30 Unique Succulents With Unusual Colors and Shapes - Brainy Gardener (2024)

Let’s be honest—no one wants a plain old cactus. But with the array of options available on the market today, it can be hard to narrow down which succulent will bring the most funk to your life.

It’s easy to get caught up in the color variations of succulent leaves. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. Some unique succulents from alien-looking stems and strange growth patterns look like they were grown on another planet — not on your windowsill.

Let this list inspire you to put some fun and vibrant colors into your home.

Comprehensive List of Unique Succulents for Your Home

This article is a brief introduction to the world of unique succulents out in the world. Believe us; there are plenty more to choose from than just these 30 succulents. But this list will hopefully show you some freaky stuff you might end up being interested in. We’ve tried to spread as wide a net as possible to include a wider variety of unique succulents for you to choose from.

Red Pagoda (Crassula capitella)

The Red Pagoda (Crassula capitella) is a succulent native to South Africa. It’s a member of the Crassulaceae family, which includes some of the most popular succulents such as jade plants and Hen and chicks.

The Red Pagoda gets its common name from its pagoda-like shape. The leaves are arranged in tiers, similar to a traditional Japanese pagoda roof. The uppermost leaves are often tinged with red, hence the plant’s other common name: Red Tips. In addition, the outer lips of the leaves are more likely to turn red than the inner lobes.

Small flowers appear in clusters in the summer, white in color. The stem body tends to form colonies so that in each pot, multiple rosettes of Red Pagoda form after a few seasons. This is why it’s recommended to plant fresh specimens in wider pots to give the plant a chance to grow. A forest of Red Pagoda’s or a solitary red tower; your choice.

This unique succulent is quite tolerant of neglect and can survive a wide range of conditions. It will do just as well in full sun and partial shade and doesn’t require much water. In fact, it’s best to err on the side of too little water rather than too much.

• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Watering: Sparingly, when the soil is dry

Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

TheBurro’s Tail(Sedum morganianum) is a unique succulent native to Mexico. It’s called Burro’s Tail because of its long, cascading stems that resemble a donkey’s tail. The leaves are teardrop-shaped and arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. They are blue-green with a powdery coating that helps protect the plant from excessive sunlight and drought conditions.

Small, white, sometimes pink flowers appear in summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. The Burro’s Tail is a popular choice for hanging baskets or as an addition to rock gardens.

This succulent isn’t picky about its conditions and handles neglect like a champ. It prefers direct sunlight to semi-shade, but it will survive semi-shade conditions. It also doesn’t require much water. In fact, it’s best to err on the side of too little water rather than too much.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately

Propeller Plant (Crassula Falcata)

The Propeller Plant (Crassula FalcataorCrassula perfoliata var. minor) is a small, slow-growing succulent from South Africa. It gets its common name from the propeller-like shape of its leaves. The blades are arranged in a rosette pattern and can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long.

The shape of the plant’s leaves is what sets this plant apart. Not only does it have an attractive profile, but the flowers that appear on the crown of the stem are also a sight to behold. However, what makes this plant stand out among unique succulents is its propeller-like leaves.

The Propeller Plant is best suited for growing in containers since it doesn’t get too big. It’s an excellent plant for beginners since it’s effortless to care for. Just make sure to give it plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy plant that will thrive for years to come.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Huernia zebrina(Lifesaver Plant)

Huernia zebrina, more commonly known as the Lifesaver Plant, is a unique succulent from southern Africa. It’s called the Lifesaver Plant because of the shape of its flowers, which have a distinct red disk-like protrusion in the middle that looks like a lifebuoy used to save people from drowning. So it is also called the Lifebuoy Plant for that reason.

Even without the donut-shaped middle, the lifesaver plant is a wonderous succulent. For starters, its flowers give off a nasty scent, not unlike the scent given off byStarfish Plant, that attracts pollinators. The flower itself has five petals, zebra-striped with brown on yellow.

It has long, thin stems that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. They are deeply ribbed with four to five ribs, with sharp spines along the sides.

Despite its wondrous nature, it is pretty easy to grow. Too easy, in fact. It’s best to keep it away from garden beds as the pollination process is quite aggressive, helping it take over gardens in no time if left unchecked. Instead, we recommend keeping the plant in a potted container on a patio or deck. That way, there is little chance of the plant spreading, and the smell is kept out of the main house as well.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Moderately, none in winter

Echeveria’ Black Prince’

Echeveria’ Black Prince’ is a striking unique succulent that gets its name from its deep purple-black leaves. The color is so intense that it’s almost unreal.

