The Top 10 Most Popular Succulents

Written by Natalie Anstey
Jul 06, 2023 · 6 min read

Succulents have taken the gardening world by storm, captivating enthusiasts with their stunning shapes, vibrant colors, and incredible resilience. Whether you're a seasoned succulent aficionado or just starting out, this guide has got you covered with the top 10 popular succulents. 

Echeveria

Echeveria is a stunning type of succulent known for its eye-catching rosette-shaped leaves, bright colors, and low maintenance. It mostly comes from Mexico and needs bright, indirect sunlight for four to six hours each day.

It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply but not too often. It's best to let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid overwatering and root rot.

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Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a well-known succulent plant with numerous health and skincare benefits. It originates from North Africa's arid regions. This plant is perfect for indoor environments as it thrives in bright but indirect sunlight.

Aloe vera requires minimal watering and prefers well-draining soil that allows it to dry out between waterings. It is highly resilient and can withstand drought conditions; hence it is best to water it sparingly and ensure the soil is completely dry before the next watering to prevent root rot.

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Sedum

Sedum is a type of succulent plant that comes in many species, found in various regions across the globe, such as Europe, Asia, and North America.

These plants are tough and adaptable to different climates and are recognized for their thick leaves and charming star-shaped blooms. Sedum needs a lot of sunlight, around six hours of direct light daily.

Because of their succulent nature, they don't need frequent watering and prefer well-draining soil. To keep the plants healthy, letting the soil dry out between waterings is necessary, which also helps prevent overwatering.

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RULE OF (GREEN) THUMB

Although succulents are very forgiving, it is best to try to use water free from chlorine and chemicals. Filtered or rainwater will be fine, or if not possible, use tap water left overnight.

Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)

The Jade Plant, or Crassula ovata, is a well-known succulent from South Africa. Its unique appearance, with thick and fleshy leaves that resemble a tree, has made it a popular choice for those who love succulents.

The Jade Plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight to keep it healthy but can also handle some direct sunlight. Additionally, it requires low to moderate watering and needs soil that drains well.

To avoid root rot, allowing the soil to partially dry out between watering sessions is essential. Overall, the Jade Plant is a gorgeous and easy-to-care-for addition to any indoor or outdoor succulent collection.

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Aeonium haworthii

The Aeonium haworthii is a type of small succulent plant that grows in Southern Africa. It's famous for its unique rosette-shaped leaves and intricate patterns.

These plants are great for indoor environments because they can thrive in lower light conditions. The Aeonium haworthii likes bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate some shade.

It doesn't need much water, so it should be watered sparingly. This ensures that the soil dries out entirely between waterings, which helps prevent overwatering and keeps the plant healthy.

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 Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)

Hens and Chicks, or Sempervivum, are a genus of succulent plants found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

These plants have a unique appearance, with a central rosette-shaped cluster known as the "hen" and smaller surrounding rosettes called "chicks." Sempervivum prefers full sun to partial shade and needs at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily.

They also have low watering needs and can withstand drought well. To keep them healthy, it's best to let the soil dry out between watering sessions and avoid overwatering.

These plants are popular for rock gardens, containers, and low-maintenance landscapes because of their charming growth habit and ability to tolerate harsh conditions.

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RULE OF (GREEN) THUMB

Always plant succulents in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged roots and promote healthy growth.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a type of flowering succulent plant that comes from Madagascar and other parts of Africa.

People love it for its colorful and long-lasting blooms, as well as its attractive foliage. These plants are incredibly resilient and can thrive both inside and outside.

They prefer to be in bright, indirect sunlight. Still, they can tolerate direct sun, especially if the climate is cooler. Kalanchoe must be watered moderately and thoroughly watering when the top inch of the soil is dry.

Letting the soil dry out between waterings is essential to prevent overwatering and root rot.

With their beautiful flowers and adaptable nature, Kalanchoe species are popular for adding color and interest to gardens and indoor spaces.

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Euphorbia

The Euphorbia genus includes a variety of succulent and non-succulent plants found in various regions of the world, such as Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

These plants are known for their unique growth patterns and striking appearances. Generally, Euphorbia plants prefer bright but indirect sunlight, although the specific lighting requirements may vary depending on the species.

Most Euphorbia species have moderate to low watering needs, and it's essential to allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering and root rot.

During winter, some Euphorbia species may go dormant and require less watering. Euphorbia plants are excellent additions to succulent gardens and landscapes due to their fascinating shapes and diverse characteristics.

However, it's crucial to exercise caution when handling some Euphorbia species because they contain toxic sap.

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 Agave

Agave is a type of succulent plant from the Americas known for its unique shapes and ability to survive in dry climates. These plants have rosette-shaped leaves with spiky or toothed edges.

They thrive in full sun and need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Agave plants have low watering requirements and can tolerate drought, so they prefer well-draining soil.

To maintain the plant's health, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings is crucial to avoid overwatering.

Agave plants are ideal for xeriscaping and add a dramatic touch to gardens and landscapes. With their resilience and durability, Agave species are nicknamed "century plants."

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 Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls)

The Senecio rowleyanus, also known as the String of Pearls, is a popular succulent plant with a unique and captivating appearance.

It originates from South Africa and has gained kalanchoepopularity worldwide. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can be placed indoors near a window or in a well-lit outdoor area.

It requires minimal watering and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering and root rot.

The String of Pearls is a trailing plant with cascading stems adorned with small spherical leaves that resemble pearls. It creates a stunning display in hanging baskets or trailing over the edges of containers.

Succulent enthusiasts love this plant's delicate beauty and easy-care nature, which adds a touch of whimsy to any space.

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RULE OF (GREEN) THUMB

When handling the String of Pearls ALWAYS wear gloves, this plant is toxic.

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