19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (2024)

Flowering succulents offer all the beauty of any other succulent, except the icing on the cake of growing them is their pretty blooms. Most of these succulents are easy to growwith bright light, warm temperatures, andvery little water. Even better, some can survive outdoors in freezing temperatures if the roots stay on the dry side through winter. While many types of succulents are grown just for their unique and architectural leaves and stems, these 19 flowering succulents also offer colorful petals and sometimes even fragrance to your home or garden.

01of 19

Hardy Ice Plant

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (1)

This flowering succulent groundcover can be grown throughout most of the United States (Hardiness Zones 5-10) in sunny, well-drained sites. Wet winters may be fatal for hardy ice plant (Delosperma cooperi), but it can be replanted each spring when the weather warms. The intense purple-pink flowers make it a worthy addition to a full sun garden.

02of 19

Stapelia

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (2)

Stapelia plants (Stapelia spp.) have some of the most unique flowers of all succulents. They range from tiny (less than 1 inch) to massive (up to 8 inches wide) and their colors range from near-black to red to cream. Stapelia flowers are undeniably incredible, but there is a catch. Some (not all) stapelia produce foul-smelling flowers to attract flies for pollination. Place the funky-smelling varieties outdoors while they are blooming if the odor is too unpleasant in your home.

03of 19

Christmas Cactus

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (3)

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) and its relatives, the Easter and Thanksgiving cactus, are classic flowering houseplants that bloom each year around their namesake holiday. Unlike many succulents, they do not grow in full sun conditions, making them perfect houseplants. They come in various colors, including pink, white, red, orange, and gold.

04of 19

Prickly Pear

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (4)

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) comes in an astounding range of sizes from 1-15 feet tall, and can be found throughout the Americas. The large flowers are pink, yellow, or orange. As its name implies, prickly pear is covered in sharp spines so it requires some careful handling, but it's still worth growing outdoors in a full-sun area or pots that can be moved under cover in regions with wet winters.

05of 19

Living Stones

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (5)

Commonly called living rocks or living stones owing to their unique appearance, Lithops succulents are a genuine curiosity. Unlike a pile of rocks, however, living stones produce small white, orange, yellow, or pink flowers. The flower pops right out of the split in the plant, adding to its charm.

06of 19

Hoya

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (6)

Hoya (Hoya spp.) is a vining succulent plant that grows best in warm locations with indirect sunlight. It can be moved outdoors in summer to a bright, shady space. The waxy flowers are often shades of white, pink, and red. Hoya grows best when it is slightly root-bound in the pot.

07of 19

Kalanchoe

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (7)

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) needs 6 weeks with 14 hours of darkness daily each winter to initiate flowering. Months later, you will be rewarded with red, orange, white, yellow, or pink flowers. Kalanchoe is a popular late-winter/early-spring blooming houseplant.

08of 19

Crown of Thorns

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (8)

Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) are flowering succulents that bloom repeatedly throughout the year. The red, pink, white, or yellow "flowers" are actually bracts that surround the tiny nondescript flowers. It's easy to grow indoors as a houseplant.

Crown of thorns plants produce latex sap that can irritate your skin. Wear gloves when handling this plant, especially if it leaks white sap.

09of 19

Orchid Cactus

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (9)

Orchid cacti (Epiphyllum spp.)grow best in hanging baskets in filtered sunlight, simulating their natural habitat of growing in trees. This plant will need to be moved indoors in cool climates that dip below 50°F. During warm weather, the baskets can be hung from trees. Spritz the plant daily with water, but keep the soil dry, or the roots will rot. The flowers can be massive, up to 12 inches wide. They are often white but can be found in orange, yellow, and pink.

The 5 Best Soil for Succulents of 2024

Moss Rose

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (10)

Moss rose(Portulaca grandiflora) is often grown as an annual in Zones 3-9, but it's actually perennial in Zones 10-11. This low-growing, flowering succulent groundcover comes in a variety of colors such as pink, red, yellow, and white. Plant a random mix of colors in your garden's hottest, sunniest, driest area for a cheery summer-long display.

