenium arabicum is a striking succulent known for its thick, swollen caudex and vibrant, tubular flowers in shades of red and pink. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, it thrives in arid environments and is popular for bonsai and desert gardens due to its drought tolerance and sculptural appearance.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 2' - 10' (60cm - 3m) |
Spread | 2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm) |
Frithia pulchra, known as Fairy Elephant’s Feet, is a charming South African succulent. This compact plant, reaching about 3-4 inches in height (7-10 cm) and 6-8 inches wide (15-20 cm), features unique cylindrical leaves with translucent tips. It blooms in spring and summer, producing delicate pink or purplish flowers. It’s a drought-tolerant species, ideal for rock gardens and containers, perfect for low-water landscapes.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 3" - 4" (8cm - 10cm) |
Spread | 6" - 8" (15cm - 20cm) |
Aptenia cordifolia ‘Variegata’ (Baby Sun Rose) is a trailing succulent that forms a dense carpet of heart-shaped, glossy green leaves with creamy-white edges. Bright pink or purple daisy-like flowers bloom in spring, summer, and nearly year-round in tropical climates. Heat, drought, and salt tolerant, it thrives in rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets, and coastal landscapes.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 6" (15cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’, commonly known as Variegated Elephant Bush, is a striking, drought-tolerant succulent with green and cream-edged leaves. Its trailing, bushy growth makes it perfect for bonsai, ground cover, or hanging baskets. Non-toxic to pets, it’s ideal for indoor and outdoor succulent arrangements.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Echinopsis oxygona, commonly known as the Easter Lily Cactus, is a globular cactus with ribbed, dark green stems and long, radial spines. It produces large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of white or pink, typically blooming at night in spring and summer. It’s easy to grow and ideal for containers.
Hardiness | 8 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Cephalocereus senilis, known as the Old Man Cactus, captivates with its long, white, hair-like spines that give it a striking, whimsical appearance. Native to Mexico, this slow-growing cactus thrives in bright light and adds a touch of desert mystery to any indoor or outdoor garden setting.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 3' - 40' (90cm - 12.2m) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Crassula arborescens (Silver Jade Plant) is a small, evergreen shrub with fleshy, silver-gray leaves featuring reddish spots and edges, which intensify under full sun. Occasionally, clusters of white starry flowers tinged with pink bloom in spring or summer. With age, its thick gray trunk and sturdy branches resemble a miniature tree.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Graptopetalum paraguayense, known as Ghost Plant, is cherished for its rosettes of pearlescent, pastel leaves that display shades of pink, blue, and purple under stress. This succulent thrives in well-draining soil and bright light, producing star-shaped white flowers, making it a favored choice for rock gardens and containers.
Hardiness | 8 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Peperomia obtusifolia, known as Baby Rubber Plant, thrives indoors and outdoors with its glossy, round leaves enhancing any space. It loves indirect light, moderate watering, and shaded outdoor spots. Celebrated for low maintenance and air-purifying traits, it effortlessly uplifts living areas and offices with a green, tropical vibe.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Hylocereus undatus, commonly known as Dragon Fruit, is a climbing cactus with sprawling, green stems and large, fragrant white flowers. It produces vibrant, pink-skinned fruit with white, speckled flesh, valued for its mild, sweet flavor. Ideal for tropical climates, it’s grown for both ornamental and edible purposes.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Stapelia grandiflora, known as the Starfish Flower, is a succulent with fleshy, angular stems and spectacular large, star-shaped flowers that emit a strong odor to attract pollinators. Its colorful blooms are covered in fine hairs, thriving in well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. Ideal for rock gardens and containers.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 3" - 1' (8cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a low-maintenance houseplant known for its glossy, dark green leaves and tolerance for low light conditions. It thrives with minimal care, making it ideal for busy or forgetful gardeners.
Hardiness | 9 - 10 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Cotyledon tomentosa, commonly known as Bear’s Paw, is a compact succulent native to South Africa. It is prized for its thick, fuzzy, paw-shaped leaves and bright red to yellow flowers. Thriving in well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight, it is a great choice for indoor or outdoor succulent collections.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Snake Plants, adaptable to both indoors and outdoors in warmer climates, are celebrated for their architectural foliage and minimal care requirements. Thriving from low light to bright, indirect sunlight, they enhance spaces with their air-purifying qualities and drought tolerance, making them an excellent choice for easy-care greenery in any setting.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 6" - 8' (15cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Hailing from Mexico and Central America, Echeverias are renowned for their exquisite beauty among succulent enthusiasts. These evergreen plants form alluring rosettes of succulent leaves, often resembling roses, waterlilies, or lettuce. With numerous species and cultivars, they present a diverse range of colors, sizes, and leaf shapes.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
Spread | 4" - 1' (10cm - 30cm) |
Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, Sempervivum, also known as Hens and Chicks or Houseleek, is a resilient succulent that forms attractive mats of evergreen rosettes. These charming plants display a wide range of colors, from light to dark green, brown, pink, and purple, with variations in leaf shape, texture, and glossiness. Their foliage adapts to different sun exposures, seasons, and climates, adding to their allure.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
Spread | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Haworthia, a genus of small, rosette-forming succulents, is celebrated for its striking, often translucent foliage and low maintenance requirements. Ideal for indoor environments, these plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require minimal watering, making them a perfect choice for both novice gardeners and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Height | 2" - 1' (5cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 2" - 1' (5cm - 30cm) |
Mammillaria are a great addition to any garden or indoor space due to their unique appearance, colorful flowers, low-maintenance nature, and drought tolerance.
