55 Types of Succulents With Names and Pictures

Succulents are some of the most commonly owned houseplants because they’re generally resilient and low-maintenance. Succulents are extremely versatile. Many succulents can grow in low light conditions, or in rooms with plenty of bright light. They are perfect for beginners due to their tolerance of neglect.

So, if you are just beginning your houseplant collection, or have a self-labeled “black thumb” because plants don’t grow well in your care, a succulent may be the perfect match! If you live in a warm enough area, certain types of succulents can also thrive outdoors!

In this article, you’ll learn a bit about each of our favorite succulents, along with their names, and pictures of each. Let’s jump in!

Afrikaans

Afrikaans succulents are adorable plants with broad but flat leaves that grow upward and bend over slightly. In the center, a medium-sized flower will bloom during particular times of the year. The flower is typically white or yellow.

The leaves also sometimes grow up and then split out, making a sort of peace sign. It enjoys full sun but will grow in partial shade. But the key to caring for the Afrikaans succulent is to keep it dry, as it needs very little water and can easily drown.

Agave

Agave is a well-known type of succulent with various colors and forms, depending on the species. Agave plants love the heat, so keep them in a warm and sunny spot where they’ll thrive.

They have pointed leaves, so be careful not to stab yourself when admiring them. The leaves form large and symmetrical rosettes that offer a lovely and bold appearance.

Aloe

Aloe (usually the species Aloe vera) is best known as a soothing treatment for sunburns and some rashes. The inside of the leaves has a jelly-like substance that offers natural cooling effects. It’s also a beautiful bright green plant to keep in your home.

With the right drainage and plenty of sun, Aloe can grow to several feet in height, but most stay pretty small when grown indoors. Make sure not to overwater it, as it loves a dry climate.

Ant Plant

The ant plant is another succulent that most people don’t think is a succulent because of the thin leaves. This succulent doesn’t store as much water as others, so it does need a bit more attention, but still pretty resilient.

The leaves and branches grow long and thin and then droop downward, so many people plant them in hanging pots. It has an enchanting appearance, like something from a secret garden.

Astridia

Astridia is one of the more finicky succulents, so if you were looking for a super easy plant to care for, this is not it. But worth it if you take the time and effort. This succulent grows small daisy-like flowers out of the cactus-like leaves.

So you get the best of both worlds, the delicate and dainty look of flowers with the resilience and sturdiness of a cactus plant. But the small cactus leaves alone are beautiful.

Astroworthia

Astroworthia is a lesser-known succulent with beautiful green and red, chunky leaves that climb up the stem. They have spiky leaves with defensive notches to deter predators.

When they mature, they become a lovely shade of pink or red that can be very attractive in your home or garden. They typically don’t grow very tall, so they’re ideal for along a pathway or in pots. Just make sure they get plenty of sun, as they do not do well in shade.

Avonia

Avonia is known as a tough succulent to grow and care for, but easier than many people think. It just needs a dry and warm climate. However, many people find the appearance to be slightly off-putting.

People sometimes liken the leaves to worms coming out of the dirt. But it’s an interesting plant in its own right, as not many other types of succulents take on this unusual leaf shape.

Babies’ Toes

This succulent has an accurate common name, as the leaves and stems grow fat and short and look just like babies’ toes! The leaves grow to a maximum of six inches, so they look like thick blades of grass.

They’re relatively easy to take care of but do not do well in the shade or the cold. They must live indoors if you live in a zone lower than 9. And they will die rather quickly if kept out of the sun.

Braunsia

Braunsia leaves have a triangular and chunky appearance. They also produce lovely little purple blossoms that will add a pop of color to your garden or home.

But even without the little flowers, the thick leaves drape over the pots or on the ground. The plant looks like a cross between ivy and a cactus. For gardeners who love exotic and unusual succulents, this is a great one to add to your collection.

Bunny Succulent

The bunny succulent is a gorgeous plant that grows very slowly. They start super small, and it can take years for them to reach their full size. But this little succulent is super persistent, so it can survive droughts, frosts, darkness, and more and still grow year after year.

Chandelier Plant

The chandelier plant is another succulent that doesn’t look like a succulent. It has thin, shiny leaves, and this succulent grows tiny flowers in many colors, from red to pink to white to yellow.

