The hardest part about growing and gardening succulents is that there are thousands of varieties and each has its own unique needs and characteristics. Fortunately, those thousands of varieties can fit pretty neatly into 15 major categories. For the most part, the plants within a category are all similar enough to make it easier.
Start identifying your succulents by checking out the major succulent types with pictures to make it easier. The only thing easier than using a picture is using the card your succulent came with from the store. But not everybody is able to keep those little plastic cards.
In This Article
Aeonium
| Appearance | Rosette shaped (loose rosette) Glossy, waxy leaves |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun to Part shade |
| Soil Requirement | Sandy, loamy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, once |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Native environment | Africa |
| Propagation | Offsets, Cuttings |
Aeonium includes roughly 35 different species of succulents that vary in their colors and sizes. All form a looser rosette shape and have glossy leaves. This group is particularly slow growing and they can take up to five years to flower. When they do flower, the flowers are not particularly stunning and the plant dies shortly after blooming since the Aeonium is monocarpic.
As a native to Africa, the Aeonium prefers a temperate climate similar to inside your home. It does need full sun, with at least 5-8 hours of sun per day, but it can tolerate periods of part shade. Unlike many succulents, the Aeonium is dormant in the summer.
Agave
| Appearance | Rosette pattern Large, strong leaves |
| Sun Requirement | Full, direct sunlight |
| Soil Requirement | Sandy |
| Flowers | Yes, once |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Americas |
| Propagation | Rhizomes (offsets) |
The Agave plant is native to the Americas and it has been an important source of food to many cultures throughout civilization in these areas. It will flower once in its lifetime and that can take several years to decades to happen because it is an incredibly slow growing plant.
Agave spreads and propagates mostly through rhizomes underground. These rhizomes form a new plant, so in a way it propagates via offsets. You can recognize an Agave plant by is large, strong leaves that have spiny edges. These plants can grow taller than a human if they’re old enough.
The Agave plant prefers sandy soil and full, direct sunlight. It does go dormant in winter but it is not frost resistant and should not be grown in cold climates. Because of the size of the Agave plant, it is not recommended as an indoor plant.
Aloe
| Appearance | Soft, thick leaves radiating from a central stem Bright green color |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun, limited direct sun |
| Soil Requirement | sandy, loamy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Africa |
| Propagation | Offsets |
Aloe plants are some of the most popular houseplants. They are some of the few succulent types that can take somewhat richer soil and, if necessary, can be planted in regular potting mix with sand or perlite added. Of course, they will do better in a cactus or succulent mix.
The best place for an Aloe plant is one where it will receive a lot of sunlight but very little direct sun. A dappled location beneath a tree or a southern window in an office are perfect for the Aloe. If they get too much direct sun, these plants can easily sunburn. Make sure to rotate your Aloe if it is kept indoors so all sides of the plant receive light.
The Aloe does need to be kept from freezing, however the cooler temperatures in winter will help it to go dormant so that it will bloom the following summer. Aloes are almost exclusively propagated from offsets.
Crassula
| Appearance | Central stem with leaves radiating off |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun to Part shade |
| Soil Requirement | Loamy but well-drained |
| Flowers | Yes, in spring and summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Africa |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Crassula includes about 350 species of succulents that all grow in a similar pattern. Crassula species tend to have leaves coming off a central stem in a radial pattern that creates a long trail of leaves. Some grow upright while others hang down.
These plants are slow growers and they take a while to get large. They are toxic to pets if eaten. If you have a curious pet, make sure to keep them out of reach and keep an eye out for chew marks and digestive issues.
The Crassula group of succulents appreciates full sun and a lot of bright light to maintain good color. However, it does need to be kept out of direct sun and kept cool. If they get too hot, they will start to drop leaves.
Echeveria
| Appearance | Rosette shape Spoon shaped, fleshy leaves |
| Sun Requirement | Full, direct sun |
| Soil Requirement | Well-drained |
| Flowers | Yes, in summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Central and South America |
| Propagation | Offsets, leaves, and cuttings |
Echeveria is one of the most common succulents you will find in home improvement stores and garden centers for sale as indoor plants. If you do grow them indoors, make sure they get at least six hours of sun per day. They can tolerate direct sunlight other than in the afternoon. Direct afternoon sunlight can cause them to sunburn.
These are some of the easiest succulents to grow because should not need fertilizing or repotting and they can survive droughts if you forget to water for a few weeks. If you do see any shriveled leaves, you are probably underwatering them. But it is best to underwater rather than overwater and cause root rot.
The Echeveria succulents do not appreciate cold temperatures so if you put them outside in summer, make sure to bring them in during the fall and winter. They also do not do well in moist environments so don’t keep them in your bathroom or laundry area.
