59 Succulents You Should Grow That Are Perfectly Low-Maintenance

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Selection of Mexican firecracker succulents in a long terracotta pot
Credit: The Spruce / Cielito Vivas

Succulents, a category consisting of over 10,000 types, are primarily known for their low-maintenance nature, although some do require a little more attention. This article spotlights popular succulents suitable as houseplants and outdoor plants, highlighting their easy-care attributes. Indoor succulents thrive in specific potting mixes made for succulents, cacti, palms, palms, and citrus, or a well-draining indoor mix.

For outdoor gardening, you will find guidance on hardiness zones and soil preferences. Generally, these plants benefit from spaced-out watering, pots with adequate drainage, and the right light conditions.

  • 01of 59

    Jade Plant

    A jade plant (Crassula ovata) in a white pot sitting on a white side table with decorative accessories.
    Credit: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    The fleshy, oval leaves and thick, woody stems of this houseplant resemble tiny tree trunks. It grows slowly, about 2 inches per year, but grows between 3 and 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Jade plants are toxic to pets.1

    • Name: Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
    • USDA zone: 11-12
    • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water needs: Moderate

    Growing Tip

    Use grow lights for succulents if your home doesn’t receive enough light.

  • 02of 59

    Silver Dollar Plant

    Crassula plant
    Credit: The Spruce

    This Crassula species is a multi-stemmed indoor shrub growing up to 4 feet tall. It has rounded blue-gray leaves with maroon edges. It is toxic to pets.2

    • Name: Silver dollar plant (Crassula arborescens)
    • USDA zones: 10-12
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 03of 59

    Donkey’s Tail

    Donkey's tail plant in a white pot on a pile of papers
    Credit: The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    With its rows of fleshy, tear-drop-shaped blue-green leaves, this is a good choice for hanging plants indoors. It can reach trailing lengths of up to 4 feet but the average length is around 24 inches.

    • Name: Donkey’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
    • USDA zones: 10-11
    • Light: Full to partial sun
    • Soil: Loamy, sandy
    • Water needs: Low
  • 04of 59

    Mexican Snowballs

    Mexican snowball succulent close up of foliage
    Credit: The Spruce / Cori Sears

    This rosette-shaped succulent with thick, fleshy blue-green to silver-green leaves can be grown as a houseplant or as a garden plant. It grows up to 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

    • Name: Mexican snowballs (Echeveria elegans)
    • USDA zone: 9-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
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  • 05of 59

    Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’

    Photo of two echeveria succulents in a container taken from above
    Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    It’s the striking color change that makes this echeveria hybrid so popular as a houseplant. The solitary rosette of paddle-shaped, pastel leaves has a dusty, muted grayish color in low light that turns bright purple and pink in direct sun.

    • Name: Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’
    • USDA zones: 9-12
    • Light: Bright light
    • Soil: Well-draining
    • Water needs: Low
  • 06of 59

    String of Pearls

    string of pearls plants
    Credit: The Spruce / Kara Riley

    For a hanging basket, either indoors or outdoors, consider this trailing Senecio variety with dangling stems of round leaves. It reaches a length of 3 to 5 feet if you let it grow.

    • Name: String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
    • USDA zone: 9-12
    • Light: Full to partial sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 07of 59

    Candelabra Cactus

    A tall Euphorbia ingens succulent stands in between several smaller potted cacti in a white bedroom with a wooden chair nearby.
    Credit: The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The name of this plant comes from the dark green, four-lobed stems and a columnar growth structure that branches out as the plant matures. Indoors, it reaches 8 to 10 feet, and outdoors up to 40 feet. It is toxic to humans and pets.34

    • Name: Candelabra cactus (Euphorbia ingens)
    • USDA zone: 10-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 08of 59

    Crown of Thorns

    Crown of thorns plant with red flowers with thick bright green leaves
    Credit: The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

