Best Succulent Varieties Growing Guide

Succulents are a group of plants that have the ability to store water in their leaves, roots, or stems so that they are drought tolerant. In fact, this is how they received their name. The Latin word for sap or juice is ‘sucus’ which is the basis for the name ‘succulent’.

There are over 60 plant families that have a type of succulents listed amongst their members. Altogether there are over ten thousand succulent species in the world and many new hybrids are being created every year. These plants are known to be hardy and easy to care for. Anyone can grow them and they can grow almost anywhere. This is why they make great houseplants.

How to Identify a Succulent

Because there are so many succulents and so many hybrid succulents, it can make identification a very difficult process. Maneuvering through the intricate descriptions and key identifiers of succulents is why websites, such as Succulent Alley exist. Learning the key identifiers of several types of succulents will make the process much easier. These are the key identifiers of succulents:

  • Color
  • Leaf Shape
  • Leaf Size
  • Plant Shape

Types of Succulents

For the sake of simplicity, we will discuss only fifteen groups of common types of succulents. These groups are broad enough to give an idea of how succulents grow and, generally, how they should be cared for.

They share common care requirements, common habitats, and sometimes, common features. There are other types of succulents outside these fifteen groups, but including these would create an overwhelming list of information.

Let’s take some time to investigate these groups of succulents to learn more about how to identify each type. Then we will discuss how to grow and care for succulents in general.

Aeoniums

Aeoniums

This genus of succulents is native to Africa and the Canary Islands. It includes 35 different succulent plants that range in size from a few inches to several feet in diameter.

Key Identifiers

This type of succulents is often mistaken for Echeveria or Sempervivum due to the shape of their leaves and the rosette formation. The differences between Aeonium succulents and the other types are minimal but noticeable. They are:

  • Aeonium has flatter leaves than the other two types of succulents
  • Aeonium leaves are not as rounded as Echeveria leaves

When identifying an Aeonium succulent, look for these features:

  • Leaves that are glossy and waxy (they almost look fake)
  • Leaves that are arranged in a rosette formation
  • Leaves that are round or spoon-shaped
  • Leaves that have tiny, almost invisible, teeth along their edges
  • Stems that can grow long and produce several rosettes

Common Problems

This variety of succulents is susceptible to abrasions from being handled often. It is not a serious problem and the plant will eventually outgrow the damage.

Growing Season

Winter to spring

Size

They range between 2 and 60 inches

Soil pH Levels

5.6 to 6.0

Toxicity

This variety of succulent is not toxic

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

9 to 11

Agave

Agave

This variety of succulents is native to the arid regions of the Americas. There are types of agave that can grow up to 10 feet tall and there are other types that stay very tiny.

Key Identifiers

When identifying an agave, look for these features:

  • Leaves that are blue/gray-green in color
  • Leaves that stiff and have small spines on the edges (most Agaves have this feature but a few do not)
  • Monocarpic flowering
  • Bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors

Common Problems

This variety of succulent can face the following problems:

Edema – This is an ugly blotch on agave leaves, but it is not a serious problem. The plant will eventually outgrow it.

Grease Mite – These dark and greasy blotches are caused by an infestation of an eriophyid mite.

Snout Weevil – This type of infestation can kill an agave plant very easily. The best way to deal with them is with a systemic insecticide.

Size

They range between 1 and 20 feet tall and 1 and 20 feet wide

Soil pH Levels

6.6 to 6.8

Toxicity

Agave is mildly toxic

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

5 to 11 (Most types of agave are not cold hardy, but Agave Parryi can grow in zone 5)

Aloe

Aloe

This succulent variety has over 300 species in it. It may be the most popular type of succulents grown as a houseplant since it is very easy to care for and has many health benefits attached to it.

Key Identifiers

When identifying an aloe, look for these features:

  • Leaves that are plump and filled with gel
  • Leaves that grow in a rosette formation out of the center of the plant’s base
  • Leaves that have small spikes along their edges

Common Problems

Aloe Mite – This type of infestation will cause the plant to become disfigured. The plant is usually not salvageable but if it is necessary to try, use a sterile cutting utensil to cut out the disfigured and infected areas. This plant should not be used for propagating new plants since the mite will still be living inside it and will eventually kill the plant.

Growing Season

Summer

Size

They are usually only 1 to 2 feet tall

Soil pH Levels

7.0 to 8.5

Toxicity

They are mildly toxic

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

10 to 12

Crassula

Crassula

This variety of succulents originates from all over southeast Africa. They are unique-looking plants that make great indoor decorations or patio features.