Euphorbia
| Appearance | Varied |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Requirement | Sandy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in spring and summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Tropics worldwide |
| Propagation | Cuttings, leaves |
Euphorbia is a massive group of plants that has roughly 2,000 species in in, of which about 1,200 are succulents. The genus includes not only succulents but numerous other annuals and perennials. This wide range means that the appearance is highly variable as well as the sun requirements.
Most of the Euphorbia plants, especially the succulents, require full sun but some can tolerate part shade environments. As tropical plants Euphorbia succulents prefer warm environments around 80 degrees. In the summer, they will be happier outside your home than in it.
Fertilize once in the spring with a succulent fertilizer or one that is diluted to about 1/4 its working rate. Other than that, these plants require almost no attention. Most of the succulents are toxic to humans and pets if eaten so keep out of reach of any kids, cats, or dogs.
Gasteria
| Appearance | Fleshy, long leaves around a central stalk |
| Sun Requirement | Full to partial, indirect sun |
| Soil Requirement | Sandy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in winter and spring |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Native environment | Africa |
| Propagation | Offsets and cuttings |
Gasteria is a genus of succulents that includes several members. Most have fleshy and long leaves that radiate out from a central stalk and flower in the winter or springtime. These succulents are slow growing and will always have a compact growth pattern.
Plant your Gasteria plants in sandy soil so that it drains well. It is important that the plant has time to dry out between waterings and it is vital that water doesn’t sit on the leaves. Both will lead quickly to root rot.
Most Gasteria succulents prefer warm temperatures but they can tolerate down to about 50 degrees. They cannot tolerate frost so if you are growing them in a colder climate, bring them inside for winter. If you feel the need, you can fertilize lightly once in the spring but no more.
Graptopetalum
| Appearance | Rosettes patterns Less organized than other rosette succulents |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun |
| Soil Requirement | Sandy, loamy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in spring |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Native environment | Americas |
| Propagation | Leaves, Cuttings |
Graptopetalum succulents are also known as leather petal for the unusual texture of their leaf surface. These plants stand out from other rosette succulents because their overall structure is less organized and their leaves are more diamond profiled with gem-cut type edging.
These plants require full sun to grow their best but they can take partial sun for short periods. They do not like direct sunlight and actually do their best growing in cooler temperatures. Many have a sort of dusty covering on their leaves that protects them from sunburn.
The Graptopetalum plants don’t need a lot of attention. You can fertilize them once in fall with a diluted fertilizer and water every few weeks. If you see shriveled leaves, your plant isn’t being watered enough. Other than that, don’t worry about it. These plants are non-toxic to pets and people so they’re okay to grow indoors or outdoors.
Haworthia
| Appearance | Thick radiating leaves often with white spots |
| Sun Requirement | Partial sun |
| Soil Requirement | Sandy, rocky soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in fall |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Africa |
| Propagation | Offsets |
Haworthia is a fabulous group of succulents for first time growers. They require sun but it can be full sun or partial sun. They don’t do well with direct sunlight so you don’t need to be as picky about where to put them. They can’t tolerate cold but they do just fine between about 50 degrees and 90 degrees.
These plants are stunning to look at with bright green leaves that come complete with rough white bumps, dots, stripes, and variegations. If you do notice leaves turning white, red, or yellow, the plant is sunburned and needs to be moved to a more sheltered location.
The Haworthia plants are slow growing but if you feel the need to fertilize them, do so once in spring with diluted fertilizer. When you do water them, make sure water doesn’t sit on the leaves and only water them when the soil has had time to dry out. Their ease of keeping and their beauty combined with their non-toxic nature makes them perfect indoor plants.
Kalanchoe
| Appearance | Frilly edges on the leaves, lots of flowers |
| Sun Requirement | Full, indirect sun |
| Soil Requirement | Sandy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in spring |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Africa |
| Propagation | Offsets and cuttings |
Kalanchoe is an incredibly diverse group of succulents that includes 100 species of plants. Most are toxic to humans and pets, but they are so beautiful that many people have them in their homes. They are the most prolific bloomers of the succulents and produce large quantities of blooms in the spring once they reach maturity at between two and five years of age.
The Kalanchoe plants do require several weeks of long “nights” without light to replicate a dormancy for them to bloom well. But they are easy to grow indoors otherwise. The do not tolerate frost, so keep in mind they should be moved inside if you do have them planted outdoors.
These plants are easy growers but somewhat similar in care to other houseplants. They should be repotted in the fall and fertilized in the spring. Each time you repot, size up the pot or propagate the mother plant. These plants do not like to be root bound. But Kalanchoe plants are really only mildly susceptible to infestations of mealybugs or spider mites.
