Succulents That Flower
If you’re looking to add a bit of charm to your garden or home, flowering succulents are a fantastic choice. These plants combine the unique look of succulents with the beauty of colorful blooms, offering a refreshing twist on traditional houseplants. Flowering succulents can brighten up any space with their beautiful flowers found in various shapes and vibrant colors.
Easy to care for, these succulents need only a little water, bright light, and some warmth to thrive. And with many types hardy enough for different climates, you can enjoy their blossoms whether you keep them inside or out in the garden. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, succulents with flowers are sure to impress.
1) Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus is a unique and popular plant for the holiday season. It’s known for its bright flowers that bloom in winter, adding a splash of color to your home. The flowers can be pink, lilac, red, or even white. It’s a perfect addition to your collection of indoor plants.
This plant needs the right conditions to thrive and bloom beautifully. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, as this can harm the cactus. Using a spray bottle to water it can help maintain the right moisture level. The cactus loves a well-draining soil mix with organic matter, such as a combination of potting soil, peat moss or compost, sand, and perlite or vermiculite.
Light is also important for the Christmas cactus. Make sure it gets moderate light and avoid direct sun. This helps the buds develop well. You can see them bloom into those stunning flowers that brighten up the chilly months. It’s a rewarding plant to have as you get lovely blooms each winter.
2) Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most popular succulents you can have at home. Its thick, fleshy leaves contain a soothing gel that many people use for skincare or to treat minor burns.
You might be surprised to find out that Aloe Vera can also flower. When it blooms, it sends up a tall stalk with clusters of tubular, yellow, orange, or red flowers.
If you’re growing Aloe Vera indoors, seeing it flower can be a bit tricky. It requires plenty of sunlight, so placing your plant near a sunny window can help.
Outdoors, it’s a little easier for Aloe Vera to flower, especially in the spring and summer. Make sure the plant gets enough sunlight and wait for the colorful blossoms to appear.
To keep your Aloe Vera healthy, remember to let the soil dry out between waterings. This mimics its natural environment and helps prevent overwatering. You can check its moisture by poking your finger about two inches into the soil.
With the right care, you can enjoy both the soothing gel and the lovely flowers of your Aloe Vera plant. Enjoy watching your plant thrive and maybe catch a glimpse of those beautiful blooms!
3) Queen of the Night
The Queen of the Night is a type of cactus that only blooms once a year, at night. These unique flowers are large, white, and have an amazing fragrance. The blooms open after dark, making it a special treat for those who stay up late.
This cactus is known for its long, trailing stems that can grow up to 20 feet. It’s great for hanging baskets on your porch or balcony. Though it likes a bit of shade during the day, it needs warm weather to thrive.
Bats are the main pollinators for these flowers, which is why the blooms are open at night. Interestingly, many plants of this type bloom on the same night. While the exact reason is not fully understood, researchers believe it may involve chemical communication among the plants.
You’ll want to plant your Queen of the Night in well-drained soil. Make sure the temperature stays between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C) to keep your plant happy and healthy. With the right conditions, you’ll enjoy its beauty and fragrance every year.
4) Ghost Plant
The Ghost Plant, also known as Graptopetalum paraguayense, is a unique succulent that catches the eye with its delicate blooms. You might notice its fleshy, thick leaves ranging in colors from pale gray to whitish. These colors can change with light conditions, making it a dynamic addition to your collection.
When it flowers, the Ghost Plant produces small, star-shaped blooms. These blooms add a hint of contrast to its rosette form. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to care for. The plant thrives with minimal fuss, responding well to a variety of environmental conditions.
If you’re planting it outdoors, consider its need for good drainage. Especially in areas with lots of rain, you might want to use raised beds. Indoors, choose a pot with holes for drainage to prevent root rot. Mixing it with other succulents can create a charming, low-maintenance display in your garden or home.
Given its origins in Mexico, the plant is used to drier environments. So, make sure not to overwater. With the right care, your Ghost Plant can spread and form a lush, beautiful display, enhancing any space it’s in.
5) Jade Plant
Jade plants are well-loved for their thick, shiny leaves and easy care. They adapt well to indoor environments, making them popular as houseplants. With proper care, they can grow to impressive sizes.
If you’re patient, your jade plant might reward you with star-shaped flowers. These blooms are usually white or pink and can create a lovely display. Getting them to flower indoors can be challenging.
Jade plants prefer bright, indirect light. They enjoy plenty of sunlight, so placing them near a window is ideal. Be careful not to overwater; they store water in their leaves and don’t need frequent watering.
With over 300 species in the Crassula genus, there are many types of jade plants to explore. The Crassula ovata, often called the money plant, is the most common type.
Watch out for pests like mealybugs. They can be pesky but are manageable with regular checking and prompt treatment. With a little effort, your jade plant can thrive and possibly surprise you with flowers.
6) Crown of Thorns
The Crown of Thorns, or Euphorbia milii, is a unique succulent with a striking appearance. It’s known for its thorny stems and vibrant bracts that look like petals in various colors such as red, pink, or yellow. The actual flowers are small and green, nestled in the middle of these bracts.
This plant does well in sunny spots, making it great for those bright windowsills or gardens. It loves warmth and can thrive in areas with a lot of sunlight. Just make sure it doesn’t face unexpected frost outdoors.
Crown of Thorns is quite forgiving when it comes to watering. You should let the soil dry out about an inch down before giving it a good soaking. Excess water needs to drain away to prevent the roots from rotting.
Take note that this plant is toxic if eaten. It contains a milky sap that can cause discomfort, so it’s best kept out of reach of pets and small children. Even with this caution, it’s an impressive and long-flowering plant that adds color to any space.
7) Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a type of succulent that’s super easy to care for and rewarding because of its pretty flowers. You’re likely to find them with bright blooms in colors like pink, red, yellow, and orange. These plants are popular because they don’t need much maintenance.
When growing kalanchoe, try to use a potting mix meant for succulents. This helps because the mix is well-draining, which is important for these plants. They enjoy bright, indirect light, so putting them near a sunny window works great. If you place them outdoors, pick a spot where they can avoid the harsh afternoon sun.
Watering kalanchoe is simple. Wait until the soil dries out between waterings. This helps prevent overwatering, which is a common mistake when caring for succulents. If you want the blooms to stick around longer, remove any spent flowers carefully. This often encourages new blossoms to show up.
Kalanchoe can thrive in indoor warmth. However, if you notice the plant getting leggy, it could mean it needs more light. You can adjust its location or use additional lighting. With the right care, you’ll enjoy these cheerful plants in your home or garden.
8) Living Stones
Living Stones, also called Lithops, are unique succulents that look like small stones or pebbles. This special look helps them blend into their surroundings, which is great for their survival. You might find them interesting to add to your collection because of their quirky appearance.
These little plants are native to the dry regions of Africa. They grow very slowly and stay close to the ground. If you’re thinking of growing them, they do best when their environment mimics their natural habitat. That means plenty of light and careful watering.
Our desert blend soil is optimized for plants that are native to hot, dry climates! Your lithops will love it!
Check out these closeup photographs of some beautiful blooming lithops!
One of the coolest things about Living Stones is their flowers. They bloom with daisy-like flowers that come in colors like white, yellow, or orange. The flowers pop out from the center of the plant and can be quite large compared to the rest of it.
If you decide to grow Living Stones, use well-draining soil. They don’t need a lot of water; in fact, too much water can harm them. It’s also important to give them some protection from harsh sun, as they can get sunburned.
Living Stones may seem a bit challenging at first, but they’re rewarding plants that add a touch of nature’s creativity to your space.
9) Flaming Katy
The Flaming Katy is a vibrant succulent, famous for its colorful blooms. Originating from Madagascar, it’s a member of the Crassulaceae family. Its scientific name is Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, but you might also know it as Christmas kalanchoe.
What makes this plant special is how easy it is to get it to flower. Light plays a big role here. Giving it about 10-12 hours of sunlight followed by 12-14 hours of darkness encourages it to bloom within a few weeks.
The flowers of the Flaming Katy can be red, pink, yellow, white, orange, or salmon. The vibrant clusters of blooms sit atop shiny green leaves with serrated edges, adding a pop of color to your space.
Caring for this succulent is straightforward. Because it stores water in its thick leaves, you won’t have to water it too often. Keep an eye on the leaves; when they start to look a bit wrinkly, it’s time to water them again. For the forgetful plant owner, this is a forgiving and low-maintenance choice.
10) Elephant Bush
The elephant bush, or Portulacaria afra, is a cool succulent from South Africa. People often call it the elephant food plant because it’s a big hit with elephants in the wild. This plant is super drought-tolerant, making it great for sunny, dry spots.
You’ll find the elephant bush is easy to care for, with small, rounded leaves that look a bit like jade plants. Unlike jade plants, though, these guys love lots of sunshine. They thrive in warmer climates, particularly in USDA zones 9 to 11. If you live somewhere cooler, consider growing it indoors.
Elephant bushes also prefer a humid environment, around 50% humidity. If it gets too dry in your home, you can use a pebble tray or a humidifier to help out. Just remember, it doesn’t like freezing temperatures, so keep it cozy when it’s cold outside.
These succulents can also add a charming touch to your landscape. Their simple care routine and attractive look make them popular as houseplants. If you give them the right conditions, you might even see them flower. Just let them do their thing in full sun for best results.
Understanding Succulent Blooms
Succulents are not just known for their unique shapes and colors, but also for their pretty flowers. Knowing why some bloom and spotting patterns can boost your care game.
Why Some Succulents Flower
Different succulents have blooms, each for its own reasons. Flowers help plants reproduce. They make seeds for growing more plants. Some succulents bloom to attract pollinators, like bees. Pollinators help spread pollen, letting seeds form.
It’s not just nature; care plays a role too. If you give your succulents enough light and the right water, they’re more likely to flower. Sometimes, the best way to get them to bloom is by slightly stressing them. This trick signals survival mode, pushing them to flower.
Common Blooming Patterns
Succulents have unique blooming times. Some bloom once a year, while others might surprise you more often. For instance, Echeveria often bloom in the spring or summer. This is when they get the most sunlight and warmth.
Patterns depend on the type, with some needing just a few hours of sunlight a day. Others might need more. Shorter days can trigger flowering in some types, urging them to bloom regardless of the season. Understanding this can help you adjust their care and see pretty blooms more often.
Caring for Flowering Succulents
Flowering succulents need the right balance of light and water to thrive. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy healthy blooms.
Optimal Light Conditions
Most flowering succulents love sunlight, so it’s important to place them where they can soak up the rays. Six hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day often works well. South-facing windows provide good light, but if your area is too intense, you might want to filter the sunlight with sheer curtains.
Some succulents can tolerate lower light levels, but this might affect blooming. You could use grow lights if natural light isn’t available. These lights can help balance light deficiencies, ensuring that your succulents get a similar effect to natural sunshine.
Watering Tips for Blooms
Watering flowering succulents is all about balance. During their active growing season, give them water when the soil feels dry. While watering, ensure the water reaches the roots without flooding the plant. This usually means letting excess water drain out of the pot to prevent standing water which can cause root rot.
In the dormant winter months, your succulents need much less water. Perhaps water once a month or when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is a common mistake, so always check the soil before adding more water. Adjust based on the plant’s specific needs for a happy, blooming succulent.