16 Types Of Succulents That You Should Know

Everyone loves succulents. They are easy to care for, fuss-free, low-maintenance, and perfect to grow indoors to amp up your space. There are so many varieties and species in the succulent kingdom that it could be a hectic task to look for the perfect succulent for your home. Not to mention, some succulents thrive in dry conditions, and some prefer to lounge around in a chilly spot. If you don't know which type of succulent is best for you and your area based on the weather and climate, you may accidentally kill these babies! 

But don't worry! Here we have gathered some information for you new plant parents out there! In this article, you'll learn about the types and varieties of different succulents to help you bring some of these little guys home.

The Basics

Succulents come in so many shapes, colours, structures, and sizes. If you go to your local nursery garden to see these little ones and bring them home, you might feel stuck. But, do you know that there are categories for succulents that will help you determine where to start first? Gear up now, we are learning about the two basic types of succulents to help you get started!

Categories Of Succulents

The two major categories of succulents are soft succulents and cold-hardy succulents. That's right! The name says it all. 

Soft succulents, or tender succulents, are those types that prefer and thrive in warmer, dry situations. They are easily affected in frosty climates and can't survive long when exposed to chilling drafts. These succulents come in a diverse variety of colours, variations, textures, and shapes. These colourful little ones are easy to grow indoors or outdoors (frost free) and will create a charming ambience! Some of the soft succulents are Echeveria, Sedum Burrito, Haworthia, String of pearls, Ice plant, Crassula etc.

Cold-hardy succulents can live in freezing temperatures as low as -20F and still look good. Cold-hardy succulents are low-maintenance and will add visual interest to any space. These frost-loving sucs will amp up your space as they come in vibrant colours and work well in groundcovers, living walls, and mixed arrangements. Examples of cold-hardy succulents are Sedum and Sempervivum 

Now, you have the knowledge to distinguish between tender and hardy succulents, ensuring their survival the next time you go to buy some for yourself.

Types Of Succulents That You Should Know

Now, let's take a look at some of the types of succulents that you can grow at home and are easy to begin your succulent collection with.

I. Haworthia 

These succulent species are the classic ones to start your collection with. These non-toxic and pet-friendly plants come in a lot of shapes, sizes, and variations. Generally, these cute-looking succulents grow in pots, but sometimes they can grow outdoors in a frost-free area. Haworthias have a lot of personality to them. Their spiky green leaves, coated generously with white textures, are pleasing to look at. These are undemanding plants that thrive even when you do the bare minimum. Haworthias would make a perfect decorative addition to just about anywhere they reside.

Shade - Moderate, indirect light

Water - Occasional water springs when the soil goes dry

Succulent Type - Soft succulent

II. Echeveria 

Echeverias are known for their physical appearance and vibrant colours. These popular and fast-growing succulents have a stunning rosette appearance. They come in a striking range of colours and shapes that resemble flowers. They are easily available and work great as individual succulents or in mixed arrangements. The most crucial part of care is watering echeverias. Echeverias are also non-toxic, so you can bring these gorgeous little ones to your home where they can live with your pets in harmony.

Shade - Bright, indirect sunlight 

Water - Only when the soil is dry. Let them soak in the drainage disk for a few minutes before draining.

Succulent Type - Soft succulent

Check out our collection here!

III. Kalanchoe 

Another well-liked, low-maintenance succulent type is the kalanchoe. More than 100 species of this plant are known to be around. Kalanchoe is easy to grow indoors and loves to thrive in a dry, arid climate. This gorgeous succulent is compact yet strong. It blooms in spring and summer when you can witness some lovely flowers in different shades. Kalanchoe is toxic to pets and humans if consumed, so it's best to keep them away from little humans and animals at home. A kalanchoe succulent is a beautiful addition to any room, so choose the best one you can find.

Shade - Natural bright light, and avoid direct sunlight

Water - Minimal water after soil goes dry

Succulent Type - Soft succulent

IV. Jade Plant 

Jade plants are such a versatile succulent type. They are often known as crassula. Jade plants are a wonderful option for both gifting and decorating as their fleshy, plumpy, and oval-shaped leaves look pleasing to the eyes. Their attractive miniature tree-like appearance would be an aesthetic inclusion to your space. Jades are often passed down in generations as they are long-lasting, easy-to-care-for plants that need a proper watering schedule. When it blooms, bright white flowers can be seen in spring, but one should be careful as all parts of this plant are toxic to cats and dogs.

