Succulents identification may seem difficult at first because there are a lot of different types of succulent plants out there with varying forms and different levels of care needed to keep them healthy and thriving, but actually, it’s quite simple once you know what to look for.
Succulents are one of the most popular types of houseplants right now, and if you’re looking to start your own collection, you’re probably wondering what to get first.
Succulents come in many shapes and sizes, but many people just don’t know how to identify them or how to care for them properly. While some succulents can survive any climate, others are more fragile and will only thrive under specific conditions (like shade).
Succulents can be found in just about every corner of the globe, thriving in places where most plants don’t even have a chance. While they’re all considered succulents, not all of them look alike, which can make it difficult to identify them all as succulents if you’re not a trained botanist or horticulturalists.
If you’re interested in knowing more about succulents identification, then read below to learn about the 25 common types of succulents with their pictures!
Succulent plant features
Succulent plants are characterized by their fleshy leaves, which are often thick and fleshy in order to store water. Most succulents are native to dry, arid regions, such as deserts.
However, some succulents can be found in tropical or subtropical areas. The main difference between cacti and other succulents is that cacti have special adaptations that allow them to store water more efficiently in their leaves.
In contrast, the leaves of most succulents are relatively inefficient at storing water.
Succulents identification: How to care for indoor types
If you’re growing succulents indoors, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, they’ll need bright light, a south-facing window is ideal. Second, let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Third, don’t worry if they lose a few leaves – it’s normal. Fourth, give them a monthly dose of fertilizer.
And fifth, be sure to provide good ventilation to prevent rot. When planting, take care not to plant them too deeply or too close together so that air can circulate freely around each plant.
Succulents identification: How to care for outdoor types
Outdoor succulents are easier to care for than indoor succulents. They don’t need as much water or light and can tolerate more extreme temperatures. When watering outdoor succulents, be sure to soak the soil thoroughly and then allow it to dry out completely before watering again.
If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you may not need to water your outdoor succulents as often. When it comes to light, outdoor succulents can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
The best thing to do is move them around so they get evenly distributed throughout the day. The best way to keep these plants healthy is by feeding them organic fertilizer every couple of weeks in spring, summer, and fall.
Succulents identification with pictures
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera is a popular succulent due to its medicinal properties. The gel inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns and cuts. Aloe vera is a drought-tolerant plant that does well in bright, indirect light.
It’s easy to care for, making it a great plant for beginners. In order to maintain an optimal growth rate, they should be watered once or twice per week. If you forget your plant for too long, it will dry out quickly and the leaves will turn brown.
Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
A native of Mexico, the Burro’s Tail is one of the most popular succulents around. It gets its name from its long, tail-like stems that can grow up to 3 feet in length.
The leaves are a beautiful blue-green color and are covered in a powdery substance that helps the plant retain water. The Burro’s Tail is a great plant for beginners because it is very easy to care for.
Just keep it in an area with bright sunlight or filtered light (so as not to burn the leaves) and make sure it has plenty of room to grow. If you have overwatered your Burro’s Tail or exposed it to too much cold weather, simply cut off any dead roots so that they don’t rot.
Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
The Flaming Katy is a succulent that gets its name from its bright red and orange flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. This plant is native to Madagascar but can be found all over the world.
The Flaming Katy is a low-maintenance plant that can grow up to two feet tall and wide. This plant prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. The Flaming Katy is a drought-tolerant plant that can be propagated by stem cuttings.
There are a few pests that feed on this plant, including aphids and spider mites. It’s important to keep an eye out for these pests because they can severely damage the plants leaves and stunt their growth.
If you notice any signs of these pests, you should contact your local garden center or nursery for help getting rid of them!
The Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is perfect for anyone who has limited space because it will do well in containers or hanging baskets
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant is a popular succulent that is easy to care for. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are a beautiful green color. The Jade Plant can grow to be quite large, so it is perfect for use as a houseplant or in gardens.
If you are looking for a succulent that is easy to care for and maintain, the Jade Plant is a great option! They like well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. They don’t require much water at all, so just be sure to water them once every couple of weeks if they seem dry.
Plush Plant (Echeveria pulvinata)
The Plush Plant is a beautiful succulent that gets its name from its soft, fuzzy leaves. This plant is native to Mexico and can grow up to 12 inches tall. The Plush Plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Water this plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Give it plenty of water during the spring months.
Allow it to dry out between watering in the summer months. Fertilize monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer diluted by half strength. Cut off old flowers to promote new growth.
Red Velvet Plush Plant (Echeveria pulvinata ‘Ruby’)
The Red Velvet Plush Plant is a type of succulent that gets its name from its striking, deep red leaves. These leaves are velvety to the touch and have a waxy coating that helps the plant retain water.
The Ruby variety of this plant is one of the most popular, but there are also other varieties with different colored leaves. If you’re looking for a succulent that will add some color to your collection, the Red Velvet Plush Plant is a great option!
One thing to note about this plant is that it’s not frost-hardy so if you live in an area where winter temperatures get below freezing, it may not be best suited for your climate. As long as you keep it out of any frosty weather, though, this plant can make a great addition to any garden or container!