11of 19

Desert Rose

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (11)

Despite its common name, a desert rose (Adenium obesum) is not actually a rose. It does come from desert regions in Africa and Asia, though. This flowering succulent is commonly grown as a houseplant in a sunny location but can be moved outdoors in summer if protected from the overhead midday sun. In summer, flowers appear in shades of pink, white, and red.

All parts of the desert rose are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The sap can cause skin irritation.

12of 19

Agave

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (12)

Most agave cacti (Agave spp.) flower only once and then die. Thankfully, they live long lives, usually taking between 8 and 80 years to bloom. The flower stalk ascends high above the plant and is covered in flowers as a fitting sendoff to these architectural beauties.

13of 19

Stonecrop

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (13)

Stonecrop, also called sedum (Sedum spp.), is available in many different sizes and leaf colors. It is a popular plant and is easy to grow in a dry, full-sun garden. Some selections are grown primarily for the leaf color and shape, but many develop attractive white, yellow, red, or pink flowers to add to the show.

17 Best Sedum Plants That Will Look Gorgeous Through Heat and Cold

14of 19

Torch Aloe

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (14)

Torch or krantz aloe (Aloe arborescens) is a member of the Aloe family, which includes hundreds of species. Many are grown as houseplants. Torch aloe can form large clumps with 1-2 foot tall flower spikes dressed in coral-red flowers at the tips. There's a variegated selection known as Aloe arborescens 'Variegata', which showcases beautiful green and cream striped leaves.

15of 19

Bulbine

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (15)

Bulbine (Bulbine frutescens) is a South African native that's popular in Texas and Florida gardens. It forms a clump up to 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide. Bulbine grows best in dry, sunny conditions but can tolerate light shade and moderate moisture. Be aware that extra shade and water may cause it to bloom less than expected. It has orange and yellow flowers and is reliably hardy in Zones 9-11, possibly cooler if protected through winter.

16of 19

Yucca

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (16)

Several types of hardy yucca (Yucca spp.) are perennial garden stalwarts, especially in dry gardens. Tall stalks covered in white flowers will appear in summer, but the plants likely only bloom every 2-3 years. The white flowers can last for weeks. Once the flowers fade, remove the stalk and enjoy the foliage until it blooms again.

17of 19

Cholla

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (17)

Some cholla cacti (Cylindropuntia spp.)are hardy to at least -20°F and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The flowers range from greenish-yellow to pink and can last for months throughout summer. Cholla needs well-drained soil and should be kept dry through winter in cold climates. This plant makes an exciting statement in the garden when given the room to grow to maturity.

18of 19

Dragon Fruit

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (18)

Dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.), sometimes called pitaya, is popular in produce aisles nationwide. The massive flowers bloom at night, and each flower lasts only one evening, fading by mid-morning. It is worth staying up late to see it flower in person. It grows well in hot, humid weather and can be grown outdoors in pots and moved indoors in cool climates.

19of 19

Ox Tongue

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (19)

The robust, fleshy leaves of ox tongue plant (Gasteria spp.) are enough reason to grow this plant. It also produces tall flower spikes dangling with orange-pink and yellow-green flowers in early spring. It will grow well in a terracotta pot indoors in a spot with bright light.

19 Blooming Succulents to Grow for Their Stunning Flowers (2024)

FAQs

What succulent grows like flowers? ›

Echeveria. There are many different types of echeveria, but they all have a beautiful rosette-shape with fleshy foliage tinged with shades of teal, dove grey, green or pink. When they flower, they have long stems lined with bell-shaped blooms. They can be grown as houseplants or in the garden in frost-free zones.

What is the flower looking succulent called? ›

Aeonium is a genus that includes over 35 succulent plant species with distinctive waxy and glossy rosettes. Their pretty rosettes may be a solid color or variegated in green, red, white, and yellow. They produce clusters of small star-like flowers that emerge from the rosette centers.