While these succulents love the heat, they don’t love too much sunlight, so filtered light is the best way to avoid burning the leaves.

Chinese Dunce Cap

This succulent has a dainty and ethereal appearance. It’s green but has a soft white hue overlapping the green to make it look like an icy and elegant plant.

The leaves are thick and circular, overlapping in concentric circles to make a cactus blossom. But the center of each blossom is shaped like a dunce cap, hence the silly name. These will thrive in colder environments compared to many other succulents.

Chinese Jade

This tiny type of succulent is known as Chinese jade because of its origins and soft green color. They grow in spiky spheres on top of one another and look like a pile of sea urchins with chunky spikes instead of slender needles.

While some can have a soft jade color, many mature into a deep forest green color, and some even get so dark they look black.

Chiovenda

The Chiovenda succulent is one funky-looking plant. The scientific name pseudo-lithos translates to fake stone. They look like weird pebbles with bumps and deformities all over them.

Sometimes it will sprout red star-shaped flowers in a cluster on top of the base of the plant. They’re incredibly resilient and will put up with some of the harshest climates, but they hate the cold.

Concrete Leaf

Also called the Sheep’s Tongue or the Carpet Leaf, this succulent has rough leaves that look like concrete, but aren’t as hard if you touch them. The chunky wavy leaves are usually a bluish-green or light gray color, and during certain times of the year, small yellow flowers will sprout out of the mats.

Their natural look is strange, and many people assume they’re dying, but the odd gray appearance is just how they look! They’re pretty resilient, but they do need hot weather and sun.

Coral Plant

Unlike most types of succulents, the coral plant appreciates a bit of cool weather and even shade from time to time. Experts recommend keeping it in full sun during the winter and then moving it to partial shade for the summer.

As far as succulents go, this one does require a bit more attention but is still low maintenance. The plant grows low in small but thick sprouts of green leaves. It’s one of the less impressive-looking succulents, but it’s resilient.

Deltoid-leaved Dew Plant

This succulent is interesting because it thrives in rather damp and rocky places. It absorbs a great deal of water from the air rather than from its roots, meaning it can be displaced and repotted or replanted with ease. It’s a tough plant and will put up with a lot.

This succulent looks like a bushy flowering plant from far away, and it’s only when you get closer you’ll notice the chunky leaves and branches typical of a cactus.

Fairy Elephant’s Feet

Fairy elephant’s feet is another adorable succulent with chunky cactus leaves but will surprise you with a colorful purple or pink flower that blooms every once in a while.

The leaves look similar to the babies’ toes succulent, but the plant is more exciting, thanks to the flowers. The club-shaped leaves make for an interesting addition to your plant collection and are simple to take care of, just plenty of sun, like most types of succulents.

Hens and Chicks

This variety of hens and chicks is also called the Mexican snowball, Mexican gem, or white Mexican rose. It almost looks like an artichoke with more plump leaves and a lighter shade of green, similar to the color of jade stones.

The plant has a symmetrical and layered appearance and looks like a rose-shaped small cactus when viewed from the top.

Ice Plant

Despite the common name, this succulent does not do well in cold weather and cannot survive a frost if left outside. But other than temperature, they’re a breeze to take care of.

It’s called the ice plant because the green, fat cactus leaves sometimes take on an icy blue color combined with the green undertones. The leaves are also super plump, taking on the shape of ice cubes in more mature plants.

Jade Plant

The Jade plant is one of the more resilient types of succulents, as it can survive and thrive in many different living conditions. In some cases, it can survive a frost, but it does like sunny, warm climates.

This succulent has a simple appearance, making it one of the more common houseplants you’ll see. It’s the most popular succulent of the crassula genus you’ll see displayed in plant collections.

There are small oval leaves that cluster together on branches and grow upward firmly. With the right care, it’ll grow super tall and strong, and start to look like a little tree!

Karoo Rose

The karoo rose is a tiny succulent that won’t grow very large but has a breathtaking appearance. It grows in clumps with thick leaves, so it stores an immense amount of water for the little plant.

They look like small triangular pebbles stuck together, so the plant has a bulky and unusual appearance. You may not even realize it’s a plant until someone tells you! But if well cared for in direct sunlight, it can sometimes sprout a pretty yellow flower in the center of the leaves.