Key Identifiers

This variety does not have a common set of features. Some Crassula plants are tree-like, some are shrub-like, and some grow as a groundcover.

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

Spring and summer

Size

They range in size depending on the species

Soil pH Levels

Neutral to acidic

Toxicity

They are mildly toxic

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

9 to 12

Echeveria

Echeveria

This is a very popular type of succulents that is often seen in terrariums, wall gardens, and as decorations.

Key Identifiers

When identifying an Echeveria, look for these features:

  • Leaves that grow in a rosette formation
  • Leaves that are plump but slight flat
  • Leaves that are spoon-shaped
  • Leaves that come to a point at their tips

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

Spring and summer

Size

They vary depending upon the species

Soil pH Levels

6.0

Toxicity

These succulents are not toxic

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

9 to 11

Euphorbia

Euphorbia

There are over 2000 species in this plant genus and more than half of that are succulents.

Key Identifiers

Euphorbia plants come from all over the world and the only common feature they possess is a milky white sap that is typically toxic.

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

This varies by species

Size

They range between 6 and 36 inches tall and wide

Soil pH Levels

Acidic to neutral

Toxicity

These are toxic plants

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

5 to 11 depending on the species

Gasteria

Gasteria

This native of South Africa is a rare succulent that can tolerate lower levels of light than most other types. This is why it is an excellent choice as an indoor plant.

Key Identifiers

When identifying a Gasteria, look for these features:

  • Leaves that look like aloe leaves
  • Leaves that are marked with patterns and colors
  • Leaves that have a rough texture
  • Flowers that are tubular and curved

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

Winter to spring

Size

They range between 4 and 24 inches tall

Soil pH Levels

6.0 to 7.0

Toxicity

These are not toxic plants

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

9 to 11

Haworthia

Haworthia

This is another easy-to-care-for succulent from South Africa.

Key Identifiers

When identifying a Haworthia, look for these features:

  • Leaves that grow in a rosette formation
  • Leaves that are green with white or bumps or bands

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

Summer

Size

Most species grow between 3 and 5 inches tall but there are some species that can grow up to 20 inches tall

Soil pH Levels

6.6 to 7.5

Toxicity

These are not toxic plants

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

11

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe

This type of succulent hails from Madagascar and is a popular item during the Christmas season.

Key Identifiers

When identifying a Kalanchoe, look for these features:

  • Flowers that bloom all year
  • Leaves that are colorful and come in shades of red, pink, yellow, or white

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

These are able to produce blooms at any time of the year

Size

They grow between 12 and 18 inches tall and wide

Soil pH Levels

Acidic

Toxicity

These are toxic

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

10 to 12

Mammillaria

Mammillaria

This is a type of cactus that is native to Central America.

Key Identifiers

When identifying a Mammillaria, look for these features:

  • A cactus with small spikes all over its trunk

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

Spring to autumn

Size

These grow up to 15 inches tall

Soil pH Levels

4 to 6.5

Toxicity

These are not toxic plants

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

7 to 9

Opuntia

Opuntia

These are often referred to as Prickly Pear Cactus. They are hardy and very easy to care for.

Key Identifiers

When identifying an Opuntia, look for these features:

  • Stems that are flat and jointed
  • Stems that are filled with small needles
  • Stems and needles that are easy to detach

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

Spring to summer

Size

They vary depending on the species. Some grow between 6 and 12 inches tall, while others can grow between 10 and 15 feet tall.

Soil pH Levels

Neutral to acidic

Toxicity

These plants are mildly toxic

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

9 to 11

Sedum

Sedum

This is a succulent variety that is native to North America. It is also known as a stonecrop.

Key Identifiers

When identifying a Sedum, look for these features:

  • Leaves that are thick and fleshy
  • Flowers that are star-shaped

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

Summer to autumn

Size

They range in size from 6 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide

Soil pH Levels

Acidic to neutral

Toxicity

These are not toxic plants

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

3 to 10 depending on the species

Sempervivum

Sempervivum

This type of succulent is often referred to as hen and chicks because of how they produce offsets so easily and so often.

Key Identifiers

When identifying a Sempervivum, look for these features:

  • Leaves that are spoon-shaped
  • Leaves that are flat
  • Leaves that grow in a rosette formation
  • Leaves that are pointed at their tip

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

Spring to autumn

Size

They range in size from 6 to 18 inches wide

Soil pH Levels

6.0

Toxicity

These are not toxic plants

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

3 to 8

Senecio

Senecio

This variety of succulents is within the daisy family. It includes many different types of plants and approximately 100 succulent species.