Shade - Preferably south or west-facing windows should give them adequate sunlight 

Water - Watering often in the spring and summer but sparingly in the winter should help this succulent. Jades will suffer from over-watering

Succulent Type - Soft succulent

V. Sempervivum

Hens and chicks, also known as house leeks, are a type of succulent with brightly coloured rosettes and pointy leaf tips. These striking succulents are low-maintenance and often kept as decorative succulents in mixed arrangements. House leeks thrive, even in cold drafts, and will forever remain green and lush. Sempervivum flowers are visually appealing, resembling rubbery roses with thick fleshy pads in pale or pastel colours. These succulents have so much variety and colours to choose from. It's a cold-hardy, non-toxic plant that works great as an indoor green. 

Shade - Full to partial light, prefers a sunny spot to grow better

Water - Prefers light showers in dry, hot climate

Succulent Type - Cold hardy succulent

Our sempervivum collection here!

VI. Dracaena 

Dracaena is a succulent shrub that is ideally grown in a large well-draining pot. Dracaena plants have so many varieties and come in more than 100 species. The Dracaena genus, on the other hand, is a small, compact shrub-like tree that is typically grown in houses. This succulent appears as a large, tree-like structure with woody stems and bright, droopy leaves. This succulent is low-maintenance, hard to kill, and drought-resistant. This tiny succulent tree would make your room instantly brighter and lovely. Snake Plant, Song of India, Lucky Bamboo, and Dracaena Fragrans are some of the most well-known dracaena plants. 

Shade - Bright indirect to low light 

Water - When the top few inches of soil are dry, give them a good splash of water

Succulent Type - Soft hardy succulent

VII. Gasteria 

Gasteria is one of the popular succulents that are grown indoors. Depending on the varieties available, you can pick one that suits your preference. These appear as fleshy, thick leaves decorated with bumpy white warty leaves. This succulent mostly remains small and compact and tends to stretch out if not given enough sunlight. Gasteria succulents need well-draining soil and a pot to grow healthy and better. When planted in spring, they give birth to tubular flowers yearly in winter or spring. 

Shade - Needs a lot of bright indirect light

Water - Only water when the soil is dry and rough

Succulent Type - Soft succulent

 VIII. Peperomia 

Peperomia is a genus of tropical succulents that are perfect for indoors with good humid conditions. This succulent has a big family of varieties, and the most common one is the baby rubber plant. This pet-friendly, toxic-free succulent comes with thick, juicy leaves that add up to being good for your environment. It is a slow-growing, fuss-free plant that needs only the bare minimum. It gives birth to white flowers in summer and has over 1500 species around the world. Fertilizing this little guy during the blooming season will add up to its advantage. Peperomias are great for desks and office tables because they stay small and make the area brighter.

Shade - Bright, dappled sunlight 

Water - Regular watering when the soil is dry, sparing watering during the cold season.

Succulent Type - Cold hardy succulent

 IX. Hoya 

Hoya is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. But, the lucky heart hoya, or valentine hoya, is a succulent that has an enchanting leaf that resembles a heart shape. This succulent is a great gift option as it is noted that on Valentine's Day, this succulent sells a lot, hence the name "valentine hoya." Another variety has a flowing vine with long tendrils that have fat, waxy leaves. Hoyas are exotic succulents with unique-shaped leaves that can grow indoors. Hoya kerrii is a slow-growing succulent that blooms in spring and summer in clustered form and prefers well-draining soil to live in. 

Shade - Prefers to lounge around on a sunny windowsill

Water - After the soil gets dry and can withstand dry conditions

Succulent Type - Cold hardy succulent

X. Agave

Agave plants have spiky green leaves and grow slowly, without giving you stress. Cacti and agave plants are frequently confused. It's easy to grow this succulent indoors and outdoors, but one must be careful when bringing this succulent home as it has spiny-tipped leaves. These succulents despise frost and will not survive if exposed to cold, yet they love full-on bright shade and need a good sunny spot. Even if you neglect them, they will be just fine and still thrive in most conditions.