Lampranthus

Lampranthus succulents are gorgeous and rather fascinating. They look like regular flowers from a distance, but when you get up close, you realize the stems and branches are super thick and plump because they’re filled with water.

They can come in a wide array of lovely colors like orange, purple, pink, blue, white, and yellow.

This plant is the perfect crossover for a gardener looking for something bright and colorful that’s super low maintenance. These succulents need lots of sun and warmth and barely any water!

Larryleachia

The Larryleachia succulent has an odd look. They grow in one big lump and look like a small wrinkly watermelon with small red stars on top. The red stars are the flower blossoms, which look like thin starfish with a hold in the middle.

If you want an exotic and slightly strange type of succulent to add to your collection, this is a rare find. It’ll catch the attention of friends and neighbors, and once planted in a warm place, thrive with practically no maintenance.

Lifesaver Plant

The lifesaver plant is one of the weirdest types of succulents, as it has a wide, red ring inside the tubular leaves, making it look a little ominous but still fascinating. Many people that enjoy rare or exotic plants like to add this to their collection.

And it is a resilient plant as long as it avoids frost. But it can even survive with just a few hours of sunlight every day in dry or damp climates. But like most types of succulents, it prefers warm, dry, and sunny spots.

Little Jewel

The little jewel succulent, sometimes called the jeweled crown, grows in lovely rosettes that are very elegant and simple. They are typically a mint or pea green with lots of chunky cactus leaves that grow out and up from the roots.

The edges can take on a pink hue, and in some cases, the entire plant can become a pinkish-red color for an interesting look. This plant is one of the most popular succulents people keep because they’re common, but they require plenty of warmth.

Liveforever

As the name suggests, this succulent is super hardy and will ‘live forever’. They grow well in many different hardiness zones, making them easy to care for. Some varieties of this succulent have purple tinges to their leaves, giving them a truly unique look.

In nature, they tend to form ground mats of rosettes and can do this in home gardens too. But when grown in pots, they tend not to spread as much. They are small, dense rosettes with pointed edges that could cut you.

Living Stone

The living stone succulent literally looks like a stone, hence the name. These grow super low to the ground in almost perfect spheres, but with a split down the middle, which divides the leaves. They can be a soft gray, light green, or even a muted copper color.

If you’re not careful, you may step on one. But when you plant several together in one pot or plot of dirt, they often make a fun multi-colored appearance that is very aesthetically pleasing.

Lobster Claws

Cheiridopsis is a short succulent that doesn’t grow big or tall but has a subtle and quaint appearance. It almost looks like super fat blades of grass. And while they can grow up to six inches in height, this is uncommon, and they’re typically only about one or two inches tall.

Cheiridopsis are low maintenance, so once they start to grow, you can leave them in the sun to thrive and add some green to your home or garden with little effort.

Macho Mocha

The macho mocha is one of the larger succulents on this list, so if you want a succulent statement this is a great choice. But it’s not the most colorful. Sometimes it takes on a super dark purple hue, but for the most part, it’s a brownish color, hence the name mocha.

It can also be a dark red if grown under certain conditions. They’re hardy plants, so they do well in most conditions and can even survive a frost if they aren’t subjected to the cold for too long.

Monanthes

The monanthes plant is one of the types of succulents with leaves that look like geometric fractals. People love staring at the intricate grooves on the stubby rounded leaves that look too perfect to be natural.

The leaves grow in small clumps, making for a bumpy plant. These grow incredibly slowly, so they aren’t great if you want a new plant quickly.

Navelwort

This succulent also goes by penny-pies or wall pennywort, all of which are pretty funny names. This is one of the more unique succulents, as they cascade down cliff walls and love a damp but shaded environment, but they also appreciate the sun.

The leaves look like lily pads but they have small impressions in the center that make them look like buttons! That’s how they got the nickname navelworts. These can be tough to grow and care for if you live in a dry climate, as they thrive in high humidity.

Opalina

Opalina is a cute type of succulent that changes to a deep purple color when it matures. It’s a rare hybrid succulent from Echeveria and Graptopetalum plants.

