Learn How to Grow and Care for Succulents

By
Jon VanZile
Jon VanZile

Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines.

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Updated on 10/31/22
echeveria succulents

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Succulents seem custom-made for indoor gardeners. These hardy plants can thrive for long periods in poor conditions. Given proper care, succulents are some of the most beautiful plants in the world. Learn how to care for succulents plus a few varieties we love. 

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Watch Now: How to Grow Succulents Indoors

  • 01 of 09

    How to Grow Healthy Succulents

    group of succulents

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    Succulents are some of the most rewarding plants for indoor gardeners. They're tough, beautiful, and have interesting and varied foliage. 

  • 02 of 09

    Growing Aloe

    aloe vera plant

    The Spruce / Michael Marquand

    Aloe is one of the most popular succulents, grown for both its beauty and health benefits.

  • 03 of 09

    Growing Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

    Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
    Scott Heinley/ Getty Images

    Desert rose is a striking plant with beautiful flowers. Beware the sap, however, which can be caustic.

  • 04 of 09

    Growing Sedum Morganianum (Burro's Tail)

    donkey's tail succulent

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    These beautiful succulents are trailing plants that form long, striking "tails" of tear-drop shaped leaves.

    Continue to 5 of 9 below.
  • 05 of 09

    Growing Echeveria

    Echeveria succulent
    Jean-Michel Moullec/ Flickr/ CC BY 2.0

    One of the more popular varieties, Echeveria succulents grow in tight rosettes of overlapping leaves. They are perfect indoor plants: small, beautiful and easy to care for. 

  • 06 of 09

    Growing Jade Plants

    closeup of a jade plant

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    There are several species that are sold under the generic name jade plant. They are all Crassula species. Also called money plants or dollar plants, these are thought to bring good luck.

  • 07 of 09

    Growing Kalanchoe

    closeup of white kalanchoe

    The Spruce / Alonda Baird

    Although there are many kinds of kalanchoe, the K. blossfeldiana is the most popular. Its sprays of bright flowers make it one of the most desired houseplants around the world.

  • 08 of 09

    Growing Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)

    potted pencil cactus

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    The pencil cactus is actually another Euphorbia species. These plants are grown for their strange, even slightly bizarre foliage.

    Continue to 9 of 9 below.
  • 09 of 09

    Growing Sempervivum

    closeup shot of hens and chicks succulents

    The Spruce / Kara Riley

    Sometimes called hen and chick plants, Sempervivum succulents are some of the hardiest: hot or cold, light or shade, they can thrive. With good care, these are magnificent accent plants.

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