    If you are looking for a succulent with almost year-round bloom, this is it. The plant has thick, bright green leaves and showy bracts in red, orange, pink, yellow, or white but also thorns. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall outdoors, and 2 feet maximum indoors. It is toxic to humans and pets.45

    • Name: Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii)
    • USDA zone: 9-11
    • Light: Full to partial sun
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
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  • 09of 59

    Aloe Vera

    aloe plant
    Credit: The Spruce / Michael Marquand

    Even though it may take years for it to develop its spiky flowers, the fleshy lance-shaped leaves with jagged edges make this an attractive houseplant. Aloe vera grows 12 to 36 inches tall. It is toxic to pets.6

    • Name: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
    • USDA zones: 10-12
    • Light: Bright natural light
    • Soil: Sandy
    • Water Needs: Water regularly except during dormancy
  • 10of 59

    Christmas Cactus

    A flowering Christmas cactus on a white seat
    Credit: The Spruce / Kara Riley

    In cold climates, Christmas cactus is usually grown as a houseplant, but you can bring it outdoors during the summer. It has fleshy flattened leaves that are slightly serrated on each side. The vibrant flowers of this holiday plant provide a welcome splash of color during the winter.

    • Name: Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)
    • USDA zone: 10-12
    • Light: Partial shade or diffused light
    • Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained
    • Water Needs: Moderate
  • 11of 59

    Chocolate Soldier Plant

    chocolate soldier plant
    Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    The pale green leaves of this houseplant are covered with grayish-white fuzz and rimmed with chocolate-brown spots. It grows up to 2 feet tall. The plant is toxic to pets.7

    • Name: Chocolate soldier plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
    • USDA zones: 9a-11b
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Soil: Well-draining
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 12of 59

    Flapjack

    flapjack succulent
    Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Because of the paddle- or clam-like shape of its leaves, this plant is also known as the paddle plant. It can be grown as a houseplant or outdoors, growing 1 to 2 feet tall and spreading in wide rosette clusters of 2 to 3 feet. It is toxic to pets.7

    • Name: Flapjack (Kalanchoe luciae)
    • USDA zone: 9-11
    • Light: Full to partial sun
    • Soil: Loamy, sandy, well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
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  • 13of 59

    Flaming Katy

    Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
    Credit: Veena Nair / Getty Images

    Its repeated bloom is one of the reasons why this is a popular houseplant. It is on the smaller side, with 6 to 18 inches in height and width. The flower clusters extend above the scallop-shaped leaves. It is toxic to pets.7

    • Name: Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
    • USDA zones: 10-12
    • Light: Bright natural light
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 14of 59

    Ponytail Palm

    Ponytail palm in a white pot on a side table beside a rattan chair
    Credit: The Spruce / Lisa Ruschioni

    The tuft of strappy green leaves emerging from a bulbous stem makes this look like a palm but it’s a succulent that can be grown outdoors or indoors, where is stays much smaller, about 6 to 8 feet in height.

    • Name: Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
    • USDA zones: 10-11
    • Light: Full sun, bright indirect light indoors
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 15of 59

    Snake Plant

    frontal shot of a snake plant in a pot
    Credit: The Spruce / Alonda Baird

    Nearly indestructible is a common description used for this houseplant with stiff, sword-like leaves. It may reach up to 8 feet in height but it’s a slow grower. The plant is toxic to pets.8

    • Name: Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Indirect light with some direct sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 16of 59

    Zebra Haworthia

    Haworthia succulent in a retro white and pink pot with a white watering can next to it
    Credit: The Spruce

    The thick dark green leaves with horizontal white stripes gave this houseplant plant its name. Like most Haworthias, this is a small plant, reaching only 5 to 8 inches in height.

