Are you looking to spruce up your indoor or outdoor space? Chances are succulents won’t be the first plants that come to mind when you think of attractive foliage and colorful flowers.
But there are many different types of succulents that produce stunning blossoms and that are very easy to grow and care for.
With their drought tolerance and few specific lighting requirements, these friendly succulents are winners in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
1. Aloe Vera
Optimal growth conditions: Well-drained soil, bright light/full sun, 40 and 60°F (13 and 27°C).
There are more than 400 different types of Aloe plants, but Aloe Vera is the most popular one. This plant has been used as a treatment for burns and other skin problems for hundreds of years. Furthermore, it is also an amazing ornamental succulent that grows in clumps of upright succulent leaves.

In general, Aloes are easy to grow and thrive in many different types of environments. It’s best for them to get full sun, to be planted in well-drained soil, and to be watered regularly. The Aloe is an easy-to-grow succulent that can be slightly neglected.
If you want to ensure that your Aloe Vera will produce beautiful flowers, you need to provide it with nutrient-rich soil. You can fertilize the old soil and replenish its minerals and vitamins or repot the plant in a new container and change its soil.
If you are a big fan of blooming succulents, it is important to remember that only mature Aloe Vera plants that are at least 5 years of age will bloom. So, if you just bought an Aloe Vera, you might have to wait until you see the first inflorescences.
Mature plants will bloom from late winter and into spring and will send up beautiful flowering spikes that can attract hummingbirds. If your Aloe Vera is young, you can still enjoy its attractive foliage and easy-going nature.
If you are already growing Aloe Vera and wish to add more exotic and equally low-maintenance Aloe succulents to your collection, you should check out spiral Aloe, tiger tooth Aloe, coral Aloe, Aloe Christmas carol, and Aloe Pepe.
Although Aloe plants have many different uses for humans, they are quite toxic to pets, so make sure you grow them on a tall shelf.

2. Echeveria
Optimal growth conditions: Well-drained soil, bright indirect sunlight and afternoon shade, 50 and 70°F (10 and 21°C).
Echeveria succulents are perfect for containers and drought-tolerant gardens, and xeriscaping. It is quite common for Echeveria growers to plant these attractive succulents in containers and to bring them indoors when outdoor temperatures are too low.

The most common mistakes that Echeveria owners make are watering the plants excessively and using the wrong soil. It is best to use a well-draining potting mix that is specifically designed for succulents and cacti.
Another important thing to remember when growing Echeverias and other similar succulents is to wait for the soil to dry completely before watering the succulents again and to ensure that the plant has plenty of light. The scorching sun should be avoided, as this might burn the delicate leaves of the Echeveria.
Like most succulent plants, throughout their growth process, Echeverias gradually spread and form new rosettes. Echeverias have a compact rosette shape and their leaves are very attractive.

In late spring and throughout summer, Echeverias send up flowers that, although they are not large, they are perfectly proportionate to the base of the plant. The flowers of Echeveria succulents grow as tall arching stalks that have an urn or a bell shape.
In general, the blooming process is triggered by the intensity of the light and the temperature, and not by the length of the day.
There are many beautiful types of Echeveria succulents that you can choose from each having unique-looking foliage. Echeveria Black Prince is a great choice if you want to add a one-of-a-kind succulent to your collection. If you prefer pastel succulents, you should opt for Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg or Echeveria Liliacina.
If you love animals as much as you love succulents, you might be wondering if Echeverias are toxic. The good news is that according to the ASPCA, most Echeverias including the ones mentioned above are perfectly safe to grow around pets.

3. Schlumbergera
Optimal growth conditions: Evenly-moist soil, soak and dry technique, frequent misting, direct sun and moderate light, 40 and 60°F (13 and 27°C)
Schlumbergera, or the Christmas cactus, is a very popular succulent because it is relatively easy to care for. However, this succulent plant does not tolerate cold environments, and, unfortunately, not many schlumbergera owners are aware of this fact.

