Jen
When I first started gardening, succulents quickly became my go-to plants. They’re hardy, beautiful, and require minimal care—perfect for beginners. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different varieties, and I’ve found that some are incredibly easy to grow, even for those with little to no experience.
If you’re new to succulents and want to start with the easiest ones, here are 15 foolproof options that will thrive with just a little attention.
1. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
This was one of the first succulents I ever grew, and it’s still one of my favorites. Its thick, oval-shaped leaves store water, making it extremely drought-tolerant.
How I Care for It:
I keep my jade plant in bright, indirect light and only water it when the soil is completely dry. It thrives in well-draining soil.
2. Zebra Haworthia (Haworthia fasciata)
This compact succulent has striking white stripes and is one of the easiest houseplants to care for.
How I Care for It:
It thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light conditions. I water it once every two weeks, letting the soil dry out completely.
3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is beautiful and functional—I love using its gel for burns and skin care.
How I Care for It:
Aloe loves bright, direct sunlight, so I place it on a sunny windowsill. I water it deeply but only when the soil is dry.
4. Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
Echeverias have stunning rosettes in a variety of colors, from green to pink and purple.
How I Care for It:
I give them bright, indirect light and make sure they’re in well-draining soil. I avoid getting water on their leaves to prevent rot.
5. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
This trailing succulent looks stunning in hanging pots with its plump, cascading stems.
How I Care for It:
It thrives in bright, indirect light. I handle it carefully because its delicate leaves fall off easily.
6. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
The fuzzy, velvety leaves of the panda plant make it a unique addition to my collection.
How I Care for It:
I keep it in bright, indirect light and only water when the soil is completely dry.
7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
One of the most indestructible succulents, it’s perfect for beginners.
How I Care for It:
It grows in both low and bright light. I water it every few weeks since it’s highly drought-tolerant.
8. Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
This elegant trailing succulent has silvery leaves that turn pinkish in sunlight.
How I Care for It:
It loves bright light and well-draining soil. I water when the soil dries out.
9. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
A stunning cascading succulent with bead-like leaves.
How I Care for It:
I keep it in bright, indirect light and water sparingly. Overwatering can kill it.
10. Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.)
These succulents multiply quickly, making them great for propagation.
How I Care for It:
I plant them in well-draining soil and give them plenty of sunlight.
11. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
This succulent blooms year-round with little effort.
How I Care for It:
It needs bright, direct sunlight and occasional watering when the soil is dry.
12. Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio serpens)
A fast-growing, low-maintenance succulent that adds texture to any garden.
How I Care for It:
It thrives in full sun and needs little water, making it nearly foolproof.
13. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra)
Often mistaken for jade, this succulent is a great beginner-friendly plant.
How I Care for It:
It does well in bright, indirect light and needs minimal watering.
14. Rock Purslane (Calandrinia spectabilis)
This succulent produces bright pink flowers and is incredibly easy to grow.
How I Care for It:
It thrives in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
15. Gasteria (Gasteria spp.)
A slow-growing succulent that does well indoors and requires little care.
How I Care for It:
It prefers indirect light and occasional watering.
Final Thoughts
Succulents are the perfect plants for beginners because they’re hardy and require little maintenance. If you’re just getting started, try one (or more) of these 15 easy-to-grow varieties. With the right light and minimal watering, you’ll have a thriving succulent collection in no time!