Bear’s Paw Succulent (Cotyledon Ladismithiensis)
The Bear’s Paw Succulent is a type of Cotyledon and is native to South Africa. It gets its name from its large, furry leaves that resemble a bear’s paw. The plant is drought-tolerant and can store water in its leaves.
It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The Bear’s Paw Succulent is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It does not require much water or fertilizer because it stores water in its leaves.
The succulent grows well indoors and outdoors as long as the soil is dry most of the time. When growing outdoors, the Bear’s Paw requires minimal watering once per month during winter months and once every two weeks during summer months. The Bear’s Paw succulent can grow up to six inches tall with leaf width ranging from four inches to six inches across depending on light conditions.
Living Stone Plant (Lithops)
The Lithops, or living stone plant, is a small succulent that is native to Africa. These plants are easily recognizable by their unique appearance, which resembles a pebble or stone. Lithops are drought-tolerant and can go long periods of time without water.
However, they do require some moisture in order to thrive. When watering, be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
In humid climates, the Lithops may produce leaves during the winter months but will grow no more leaves after spring arrives. Keep an eye on these plants for signs of overwatering or pests such as mealybugs.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
The String of Pearls is a succulent that is native to Africa. It gets its name from its long, thin leaves that resemble beads on a string. This plant is easy to care for and can tolerate neglect. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light.
The String of Pearls is a drought-tolerant plant and only needs to be watered every two to three weeks. To make it bloom, water it once per month in the winter months.
To ensure this plant stays healthy, keep it away from too much heat or too much cold.
Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria crinita)
The Pincushion Cactus is a small, round cactus that is native to Mexico. It has approximately 30-40 spines per areole, and the spines are often brightly colored.
The flowers of the Pincushion Cactus are usually pink or red, and they bloom in the spring. This cactus is relatively easy to care for, and it can be propagated from stem cuttings.
When grown outdoors, the Pincushion Cactus prefers dry soil and full sun. Indoors, this cactus should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. A good way to remember when you need to water your plant is by checking if the leaves are curling up at their tips. If you find yourself with a succulent outgrowing its pot, there’s no need to repot it right away.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant is a succulent that is easily identified by its long, slender leaves. The leaves are variegated with green and white stripes, and the plant can grow to be quite tall.
Snake plants are easy to care for and make a great addition to any indoor space. They require bright light but can tolerate low light as well. Be sure not to overwater this succulent because it will rot in soggy soil.
If you do water your snake plant, give it just enough so that the soil becomes moist. Allow all excess water to drain from the pot before placing back on a tray or saucer to avoid rotting roots.
If too much moisture builds up at the base of your pot, cut off some of the lower leaves. Succulents like these may need repotting every two years or so when they become root-bound in their containers.
Haworthia Fasciata “Zebra Plant”
The Haworthia fasciata, or zebra plant, is a small succulent that is native to South Africa. It gets its name from the white stripes on its leaves that resemble zebra’s stripes.
The zebra plant is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings. It is drought-tolerant and does not need much water to survive.
When watering, be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Be careful when handling this plant because it has sharp edges. The best time of year to transplant the zebra plant is during fall.
Haworthia cooperi (The Transparent Succulent)
Haworthia cooperi is a small, stemless succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy, transparent leaves. The leaves are often tinted green or brown and have white spots or streaks.
This plant is native to South Africa and can tolerate long periods of drought. When grown in bright light, the leaves of Haworthia cooperi take on a pinkish hue. This plant is an excellent choice for beginners, as it is very easy to care for.
A Haworthia cooperi prefers cool temperatures and enjoys the partial shade. It does not need much water, which makes this plant ideal for dish gardens and terrariums.
Hoya Kerrii (Lucky-Heart) Plant
The Hoya Kerrii, also known as the Lucky-Heart plant, is a beautiful succulent that is native to Southeast Asia. It has heart-shaped leaves and produces small, white flowers.
The Hoya Kerrii is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. If you’re looking for a unique succulent to add to your collection, the Hoya Kerrii is a great option! They are fairly easy to care for and come in an array of colors including pink, red, green, yellow, orange, brown, purple, and cream.
Pig’s Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata)
The Pig’s Ear succulent is a type of leafy succulent that gets its name from its shape. The leaves are thick and fleshy, and they grow in a rosette pattern. The Pig’s Ear succulent is and native to South Africa and can be found in the wild growing on rocky hillsides.
These plants are tolerant of drought and can store water in their leaves for long periods of time. They do not need much maintenance and only need to be watered once every couple of weeks or so. They enjoy being outside in the sun but can also survive indoors.
Zwartkop (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’)
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’, or black rose, is a type of succulent that gets its name from its deep black leaves. This plant is native to the Canary Islands and is part of the stonecrop family.
Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, and its leaves can get up to 6 inches long. The flowers on this plant are small and have a purplish coloration. It grows best in full sun exposure with well-drained soil.
Sunburst Succulent (Aeonium ‘Sunburst’)
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ is a beautiful succulent that gets its name from its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. This plant is native to the Canary Islands and is a member of the Crassulaceae family.
Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ can grow up to 12 inches tall and wide and prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade. This plant is drought tolerant and does not need much water to survive.
It requires well-draining soil mixed with some sand added. It needs to be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer (1/4 strength).
In the winter, it should be watered once or twice per month. Aeonium ‘Sunburst’ produces small pink flowers that look like petals, but are actually bracts (modified leaves) that will fall off after flowering.
Mother of Thousands Plant (Bryophyllum daigremontianum or Kalanchoe daigremontiana)
The Mother of Thousands plant is a succulent that gets its name from the plant’s ability to produce small plantlets along the margins of its leaves. These plantlets eventually drop off and can root in the nearby soil, starting new plants.
The Mother of Thousands plant is native to Madagascar, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world and is now considered an invasive species in some areas.
The plant produces yellow flowers with three petals each year. It can grow up to four feet tall when grown outdoors in good sunlight and warm temperatures.
Indoors, this succulent will do best when watered only once or twice per week, depending on the potting mix used. Over-watering this drought-tolerant succulent could lead to rot or pests such as mealybugs infesting the soil where it grows.
Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora or Kalanchoe luciae)
The Paddle Plant is a succulent that gets its name from its large, flat leaves. It’s a fast-growing plant and can reach up to two feet tall. The leaves are green with red or purple spots and the flowers are white or pink. Paddle Plants are native to Madagascar but can be found in other parts of Africa and Asia.
They like bright sunlight and water when the soil feels dry. They grow well indoors and outdoors as long as they have bright light. If you live in a colder climate, it’s best to bring them inside during wintertime.
A fun fact about these plants is that they are endangered in the wild due to over-harvesting for horticultural purposes.
Woolly Senecio or Cocoon Plant (Caputia tomentosa)
The Woolly Senecio or Cocoon Plant is a small, spiky succulent that is perfect for adding texture to your succulent collection. This plant gets its name from the white, woolly hairs that cover its leaves and stems.
The Woolly Senecio is native to South Africa and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance succulent, the Woolly Senecio is a great choice!
These plants are so easy to care for because they don’t need much water and grow slowly, so they don’t need frequent repotting. You can even toss them into the ground outside where they will happily survive in dry climates like those found in Southern California.
Roseum Sedum (Sedum spurium ‘Roseum’)
Sedum spurium ‘Roseum’, or Roseum Sedum, is a beautiful succulent that features shades of pink, green, and white. It’s a low-growing plant that can spread up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
The leaves are fleshy and oval-shaped with a pointy tip. The flowers are small and star-shaped with pink petals. Roseum Sedum is native to Europe and Asia and is a popular choice for gardens and containers.
It grows best in full sun, so give it plenty of light! In the winter months when the days are shorter, cut back on watering so the soil doesn’t dry out.
Water it once every 3 weeks in the springtime and once every 2 weeks in the summertime!
Torch Plant (Aristaloe aristata)
The Torch Plant is a type of succulent that gets its name from its long, thin leaves that resemble a torch. It is a native of South Africa and can grow up to two feet tall.
The leaves are green with white stripes and the flowers are yellow. The best way to propagate this plant is from offsets or stem cuttings. Torch plants do well in dry conditions so watering should be limited.
In humid climates, it is recommended that you plant your torches in pots rather than the ground as they may rot out if planted too deeply.
Hens and Chicks Succulent (Sempervivum tectorum)
Hens and chicks succulent is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent. The leaves are fleshy, green, and have pointed tips. The flowers are small and white. Hens and chicks grow well in full sun to partial shade.
They are drought tolerant and do not need much water. Hens and Chicks Succulent can be propagated by separating the rosettes of plants from the main group of plants.
It can also be propagated by taking cuttings from the rosettes of mature plants and letting them dry out for one or two days before planting them in moist soil.
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘sticks on fire’
If you’re looking for a plant that will add some serious wow factor to your home, look no further than Euphorbia tirucalli ‘sticks on fire’. This succulent is native to South Africa and gets its name from its vibrant red stems.
The stems are long and slender, and the leaves are small and green. It does best in full sun or partial shade but can handle full sun with adequate water.
It is not recommended for dry conditions or cold temperatures. It produces an orange-yellow flower in late winter/early spring.
Queen of the Night Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
The Queen of the Night cactus is a tropical plant that blooms only at night. The flowers are large and white, and they have a sweet fragrance. This plant is native to Mexico, but it can be grown in other parts of the world.
The Queen of the Night cactus is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and it is beautiful. It also does not need to be watered often.
It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature so you know when your plant needs water.
You should also make sure that your succulent gets sunlight during the day and as much natural light as possible at night when it blooms.
This succulent makes a great gift for friends who enjoy gardening or just love plants!
German Empress (Disocactus phyllanthoides)
The German Empress is a beautiful succulent that is easy to care for. It has long, slender leaves that are green with white stripes. The German Empress is a fast-growing plant and can reach up to 6 feet tall.
This succulent is native to Mexico and does best in bright, indirect light. If you want to grow this succulent indoors, make sure the soil dries out completely between waterings.
To keep your plant healthy, feed it with a fertilizer high in potassium once every three months during the spring and summer seasons.