Hardiness | 9 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Crassula is a diverse and intriguing genus of succulent plants known for their interesting foliage, low maintenance requirements, and drought tolerance. They make excellent additions to indoor spaces, rock gardens, and water-wise landscapes, offering unique beauty and texture.
Hardiness | 9 - 12 |
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Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Prickly Pear (Opuntia) is a rugged cactus known for its paddle-like pads and vibrant, edible fruits. Thriving in arid regions, it requires minimal care, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping. Its sweet and juicy fruits are not only a culinary delight but also offer potential health benefits.
Hardiness | 4 - 11 |
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Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 6" - 15' (15cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 1' - 15' (30cm - 4.6m) |
Hoyas, also known as wax plants, are beloved evergreen perennials renowned for their glossy leaves and stunning, fragrant flower clusters. Adaptable and easy to care for, they make ideal houseplants thriving in bright, indirect light. Their diverse species offer a variety of leaf shapes and bloom colors, enhancing indoor gardens.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 1' - 30' (30cm - 9.1m) |
Dracaena species, known for their air-purifying qualities and striking foliage, are a popular choice among houseplants for their low maintenance and versatility. With varieties ranging from small shrubs to tall trees, they can adapt to various indoor environments, making them ideal for adding a touch of green to any space.
Hardiness | 10 - 12 |
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Exposure | Partial Sun |
Height | 2' - 60' (60cm - 18.3m) |
Spread | 1' - 30' (30cm - 9.1m) |
Succulent arrangements are a great way to showcase the variety and beauty of these plants. When arranging succulents, consider the following tips:
Choose complementary colors and textures: Group succulents with contrasting shapes and sizes for visual interest. For example, mix rosette-forming Echeveria with trailing varieties like String of Pearls.
Use different container heights: Vary the heights of your pots to create dimension in your display.
Create a focal point: Choose one large or striking succulent to serve as the focal point and surround it with smaller, complementary plants.
Succulents can be used in various creative ways to enhance your interior décor:
Terrariums: Succulents do well in open terrariums, which offer good airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Miniature gardens: Create a small indoor succulent garden using a shallow container. Add decorative rocks, sand, or figurines for added interest.
Hanging baskets: Trailing succulents like String of Pearls or Burro’s Tail look beautiful in hanging baskets.
Toxicity: Some popular succulents, such as echeveria, hens and chicks are pet-safe. However, others, like the jade plant, desert rose, and snake plant, are toxic to pets.
To grow healthy indoor succulents, you need to replicate the dry, sunny environments they thrive in. Here are the most important care tips:
Light: Succulents need plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A sunny windowsill that receives about 6 hours of light per day is ideal. Some succulents, like Haworthia and Gasteria, can tolerate lower light conditions, making them great for darker areas of your home.
Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. If you can’t find one, you can make your own by mixing regular potting soil with coarse sand and perlite.
Watering: Overwatering is the number one cause of succulent failure. Water succulents deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. The “soak-and-dry” method is best for these plants.
Humidity: Succulents prefer dry air and don’t do well in humid environments. Keep them away from areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms.
Temperature: Most succulents prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). They are not frost-tolerant, so keep them in a warm spot away from cold drafts.
Pests and Diseases: Succulent are relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Even though succulents are relatively low-maintenance, they can still encounter problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Overwatering: If the leaves are mushy or translucent, you’re likely overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out and reduce watering frequency.
Underwatering: If the leaves are shriveling or falling off, the plant may be underwatered. Increase watering, but make sure the soil dries out between waterings.
Lack of sunlight: Succulents that are not getting enough light will become “leggy” and stretched out. Move the plant to a sunnier spot.
What succulents are best for indoors?
Succulents like Aloe vera, Jade Plant, Echeveria, Haworthia, and String of Pearls are some of the best succulents for indoor growing. They thrive in bright, indirect light and are compact enough to fit easily on windowsills or shelves.
Is it good to grow succulents indoors?
Yes, succulents are ideal for indoor environments due to their low water requirements and ability to tolerate dry indoor air. They adapt well to various lighting conditions and can thrive with minimal maintenance.
Can succulents live inside without sunlight?
Succulents need light to thrive, so they generally won’t do well in complete darkness. While they can tolerate low-light conditions for short periods, most indoor succulents require bright, indirect light. If natural light is insufficient, grow lights can help.
How do you keep succulents alive indoors?
To keep indoor succulents alive, provide them with bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours a day, well-draining soil, and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
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Genus | Haworthia, Hoya, Kalanchoe, Echeveria, Euphorbia, Mammillaria, Sempervivum, Senecio, Opuntia, Sedum, Agave, Aloe, Dracaena, Crassula |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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