The leaves are sharp tear-drop shapes that start as a mint green color but eventually get pink edges, or in more mature plants, they become a dusty shade of purple.

The leaves are chunky and grow in concentric circles around the thick bud. It stores plenty of water to survive, so it only needs full sun to be happy.

Ox Tongue

The ox tongue succulent has a unique appearance, as the leaves are large and flat with rounded ends that do kind of look like tongues. Rather than growing in all different directions, they grow in line with one another, creating a fanned look.

The leaves are a deep shade of green with light green, yellow, or white spots all over the leaves. They’re one of the more simple succulents as far as appearance, but have something unique to offer your plant collection.

Pepper Elder

This peperomia variety does not do well in the cold, and will perish quickly if the temperature gets too low. It loves a damp and steamy environment, so it thrives in warm and humid places.

It has chunky succulent stems, but the leaves are thin and shiny, typical of a monstera or similar plant. The leaves are often bi-colored, with white or light green edges or stripes over a dark green color.

Pig’s Ear

This species is one of the more stunning types of succulents. It has flat tear-shaped leaves that are a light shade of green, but as it matures, the leaves can turn a pink or red color, which is how it got the common name pig’s ear.

They can grow up straight, but often once they approach a foot or taller, the leaves and branches droop down, making them ideal as a lovely hanging plant in your home.

Plover Eggs

Plover eggs are one of the rarest kinds of succulents, making them sought-after by exotic plant lovers. This plant is slow-growing but worth the wait.

It starts as small fleshy succulent leaves, but as it grows, it becomes more tree-like, and super mature ones can start to look like chunky bonsai trees. The leaves take on an array of powdery colors from green to brown to purple.

Prenia

Prenia plants creep along for more than 2 feet. The gray-green leaves range from narrow and elongated to egg-shaped. Daisy-like flowers blossom from the plant in the summer months in pale pink to white or yellow. They are quite common along roadsides in South Africa.

It grows super fast, so it’s a great succulent to plant and get your gardening confidence up if you’re nervous! Plant it in a container to ensure it does not invade the rest of your garden.

Prince Albert Vygie

The Prince Albert Vygie is one of the most adorable and pretty types of succulents. It grows long, slender leaves, but a daisy-like flower often blooms in the center of two leaves.

The flowers can be white, purple, or pink and will bring a lovely accent of color to your green garden. Unlike other succulents, this plant does well in both dry and wet climates. As long as it gets enough sun, it will grow well.

Purslane

Like most types of succulents, the purslane plant does best in dry and warm climates where it’s directly in the sun. But it’s one of the more showy succulents, with chunky cactus leaves and stems and then colorful and flashy flowers.

While many succulents have one or two flowers, this succulent has many vibrant blossoms, making it one of the most colorful and lively succulents. It’s also one of the few succulents that grow as an annual.

Rabiea

The rabiea succulent has fang-shaped leaves that are chunky with a pointed end. The leaves grow out and then curve upward, almost making a spherical shape. In the middle of the leaves is a teeny-tiny yellow flower during the blooming season, in spring and summer.

They’re a pretty easy plant to take care of for beginners, but they need plenty of sunlight and a dry climate. They won’t do well if you grow them in a humid climate.

Revolute Flower Succulent

This succulent is a long-living perennial that has a star-shaped flower that can be red, purple, or pink. Like many other succulents, the flowers look like tiny starfish.

The succulent leaves grow straight up and they have sharp spikes all over them as a defense tactic. Sometimes the points of the stars don’t fully form, leaving a softer-looking flower with rounded edges.

Ribbon Plant

This succulent is one of the most mesmerizing and fascinating plants. The leaves look like wavy ribbons or tender spirals and grow upward. It looks like something from a Dr. Suess book or magical alien realm.

The plant can be hard to find and care for, but plant collectors who love unusual and striking plants love this one as it’s eye-catching and one of the coolest types of succulents in existence. They also have an unusually long lifespan, so in the right conditions, they could outlive you.

Roselings

Looking at a callisia plant, you may not think it’s a type of succulent because it has small and thin leaves. But this low-growing succulent is super easy to care for and has a trailing habit that can bring life to hanging pots or your home.

The leaves are super tiny and cute, making for a slightly bushy appearance that adds depth and volume to your collection of plants.

