Are you a succulent enthusiast? Did you know that there are over 10,000 species of succulents worldwide? These beautiful plants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for both gardeners and home decorators. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging for beginners to identify different types of succulents.
But worry not! In this article, we will dive into the world of succulents and explore over 100 types with names and pictures. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned succulent lover, you’re sure to find something exciting and new here.
Succulent Genus vs. Species
Before we delve into the world of succulent types, it’s essential to understand the difference between a genus and a species. A genus refers to a category or group of plants, while a species is the specific name of an individual plant.
According to The Succulent Plant Page, there are approximately 300 known genera of succulents, with new discoveries and hybrids constantly being added. This vast number includes everything from the adorable chubby plants you find at your local garden center to the towering cacti in the desert.
How to Identify Your Succulents
Identifying succulents can be an exciting and rewarding experience. One of the best ways to identify succulents is by examining their leaves. The shape, color, and size of a succulent’s leaves can provide valuable clues about its type.
Another identifying feature is the bloom. While not all succulents flower, the shape, size, and color of their blooms can give you hints about their type.
Pay attention to the stem and trunk of the succulent as well. The thickness, color, and texture of these parts can help you differentiate between different types.
Let’s Explore Some Common Types of Succulents
Now, let’s dive into the most commonly found succulents that have found their way into the hearts and homes of many plant lovers. Below are some popular succulent types, along with their names and pictures.
Echeveria
Echeverias are one of the most recognizable types of succulents. They feature attractive rosette shapes and come in various colors, such as green, pink, red, and purple. Some common species of echeveria include:
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Echeveria ‘black knight’
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Echeveria ‘black prince’
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Echeveria ‘marrom’
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Echeveria ‘perle von nurnberg’
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Echeveria subsessilis ‘morning beauty’
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Echeveria ‘arctic ice’
These are just a few examples of the many stunning echeveria varieties available.
Sedum
Sedums are another popular group of succulents known for their fast growth. They come in various sizes and have thick, fleshy leaves, often arranged in rosette shapes. Some sedums have variegated leaves with multiple colors on one plant. Here are a few common species of sedum:
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Sedum rubrotinctum ‘jelly beans’
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Sedum rubrotinctum ‘aurora’
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Sedum spurium ‘voodoo’
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Sedum adolphii ‘firestorm’
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Sedum ‘lime gold’
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Sedum morganianum ‘burro’s tail’
These are just a few examples of the diverse sedum family.
Aloe
Aloe vera is a well-known succulent and is highly prized for its medicinal properties. Aloes are characterized by their fleshy, triangular-shaped leaves that store water. Some common species of aloe include:
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Aloe vera ‘barbados aloe’
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Aloe polyphylla ‘spiral aloe’
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Aloe ‘angelo’
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Aloe aristata ‘lace aloe’
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Aloe rauhii ‘snowflake aloe’
These are just a few examples of the many aloe species available.
Agave
Agaves are often mistaken for cacti due to their similar appearance. These succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. Agaves come in different sizes and shapes, with some having smooth leaves while others are covered in spikes or teeth. Some common species of agave include:
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Agave americana ‘century plant’
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Agave attenuata ‘fox tail agave’
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Agave tequilana ‘blue agave’
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Agave victoriae-reginae ‘queen victoria agave’
These are just a few examples of the diverse agave family.
Aeonium
Aeoniums are succulents known for their stunning colors, including green, pink, red, purple, and yellow. They originate from the Canary Islands and Africa and are characterized by their rosette shape. Some common species of aeonium include:
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Aeonium haworthii ‘pinwheel’
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Aeonium arboreum ‘zwartkop’
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Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
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Aeonium haworthii ‘kiwi’
These are just a few examples of the unique aeonium varieties available.
Crassula
Crassulas are a diverse group of succulents that vary in shape and size. They originate from Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka and are known for their thick, fleshy leaves. Some crassulas have smooth leaves, while others have spikes or teeth. Here are a few common species of crassula:
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Crassula ovata ‘jade plant’
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Crassula arborescens ‘silver jade plant’
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Crassula ovata ‘gollum jade’
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Crassula perforata ‘string of buttons’
These are just a few examples of the wide array of crassula varieties available.
Dudleya
Dudleyas are succulents native to the western coast of North America. They feature rosette shapes and often have yellow or white flowers. Dudleyas are easy to care for and make fantastic additions to any succulent collection. Some common species of dudleya include:
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Dudleya farinosa ‘bluff lettuce’
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Dudleya brittonii ‘Britton’s liveforever’
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Dudleya lanceolata ‘lanceleaf liveforever’
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Dudleya pulverulenta ‘chalk liveforever’
These are just a few examples of the unique dudleya species available.
Haworthia
Haworthias are succulents native to South Africa. They feature fleshy, triangular-shaped leaves that store water. Some haworthias have smooth leaves, while others have spikes or teeth. Haworthias are easy to care for and have become popular among gardeners and plant parents. Some common species of haworthia include:
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Haworthia limifolia ‘fairy washboard’
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Haworthia cooperi ‘cooper’s haworthia’
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Haworthia fasciata ‘concolor’
These are just a few examples of the fascinating world of haworthias.
Senecio
Senecios are a diverse group of succulents that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They originate from Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka but have made their way into homes around the world. Senecios are known for their thick, fleshy leaves that store water. Some senecios have smooth leaves, while others have spikes or teeth. Here are some common species of senecio:
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Senecio barbertonicus ‘succulent bush senecio’
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Senecio rowleyanus ‘string of pearls’
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Senecio serpens ‘blue chalksticks’
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Senecio haworthii ‘cocoon plant’ (wooly senecio)
These are just a few examples of the diverse senecio family.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are succulents native to Madagascar. These plants are known for their teardrop-shaped leaves that store water. Some kalanchoes have smooth leaves, while others have spikes or teeth. And don’t forget about the cute and fuzzy leaves of some of my favorite types of succulents. Kalanchoes have made their way into many homes around the world and are treasured for their long-lasting blooms.
Some common species of kalanchoe include:
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Kalanchoe delagoensis ‘mother of millions’
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Kalanchoe daigremontiana ‘mother of thousands’
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Kalanchoe beharensis ‘elephant ear’
These are just a few examples of the diverse kalanchoe family.