Key Identifiers

When identifying a Senecio, look for these features:

  • Leaves that are thick and fleshy
  • Leaves that are green, blue-green, or striped
  • Flowers that grow in clusters or on long stems

Common Problems

Typical succulent pests and diseases

Growing Season

This varies by species

Size

This varies by species

Soil pH Levels

6.0 to 7.0

Toxicity

These are toxic plants

USDA Hardiness Zone(s)

9 to 12

General Care Requirements

While there are some outliers, most types of succulents require the same type of care.  Let’s look at the general care requirements for succulents.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer

Succulents should only be fertilized during their growing season and never during their dormant phase. Growing seasons vary depending on the type of succulents.

If fertilizing is done in the springtime, it should be done when temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If fertilizing is done in the autumn, it should be done just before a rainstorm.

These are the best types of fertilizer to use on a succulent:

Note: It is not necessary to fertilize succulents since they will grow well on their own, but fertilizing can help them bloom and grow quicker.

Light

Most succulents prefer a lot of direct sunlight with some slight shade when they are planted outdoors; however, indoor plants should be kept in an area that receives bright direct sunlight.

They need at least six hours of sunlight each day and they should be rotated regularly so that every side of the plant receives plenty of sunlight. If succulents don’t receive enough natural light indoors, they can benefit from grow lights.

Pests and Problems

Succulents are hardy and hassle-free so when they are watered, fed, and generally cared for properly, the chance that they will develop a problem is low. However, it is recommended that regular pest inspections and plant cleanings be done to maintain a healthy plant.

When caring for any type of succulent, look for these common pests and problems:

Ants

To rid a plant of mealybugs, follow these steps:

  1. Spray the plant with isopropyl alcohol
  2. Quarantine the plant
  3. Check other nearby plants for infestations
  4. Dispose of plants that are badly infested

Aphids

These pests are tiny and wingless. They usually hide on the underside of leaves so that predators cannot reach them. They are typically green in color but can be pink, black, or yellow. To rid a plant of aphids, follow these steps:

  1. Spray them off with water
  2. Fill a spray bottle with two cups of water, one tsp. vegetable oil, and one tsp. dish soap and use this to spray the plant. Wait a few hours before wiping the plant with a damp towel.

Fungus Gnats

These pests are difficult to detect since it is their larvae that live underground that do the most damage. If a plant begins to show signs of slowed growth or unhealthy features, an infestation of fungus gnat larvae could be the reason.

The best method to prevent an infestation of fungus gnats is to water the succulents properly. Since succulent potting soil doesn’t consist of the materials that these pests prefer, they usually only thrive in watered saturated soil.

The methods for treating an infestation of fungus gnats are:

  • Allow the soil to dry out. Refusing to give the plant a drink for several days will cause the larvae to do die off since they thrive in soggy soil.
  • Spray the plant with a mixture of water and liquid dish soap. This mixture should be sprayed on the plant and the soil around it for several days in a row.
  • Spray the plant with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Dilute the peroxide to ten percent and spray the plant and its soil for a few days in a row.
  • Sprinkle ground cinnamon on the plant and its soil.
  • Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the plant and its soil.

Mealybugs

These pests look like cotton attached to a plant’s stem or leaves. To rid a plant of mealybugs, follow these steps:

  1. Rub the leaves with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol
  2. Wash the leaves with insecticidal soap
  3. Spread diatomaceous earth on the plant

Root Mealybugs

These pests are small (1/10 of an inch long), thin, white, or gray in color, and are wingless. They typically feed off the root system of a plant which can cause the plant to die directly from this or from the fungus that can grow off the honeydew they leave behind.

Signs of this type of infestation are:

  • Leaves that are yellowing
  • Leaves that are wilted
  • Soil that has a blue tint

The methods for treating a succulent with an infestation of root mealybugs are:

A Hot Water Bath

  1. Gently remove the plant from its container.
  2. Dust off as much soil as possible from the plant’s root system.
  3. Soak the plant for 10 minutes in water that is between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will sterilize the plant.
  4. Clean and sterilize the plant’s container.
  5. Repot the plant in fresh succulent soil mixed with diatomaceous earth.

Introduce Lady Beetles

This method is a natural way to destroy root mealybug. Lady Beetles will eat the mealybugs and their larvae which will end the infestation.

