Top 15 Succulent Plants for Your Garden and Indoors

Succulents have been growing in popularity as both indoor and outdoor plants due to their low maintenance requirements, unique appearances, and hardy nature.

Published: May 3, 2023.

Here is a list of the top 15 succulent plants, listed alphabetically, along with a brief description and advice for growing them in your garden or indoors.

Aeonium Arboreum

Aeonium arboreum, also known as the Tree Aeonium or Tree Houseleek, is native to the Canary Islands. This succulent has attractive rosettes of fleshy leaves that can be green or dark purple.

For optimal growth, provide Aeonium arboreum with well-draining soil, partial sun, and moderate watering. It can be grown both outdoors in a rock garden or as an indoor container plant.

Agave Attenuata

Agave attenuata, commonly called the Foxtail Agave or Swan's Neck, is native to Mexico. Its unique, curved flower stalk and rosette of blue-green leaves make it a stunning addition to any garden.

Plant Agave attenuata in well-draining soil and provide full sun for best results. Indoors, place it in a bright, sunny spot and water sparingly.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a well-known medicinal plant with thick, fleshy, green leaves. It's native to the Arabian Peninsula and is prized for its soothing gel, which has various applications.

To grow Aloe vera outdoors, ensure it has well-draining soil and partial to full sunlight. Indoors, place it in a bright location and water sparingly.

Crassula Ovata

Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant, Lucky Plant, or Money Plant, is native to South Africa. With its thick, glossy green leaves, it makes a beautiful addition to any indoor or outdoor space.

Plant it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water moderately and protect it from frost when grown outdoors.

Echeveria Elegans

Echeveria elegans, or the Mexican Snowball, is native to Mexico and is characterized by its blue-green, rounded leaves that form symmetrical rosettes.

Plant it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to light shade. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Echeveria elegans can be grown both outdoors in a rock garden or indoors as a container plant.

Graptopetalum Paraguayense

Graptopetalum paraguayense, commonly known as Ghost Plant or Mother of Pearl Plant, is native to Mexico. Its silvery, opalescent leaves form attractive rosettes.

Grow it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It can be grown both outdoors in rock gardens or indoors in containers.

Haworthia Attenuata

Haworthia attenuata, also known as the Zebra Plant, is native to South Africa. Its dark green leaves are adorned with white horizontal stripes.

Plant it in well-draining soil and provide bright, indirect light. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It makes an excellent indoor plant or can be grown outdoors in a sheltered location.

Kalanchoe Tomentosa

Kalanchoe tomentosa, commonly called the Panda Plant or Teddy Bear Plant, is native to Madagascar. Its fuzzy, silvery-green leaves have dark brown tips, giving it a unique appearance.

Grow it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Kalanchoe tomentosa is suitable for both outdoor rock gardens and indoor container gardening.

Lithops spp.

Lithops, also known as Living Stones or Pebble Plants, are native to southern Africa. These small, intriguing plants resemble stones or pebbles, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

Plant Lithops in well-draining, sandy soil and provide bright, indirect light. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. They make excellent indoor plants or can be grown outdoors in warm, dry climates.

Pachyphytum Oviferum

Pachyphytum oviferum, commonly known as the Moonstones or Sugaralmond Plant, is native to Mexico. Its plump, round leaves range in color from pale blue-green to pinkish-purple.

Grow it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to light shade. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It can be grown both outdoors in a rock garden or indoors as a container plant.

Portulacaria Afra

Portulacaria afra, also known as Elephant Bush or Dwarf Jade Plant, is native to South Africa. With its small, fleshy leaves and reddish-brown stems, it makes an attractive addition to any space.

Plant it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It can be grown both outdoors and indoors as a container plant.

Sedum Morganianum

Sedum morganianum, commonly called the Burro's Tail or Donkey's Tail, is native to Mexico. Its trailing stems, covered in plump, blue-green leaves, make it an ideal choice for hanging baskets.

Grow it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It can be grown both outdoors in mild climates and indoors as a container plant.

Sempervivum Tectorum

Sempervivum tectorum, commonly known as the Houseleek or Hen and Chicks, is native to Europe and Asia. Its attractive rosettes of fleshy leaves multiply quickly, forming dense clusters.

Plant it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to light shade. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It can be grown both outdoors in rock gardens or indoors as a container plant.

Senecio Rowleyanus

Senecio rowleyanus, also known as the String of Pearls or String of Beads, is native to southwest Africa. Its unique, round leaves resemble a string of green pearls, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets.

Grow it in well-draining soil and provide bright, indirect light. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It is best suited for indoor container gardening or sheltered outdoor locations.

Stapelia Gigantea

Stapelia gigantea, also known as the Carrion Flower or Starfish Flower, is native to South Africa. Its unique, star-shaped flowers have a distinct, unpleasant odor that attracts pollinating insects.

Grow it in well-draining soil and provide full sun to partial shade. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. It can be grown both outdoors in warm climates and indoors as a container plant.

These top 15 succulent plants offer a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and colors for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

As one can see, most succulents don't like too much water, don't like too cold weather, and don't like too fertilized soil, making them ideal for both newbies and experienced gardeners.