Succulents are the perfect plants for beginners. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to diversify your collection or a newbie just getting started, these seven succulent varieties are easy to care for and make a stunning addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.
1. Burro’s Tail
Burro’s Tail, also known as Sedum morganianum, is a trailing succulent perfect for hanging baskets or pots on high shelves. Its long, trailing stems are covered in plump, teardrop-shaped leaves that can grow up to 24 inches long. This succulent is not only beautiful but also resilient, requiring minimal watering and thriving in bright, indirect sunlight.
2. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is known for its beautiful, segmented stems and vibrant flowers that bloom around the holiday season. Unlike many cacti, it lacks sharp spines, making it an ideal houseplant. The flat, fleshy stems can grow up to two feet long and drape elegantly over the edges of pots, earning it the moniker “crab claw cactus.”
3. Hens-and-Chicks
Hens-and-Chicks are two closely related succulent plants that appear distinct but share similar care requirements. The “hen” is the main plant, while the “chicks” are the smaller, offset plants that cluster around it. They’re perfect for rock gardens and can survive in a variety of conditions, making them excellent for beginners.
4. Jade Plant
The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a perennial favorite among succulent enthusiasts due to its ease of care and striking appearance. This robust South African native features thick, glossy green leaves with reddish edges and can grow into a miniature tree. It thrives in full sunlight and requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance choice for indoor gardens.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well-known for its medicinal properties, but it’s also a fantastic low-maintenance succulent. Its long, fleshy leaves are filled with a soothing gel that’s great for treating minor cuts and burns. Aloe Vera grows best in bright, indirect sunlight and needs little water, making it a perfect plant for busy beginners.
6. Panda Plant
The Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) is a unique succulent with fuzzy, gray-green leaves edged in brown. Native to Madagascar, this plant is a conversation starter due to its unusual appearance. It’s easy to care for, needing only occasional watering and plenty of indirect sunlight, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners.
7. Ponytail Palm
Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is not a true palm. This succulent features a bulbous base that stores water and a tuft of long, arching leaves at the top. It’s slow-growing and can reach heights of up to 20 feet, but it remains manageable indoors. The Ponytail Palm thrives in bright light and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for those new to plant care.