Clean the Plant

Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or hydrogen peroxide to keep the plant clean and unappealing to pests.

Diatomaceous Earth Mix

Mix diatomaceous earth into potting soil every time a plant is repotted to prevent an infestation from occurring at all.

Neem Oil Soil Drench

This oil kills bugs by causing them to starve and stop growing. While this is a good method for ridding plants of pests, it can also kill the good bugs that plants need.

Chemical Pesticide

This method has a negative side in that it is a toxic method. However, it is sometimes the only way to rid a plant of an infestation.

Root Rot

This is a problem that occurs when a plant is overwatered or allowed to sit in water for long periods of time. These are the symptoms of a succulent with root rot:

A rotten smell emanating from the plant

  • Leaves that are mushy
  • Leaves that are translucent
  • Leaves that are wilted
  • Leaves that are yellowing

Treating a succulent with root rot should be done quickly so the plant has a chance of survival. Even then, it is not guaranteed that the succulent will recover. This is why it is so important to learn how to water them properly. The steps for treating a succulent with root rot are:

  1. Dry Out the Plant – This requires removing the plant from its container and dusting off all the soil from around its root system.
  2. Remove Rotten Roots – This requires using a sterile cutting utensil to cut away any of the roots and leaves that have rotted out.
  3. Callous the Plant – This requires leaving the plant out of its soil and container for a few days to develop callouses where it has been cut.
  4. Add Sulfur to the Cuts – This requires dusting the cut and calloused areas of the root system with sulfur to prevent microbes from growing and spreading.

If this treatment does not work, the final resort is to behead the plant. This process is not only used to salvage a succulent that is suffering from root rot but it can also be used to propagate new succulents and correct the plant’s morphology.

If possible, this process should be done in early spring to ensure that the plant is ready to grow again. The steps for beheading a succulent are:

  1. Decide to either behead the plant while it is still in the soil or remove it from the soil to work through the process.
  2. Use a sterile cutting utensil to cut off the head of the plant and an inch or two from the plant’s crown. Make sure the cut is straight, not diagonal.
  3. Allow the cutting to callous for a few days.
  4. Replant the cutting in fresh succulent potting mix.
  5. Set the plant container in a shaded but warm area.
  6. Do not water the cutting until it has established roots (about three weeks). A slight tug on the plant will reveal whether or not it has developed a root system.
  7. When the plant is ready to be watered, it should be watered in the soak and dry method.

Note: Not all varieties of succulents do well with the process of beheading. The varieties that seem to respond well to this process are:

  • Crassula
  • Echeveria
  • Graptopetalum
  • Graptosedum
  • Sedum

Scale Insects

This type of infestation looks like small, brown bumps on the leaves, stems, and even roots of the succulent. To treat this type of infestation, follow these steps:

  1. Spray them off with a hose
  2. Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
  3. Prevent them from returning by coating the leaves with neem oil regularly

If the insects have infested the root system of the succulent, this will need to be cleaned as well. The steps for this are:

  1. Gently remove the plant from its container.
  2. Dust off as much soil as possible from the plant’s root system.
  3. Soak the plant for 10 minutes in water that is between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will sterilize the plant.
  4. Clean and sterilize the plant’s container.
  5. Repot the plant in fresh succulent soil mixed with diatomaceous earth.

Slugs and Snails

These pests will literally eat up a plant so they must be dealt with quickly. Fortunately, they are easy to notice. Look for these common signs of a slug or snail infestation:

  • Silvery slime trails on or around the plant
  • Leaves that have scalloped edges
  • Leaves with curved and yellowed edges

While these pests are prolific and cannot be gotten rid of completely, there are methods to keep them away from beloved plants. These preventative methods are:

  • Crush eggshells and liberally sprinkle them onto the ground around the plant. This is a safe and toxic-free method for gardeners who have small children and pets that could be affected by toxic chemicals.
  • Set out poison bait. Children and pets should not be allowed to tamper with this bait since the chemicals are toxic.
  • Set out a beer trap. Simply bury a small cup or bowl up to its rim in the area where the slugs and snails frequent. Then, fill the cup or bowl with beer. The yeast in the beer attracts these pests and when they enter the container for a drink, they cannot get out they drown.
  • Set up a copper screen as a barrier. When these pests touch copper, it reacts with their slime and gives them an electric shock.
  • Sprinkle salt on the pests. This method does kill snails and slugs, but unfortunately, it also can destroy good soil.
  • Introduce toads and frogs to the garden. These are natural predators of slugs and snails and will be an organic method to reduce the infestation.