Sea Rocket

The sea rocket succulent is a fleshy plant that grows quickly under the right conditions. It has a woody feel as you near the root, but it grows very low to the ground and spreads out rather than reaching up toward the sun.

The leaves grow crowded next to each other, and they’re shaped like tiny pickles, so it’s a super cute plant. Dainty yellow, pink, white, purple, or orange flowers will sprout from this succulent when it’s time for it to bloom.

Snake Plant

The snake plant is a well-known plant, but many don’t know that it is a succulent. It also goes by the name mother-in-law’s tongue. It grows tall and straight up.

The leaves are broad and thin and have the shape of a sword’s blade, hence one of the nicknames. They can grow massive in the right conditions, but most household snake plants grow to be about a foot or so, which is large for a succulent.

Spiderwort

Also known as the inch plant, the spiderwort is a luscious purple color with long slender leaves that don’t always look like a type of succulent.

The leaves can be all purple, like the color of red wine, or they can be striped with purple and a muted green. Plants that get a lot of direct sunlight, which isn’t ideal, may fade to a pinkish color, but this typically means they should be removed from the sun.

Silver Dollar Plant

The silver dollar plant is a popular type of succulent because they’re relatively easy to care for. They got their nickname because of the perfectly circular and fleshy leaves that stand out amongst other plants.

They have thin branches, making the coin-shaped leaves even more noticeable and alluring. They’re a delicate-looking plant but are resilient to imperfect conditions and temperatures. It’s a common houseplant because of how low-maintenance but stylish it is.

Starfish Plant

Also called a carrion flower, the starfish succulent has unique blossoms shaped like stars and has a deep purple color. This succulent is a fun plant to have in your home or yard because it has a distinct and noticeable appearance, even among a sea of other plants.

The branches and stems are often spiky, so they can draw blood if you get too cozy with them. But it can handle an array of elements as long as it has plenty of sunlight.

Stonecrops

Stonecrops do best in moderate temperatures and filtered or indirect sunlight. But they’re a hardy plant that will handle a lot of unpleasantness before dying. It’s a common household succulent among plant lovers.

It has fleshy, powdery branches and leaves that look like the typical image of a cactus, but with more little arms along the stem. People love them for their mint green color and understated appearance.

String of Hearts

Ceropegia is a super fascinating plant in appearance and has an eerie or dark appearance that is perfect for the goth gardener. The leaves are thick and fleshy but have a muted color, so they aren’t as colorful as the bright green types of succulents.

Some people refer to his plant as the string of hearts, but a few plant species have earned that nickname, and most are not succulents. The thin leaves may fool you, but they store plenty of water to take care of themselves. They are quite popular and are easy to propagate.

Tavaresia

This funky tubular plant is one of the most memorable succulents, with trumpet-shaped flowers. The showy flowers often grab people’s attention, but the muted colors make it look like a typical cactus.

The flowers grow from the stems, which are chubby cactus arms that look like skinny bowling pins standing up in the dirt.

Turkish Stonecrop

The origin of this succulent is not fully known because it has popped up in so many different regions, exemplifying how hardy and resilient it is.

If you live in a cold, damp climate, this may be the best succulent for you because it will thrive in zones 5 to 11 and may even survive a frost if you don’t move it indoors soon enough. It has a delightful appearance with many clustered rosettes packed together, so it looks like a cactus bouquet!

Zebra Plant

The zebra cactus enjoys full sun and dry weather, so you will hardly ever have to water this type of succulent. It has a spiky and bold appearance. The edges can pierce your skin if you bump into it too hard, and the spikes can sometimes grow in a fascinating star shape when you look at the plant from above.

Sometimes the cactus leaves can be slender, but other varieties will be super chunky. The leaf size typically depends on how much water the plant is storing. If the look of the zebra plant doesn’t interest you, there are many different types of Haworthia to choose from.

Zulu Giant

This type of succulent is known as the Zulu giant because of the large size of the star-shaped flowers it grows. It is not at all cold-hardy, so only grow it if you know you can keep it warm and happy.

The plant doesn’t grow very high, never more than a foot, but the flower can be up to eight inches in width, typically bigger than someone’s hand.