If you have yet to try succulents, it’s time to be introduced to the most colorful and ornamental varieties available. Succulents are an excellent choice for any home gardener. They require almost no maintenance and exhibit unique shapes and colors that most herbaceous perennials and annuals cannot match. With the worldwide popularity of cacti and succulents, many plant parents have declared themselves succulent addicts. This is a common occurrence when novice or experienced gardeners discover what they’ve been missing out on. There are literally thousands of different species and cultivars to choose from. Get started with our list of 20 vibrant succulent houseplants.
Pulido’s echeveria
Pulido’s echeveria (Echeveria pulidonis) is a low-maintenance succulent plant known for its fleshy, green-blue leaves tipped with red and purple. In the home, this plant requires little care. Just plant it in average, well-draining soil in a moderately sunny window. Bloom Season: Winter and spring
Moon cactus
The moon cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) is a grafted hybrid of two different cacti types. According to Planet Desert, this process is required for the colorful cactus on top to survive due to a lack of chlorophyll. Because they are stacked on top of one another, they produce a unique cactus you will enjoy for many years. Winter to spring bloom season
Pincushion cactus
The pincushion cactus (Mammillaria spp.) is a family member and one of the most well-known cactus houseplants grown today. According to North Carolina State Extension, this genus of short-growing cacti contains approximately 200 species and cultivars with many similar characteristics. In the summer and fall, they have cylindrical stems covered in tiny spines and a halo of flowers. Bloom Season: Summer and fall
Sunrise succulent
The sunrise succulent (Anacampseros telephiastrum f. variegatum ‘Sunrise’) is named for its thick leaves, which are colored in a gradient of green, yellow, purple, and pink. Even though they are short, these vibrant leaves can easily brighten a room or window sill. According to Mountain Crest Gardens, they only need moderate sunlight exposure, coarse cactus and succulent potting mix, and a little water. Bloom Season: Summer
Jelly bean plant
Jelly bean plants (Sedum rubrotinctum) are fascinating because they appear fake. The plant’s astonishingly bright and glossy foliage seems so polished and perfect that its ornamental value cannot be calculated. The foliage of the jelly bean plant resembles the popular candy, but it should not be eaten. Bloom Season: Winter
Jade plant
The jade plant (Crassula argentea) is popular due to its beautiful dark blue-green foliage. These leaves are thick and grow in opposite directions, giving the plant a fuller appearance. According to the University of Florida, the jade plant can bloom after several years of being a houseplant. It usually blooms in the spring and has small white flowers. Bloom Season: Spring
Blue chalksticks plant
The blue chalksticks plant (Senecio serpens) can be planted as a groundcover or a container plant, depending on the climate. This warm-weather plant grows less than a foot tall and has upright, branching blue-green stems. It can be planted alone or in a large container with other succulents like Echeveria, Sedum, Aloe, and Kalanchoe. Bloom Season: Summer.
Golden-toothed aloe
Golden-toothed aloe (Aloe nobilis) resembles common aloe plants except for one significant difference. When grown in direct sunlight, this aloe species has bright yellow and red tips. If you want to add more natural color to your home, try this species rather than the standard Aloe barbadensis. Bloom Season: Summer
Living stones
Living stones (Lithops spp.) are adorable tiny succulents growing no more significant than pebbles. They come in pink, orange, blue, and green hues, and many of them can be planted in the same container for a colorful display. These succulents are challenging to grow. They should be planted in coarse soil, in full sun, and watered only during the growing season. Bloom Season: Fall
Royal flush split rock
Royal flush split rocks (Pleiospilos nelii ‘Royal Flush’) are small succulent plants with an unusual growth habit. They are a slow-growing plant with two to four large and angular leaves that are commonly referred to as egg-shaped. This split rock cultivar is more ornamental than the common split rock because of its dark purple leaves and bright green center. Bloom Season: Early spring
Bishop’s hat cactus
The bishop’s hat cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma) is a unique cactus with a star or bishop’s hat shape. Its body is blue-green, but that color is usually obscured by the many tiny white trichomes that give it a grayer color and a velvety texture. The bishop’s hat cactus blooms with large yellow flowers in the summer.
Echeveria ‘Lola’
Echeveria ‘Lola’ (Echeveria lilacina x Echeveria ‘Deresina’) is a hybrid succulent species with pale green and purple foliage. According to Mountain Crest Gardens, it was created and bred by the well-known Echeveria hybridizer Dick Wright. The iridescent color is uncommon in echeveria species. Keep it near a bright light source to keep its beautiful color. Bloom Season: Spring
Florist kalanchoe
Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), also known as flaming Katy, Christmas kalanchoe, and Widow ‘s-thrill, is a well-known kalanchoe species. The colorful houseplant is described as a flowering, low-maintenance succulent plant that can bloom in various colors that will brighten your home. When the florist kalanchoe isn’t in bloom, it still has dark green leaves with ornamental value. Bloom Season: Early spring
Campfire Crassula
Campfire Crassula (Crassula capitella) is a succulent with multicolored foliage that is compact but widely spread. The leaves typically have a green-to-red gradient, but the tips can also be orange or pinkish. Campfire Crassula grows best in a large container and can be planted with other succulents with similar requirements. Bloom Season: Summer
Bittersweet succulent
The bittersweet succulent (Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Bittersweet’) is a rare echeveria cultivar with ruffled brown, green, and red leaves. Even though its leaves are darker, the color still stands out, especially in bright lighting. Gardeners should plant the bittersweet succulent in a well-draining cactus compost mix and give it some water. Bloom Season: Summer
Zebra wart haworthia
Zebra wart haworthias (Haworthiopsis reinwardtii) are brightly colored and have an eye-catching pattern. This plant is related to the more well-known zebra plant, Haworthia attenuata, and is known for its zebra-like stripes made up of raised white tubercles. Unlike the zebra plant, the zebra wart has a bright red color on the tips of its leaves, according to Mountain Crest Gardens. Bloom Season: Summer
Snake plant
Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) are a forgiving and long-living succulent species with numerous cultivars. Depending on the variety, your snake plant may be very bright and colorful. Some have yellow or cream striping, while others have unusually shaped, upright foliage. Bloom Season: Spring