This plant is native to Mexico and can reach up to 3 inches in diameter. It forms a rosette shape formed with black leaves with a green center. It sends up a small stalk that bears crimson flowers in fall and winter.

Even among specimens of the same cultivar, there are subtle differences. Your ‘Black Prince’ might not be as deep black as the version of it you see in the pictures, but a small amount of variance is normal and expected. But whichever way you slice it, the Echeveria’ Black Prince’ is a treat, and cultivating one in your home or garden will surely spark conversations with visitors. Who thoughtblackcould be so eye-catching?

Echeveria’ Black Prince’ is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some special attention before its established. First, it needs bright light to maintain its deep coloration. Secondly, the leaves are quite fragile and easily damaged, so handle them with care. Lastly, this plant is susceptible to root rot, so plant it in well-draining soil.

• Light: Bright, direct light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Tiger Jaws (Faucaria tigrina)

TheTiger Jaws(Faucaria tigrina) is a South African native that gets its common name from the shape of its leaves. The leaves are fleshy and have sharp teeth-like projections along the margins.

These unique succulents are not easy to find, but they’re well worth searching for. They grow in dense rosettes and can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The leaves are thick and fleshy, ranging in color from green to gray-green. They’re covered with tiny white spots and have sharp teeth-like projections along the margins.

Not to be confused withFaucaria felina, which has very similar features. However, you can count both of these plants among the list of unique succulents.

The flowers ofFaucaria tigrinaare yellow and borne on long stalks that arise from the center of the plant.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Haworthia cooperi

Haworthia cooperiis a small unique succulent native to South Africa. It’s a member of theAsphodelaceaefamily and is closely related to the aloe plant. The leaves set this plant apart from others in the same genus. They are translucent, almost entirely so, making for an impressive display if given the right background. These leaves are arranged in rosettes, typical ofHaworthia.

These plants remain small, so it’s best to feature them as a small desktop houseplant. A windowsill or an office desk, perhaps. Youcanplant them outside, but since they’re so small, they easily get overshadowed, the bigger plants taking attention away from them. And if you’re going to raise these unique succulents in your home or garden, you want them to draw the visitors’ eyes.

TheHaworthia cooperiis one of the easiest succulents to care for since it requires very little water or attention. It can tolerate low light conditions but does best in bright, indirect sunlight. This plant is also one of the slowest growing succulents, so it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want a lot of maintenance.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Occasionally, when the soil is dry

Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)

ThePanda Plant(Kalanchoe tomentosa) is a succulent native to Madagascar. It’s called Panda Plant because of the white, furry coating on its leaves that resembles the fur of a panda. The leaves are the main attraction of these unique succulents; their coating is not only safe but also soft to the touch. However, if punctured, the leaves release a white sap that’s mildly toxic, so handle with care.

The coating is essential for the plant’s survival in its natural habitat. That’s why even wild specimens have the same coating; its a not a cultivated feature but nature’s decision.

Bell-shaped tubular flowers appear from early spring to summer, but they are sporadic, not appearing one year and then appearing the next.

This plant is among the most popular succulents due to its unique appearance. The white, furry leaves are eye-catching and make for a great conversation starter. The panda plant is also super easy to care for since it doesn’t require much water or attention.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Avoid overwatering

Lithops (Living Stones)

Lithopsare unique succulents endemic to the desert regions of southern Africa. They’re also known as “living stones” because of their interesting appearance.

These plants are incredibly small, and they grow close to the ground. Their leaves are just a few millimeters thick, and they’re usually quite dull-colored. The coloration is meant to serve as natural camouflage for the plant. Herbivores that would normally graze on these plants end up confused by the appearance and missing out on a free meal.

They flower in the late summer or early fall. The flowers are white or yellow, and they only last for a few days. But they’re worth seeing if you can catch them in bloom!

Lithops are very easy to care for, and they make great houseplants. They don’t need much water, and they can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. Just be sure to plant them in well-drained soil.

