25 Most Striking Succulents to Grow In Your Home or Garden

Other name: Medicinal Aloe

Genus: Aloe

Family: Asphodelaceae

Fun fact: This fleshy succulent is best known for its medicinal uses, and shows up in all kinds of topical ointments. You've probably got a friend or relative who keeps one around to break off the leaves and smears the gel on sunburned or irritated skin whenever necessary.

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Other names: Salicornia Europaea, Marsh Samphire, Sea Asparagus, Poor Man's Asparagus

Genus: Salicornia

Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth)

Fun fact: The pretty green succulent looks good enough to eat—because it is! It can be consumed like any other veggie, but it's especially tasty when pickled.

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Other names: Hoya Kerrii, Lucky-Heart, Valentine Plant

Genus: Hoya

Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane)

Fun fact: Can you believe there's a succulent with such perfectly heart-shaped leaves? This characteristic makes the Hoya a fitting Valentine's Day or anniversary gift.

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Other names: Agave Tequilana Weber Var. Azul, Blue Agave

Genus: Agave

Family: Asparagaceae

Fun Fact: As you might have guessed from the name "tequilana," this agave variety is the base ingredient of tequila. Cheers!

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Other name: Beaucarnea Recurvat

Genus: Beaucarnea

Family: Asparagaceae

Fun fact: It might look like a palm tree, but the ponytail palm is indeed a succulent. Its standout features include a bulbous trunk and hair-like leaves—hence the name.

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Other name: Sansevieria Trifasciata, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Viper's Bowstring Hemp

Genus: Sansevieria

Family: Asparagaceae

Fun fact: This succulent is commonly known as a "snake plant" or "mother-in-law's tongue" because of the shape and sharpness of the leaves, respectively (make sure you pass that along to your husband's mom!). But don't be too intimidated: The Sansevieria trifasciata is also known as a "bedroom plant" because of its ability to increase oxygen and filter air, leading to more restful sleep.

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Other names: Senecio Haworthii, Cocoon Plant

Genus: Senecio

Family: Asteraceae (Daisy)

Fun fact: Covered in fine white hairs, the Senecio haworthii appears "woolly"—but you might not guess that it also produces pretty yellow blooms.

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Other names: Schlumbergera x Buckleyi, Easter Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus

Genus: Schlumbergera

Family: Cactaceae (Cactus)

Fun fact: This holiday cactus features crab claw-like leaves and asymmetrical flowers in saturated shades.

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Type: Mammillaria Grahamii

Genus: Mammillaria (Pincushion Cactus)

Family: Cactaceae (Cactus)

Fun fact: There are hundreds of varieties of Mammillaria, or pincushion cacti. The succulent, naturally, resembles a pincushion, but our favorite detail has to be the daisy-like flowers.

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Other name: Tradescantia Sillamontana, Cobweb Spiderwort

Genus: Tradescantia

Family: Commelinaceae

Fun fact: A member of the spiderwort family, this interesting plant is covered in silvery white hairs that appear "cobwebby" or like white velvet.

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Other names: Sedum Morganianum, Donkey's Tail

Genus: Sedum

Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)

Fun fact: This has to be our favorite name for a succulent ever. The whimsical trailing stems (like a donkey's tail) make it a natural filler for cascading arrangements, such as in hanging baskets.

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Genus: Echeveria

Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)

Fun fact: Echeveria succulents are probably the most recognizable of any genus due to their rosette leaf patterns. The Black Prince species has—you guessed it—dark leaves that are almost black.

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Other names: Sempervivum Tectorum, Jove's Beard

Genus: Sempervivum (Houseleeks)

Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)

Fun fact: The "hen" part of the name refers to the main plant, while the "chicks" are the offspring buds. How cute is that?

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Other name: Dudleya Pulverulenta, Chalk Lettuce, Chalk Dudleya

Genus: Dedleya (Live Forevers)

Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)

Fun fact: It's called chalk liveforever because of its powdery wax coating and—you guessed it—they're hard to kill. They thrive in rocks and are drought tolerant and super low-maintenance.

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Other names: Kalanchoe Tomentosa, Madagascar Shrub, Pussy Ears, Chocolate Soldier

Genus: Kalanchoe

Family: Crassulaceae

Fun fact: This fuzzy little guy is easy to spot thanks to its brownish red-speckled tips.

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Other names: Alluaudia Procera, African Ocotillo

Genus: Alluaudia

Family: Didiereaceae

Fun fact: To protect itself from herbivores, this tree-like species native to Madagascar has spines around its symmetrical leaves.

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Other name: Euphorbia Tirucallii, Fire Sticks, Pencil Cactus, Milk Bush

Genus: Euphorbia (spurge)

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Fun fact: If you elect to keep this vibrant succulent around, be careful, and wear gloves when handling it. It's actually a hydrocarbon plant — meaning it contains a toxic milky latex that can be converted into something similar to gasoline, and which burns on touch.

Other name: Pinguicula Moranensis

Genus: Pinguicula

Family: Lentibulariaceae

Fun fact: The butterwort is carnivorous, with sticky leaves perfect for capturing bugs.

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Other names: Sorrel, Oxalis Adenophylla

Genus: Oxalidaceae (Oxalis, wood sorrel)

Fun fact: This bulbous perennial boasts pretty pink flowers (that can bloom all winter long!) and thick, shamrock-like leaves.

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Other name: Peperomia Ferreyrae

Genus: Peperomia

Family: Piperaceae

Fun fact: If you're looking for a desk plant, this one is for you. The Peru native is petite, delicate, and easy to maintain.

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