How can I encourage my succulents to flower? ›

If grown indoors in a stable environment without extreme changes, you may need to manipulate the amount of light your plant receives by adjusting its day length to promote blooming. Succulents are photoperiodic, which means they respond to changes in the length of the day and night.

What is the most sought after succulent? ›

Aloe Polyphylla or Spiral Aloe is an interested and rare succulent. It is perfectly spiral and its leaves stay compactly clockwise or counter-clockwise.

What is the hardest succulent to keep alive? ›

Compton Carousels and Silver Prince are drop-dead gorgeous succulents, but they are some of the most difficult plants to care for. Add a price tag of $20 - $60 for a 2-inch or 4-inch per succulent AND a novice succulent grower - that's a recipe for disaster.

What succulent has small rose like flowers? ›

With the scientific name Greenovia Dodrantalis, the rose succulent is a unique and rare succulent that has become increasingly popular among plant enthusiasts in recent years.

What is the pink flower succulent called? ›

Scientific Name: Echeveria 'Afterglow' The Afterglow succulent is a stunning pink color with a blueish hue in the center. This plant can get bigger and may need more space as it matures. Afterglow can grow orange flowers in the summer months but usually stays a powdery pink color.

What succulents flower year round? ›

Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) are flowering succulents that bloom repeatedly throughout the year. The red, pink, white, or yellow "flowers" are actually bracts that surround the tiny nondescript flowers. It's easy to grow indoors as a houseplant.

Should you cut off succulent blooms? ›

Some people like to leave the flowers on after they start to fade, as they still have some ornamental value through the winter. However, cutting them back will help your plant conserve more energy for its next growth spurt the following year.

What is a mermaid succulent? ›

Mermaid succulent plants, or Crested Senecio vitalis and Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata,'get their common name from their appearance. This unique plant has the appearance of a mermaid's tail.

What is the name of the succulent with yellow flowers? ›

Echeveria Derenbergii or Painted Lady - This is a succulent with yellow flowers. The unique light-green pointed leaves grow as rosettes. Not just yellow flowers, the succulent comes with tiny pink flowers also.

Does Epsom salt help succulents grow? ›

Epsom salt works wonders as a fertilizer during the growing season and can help keep your succulents looking lush and beautiful for a long while. In addition, using an Epsom salt fertilizer is a great way to help encourage blooming in many succulents.

Can you put Miracle Grow on succulents? ›

All succulents need lightweight, well-draining soil. Improve the planting area by mixing one part Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Cactus, Palm & Citrus with one part native soil. This will improve the soil density and add nutrition to give succulent plants a boost.

Why won't my succulents flower? ›

Not Enough Light

The most likely reason your succulent isn't flowering is insufficient sunlight. Any succulent (or any other plant, for that matter) needs adequate bright sunlight in order to trigger it to bloom. Exactly how much sunlight is required depends on the species of each plant.

What is the most famous succulent? ›

Paddle plant is the most popular modern succulent due to its whimsical form and intense winter color.

Which is the best succulent? ›

Check Out the Best Indoor Succulent Plants for Your Home Garden
  1. Aloe Vera.
  2. Panda Plant.
  3. Snake Plant.
  4. Hens & Chicks.
  5. Burro's Tail.
  6. Jade Plant.
  7. Zebra Cactus.
  8. Lithops.

What succulents look good together? ›

Pair blue-green succulents with purple ones to get a cold-toned arrangement, or pair yellow, orange, red, and yellow-green for a warm-toned arrangement. Variegated types of succulents or succulents with some kind of markings give an extra interest and are highly welcomed in succulent arrangements.

What does a happy succulent look like? ›

Signs of healthy succulents include vibrant colors, firm leaves, and slow growth. Succulents are not meant to grow quickly. So although this may seem like a red flag, this is actually a great sign. Additionally, dried leaves may occasionally be found at the bottom of your succulent but this is also a great sign.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6334

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.