• Light: full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Sparingly, only when the soil is dry

Moonstones (Pachyphytum oviferum)

TheMoonstoneSucculent (Pachyphytum oviferum) is a small, slow-growing unique succulent native to Mexico. It gets its common name from the bluish-green color of its leaves, which resemble moonstones. They’re also called Sugaralmond Plants for the same reason.

These plants form tight rosettes; the thick leaves bunch up against each other, making for an attractive display. In addition, the entire plant is covered with a thin, barely-visible, white coating that protects the plant from the elements.

This plant is ideal if you want an easy-care succulent for your home. It doesn’t require much light or water and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In fact, it will do best if it’s kept on the drier side.

One way to tell if yourPachyphytummoonstone is getting too much water is by looking at the leaves. If they start to wrinkle or look transparent, it’s a sign that they’re not getting enough water. On the other hand, if the leaves begin to get mushy or rot, it’s a sign that they’re getting too much water.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Deeply but infrequently

Pig’s Ear Plant (Cotyledon orbiculata)

ThePig’s Ear Plant(Cotyledon orbiculata) is a native of South Africa. It’s called the Pigs Ear Plant because of the shape of its leaves, which resemble a pig’s ear. This plant requires warm weather to be grown outside. A greenhouse or indoor houseplant is the best option for gardeners living in colder climates.

This is one unique succulent that’s easy to identify! Its leaves are thick and fleshy, with a wavy margin. They’re a beautiful bluish-green color, and they grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The flowers are yellow-orange and shaped like a bell, and they appear in summer.

Pig’s Ear succulents are easy to care for and make excellent houseplants. They’re tolerant of a wide range of lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Tiger Tooth Aloe (Aloe juvenna)

The Tiger Tooth Aloe (Aloe juvenna) is a small unique succulent that originates from East Africa. It gets its common name from the tiger-like teeth that line the edges of its leaves.

This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight; too much sun will cause the leaves to fade and may result in sunburn. In hot climates, it’s best to grow this plant indoors or in a shady spot outdoors. However, it will turn a gorgeous reddish-brown if you hit the sweet spot of giving the plant enough sunlight while not scorching the leaves.

When it comes to watering,Aloe juvennais pretty drought-tolerant. However, it’s best to err on the side of caution and water only when the soil is arid. Overwatering leads to root rot which leads to the plant dying, so be sure to drain any excess water from the pot.

If you’re looking for a plant that’s both unique and easy to care for,Aloe juvennais an excellent choice. A good amount of bright, indirect light is necessary for this plant to thrive. And remember to let the soil dry out completely between watering.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is completely dry

Parry’s Agave (Agave Parryi)

The Parry’s Agave (Agave parryi) is a succulent native to North and Central America.

The Parry’s agave is a medium-sized plant that can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide. The blue-green leaves have sharp teeth along the margins. The yellow flowers appear in clusters on stalks that emerge from the center of the plant. But flowers only appear on fully mature plants, and it takes years for the plant to get there.

Parry’s agave is an easy plant to care for and is drought tolerant. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant should be watered deeply, but only when the soil is dry.

This unique succulent is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a low-maintenance plant. It is also deer resistant and can be used in landscape beds or as a container plant.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Deeply, but only when the soil is dry

Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

ThePonytail Palm(Beaucarnea recurvata) is a unique succulent native to Mexico. It’s not a palm tree, despite its common name. Instead, the plant is called the Ponytail Palm because of the shape of its leaves, which resemble a ponytail.

It’s a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 6-8 feet in height. But it’s more commonly seen as a houseplant, where it stays much more petite. The Ponytail Palm is easily recognized by its long, curved leaves that grow from a bulbous base.

The leaves are evergreen and can reach up to 3 feet (1 meter) in length. They’re pale green and have a waxy texture. The leaves are also quite flexible so that they can be easily bent or shaped. In fact, if left unpruned, the leaves flop down to the ground as they tend to be longer than the plant’s height.

The Ponytail Palm is very popular as an indoor houseplant due to its low maintenance requirements. It’s tolerant of both drought and neglect, making it an ideal plant for those who are new to gardening.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Deeply

Haworthiopsis viscosa

TheHaworthiopsis viscosa, previously known asHaworthia viscosa,is a small, slow-growing succulent from Western Cape, South Africa. Its leaves fit together with one another in a tight, symmetrical pattern. This is called the “trifarious” leaf arrangement by botanists, and it’s a sight to behold.