When it comes to watering Schlumbergera plants, it is recommended to use the “soak and dry” technique and frequent misting, and avoid flooding the plants with water. Like all succulents, Schlumbergeras are very sensitive to overwatering, which also happens to be the most common mistake gardeners make.
A great feature of Schlumbergera succulents is their attractive blooms which appear for 2 months at a time. Schlumbergeras can produce hundreds of flowers that are brilliant cerise pink and that look as exotic as tropical orchids.
The best thing about this blooming succulent is that as soon as the first flowers fade, more open. If you want to force the blooming of your Christmas cactus a bit, you can cut down on watering and ensure that the plant gets 12 to 14 hours of darkness.
If you place your plant near an east-facing window where it will get plenty of bright, but indirect light, chances are your beautiful succulent will bloom repeatedly.

Schlumbergeras make perfect gifts and if you already have a plant, you can start propagating it right away and offer the new plants to your friends and family. This succulent is very easy to propagate, so it would be a waste not to share it with your loved ones.
To propagate Schlumbergera all you have to do is to take small Y-shaped cuttings from the tips of your plant and place them on fresh succulent and cacti soil mix. Ideally, a cutting should be at least 2 or 3 segments long and in good shape.
According to the ASPCA, Schlumbergera is not toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, so you can safely grow it anywhere knowing that your curious pets are always safe around it.
If you want to learn more about this versatile and low-maintenance succulent, don’t forget to read our complete guide to Schlumbergera.

4. Kalanchoe
Optimal growth conditions: Evenly-moist soil, soak and dry technique, direct sun, and moderate light, warmer than 55°F (12°C).
Kalanchoe has succulent, thick leaves that can retain enough water for the plant to survive during droughts. It is safe to say that Kalanchoes make perfect gifts for beginner gardeners because they are easy to grow and care for and produce very attractive blooms.

In general, the flowers of the kalanchoe have four petals and they can come in many different colours. The most common colours, however, are yellow, orange, red, and white. The most popular type of flowering Kalanchoe is K. Blossfeldiana, commonly referred to as Flaming Katy.
If you are familiar with this type of Kalanchoe, you are on the right path to becoming a Kalanchoe expert so you might want to start growing other members of this amazing succulent family. Kalanchoe Pumila, commonly known as Flower Dust Plant is another beautiful flowering succulent that you can easily grow indoors in a container.
If you are a fan of succulents that have unique foliage, you should definitely check out K. Delagoensis (Chandelier Plant), K. Luciae (Flapjack or Paddle Plant) and K. Tomentosa (Panda Plant).
Kalanchoes succulents are pretty easy to grow and they are extremely popular due to their colourful and long-lasting flowers.

Unfortunately, many growers buy the plants during their blooming period and discard of them when their flowers wither. But, instead of discarding the plant, you can simply cut off the flowering head, resume normal watering and your Kalanchoe succulent will bloom again in spring.
Kalanchoes can be quite susceptive to common household pests like spider mites, aphids, and scale. If you notice that your plant is affected by unwanted visitors, you can simply wipe them away with a piece of wet cloth. If the infestation is more serious, you can try an eco-friendly pesticide such as neem oil.
Kalanchoe plants are quite toxic to cats and dogs, so if you are growing a succulent that belongs to this family of plants, it’s best to keep it in a safe place where your pets won’t be able to reach it.

5. Euphorbia
Optimal growth conditions: Well-drained soil, soak and dry technique, moderate sun, ideal temperatures around 80°F (26°C)
Euphorbia is a generous family of plants commonly referred to as ‘spurge’ with members that come in many different shapes and sizes. The plants that belong to the Euphorbia genus can be succulents, shrubs, and trees. But, because this article focuses on low-maintenance succulents, we’ll mostly describe a few great Euphorbias that have thick fleshy leaves.

Euphorbia trigona is a perfect example of a succulent/cactus plant that can easily be grown indoors by any novice gardener. Also known as the African Milk Tree, this plant can thrive in a small container as long as it gets some light and a little water every now and then.
The best thing about Euphorbia trigona is of course its unique shape, but if you want to get a plant that is even more special, you can try finding the rubra variety which is dark green and turns red when the plant is exposed to light.
Another great thing about Euphorbia trigona is its fast-growing nature and you will be surprised how fast your euphorbia will grow in the right conditions.
Another interesting member of this plant family is Euphorbia Tirucalli, also known as Pencil Cactus or Sticks of Fire. This succulent is a popular ornamental plant that tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions such as full sun and drought and doesn’t need a lot of attention.

