Succulents are popular for their easy maintenance and unique appearance, but did you know many of them also produce stunning flowers? These resilient plants not only thrive in various conditions but also reward you with beautiful blooms. Here are seven flowering succulents to grow for their stunning blooms.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
The Christmas Cactus is a classic flowering houseplant that blooms each year around the holiday season. It comes in various colors, including pink, white, red, orange, and gold. This succulent prefers indirect light and well-draining soil. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and reduce watering after it finishes blooming. With proper care, the Christmas Cactus can live for decades, bringing vibrant color to your home every winter.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.)
Prickly Pear Cactus is a versatile succulent that comes in an astounding range of sizes. It has large flower heads and blooms in abundance in shades of white and orange. This cactus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal water once established. The striking flowers are followed by edible fruits, making it not only a visual delight but also a practical addition to your garden.
Afterglow Echeveria
Afterglow Echeveria is a type of echeveria with attractive rosettes of lavender-shaded leaves. The outer edges of the leaves are splashed with beautiful pink. In the summer, it produces tall stems with orange-red flowers. This succulent prefers bright light and well-draining soil. Water it thoroughly, but let the soil dry out between waterings. The Afterglow Echeveria adds a touch of elegance to any succulent collection with its stunning colors and blooms.
Donkey Tail Sedum
Donkey Tail Sedum is an easy-to-grow succulent with fleshy teardrop-shaped leaves and trailing stems. In the summer, it produces clusters of tiny red flowers hidden under its bulbous leaves. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or containers where its long, trailing stems can cascade over the sides. Water it sparingly and ensure it has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Ruby Necklace (Othonna capensis)
Ruby Necklace is a fast-growing trailing succulent with bean-like foliage. It produces small red flowers in the summer. The stems and leaves turn a vibrant ruby color in bright light, adding visual interest even when it’s not in bloom. This succulent prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water it thoroughly but let the soil dry out between waterings. Ruby Necklace is ideal for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in succulent gardens.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular succulent known for its medicinal properties. In warm climates, it can be grown in the landscape and produces spikes of yellow flowers. It needs full sun and doesn’t tolerate freezing temperatures. Aloe Vera prefers well-draining soil and infrequent watering—let the soil dry out completely between waterings. This plant not only offers beautiful blooms but also provides soothing gel for burns and skin irritations.
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
Crown of Thorns is a succulent with thorny stems and colorful flowers. It can bloom almost non-stop indoors and needs full sun outdoors in frost-free zones. This plant prefers well-draining soil and regular watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Its bright flowers and unique appearance make it a standout in any garden or indoor space. Be cautious, as its sap can be irritating to skin and eyes.
