The 22 Best Succulents to Grow In Your Home or Garden
Here's how to find the plant that's perfect for you.
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Whether you're already a devoted plant parent or you're just starting your collection of greenery, there's no better addition to your home office or windowsill than a beautiful succulent. Succulents are widely beloved not only for their hardiness, but also for their incredible variety - and if you've been on Instagram recently, you know. Take a look at our favorites.
Unsure of where to start, but excited to get going? We love this little starter collection of succulents from the Sill. Get a bit of variety in three, six, or even twelve little planters.
It might look like a palm tree, but the ponytail palm is indeed a succulent. Its standout features include a bulbous trunk and hair-like leaves—hence the name.
Other name: Beaucarnea Recurvat
Genus: Beaucarnea
Family: Asparagaceae
This succulent is commonly known as a "snake plant" or "mother-in-law's tongue" because of the shape and sharpness of the leaves, respectively (make sure you pass that along to your husband's mom!). But don't be too intimidated: The Sansevieria trifasciata is also known as a "bedroom plant" because of its ability to increase oxygen and filter air, leading to more restful sleep.
Other name: Sansevieria Trifasciata, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Viper's Bowstring Hemp
Genus: Sansevieria
Family: Asparagaceae
Covered in fine white hairs, the Senecio haworthii appears "woolly"—but you might not guess that it also produces pretty yellow blooms.
Other names: Senecio Haworthii, Cocoon Plant
Genus: Senecio
Family: Asteraceae (Daisy)
This fleshy succulent is best known for its medicinal uses, and shows up in all kinds of topical ointments. You've probably got a friend or relative who keeps one around to break off the leaves and smears the gel on sunburned or irritated skin whenever necessary.
Other name: Medicinal Aloe
Genus: Aloe
Family: Asphodelaceae
There are hundreds of varieties of Mammillaria, or pincushion cacti. The succulent, naturally, resembles a pincushion, but our favorite detail has to be the tiny, daisy-like flowers.
Type: Mammillaria Grahamii
Genus: Mammillaria (Pincushion Cactus)
Family: Cactaceae (Cactus)
A member of the spiderwort family, this interesting plant is covered in silvery white hairs that appear "cobwebby" or like white velvet.
Other name: Tradescantia Sillamontana, Cobweb Spiderwort, "Pussy Ears"
Genus: Tradescantia
Family: Commelinaceae
Can you believe there's a succulent with such perfectly heart-shaped leaves? This characteristic makes the Hoya a fitting Valentine's Day or anniversary gift.
Other names: Hoya Kerrii, Lucky-Heart, Valentine Plant
Genus: Hoya
Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane)
This has to be our favorite name for a succulent ever. The whimsical trailing stems (like a donkey's tail) make it a natural filler for cascading arrangements, such as in hanging baskets.
Other names: Sedum Morganianum, Donkey's Tail
Genus: Sedum
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)
Echeveria succulents are probably the most recognizable of any genus due to their rosette leaf patterns. The Black Prince species has—you guessed it—dark leaves that are almost black.
Genus: Echeveria
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)
The "hen" part of the name refers to the main plant, while the "chicks" are the offspring buds. How cute is that?
Other names: Sempervivum Tectorum, Jove's Beard
Genus: Sempervivum (Houseleeks)
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)
It's called chalk liveforever because of its powdery wax coating and—you guessed it—they're hard to kill. They thrive in rocks and are drought tolerant and super low-maintenance.
Other name: Dudleya Pulverulenta, Chalk Lettuce, Chalk Dudleya
Genus: Dedleya (Live Forevers)
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)
This fuzzy little guy is easy to spot thanks to its brownish red-speckled tips.
Other names: Kalanchoe Tomentosa, Madagascar Shrub, Pussy Ears, Chocolate Soldier
Genus: Kalanchoe
Family: Crassulaceae
To protect itself from herbivores, this tree-like species native to Madagascar has spines around its symmetrical leaves.
Other names: Alluaudia Procera, African Ocotillo
Genus: Alluaudia
Family: Didiereaceae
If you elect to keep this vibrant succulent around, be careful, and wear gloves when handling it. It's actually a hydrocarbon plant — meaning it contains a toxic milky latex that can be converted into something similar to gasoline, and which burns on touch.
Other name: Euphorbia Tirucallii, Fire Sticks, Pencil Cactus, Milk Bush
Genus: Euphorbia (spurge)
Family: Euphorbiaceae
This bulbous perennial boasts pretty pink flowers (that can bloom all winter long!) and thick, shamrock-like leaves.
Other names: Sorrel, Oxalis Adenophylla
Genus: Oxalidaceae (Oxalis, wood sorrel)
If you're looking for a desk plant, this one is for you. The Peru native is petite, delicate, and easy to maintain.
Other name: Peperomia Ferreyrae
Genus: Peperomia
Family: Piperaceae
Though called a bush, this smooth-leaved succulent can grow up to 20 feet tall. It's a favorite food for elephants, which is how it got its name.
Other names: Portulacaria Afra 'Variegata', Rainbow Bush
Genus: Portulacaria
Family: Portulacaceae
The white stripes of the zebra plants are actually wart-like bumps. Nevertheless, the pattern on these spines make zebra plants very easily recognizable.
Other name: Haworthia Attenuata F. Clariperla
Genus: Haworthia
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
There are two major genera of barrel cactus: Echinocactus and Ferocactus. Ferocactus means "fierce or wild cactus", and Echinocactus is also known as golden barrel cactus or mother-in-law's cushion.
Other name: Echinocactus Grusonii
Genus: Echinocactus and Ferocactus
Family: Cactaceae
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