Shade - It depends on the type of agave you're growing, but certainly they can't survive much in a frosty climate.

Water - Agave are drought tolerant, so water only when the soil is dry and less in the cold season.

Succulent Type - Cold hardy succulent

XI. Cacti

Cactus are versatile indoor succulents that will liven up any room with their unique shapes. A cactus is a succulent that can be classified into two categories: desert cactus and forest cactus. Desert cacti can go longer without water and can handle drought, but they need a lot of bright sunlight to live. Cacti are native to Mexico and have more than 200 subspecies. Most cacti have a round, cylindrical, cone-like shape, and they mostly remain small and compact. Cacti mostly have spines on their leaves, and they are toxic to pets and kids. Christmas cacti, bunny ears, and pincushion cactus are some of the few indoor cacti that you can consider getting.

Shade - Direct, bright sunlight

Water - Periodic showers when soil dries out; less water in winter

Succulent Type - Cold hardy succulent

XII. Aloe Vera 

This plant needs no introduction, as it is a classic and all-rounder plant that does multiple duties. These are the most well-known succulents for the home because of their medicinal properties. The gel of aloe vera comes in handy for use even for cosmetic purposes. It is a drought-tolerant plant that stores water in its plumpy, thick leaves and survives for long periods even without water. So, get an aloe vera plant for your home and it will come in handy!

Shade - Bright, direct sunlight

Water - Occasional watering when the soil goes dry

Succulent Type - Cold hardy succulent

XIII. Panda Plant 

These distinctive succulents are known for their fuzzy brown-red leaves. They are often called chocolate soldier plants, plush plants, or pussy ears. Panda plants belong to the kalanchoe family and are native to Madagascar, where they grow in dry, arid conditions. This type of succulent is easy to find in nurseries and does well in dry places because it can handle drought. Panda plants are actually poisonous to people and pets, so don't be fooled by how small this succulent looks. But, these cute, chocolate-dotted succulents are a great addition to your collection.

Shade - Indirect and bright sunlight

Water - Only when the soil goes dry

Succulent Type - Soft succulent

Our panda plants here!

XIV. Ice Plant

With more than 100 species of lampranthus, these succulents are originally from South Africa. The brightly coloured, distinctive leaf shapes of this succulent variant are worth having in your space. It also works as a great groundcover or turf, as they enjoy growing outdoors to get some sunlight. You can also plant it in a hanging macrame basket or use it as a trailing indoor succulent to add more liveliness to your environment. Even more, reasons to get some of these: they are non-toxic and safe for pets.

Shade - Bright, direct or indirect sunlight 

Water - Periodic downpours, excluding winter months when they are sound asleep

Succulent Type - Cold hardy succulent

XV. Moonstone Plant

This is one of the most attractive succulents that are worth knowing about. This unique plant has attractive leaves that come in many varieties, shapes, and colours. Its fleshy, pastel-coloured leaves store water and even thrive in freezing temperatures. The ovoid, round leaves of a moonstone plant are beautiful to look at and make a great decorative accent. Because of its Mexican heritage, it thrives when exposed to sunlight.

Shade - Appreciates the warmth of the sun and does not mind the chill of winter

Water - When soil goes dry, water deep to the roots

Succulent Type - Soft succulent

XVI. String of Pearls 

When hung in a hanging basket, trailing beads such as rosemary vines or strings of pearls will add interest to your interior as a great decorative succulent. This is a unique succulent with tiny pea-sized leaves that can live as long as five years if cared for properly. It's a drought-resistant succulent that can't survive with soggy roots but is easy to care for. This incredible trailing succulent would brighten up any sunny window.

Shade - Combination of direct and indirect sunlight

Water - Once every 2 to 3 weeks and once a month during winters

Succulent Type - Cold hardy succulent

And there you have it: the 16 most important succulent varieties for every beginner's collection. We hoped you'd gain some new knowledge about succulents from this article. Blessings on your garden!

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