The plant forms angular rosettes of fleshy, dark green, or reddish-brown leaves. These rosettes then stack on top of each other, forming a mini-tower. If given a large enough pot, each specimen will form offsets that will develop in the same way as well. This phenomenon creates a structure of mini-towers in one pot, strikingly unique.

TheHaworthiopsis viscosais an excellent choice for beginning succulent growers because it is very easy to care for. It can survive a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It is also quite drought tolerant and can survive on very little water. However, like all succulents, it will do best if allowed to dry out completely between watering sessions.

In the market for a unique succulent for your home or garden? TheHaworthiopsis viscosais a great choice. Its closely-knit leaves make it a stand-out plant, and it is very easy to care for.

• Light: Semi-shade
• Watering: Thoroughly, when dry

African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)

The African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a unique succulent native to Central Africa. Although it looks strikinglylikea cactus, it isn’t one. However, its common names reflect this resemblance, like Candelabra cactus, Cathedral cactus, and Friendship cactus. Its called the African Milk tree because of the white sap that oozes from the stems when they are cut. The sap is poisonous and can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin.

The African milk tree is a fast-growing succulent that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. It has thin, triangular leaves arranged in a spiral pattern around the stems. The leaves are green with red or purple margins, and they often have off-white spots on them. The flowers are small and insignificant, usually white.

The African milk tree is a popular houseplant, but it can be tricky to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light and needs protection from harsh sunlight. It also needs to be watered regularly to prevent the leaves from dropping off. However, too much water can cause the roots to rot, so it’s essential to let the soil dry out between watering sessions.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering

Conophytum bilobum(Living pebble)

Conophytum bilobum, commonly known as the living pebble, is a small, unique succulent native to South Africa. It’s called Living Pebble because of the strong resemblance to a –you guessed it –pebble. Although this plant looks similar to Lithops (Living Stones), these are different species entirely.

TheConophytum bilobumis a very slow-growing plant that will only reach about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. It has two distinct lobes that are connected at the base. The surface of the plant body is covered in tiny bumps and indentations, giving it a textured look.

The leaves are green and fork out in two distinct lobes, looking like a pulled-out human tooth if you look closely enough. The flowers are small and yellow, and they appear in late summer or early fall.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Baseball Plant (Euphorbia Obesa)

The Baseball Plant (Euphorbia obesa) is a Euphorbia species native to South Africa. It’s a small, spherical succulent that looks like a green baseball. The plant can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and has a distinct appearance, making it easily identifiable in the wild.

The Baseball Plant gets its common name from its shape, which resembles a baseball. The sides of the plant body are lined with thin ‘ribs’ that look strikingly like the stitching on a baseball.

It’s a relatively slow-growing plant, but it can eventually reach up to 8 inches in height. This unique succulent is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. However, it prefers bright, indirect light. It’s also a relatively drought-tolerant plant, so it doesn’t require frequent watering.

• Light: Sunny
• Watering: Infrequently, after soil dries

Ariocarpus fissuratus‘Godzilla’

TheAriocarpus fissuratus‘Godzilla’ is a Japanese cultivar of the Ariocarpus fissuratus. It is a slow-growing unique succulent that can reach up to 15 cm in height and width. The plant gets its name from the texture of its leaves, which resemble that of the iconic movie monster “Godzilla.”

This is an extremely slow-growing cultivar. It takes almost two decades for the plant to reach its ultimate height. That’s why most specimens are grafted to speed up the process. True to form ‘Godzilla’ are rare and highly sought after.

This cultivar is not as widely available as some of the others on this list. But if you can find it, it makes for a great addition to any succulent collection.

• Light: Bright light
• Water: Weekly

Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)

TheRat Tail Cactus(Aporocactus flagelliformis) is a cactus native to Mexico. It’s called Rat-tail cactus because of the long, thin, rat-tail-like stems that hang down from the plant. These stems can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) long and are covered in tiny spines.

The Rat Tail Cactus is a relatively easy plant to care for. It does best in direct sunlight (withoccasionalshade) but can also tolerate some direct sun. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.

This plant is meant for hanging baskets. The trailing stems look awkward anywhere else. Although, in the beginning, when the plant is young, the stems will grow upright. But don’t worry; with age, these stems will droop down the sides of the container on their own.