Mamillaria
| Appearance | Cylindrical cacti Each areole has needles coming from the top |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun to partial sun |
| Soil Requirement | Well-drained soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Americas |
| Propagation | Cuttings, Offsets |
Mamillaria is one of the oldest groups of cacti known. It includes over 200 species of radially symmetrical and cylindrical cactus. Cacti in this genus have needles that grow from the top of each areole, or bump, on the cactus skin.
Most are not cold hardy and require full sun to thrive. Make sure that they do not get direct sun for very long or they can sunburn. These plants do not like to be repotted and only repot them if necessary. If you do so, repot them in fall or winter when the plant is dormant.
Mamillaria do not require much attention. They don’t appreciate fertilizer but if you can’t help it, apply a diluted fertilizer in the spring. They are susceptible to mealybugs and root rot. Preventing these problems is simple by making sure you don’t overwater them.
Opuntia
| Appearance | Large, flat leaves with small spines |
| Sun Requirement | Full, direct sun |
| Soil Requirement | Rocky, sandy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in spring and summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Americas |
| Propagation | Leaves |
The most common member of the Opuntia group of succulents is the prickly pear cactus but there are 90 species in the group. All of these plants are so good at growing in poor, rocky soil that they are considered a weed in some areas. As long as they have warm summers, Opuntia plants can even tolerate snow and frost.
Opuntia species are native to the Americas and they are an important food source in many cultures. They produce sweet red or purple fruit in the summer just after they flower.
Not only are the fruits edible but the leaves themselves are edible once the spines and skin are removed. They require full and direct sun to thrive but they can tolerate partial sun if necessary.
Sedum
| Appearance | Small leaves in tight groups |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun |
| Soil Requirement | Loamy, sandy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in spring and summer |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Native environment | Tropics worldwide |
| Propagation | Cuttings, offsets |
Sedum is a large genus of plants, over 600 species, that is sometimes referred to as stonecrop. This is because these small-leaved plants grow excellently between rocks and stones in walls and paths. They do not want a lot of attention, just water every few weeks. Do not fertilize sedum as it has adapted to poor living conditions.
Sedums are great for garden pollinators like bees because most of them flower prolifically in the spring and summer. These plants come in two varieties, low-growing spreaders and taller growing clumpers.
Make sure that you plant your Sedum after the threat of frost is passed. Sedums are susceptible to mealybugs, like many succulent varieties. But their lack of spines means that they are also susceptible to being snacked on by slugs, snails, and deer.
Sempervivum
| Appearance | Large, regular rosettes |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun |
| Soil Requirement | Rocky, sandy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, in summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Southern Europe and Mediterranean |
| Propagation | Offsets |
You may hear the large group of succulents officially called Sempervivum as the “houseleek” or the “hen-and-chicks.” This group of over 50 species are prolific in their creation of offsets that makes them spread easily and quickly over time. There are a wide variety of leaf colors available to customize your garden.
These succulents go dormant in winter and they are hardy enough to do just fine in frosty conditions. This cold spell will help them to flower, when they eventually reach maturity. Of course, as monocarpic succulents, the plant itself will die after it blooms. But the offsets will quickly fill in the gap.
Sempervivum will do best in rocky or sandy soil with no fertilizer and water every few weeks. They are originally native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean but they can survive pretty much anywhere that isn’t too wet.
Senecio
| Appearance | Clusters of leaves on long stems |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Requirement | Sandy soil |
| Flowers | Yes, spring and summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Native environment | Africa |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
The Senecio succulents include over 100 species of plants that have some of the most interesting and unexpected appearances in the succulent world. One of the most popular is the Blue Chalkstick. Most have clusters of leaves connected to long stems in varying patterns. However, similar to Euphorbia, the Senecio group includes numerous non-succulent varieties so it’s difficult to generalize.
These plants are toxic to animals so make sure they are kept away from kids and pets. Other than that, Senecio plants are very low maintenance. They are very tolerant to drought and need only one application of diluted fertilizer in the spring, if at all.
Unfortunately, the Senecio group of plants is susceptible to mealybugs. But this is a common problem among succulents. Fortunately, they make up for that by being a diverse and impressive looking group of plants. The variable colors and shapes make these plants some of the most fun to collect.
Conclusion
There are numerous types of succulents and cacti in this world. These succulent types with pictures should help you to identify most of them though probably not all of them.
If you need help, PlantSnap is supposed to be one of the best apps to identify succulent types with pictures. But there’s always more that you can learn about succulents. Look around at some of the other resources to help you.