    • Name: Zebra haworthia (Haworthia fasciata)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Bright light near an east- or west-facing window
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
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  • 17of 59

    Mother of Thousands

    Mother of thousands succulent with curled leaves on edges
    Credit: The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

    If you grow this plant, which got its name from the many baby plantlets that grow along the edges of its serrated leaves, as a houseplant, you might not see it bloom. Outdoors, it develops dangling pinkish-gray flowers after a few years. The mature size is 3 feet. The plant is toxic to pets.7

    • Name: Mother of thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Full sun, partial shade outdoors, indirect light indoors
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water needs: Needs regular watering
  • 18of 59

    Pink Quill

    Pink Quill (Tillandsia cyanea)
    Credit: Tatiana Terekhina / Getty Images

    This small houseplant—it only grows 10 inches tall—can be grown in a pot or as an air plant. Its large, long-lasting, showy pink bracts resemble ink quills. They start out pink and turn green over time.

    • Name: Pink quill (Tillandsia cyanea)
    • USDA zones: 9-12
    • Light: Partial sun in an east or west-facing window
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 19of 59

    Ghost Plant

    Close up photo taken from above of a cluster of ghost plants

    In a warm climate, you can grow this low-growing succulent outdoors, otherwise as a potted houseplant. It has whiteish-grey pointed leaves and trailing rosette form, 6 to 12 inches tall. The rosettes take a blue-gray hue in partial shade or a pinkish-yellow tone in full sun.

    • Name: Ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Full to partial sun, south- or east-facing window
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 20of 59

    Jelly Bean Succulents

    Jelly Bean Succulents (Sedum rubrotinctum)
    Credit: Elizabeth Fernandez / Getty Images

    When grown as a potted houseplant, this cute low-growing sedum that is native to Mexico is more contained than outdoors where it sprawls so it can be planted as a groundcover.

    • Name: Jelly bean succulents (Sedum rubrotinctum)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
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  • 21of 59

    Living Stones

    Photo of living stone succulents in a pot taken from above
    Credit: The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

    In warm climates, these ground-hugging succulents from Africa can be grown outdoors. In cold climates, plant them in pots so you bring them indoors for the winter. There are many different types of living stones, which all grow extremely slowly.

    • Name: Living stones (Lithops spp.)
    • USDA zones: 10-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 22of 59

    Hens and Chicks

    One large and many small Hens and Chicks plats in gravel
    Credit: The Spruce / Kara Riley

    One of the hardiest succulents, hens and chicks can be planted outdoors in a wide climate range. They also make good potting plants, but there is no need to bring them indoors for the winter.

    • Name: Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
    • USDA zones: 3-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 23of 59

    Parry’s Agave

    Parry’s Agave (Agave parryi)
    Credit: sigurcamp / Getty Images

    This handsome agave for outdoor settings has slate gray-bluish rosettes. It has a clump-forming growth habit and grows up to 3 feet in height. The flower stalk reaches up to 20 feet in height.

    • Name: Parry’s agave (Agave parryi)
    • USDA zones: 7-10
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Moderate
  • 24of 59

    Propeller Plant

    Propeller Plant (Senecio crassissimus)
    Credit: DESIGNOSAURUS / Getty Images

    While other Senecio varieties are not cold-hardy, this type is able to handle some frost. It has bluish, flattened leaves on an upright plant that grows 18 to 24 inches tall and wide.

    • Name: Propeller plant (Senecio crassissimus)
    • USDA zones: 10-11
    • Light: Full to partial sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
    Continue to 25 of 59 below
  • 25of 59

    Autumn Joy Stonecrop

    sedum autumn joy stonecrop
    Credit: The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    One of the most popular sedums for landscaping, this stonecrop (which was previously classified as a sedum) has gray-green, rounded, succulent-like leaves. The plant, which grows up to 2 feet tall, blooms in the late summer to fall with tiny, pink, star-shaped flowers.