Spider Mites

This type of infestation looks like webbing spread over the plant’s leaves and stems. To deal with this type of infestation, follow these steps:

  1. Spray the plant with a mixture of 1 quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsps. Of neem oil
  2. Wipe off the leaves and stems
  3. Repeat as necessary

Vine Weevils

These pests are less than an inch long, are black or slate-gray, have short snouts, bent antennae, and have wings but cannot fly. The methods for treating an infestation of vine weevils are:

Alternative Pest Control Methods

Always test a small area of the succulent before spraying its entirety with any chemical. Some succulents, especially those with fuzzy or waxy coated leaves are sensitive to chemicals and touch. For these types of succulents, alternative cleaning and pest prevention methods should be taken. These methods are:

Pest Prevention Methods

The best way to prevent a pest infestation in a succulent is to make sure the plant is kept clean. With regular maintenance and cleaning a succulent may never have a serious infestation or one at all. Here is the process for cleaning a succulent:

  1. Mix together olive oil, liquid dish soap, and water in a bowl.
  2. Use Q-tips or a soft sponge to gently wash the leaves of the succulent with the cleaning solution.
  3. Carefully rinse off the excess cleaning solution with a moist towel or sponge.

Planting and Potting

Succulents

If a succulent is planted in the ground outside, it should be set in an area that receives six hours of sunlight each day and has the ability to drain off excess water.

If a succulent is planted in a plant container, the container should have drainage holes in its bottom.

Propagation Methods

Succulents are typically very easy to propagate. Propagation should always be done at the end of the plant’s dormant season or at the very beginning of its growing season so it has the best chance of survival. There are several different methods that can be used to grow new succulent plants. The methods are:

Leaf Cuttings

This process works well with succulents that have thick and fleshy leaves, such as Echeveria. The steps for propagating a new succulent via leaf cuttings are:

  1. Use a sterile cutting utensil to remove a healthy leaf from the base of the mother plant.
  2. Allow the leaf to callous for a few days.
  3. Select a plant container that has good drainage and fill it with succulent potting mix.
  4. Set the leaf on top of the potting mix.
  5. Spray the soil with a water bottle so that it is moist.
  6. Place the plant container in an area that receives bright but indirect sunlight.
  7. Keep the soil moist until the leaf has established a root system, then care for it as a mature succulent.

Offsets

Many types of succulents produce offsets or “pups” around their bases. These are baby succulents that can either be left to grow alongside their parent plant or removed and grown elsewhere. The steps for propagating a succulent via offsets are:

  1. Gently brush the topsoil from around the plant’s roots so that the root system is visible.
  2. Gently pull the offset from the parent plant or, if the plants are connected with a stem, use a sterile cutting utensil to separate the plants.
  3. Brush the soil from the root system of the offset.
  4. Allow the offset to callous for a few days.
  5. Select a plant container that has good drainage and fill it with succulent potting mix.
  6. Set the offset into a shallow hole dug out of the potting mix.
  7. Water the soil.
  8. Place the plant container in an area that receives bright but indirect sunlight.
  9. Care for it as a mature succulent.

Seeds

This is a very slow and time-consuming method, but it can be very rewarding to grow a plant from the ground up. The steps for doing this are:

  1. Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2) or harvest seeds from a succulent that has finished flowering.
  2. Select a plant container that has good drainage and fill it with succulent potting soil mix.
  3. Allow the seeds to soak in warm water for up to 30 minutes.
  4. Set the seeds on top of the potting soil.
  5. Spread a thin layer of potting soil over the seeds.
  6. Spray the soil with a water bottle so that it is moist.
  7. Place the container in a warm area (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight.
  8. Place a plastic bag over the container to keep in moisture.
  9. Moisten the soil when the top layer is dry.
  10. Once the seeds have germinated and grown a few inches, the plastic bag can be removed and the plants can be treated like mature succulents.

Stem Cuttings

The process for propagating a succulent via stem cuttings is extremely simple. Here are the steps:

  1. Use a sterile cutting utensil to slice a stem from the plant’s rosette.
  2. Allow the stem to callous for a few days.
  3. Select a plant container that has good drainage and fill it with succulent potting mix.
  4. Set the cut end of the stem into the potting mix.
  5. Water the soil.
  6. Place the plant container in an area that receives bright but indirect sunlight.
  7. Water the soil weekly until the stem has established a root system, then care for it as a mature succulent.

