Succulents make ideal houseplants for beginners because they’re effortless to care for. They are also beautiful with distinct, vibrant foliage. Keeping them in your home can bring a host of benefits, including improved air quality and mood. If you want to add succulent plants to your home, you might wonder which types are the most appropriate for beginners.
If you haven’t cared for houseplants before and you want to take part in the succulent mania, then start with low-maintenance varieties. These beginner succulents are very forgiving and don’t mind being ignored for a while. Watching over these types is easy, and you might be amazed by how resilient they are. These green friends will make charming additions to your home and liven up your spaces with a pop of color.
Below are some of the best succulents for new plant parents. If you have a busy schedule and don’t have time to water plants and tend to an indoor garden, then these succulents are perfect for you.
Tiger Jaws
Tiger jaws, also called Faucaria, are hardy, slow-growing plants that can withstand high temperatures. They are very low-maintenance and aren’t too fussy, which makes them an excellent choice for beginners. Like other succulents, tiger jaws need to be in well-draining soil. They should not be overwatered. This plant should also be placed in a spot where it can get three hours of direct light each day.
Mother of Thousands
Mother of Thousands plants, also called Kalanchoe daigremontiana, are native to Madagascar. What makes this succulent unique is that tiny plantlets grow along the leaves, giving it an attractive, distinct appearance. Kalanchoe can thrive in normal room conditions and should be placed in pots with good drainage. You can keep this succulent by a sunny window and water it fully but infrequently (they can survive weeks without H2O).
Prickly Pear Cactus
The prickly pear cactus, or Cactus Opuntia, has wide, flat pads. Wear gloves when handling this plant to protect your skin from its spines. Since this cactus is drought-tolerant, it can withstand dry environments. Prickly pear cacti should only be drenched every two to four weeks. You should place your cactus by a window where it can soak in enough sunshine. This plant doesn’t need too much attention. With just the basics covered, the prickly pear cactus can thrive without much effort.
Echeveria
This family of succulents is native to semi-desert areas. This is also one of the most well-known succulent types. Echeverias enjoy hot weather and sunshine, so keep them by a window where they can get around four to five hours of sunlight each day. Avoid letting this plant sit in water, as this can cause rotting.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are a popular choice among new plant owners. In addition to having appealing snake-like leaves, they also help clean the air and remove impurities. At night, they release oxygen. These succulents are impressively hardy and can survive a range of conditions. They don’t crave a lot of water and can even be placed in dim environments. You can basically neglect them, and they will still look healthy and happy.
Aloe
Aloe is another popular succulent. Aloe plants have spiky, thick leaves that are filled with sap. They don’t like moisture, so you should only water them once every two to four weeks. You should also avoid letting them sit in moisture. Aloe plants enjoy bright light and sunny windows. They can stay put at room temperature with no issues. If you have an aloe plant, just leave it by a window and enjoy its spiky foliage while it brightens your home.
Adromischus filicaulis
Adromischus filicaulis is a type of succulent with grey-green leaves and brownish spots. It grows slowly and is easy to care for in compost with high drainage. It’s ideal for small areas, such as corners or spaces between objects. Adromischus filicaulis plants also enjoy sunny environments and can be left near bright windows. During the winter, this plant can tolerate cold conditions as long as it’s kept dry.
Jade Plant
The jade plant is a type of Crassula that has thick leaves and stems that allow it to store hydration. It should be watered every one to two weeks, and the mix should be fully dry between soakings. This plant is suitable for homes in cold climates. It only needs a few hours of filtered sun daily. It’s generally very simple to care for and is not prone to disease.