    • Name: Autumn Joy stonecrop (Hylotelephium telephium ‘Autumn Joy’)
    • USDA zones: 3-9
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 26of 59

    Angelina Stonecrop

    Angelina stonecrop groundcover with yellow flowers
    Credit: The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    This groundcover sedum forms a low-growing mat with tiny yellow flowers throughout the summer. In the fall, the foliage turns an orange-rust color. It can be grown in containers but it does not need to be overwintered indoors.

    • Name: Angelina stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)
    • USDA zones: 5-9
    • Light: Full to partial sun
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water needs: Moderate
  • 27of 59

    Hardy Ice Plant

    purple ice plant
    Credit: The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The name is a bit misleading—most ice plants are warm-climate perennials. Hardy ice plant is a species at the more cold-hardy end of the spectrum. It grows only 3 to 6 inches tall and has magenta flowers.

    • Name: Hardy ice plant (Delosperma cooperi)
    • USDA zones: 6-10
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 28of 59

    Eastern Prickly Pear

    a potted prickly pear cactus
    Credit: The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

    One of the most popular prickly pear species for outdoors is also one of the hardiest. Eastern prickly pear is a sprawling, ground-hugging cactus that grows up to 12 inches tall and wide. It produces yellow flowers with an orange or red center from May through July.

    • Name: Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa)
    • USDA zones: 4-9
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
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  • 29of 59

    Giant Chalk Dudleya

    Giant Chalk Dudleya (Dudleya brittonii)
    Credit:  zhuclear / Getty Images

    The 12- to 18-inch wide, whitish blue-green rosette is an eye-catcher in any landscape. This is a non-branching Dudleya variety that produces a tall, vibrant red stalk and bright yellow flowers when in bloom.

    • Name: Giant chalk dudleya (Dudleya brittonii)
    • USDA zones: 9-10
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 30of 59

    Tree Aeonium

    closeup of aeonium plants
    Credit: The Spruce / Kara Riley

    With its bright green rosettes on a branching stem, the growth habit of this tall succulent is more like a shrub than a tree. In a warm climate, you can plant it outdoors where it will grow to about 6 feet. In colder climates, plant it in a container and overwinter it indoors. Potted plants max out at a height of about 3 feet.

    • Name: Tree aeonium (Aeonium arboretum)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil: Sandy loam, well-drained
    • Water needs: Moderate
  • 31of 59

    African Milk Tree

    African milk tree succulent plant with new growth and buds
    Credit: The Spruce / Danielle Moore

    Although you can grow it as a houseplant, due to its vigorous growth (1 to 2 feet per year), an outdoor setting works better for this lush plant. It is toxic to humans and pets.54

    • Name: African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Partial sun
    • Soil: Loamy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 32of 59

    Burro’s Tail

    burro's tail
    Credit: Melissa Kopka / Getty Images

    Burro’s tail is a stonecrop that can be difficult to grow indoors. However, it can be grown outdoors in warmer climates. Burro’s tail is drought-tolerant and incredibly low-maintenance otherwise. Just make sure to keep it out of the hot sun.

    • Name: Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Bright and indirect sun
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water needs: Once monthly
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  • 33of 59

    Rainbow Elephant Bush

    rainbow elephant bush
    Credit: tc397 / Getty Images

    The rainbow elephant bush is a colorful succulent that is low-maintenance. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It has low needs for water, only requiring water once the soil completely dries out.

    • Name: Rainbow elephant bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata’)
    • USDA zones: 10-11
    • Light: Full, partial
    • Soil: Moist but well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 34of 59

    Raven ZZ Plant

    A small raven ZZ plant in a cream-colored pot sits on a wooden stool next to a large regular ZZ plant against a white wall.
    Credit: The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The raven ZZ plant has stunning foilage in a deep purple shade that looks almost black once it matures. This is a rare type of ZZ plant and used to be difficult to acquire. However, it is easy to find now. Keep in mind that the raven ZZ plant is toxic to humans and pets.9

    • Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’
    • USDA zones: 9-10
    • Light: Partial, shade
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 35of 59

    Haworth’s Aeonium ‘Kiwi’

    kiwi Aeonium haworthii
    Credit: Sanjiv Shukla / Getty Images

    Aeonium haworthii ‘Kiwi’ is an evergreen succulent that has small variegated rosettes. It is essentially pest-free and doesn’t struggle with any disease. Kiwi looks great in containers but also is a great addition to rock gardens.

