Succulents have become extremely popular in recent years, and there's a reason why. With hundreds of unique varieties to choose from, almost anyone can grow them, including beginners. Thanks to their special water-storing tissues, they can survive in environments that are too dry for most other plants, so even if you forget to water them for a while, they'll stick around. Succulents thrive in dry air and warm temperatures, an environment most homes already have, so you don't need to change anything to grow them in your living room. If you're a new plant parent, here are some of the best indoor succulents to buy to start your collection.
Brow's tail
marty baldwin
Unlike other cacti, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x Buckleyi) does not have sharp spines. The flat, fleshy, segmented stems can reach several feet in length and often droop over the edge of the container, giving it the nickname “crab claw cactus.” They also like a little more moisture than their spiny cousins, so be sure to water them when the soil surface becomes dry. If you place this cactus near a brightly lit window, it will bloom with showy pink flowers in winter. If it blooms a little earlier than expected and the stems are spiky rather than wavy, it may actually be a Thanksgiving cactus (it's closely related to the Christmas cactus). But there's no need to worry. The care instructions for both are similar. .
christmas cactus
Crisada Panichiguru
Unlike other cacti, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x Buckleyi) does not have sharp spines. The flat, fleshy, segmented stems can reach several feet in length and often droop over the edge of the container, giving it the nickname “crab claw cactus.” They also like a little more moisture than their spiny cousins, so be sure to water them when the soil surface becomes dry. If you place this cactus near a brightly lit window, it will bloom with showy pink flowers in winter. If it blooms a little earlier than expected and the stems are spiky rather than wavy, it may actually be a Thanksgiving cactus (it's closely related to the Christmas cactus). But there's no need to worry. The care instructions for both are similar. .
chicken and chick
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In fact, these two succulents share the common name “chicken and chick” and are closely related, but they look slightly different. Both produce “chicks”, small identical plants that are slightly offset from the mother (hen). Echeveria elegans forms flat, flower-like rosettes with rounded edges and blooms annually with arched, bell-shaped flowers. Sempervivum tectorum also forms rosettes, but each leaf tends to be flatter and more pointed. Small star-shaped flowers bloom. Both succulents are especially fun to collect because they come in a variety of interesting colors.
Echeveria and sempervivum have similar needs when grown as houseplants. Constant moisture can cause the stems and roots to rot, so allow both to dry out a little between waterings. Grows best in bright light near a window. These succulents can be easily propagated by removing the chicks and placing them in special containers. Be sure to use a sandy potting mix labeled for cacti and succulents to give your plants the drainage they need.
jade plant
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There's a reason the jade plant (Crassula ovata) has always been popular. It is easy to grow. This hardy South African plant has heavily branched stems and thick, glossy green leaves that can sometimes turn reddish on the edges when grown in full sun. There are also varieties with different-looking leaves, such as the variety “Gollum,'' which has leaves that resemble the fingers of a green monster. Over time, jade plants can grow several feet tall. However, when grown as a houseplant, it usually only grows to about 1 foot in height. We recommend planting it in a heavy container like terracotta as it can be a bit top heavy. The key to keeping jade plants healthy is to allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Some gardeners water their jade only when the leaves begin to wrinkle or lose their shine, but in fact these are signs that the plant is already stressed. If you wait too long, the leaves may start to fall.
aloe
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Aloe vera grows with long, narrow leaves clustered together on short stems. Over time, more clusters of leaves, called offsets, are produced and can form a colony large enough to fill the entire container. And while aloe vera may be best known for its healing sap, which has been used for centuries to treat wounds and sunburns, aloe vera has sharp “teeth” along the edges of its leaves, which may cause some suspicion. Be careful when handling it, as it can cut passersby who don't have it. Aloe vera is a hardy, easy to grow, and hard to kill ornamental plant. Like other succulents, it prefers to be kept in a dry place and grows best in bright light, but if you suddenly move it to a hot, sunny window, the leaves may burn.
panda plant
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There are dozens of types of Kalanchoe plants, but the panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) is very distinctive. Native to Madagascar, the panda plant has fuzzy gray-green leaves covered in soft silvery hairs with brown or rust-colored spots on the tips. As a houseplant, it can reach a height of about 2 feet, but it grows very slowly. Place the plant near a window with bright light and wait until the soil dries between watering. When watering, be careful not to get water on the leaves. If you don't water it, the leaves may rot.
ponytail palm
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The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is not actually a palm tree, but it does look a bit like it, thanks to its long, woody trunk and cluster of leathery leaves at the top. It grows slowly but can reach a tree-like height of 12 to 20 feet, but indoors it can reach up to about 4 feet. Ponytail palms don't look much like succulents, but they store water in the swollen, bulbous bases of their trunks (called tails), giving the plant its nickname “elephant foot.” It is attached. Whatever you call it, it is very adapted to life as a houseplant, but does best in bright light, warm temperatures, and low humidity. They don't require much water, especially in the winter when growth is less active, making them the perfect houseplant for lazy gardeners.
snake factory
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This classic succulent houseplant has a reputation for being (almost) indestructible. The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) can survive for weeks without light and water without losing its beauty. The thick, pointed leaves grow straight up, reaching about 3 feet in height, and often have patterned markings reminiscent of snakes. Over time, they will grow into thick clumps that fill the entire pot, but are easy to divide and repot as needed. Snake plants tolerate low light, but look best in medium to bright light. Also, add a little water if the soil feels dry.
african milk tree
Bob Stefko
The African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) can reach up to 9 feet tall, but it is not actually a tree. As a houseplant, this succulent grows up to 3 feet tall and produces upright, branching stems lined with short but sharp thorns. Small reddish leaves are also attached to the tips of the green stems. Because the African milk tree is a member of the poinsettia family, it produces a milky, sticky sap that can irritate the skin if not washed off. Providing plenty of light, evenly moist soil is the key to keeping this plant healthy.
Zebra Haworthia
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The striking stripes and spiky leaves of the zebra haworthia (Haworthia fasciata) may make it seem like a rare and exotic plant, but it is commonly available in garden centers and is very easy to care for. Place this succulent near a window where it receives several hours of bright, indirect light each day, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Zebra Haworthia is also suitable for growing in terrariums and with other succulents because of its small size, up to about 5 inches tall.