This cactus is not for everyone. The hanging stems can be pretty delicate and are easily broken. They also require a space with little foot traffic, so make sure you pick out the right place for this unique succulent before you buy it.

But if you have the space and can provide the proper care, the Rat Tail Cactus makes a beautiful and unusual addition to any home.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis Chamaecereus)

ThePeanut Cactus(Echinopsis chamaecereus) is a small, spiny cactus that grows in the highlands of Bolivia and Argentina. It gets its common name from its close resemblance to a roasted peanut.

This cactus is not only unique in appearance, but it’s also one of the most cold-hardy succulents out there. If kept dry, it can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius).

The Peanut Cactus is a slow grower, eventually reaching a height of 6 inches. But it will offset readily to form dense clumps over time. The individual stems are green with brownish-red spines that give the plant a unique prickly texture. These finger-like stems like to grow as close to the ground as possible, giving the plant a trailing habit.

The flowers ofEchinopsis chamaecereusare orange with red tips and appear in the spring or summer.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Deeply but infrequently

Bishop’s Cap Cactus (Astrophytum Myriostigma)

TheBishop’s Cap Cactus(Astrophytum myriostigma) is a beautiful and unique succulent native to Mexico. It gets its common name from the shape of its green, globular body, which resembles a bishop’s miter (a ceremonial headdress worn by bishops in the Catholic Church).

This cactus is easily recognizable, thanks to its unique shape. It’s spherical in form with inverted ribs that extend out of the body instead of inwards. There are no spines to line the sides, only wooly protrusions from the areolas. Yellow flowers appear intermittently throughout the year, adding color to the garden year-round.

The Bishop’s Cap Cactus is a slow grower, only adding a few inches per year. But it can eventually reach a height of 2 feet (60 cm). The globular shapes extend to a small cylinder with age, but the plant remains small regardless. So it’s best to plant it in a pot to take full advantage of this plant.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)

TheBunny Ear Cactus, also known as the Polka Dot Cactus, is a type of Opuntia cactus native to Mexico. It gets its common name from the shape of its leaves, which resemble bunny ears.

This cactus is easily recognizable, thanks to its unique leaf shape. The “ears” are actually flattened, oval-shaped pads that grow in pairs along the stems. They’re covered in tiny white or yellow spines that give the plant a polka dot appearance.

The Bunny Ear Cactus is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it excellent for beginners. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, and be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Arizona Rainbow Cactus (Echinocereus rigidissimus)

The Arizona Rainbow Cactus (Echinocereus rigidissimus) is a North American native found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It gets its common name from how its stem changes color as it matures. The bright purple flowers with a white throat adorned the top of the thick stem in the flowering season.

TheEchinocereus rigidissimusis a small plant that typically only reaches about 12 inches in height at maturity. It looks like a flat-topped cylinder more than anything else. Its stems are green or blue-green and are covered in short, sharp spines. When they first emerge, these spines are reddish-maroon, then transition to magenta and fade to yellow. This transition is the reason the plant is called Arizona Rainbow Cactus.

However, the flowers steal the show when they emerge. They’re large-ish, at least in relation to the plant’s body. And they cover the top of the stem with their girth when in full bloom. They’re usually pink in color, with a white underline. Luckily, these cacti bloom easily.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Cereus forbesii monstrose‘Ming Thing’

This is a monstrose form ofCereus forbesii, a cactus native to Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. The monstrose form is a mutation that causes the plant to grow in strange, contorted shapes.

The ‘Ming Thing’ cultivar is one of the most popular varieties of monstroseCereus forbesii. It gets its name from its resemblance to the Chinese dragon Wyvern. This cactus’s contorted, writhing shape definitely looks like something out of a mythical storybook.

It’s a slow-growing plant that can eventually reach 1 foot in height. The stems are contorted, forming small circular structures, and the spines are thin and black, emerging from the top of the stubby stems. They’re a dark green color that can prefer semi-shade conditions rather than full sun.

The flowers ofCereus forbesii monstroseare white or pale pink, and they appear in late spring or early summer. They only open at night and close up again by morning.

• Light: Partial shade
• Watering: Regular

Myrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata‘Dinosaur Back Plant’

This cristate form ofMyrtillocactus geometrizans, native to Mexico, is one of the most unique succulents out there. As its name suggests, it resembles the back of the fictional depiction of dinosaurs.