    • Name: Haworth’s aenium (Aeoniumhaworthii ‘Kiwi’)
    • USDA zone: 9a-11b
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Loamy or sandy
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 36of 59

    String of Hearts

    String of hearts plant
    Credit: The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

    The string of hearts is an evergreen succulent with trailing vines that can reach up to 12 feet in length at maturity. It is incredibly easy to care for. It gets its name from its heart-shaped leaves, which also contain a beautiful marble pattern. While the string of hearts is usually grown as a houseplant, it can also be used as a groundcover or within rock gardens.

    • Name: String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
    • USDA zones: 9-12
    • Light: Bright but filtered sunlight
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
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  • 37of 59

    String of Dolphins

    String of Dolphins
    Credit: The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

    The string of dolphins is a popular houseplant that is often grown in hanging pots or baskets. It can reach lengths of 1 to 2 feet at maturity. It is toxic to both humans and pets.1011

    • Name: String of dolphins (Senecio peregrinus)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water needs: Low
  • 38of 59

    String of Bananas

    String of bananas
    Credit: The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

    The string of bananas is another great option to grow as a hanging houseplant. An added bonus? It’s totally low-maintenance and a great plant for beginners. A trailing succulent, the string of bananas is known to grow quickly and easily.

    • Name: Curio radicans, syn. Senecio radicans
    • USDA zone: 10-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Well-drained and sandy
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 39of 59

    Twisted-Leaf Yucca

    twisted leaf yucca
    Credit: Leslie Quiroz / Getty Images

    The twisted-leaf yucca is an evergreen succulent that gets its name from its twisty leaves that have yellow, red, or orange borders. It is a small succulent but can be grown indoors and outdoors. It is a yucca variety, meaning it is highly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses like all yucca plants are.12

    • Name: Twisted-leaf yucca (yucca rupicola)
    • USDA zone: 7-11
    • Light: Full sun to partial shade
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Infrequent
  • 40of 59

    Arkansas Yucca

    Arkansas yucca
    Credit: Dmitrii Anikin / Getty Images

    The Arkansas yucca, also known as a soft-leaf yucca, is a variety of the yucca plant that reaches a height of 2 feet at the most once mature. Its leaves vary in color, including bluish-green and yellow-green.

    • Name: Arkansas yucca or soft-leaf yucca (yucca arkansana)
    • USDA zone: 6-9
    • Light: Full, partial
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Very low
    Continue to 41 of 59 below
  • 41of 59

    String of Turtles

    A string of turtles in a yellow pot.
    Credit: The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

    The string of turtles, native to Brazil, does very well in warm climates but is highly adaptable, so it’s awesome in typical household conditions too. Place in bright and indirect light, but make sure the string of turtles doesn’t spend too much time sunbathing as this can damage its leaves.

    • Name: String of turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
    • USDA zone: 10-12
    • Light: Bright, indirect sun
    • Soil: Loamy and moist
    • Water Needs: Moderate
  • 42of 59

    Chinese Money Plant

    Chinese money plant on a shelf in a white pot alongside other plants
    Credit: The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

    The Chinese money plant is a flowering perennial of the nettle family, although it does not typically bloom when grown as a houseplant indoors. The Chinese money plant is easy to maintain. It loves partial sun and well-drained soil.

    • Name: Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
    • USDA zone: 9-11
    • Light: Partial sun
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Regular
  • 43of 59

    Dragon Fruit Cactus

    Close up of a dragon fruit cactus leaves and bloom
    The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy.

