Succulent plants guide: types of succulent plants and care tips

What are succulent plants?

Succulents are a group of plants that are known for storing water in their leaves. This usually makes their leaves thick, fleshy and robust. It’s also why they don’t need watering as much as other plants. What they do need though, is a dry climate with little humidity to really thrive.

Types of succulent plants

When starting on a plant journey, many people mistake succulents for cacti. But, it’s important to remember that while all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are cacti. Below are some of our favourite types of succulent plants.

Indoor succulent plants

Succulents make great indoor houseplants and are ideal for beginners or those with a packed schedule. Not only will they brighten up your home but many indoor succulents are air-purifying too.

Snake plant

The indestructible snake plant is definitely a favourite with succulent lovers. Their tall green leaves and pale, patterned markings make them very eye-catching. And caring for a snake plant is super easy because they’re so forgiving. Forgot to water it for a few weeks? Left it in a spot that’s too shady? No worries - they can take it and will bounce back in no time.

Chinese money plant

Bring some extra luck and fortune to your home with the Chinese money plant. Its small and distinct shape makes it a real statement in any room. And, it's really easy to look after too. All it really needs is a sunny spot. Read our Chinese money plant care guide for everything you need to know on how to look after his little beauty.

Raven plant

In need of a home office desk buddy? The raven plant - or ZZ plant, as it’s also known - if for you. It’s a dream to look after as it loves a shady spot and doesn’t need watering often. It even has air-purifying superpowers too. Find out how to care for your ZZ plant properly so it can thrive.

Aloe vera

With its spiky, green-grey leaves and healing powers, aloe vera has become one of the popular indoor succulents to keep around. For thousands of years, it’s been used to treat scrapes and burns. In fact, some people even keep them so they can break off the leaves and smear the gel on sunburnt skin. Practical and pretty, this plant does so much. !

Sansevieria cylindrica

The Sansevieria cylindrica plant is like the cousin of the snake plant. They’re very similar but this variety has smooth, round, spear-shaped leaves instead. This plant loves a sunny spot and doesn’t need much water to feel happy. Treat it right and you’ll be rewarded with lots of new shoots for years and years.

Outdoor succulent plants

As many of them are sun-seekers, it should be no surprise that lots are perfect for the outdoors too. They’re one of the toughest plants around! So, if you want to add more green to your garden or terrace, these succulents will do the trick.

Aeonium

Looking for something a little different? Go for some aeoniums! With their striking dark burgundy colour, they’re great for adding some contrast to your garden. But, in the winter they also produce little yellow flowers. They prefer full sun which is why they’re ideal for gardens and like to grow together in groups.

Chalk liveforever

Chalk liveforever plants also love basking in full sunlight and thrive when planted in and around rocks. You’ll usually find a dusty, chalky wax on their wide, flat leaves and on any flowers they produce. Don’t worry though, this is completely normal and actually the reason behind their name! Super low maintenance and drought tolerant, this succulent is pretty hard to kill.

Sedum

Sedums are super beautiful succulents that grow colourful, star-shaped flowers in little clusters. Ranging from white to pink to sunny yellow, they’ll never fail to brighten up your garden and make a statement. They’re very happy in the sun and grow well in rock gardens or smaller areas. Sedums will definitely be the talk of your garden.

Echeveria

Echeverias are some of the most popular types of outdoor succulents because they’re hardy, evergreen and easy to look after. And they’re lovely to look at too! Known for creating intricate rosettes in a variety of colours, this small plant can really make an impact. As an outdoor succulent, they love the sun but also need a bit of shade in the afternoons too so they don’t burn.

Agave

If you have a lot of space in your garden that you’re trying to fill, then we’d recommend getting an agave. Did you know they can grow to be 14 feet or more? Their long, spiky leaves will help give your garden a dramatic look. And they can survive very well in the strong summer heat so you won’t have to worry about them at all.

Hanging succulent plants

We love the look of hanging succulent plants. They’re great for adding something a little extra special to your home decor. And, if you’ve got so many plants that you’re running out of floor space, hanging them from the ceiling gives you loads more opportunities! Below are some of our favourite hanging succulents.

String of pearls

It’s easy to see how this plant got its name. Their small, spherical leaves are really unique and are about the same size as pearls. And with their striking appearance, they’re perfect for those wanting to add something a little quirky to their home. And like so many other succulents, they’re easy to look after too. The biggest thing to remember is they need a well-draining pot and soil.

Burro’s tail

The show-stopping Burro’s tail succulent is well-known for its thick, teardrop-shaped leaves that drape over the edge of its pot. This bright green succulent can grow as long as two feet without any trouble. Ideally, they want to be in a sunny spot and only watered once every few weeks. But, be careful as the stems can get heavy. So make sure you don’t knock into it or all the leaves will fall!

Ruby necklace

Ruby’s necklace succulent is made up of amazing red stems with green leaves. And, if you’re lucky, they’ll even produce some bright yellow flowers too. This plant is the perfect all-rounder. But it grows really fast, so make sure you put it somewhere with plenty of space for it to spread out.

String of hearts

String of hearts is a must-have trailing succulent plant for any and all plant lovers. You might’ve guessed from the name that it produces a bunch of pretty, green heart-shaped leaves that drape over the sides. It’s definitely a very elegant looking plant. And we think it would look great hanging from a top shelf or next to a plain wall so it can really stand out.

Elephant bush

Elephant’s bush succulents are one tough plant that loves to sprawl out and spread their glossy green leaves. And it got its nickname by being an elephant’s favourite food.. They love a bit of sunlight so placing them near a window would be perfect.

How to care for succulent plants

Caring for succulent plants couldn’t be easier. They’re one of the least fussy plants around! If you tend to neglect your plants or are just a bit forgetful, succulents will be perfect for you. Here are some of our general, top tips to keep your succulents as happy as possible.

Little water is needed

As succulents retain water in their leaves they hardly ever need a new drink. In the summer, we’d recommend watering them every two weeks. In the winter, you can easily get away with watering them just once a month. Just make sure the top two inches of the soil are dry before watering them as one of the biggest killers of succulents is root rot.

Sunny spots are best

While some succulents can survive perfectly well in shade, they do generally prefer a sunnier spot. Really, they should be getting around 6 hours of sunlight a day. So, putting them near a window or in a room that gets lots of natural light will be best. And it’ll help them grow quicker too.

Well-draining soil is essential

Succulents need soil that can drain the water quickly and easily. If they’re left to sit in wet soil for too long they’ll get sad. Regular potting soil or just soil from your garden won’t do. Instead, get some cactus soil from your local garden centre or mix regular potting soil with sand, pumice or perlite.

Mild and warmer temperatures are ideal

When it comes to temperatures succulents aren’t too fussed. Most prefer it to be around 15-25 degrees but they can handle anything over and under that too. The only thing succulents struggle with is frost which can cause damage to their leaves and roots. For more tips and advice, read our complete indoor plant care guide where our experts tell you all you need to know. Want to add even more plants to your collection? Or thinking of surprising someone with a new plant friend? Click here to find out the best indoor plants for the home.