If you worry that you might forget to water your plants, this succulent is a perfect option. To ensure that the Pencil Cactus will thrive, place it on a sunny windowsill and plant it in gritty soil with good drainage. You can grow this versatile succulent outdoors if you live in a warm region. You can also grow it indoors where it will do best near a south or a west-facing window.
If you are a big fan of odd-shaped plants, you’ll surely enjoy growing Euphorbia obesa a.k.a Baseball Plant. This chubby succulent is a popular ornamental thanks to its unique shape and easy-going habits. Euphorbia obesa is a slow-growing plant that doesn’t require frequent repotting and that is not attractive to pests and diseases.
It thrives in warm environments and will be grateful if you place it in a location with plenty of indirect light. This plant can survive in less hospitable environments but it might become pale or leggy.
Another popular member of the Euphorbia family is E. Milii, commonly referred to as Crown of Thorns or Christ Plant. Euphorbia Crown of Thorns is an evergreen succulent with attractive foliage, beautiful flowers, and sharp black thorns.
When grown in ideal conditions, this plant will have a long blooming season. It is a versatile and adaptable houseplant that doesn’t need a lot of attention as long as it gets well-drained soil, warm temperatures, and at least half a day of sunlight.
It is important to mention that Euphorbias produce a milky sap that is quite poisonous so these plants should be handled with care and kept at a safe distance from pets and small children.

6. Crassula
Optimal growth conditions: Well-drained soil, soak and dry technique, bright indirect light, protection from the afternoon sun, ideal temperatures around 65 – 75°F (18 – 25°C).
Crassula is a fascinating family of succulent plants that includes hundreds of species that are native to different parts of the world. Crassula succulents come in many different colours, shapes, and sizes and when it comes to identifying them, it’s always best to analyze their leaves.

Most crassulas have triangle-shaped leaves, but some have egg-shaped leaves, finger-shaped leaves, and other interesting forms. Some crassulas have a trailing growth habit and make perfect plants for hanging baskets, others can be used as ground covers, some are tall shrubs, but most of them make a perfect desk or shelf companion.
Mature crassula plants can even produce blooms that usually appear in late winter and early spring.
What makes crassulas amazing houseplants for both novice and experienced growers is their versatility, their attractive foliage, and their easy-growing habit. Most varieties will thrive if they get plenty of light and some protection from the harsh sun in regions that get very hot summers.
It is important to remember that most succulents, including crassulas, can be quite sensitive to direct sun and their leaves might suffer sunburns. In terms of soil, crassula succulents will thrive in sandy, rocky, and any type of well-draining soil.

Their worst enemy is soggy soil as their roots are susceptible to root rot, so it’s always best to apply the ‘soak and dry’ watering strategy when growing them.
You can find many interesting varieties of crassulas on our website and all of them are worth adding to your plant collection. Crassula muscosa, commonly known as Crassula Watch Chain is an eye-catching ornamental succulent that has an upward growing habit and makes a great addition to terrariums and small containers.
It is considered somewhat invasive, but this is a great advantage if you’re looking for a plant that is easy to propagate and that will recover after short periods of neglect. Crassula rupestris, a.k.a Crassula Baby’s Necklace is a delicate succulent that cute fleshy leaves that remains quite small even as a mature plant, so you can easily integrate it in a small office or on a tiny shelf.
One of our favourite members of this succulent family is Crassula Buddha’s Temple and if you read the complete guide, you’ll immediately see how special this plant is. Its unique appearance makes C. Buddha’s Temple a favourite among succulent growers who are always looking for the most exotic specimens to add to their collection.
Perfect for xeriscaping, terrariums, dish gardens, and rockeries, this succulent is truly one of a kind.
If you are a fan of colourful succulents, you should definitely check out Crassula capitela a.k.a Crassula Red Pagoda. This succulent has the most joyful pink-red fleshy leaves that stack on top of each other and form clumps.

In Conclusion
As you can see, there are hundreds of attractive succulents that you can easily grow and most of them have similar needs. As long as you provide them with plenty of indirect light, warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and a little water every now and then, your succulents will thrive.
Some will reward you with their attractive chubby leaves while others might even surprise you with their exotic flowers. Regardless of which succulents you choose to grow, it will be a fun and enjoyable experience.
Are you growing succulents? Let us know what your favorites are in the comments section!