    The dragon fruit cactus is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America and has bright pink, leathery skin. A fast-growing perennial cactus, dragon fruit cactus can reach heights of up to 20 feet at maturity. It’s best to plant during the early spring in order to take advantage of its bloom time from March to August.

    • Name: Dragon fruit cactus (Hylocereus undatus)
    • USDA zone: 10-11
    • Light: Full to partial sun
    • Soil: Sandy and well-drained
    • Water Needs: Regular
  • 44of 59

    Hindu Rope Plant

    Hindu rope plant in a white pot beside a brass watering can
    Credit: The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The Hindu rope plant has beautiful, curled leaves that are a variety of the hoya plant. Hindu rope plants are low-maintenance and slow-growing. It needs well-drained soil and bright, indirect light. When its soil dries, water deeply. Reduce watering frequency once winter arrives.

    • Name: Hindu rope (Hoya compacta)
    • USDA zone: 10-11
    • Light: Partial
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Moderate
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  • 45of 59

    Ghost Echeveria

    Four pots containing ghost echeveria on top of a table mat
    Credit: The Spruce / Cielito Vivas

    Ghost echeveria is a fast-growing and low-maintenance houseplant. A little neglect is fine by ghost echeveria, meaning this is a great choice for beginners or those who don’t necessarily have a green thumb. The most crucial component of care for this succulent is getting its watering needs just right–water once the soil dries completely.

    • Name: Ghost echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
    • USDA zone: 9-12
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low but highly specific
  • 46of 59

    Mexican Firecracker

    Selection of Mexican firecracker succulents in a long terracotta pot
    Credit: The Spruce / Cielito Vivas

    The Mexican firecracker is a cat-safe echeveria variety that loves well-draining, loose soil. Place in bright, indirect light for the best results. It is fairly drought-tolerant but will require occasional deep watering.

    • Name: Mexican firecracker (Echeveria setosa) 
    • USDA zone: 10-12b
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 47of 59

    Desert Rose

    Desert rose plant with bright and light pink flowers on succulent stem with light green leaves
    Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Desert rose is a slow-growing houseplant, only adding around 12 inches every year. Often used as a bonsai plant, the desert rose produces gorgeous pink trumpeting flowers. It can be grown outdoors and indoors.

    • Name: Desert rose (Adenium obesum)
    • USDA zone: 11-12
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Sandy, well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low but highly specific
  • 48of 59

    Dwarf Jade

    dwarf jade plant
    Credit: The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

    The dwarf jade is a succulent perennial plant that is native to South Africa. It is fairly drought-tolerant and should be kept out of direct light because the sun can burn its leaves. Other than that, the dwarf jade is low-maintenance.

    • Name: Dwarf jade (Portulacaria afra)
    • USDA zones: 9-11
    • Light: Full, partial
    • Soil: Sandy or cactus/succulent potting mix
    • Water needs: Low
    Continue to 49 of 59 below
  • 49of 59

    String Bean Hoya

    Hoya shepherdii in a hanging pot.
    Credit: The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

    String bean hoya is a vining succulent with low water needs. It loves bright, indirect sunlight with well-draining soil. In the United States, it is a rare find. It has low water needs, only requiring a fresh dose once the soil dries completely.

    • Name: String bean hoya (Hoya shepherdii)
    • USDA zone: 10-11
    • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 50of 59

    Gasteria

    gasteria succulent on a tray
    Credit: The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak

    Gasteria, also known as ox tongue, is a slow-growing succulent that tolerates low-light conditions. Once mature, ox tongue will reward you with tubular, curved flowers in either red or pink.

    • Name: Gasteria (Gasteria spp.)
    • USDA zone: 9-11
    • Light: Full, partial
    • Soil: Sandy and well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 51of 59

    Mistletoe Cactus

    Mistletoe cactus plant with pencil-thin branches in white pot near window
    Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    The mistletoe cactus is low-maintenance and easy to grow indoors. Place it in a spot with indirect light. It loves well-draining soil. It does require more watering than typical desert cacti.