Pruning

Succulents can be pruned to improve looks, keep them small and compact, remove damaged parts, or to use for propagation. The method for pruning a succulent is as follows:

  1. Wait until spring
  2. Use a sterile cutting utensil to trim off unwanted parts of the plant
  3. Or, use a pair of tweezers to gently pull of leaves or stems (certain types of succulents will fare better with this method)

Soil

Succulents require well-draining and well-aerated soil. Look for soil that contains these ingredients:

  • Compost
  • Coco coir
  • Pumice
  • Perlite

These four ingredients work with regular potting soil to create drainage and aeration that the root rot susceptible succulents require. Bonsai Jack makes some of the best soil for cactus and succulents on the market.

Note: It can be helpful to mix some diatomaceous earth with the soil to help avert potential pest infestations.

Stressing

Some types of succulents can actually improve their looks with a little healthy stress. When these succulents are put under more direct sunlight or given less water, their leaves will turn beautiful colors without damaging the plant. Here are the steps for stressing a plant:

  1. Decide if the plant is a candidate for stress. Plants that are tipped with red or are margined should be perfect candidates.
  2. Move the plant to a sunnier spot.
  3. Give the plant a little less water.
  4. Monitor the plant to ensure that healthy stress doesn’t cause the plant to suffer. If the plant begins to wrinkle or turn a beige-green color, then it should be moved to a shadier spot and given more water.

Not all succulents take to healthy stressing but these are a few popular varieties that do:

Temperature

Most types of succulents prefer warm and arid temperatures that range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There are a few outliers that can withstand colder temperatures. These are:

Water

Watering succulent

Succulents are particular about moisture. Since their natural habitat is typically desert or Mediterranean climates, they should not be overwatered or allowed to sit outside in a rainstorm. They should only be watered when the top inch of its soil is dry. It should always be watered in the soak and dry method. The steps for this method are:

  1. Test the moisture level of the plant’s soil. If the top two inches of its soil is dry, it can be watered. If the top two inches of its soil is moist, it does need to be watered.
  2. Fill a sink or tray with water.
  3. Set the plant container (one that has drainage holes in its bottom) into the water.
  4. Let the plant soak for 15 minutes in the water.
  5. Remove the plant from the water and set it in a place where excess water can drain from the container’s drainage holes.
  6. Repeat only when necessary.

Best Succulent for Beginners

Succulents are advertised as the best plant for beginner gardeners, but is there one succulent variety that stands out for its simplicity? Yes, that would be Echeveria. The benefits of growing one of these types of succulents are numerous. Here are just a few:

  • They are compact (no bigger than 12 inches in diameter)
  • Some varieties can turn colors under healthy stressors
  • They can be neglected and still thrive
  • They are very easy to propagate

Best Succulent for Indoor Spaces

Succulents are all amazing plants to keep indoors. Most varieties do great as houseplants, but there is one particular succulent that outshines the rest as the best indoor succulent. That would be the Snake Plant. Here are a few reasons why:

  • It can grow in almost any type of light
  • It can be neglected for weeks and it will still look great
  • It has air-purifying qualities

FAQs

Question: What are the Symptoms of Poisoning from a Succulent?

Answer: The symptoms of poisoning from ingesting a succulent include but are not limited to the following:
Changes in heart rate
Collapse
Diarrhea
Dilated pupils
Dizziness
Drooling Sluggishness
Headache
Nausea
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
If someone has consumed a part of a toxic succulent, contact a medical professional or poison control.
Poison Control Center
Animal Poison Control
Ask a Poison Control Vet

Question: Which Succulents are Not Toxic?

Answer: Some of the most common types of succulents are also non-toxic varieties. Non-toxic varieties include but are not limited to the following:
Blue Echeveria
Burro’s Tail
Mexican Snowballs
Sempervivum ‘Ruby Heart’
Zebra Haworthia

Conclusion

Succulents are a wonderful option for gardens. They offer a wide variety of colors and appearances but are all generally very easy to care for. This is why they are absolutely perfect for beginner gardeners, busy gardeners, or anyone who loves plants.

Research Citations

Balcony Garden Web

Debra Lee Baldwin

Garden Design

Leaf and Clay

Planet Natural

Plant Care Today

Sublime Succulents

Succulent Alley

Succulent City

Succulent Plant

Succulents and Sunshine

Succulents Box

The Planted Party

The Spruce

Wikipedia

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