    • Name: Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis baccifera)
    • USDA zone: 9-10
    • Light: Partial
    • Soil: Moist and well-drained
    • Water Needs: Regular
  • 52of 59

    Thanksgiving Cactus

    Flowering Thanksgiving cactus in a terracotta pot
    Credit: The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    The Thanksgiving cactus is a tropical cactus native to South America. Its soil should be kept continuously moist but be mindful to make sure it doesn’t become waterlogged. It also does best in a mixed soil.

    • Name: Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
    • USDA zone: 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
    • Light: Partial, shade
    • Soil: Moist and well-drained
    • Water Needs: Moderate
    Continue to 53 of 59 below
  • 53of 59

    Cape Aloe

    Aloe Ferox
    Credit: Massimiliano Finzi / Getty Images

    Cape aloe is much like other types of aloe, loving full sun, loamy soil that is well-drained, and little watering. It has stunning orange leaves that add a pop of brightness to any space. Fertilize your cape aloe once per year in the spring.

    • Name: Cape aloe (Aloe ferox)
    • USDA zone: 9-12
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Loamy and well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 54of 59

    Hoya Kerrii

    Hoya kerrii in a terracotta pot.
    Credit: The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Hoya kerri are vining succulents with thick, heart-shaped leaves that make them a popular plant during Valentine’s Day. Hoya kerri’s leaves will vary in color depending on the cultivar you have. These succulents love well-draining soil and full sun.

    • Name: Hoya kerrii
      USDA zone: 11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Well-draining
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 55of 59

    Tiger Jaws

    tiger jaws succulents
    Credit: The Spruce / Kara Riley

    Tiger jaws is a perennial succulent that is slow-growing. It can live for many decades if you love it right. They thrive when they receive at least three hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily and have moist but well-drained soil. Make sure to keep its soil moist during its growing season during the late spring to early fall.

    • Name: Tiger jaws (Faucaria tigrina)
    • USDA zone: 9-11
    • Light: Full, partial
    • Soil: Moist, well-drained
    • Water Needs: Moderate
  • 56of 59

    Two-Row Stonecrop

    Two-row stonecrop is a low-maintenance succulent that works great as a groundcover. It is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun. It is mildly toxic to people and pets.13Its mature size is 6 inches in height with a 2-foot spread.

    • Name: Two-row stonecrop (Phedimus spurius syn. Sedum spurium)
    • USDA zone: 3-9
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Well-drained and rocky
    • Water Needs: Low
    Continue to 57 of 59 below
  • 57of 59

    Orchid Cactus

    White orchid cacti flower with cup-shaped and thin petals closeup
    Credit: The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

    Orchid cactus is a type of tropical succulent that is part of the Epiphyllum genus. They sprout large night-blooming flowers when taken care of properly. The orchid cactus looks beautiful in hanging baskets.

    • Name: Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum Spp.)
    • USDA zone: 10-11
    • Light: Partial sun
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Regular
  • 58of 59

    Blue Chalksticks

    Blue chalksticks is a small, low-growing evergreen succulent that is loved for its stunning foliage. It has blue-green leaves that become tinted with purple when exposed to extreme heat and sun.

    • Name: Blue chalksticks (S. serpens)
    • USDA zone: 10-11
    • Light: Full sun
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Low
  • 59of 59

    ‘Angelina’ Stonecrop

    'Angelina' stonecrop with yellow-green foliage
    Credit:  The Spruce / Autumn Wood

    Angelina’s stonecrop is a fast-growing perennial that is also totally low maintenance and can tolerate a variety of different conditions. It does best in well-drained soil. Water regularly during its growing season. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

    • Name: ‘Angelina’ stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)
    • USDA zone: 3-9
    • Light: Full sun, partial shade
    • Soil: Well-drained
    • Water Needs: Average to low

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