The plant’s main stem is flat and wide, with numerous ridges running along its length. These ridges give it an incredibly textured look that resembles the back of a dinosaur. The plant’s color can range from light green to bluish-green, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. As it grows, the stem crests and flows in a strange pattern, extending ever upwards but rarely in a straight path.

TheMyrtillocactus geometrizans forma cristata‘Dinosaur Back Plant’ is a slow-growing succulent that can reach up to 6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It’s best suited for growing in a pot or container to keep a handle on its growth and easy access to fast-draining soil.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Deeply, in well-drained soil

Brain Cactus (Stenocactus multicostatus)

This little guy is aStenocactus multicostatus, more commonly known as the Brain cactus. It’s a small cactus that only gets to about 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. It’s native to Mexico, where it grows in grassy meadows.

The Brain Cactus got its common name from the fact that it resembles a human brain. It’s not the most accurate resemblance, but it’s definitely there if you look closely enough. The plant’s body is covered in pleated, wavy protrusions that give the plant a unique look. On top of that, the white spines that emerge from the areolas are strikingly long in relation to the plant body. This unique succulent will immediately draw the eye when placed among other plants, overshadowing almost everything else.

Despite their unique traits, these amazing succulents are among the easiest cacti to grow. Perfect for beginners and experts alike. And, since they stay small, they can be used as desktop container plants without worry.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Regularly, in fast-draining soil

Blossfeldia liliputiana

Blossfeldia liliputianais a miniature cactus that is native to South America. Itisthe smallest cactus in the world, with mature plants only reaching about 1.2 centimeters in diameter.

It has a spherical shape, with no ribs and no spines, only small tufts of white fluff growing out of the areolas. Mature plants look like tiny green beads dotted with white spots.

Despite its small size, it’s a very tough plant that can withstand a wide range of growing conditions. It will do equally well in full sun or partial shade, and it can tolerate periods of drought. However, it does prefer humid conditions and will appreciate regular misting. But be careful of root loss, as this plant is quite sensitive. One method to offset this is by grafting. However, you lose the plant’s characteristic rounded shape by doing so.

• Light: Semi-shade
• Water: Moderate

Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus Strausii)

TheSilver Torch Cactus(Cleistocactus strausii) is a cactus native to Bolivia and Argentina. It gets its common name from the silvery-white color of its spines.

This cactus can grow quite large, reaching heights of up to 10 feet. However, most specimens only reach about 6-8 feet (2-2.5 meters). It has a columnar shape with numerous branches that look like a forest of tall, thin trunks. The spines are white and wooly, giving this plant its iconic look. They’re also densely populated on the plant’s body, hiding the true body underneath.

The flowers ofCleistocactus strausiiare reddish-orange and appear at the tips of the branches in late summer. They look particularly striking in contrast to the white wool covering the rest of the plant body.

This cactus is very easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It’s one of the few cacti that can actually thrive in partial shade. It’s also quite drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis)

TheOld Man Cactus(Cephalocereus senilis) is a slow-growing, columnar cactus native to Mexico. Its most distinguishing feature is the long, white hair covering its body and giving it a “beard.” These hairs help protect the plant from harsh desert conditions by reflecting heat and light. When young, it’s covered in short, white hairs. But as it matures, these hairs turn into longer, shaggy strands that give it a truly unique appearance. In addition, the plant produces white flowers that bloom at night and close up during the day.

The Old Man Cactus can grow up to 40 feet tall in the wild, but this height is rarely seen in cultivation. Most indoor houseplants barely reach 3 feet, if that.

These plants are best grown to contrast with other plants, providing a much-needed contrasting texture to regular plants’ usual green and reds. The Old Man Cactus is popular for gardens and landscapes in warm climates. It’s also a popular houseplant, although it can be challenging to find in nurseries. Once you find one, be sure to give it plenty of space to grow since it can reach impressive heights.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Deeply, on dry soil

30 Unique Succulents With Unusual Colors and Shapes (Video)

References

• File:Crassula capitella 2 edit3.jpg” byEric Hunt (Photograph edited by Waugsberg: rotation, crop, background copied in tiny parts of the bottom corners)is licensed underCC BY-SA 2.5.
• “Blossfeldia liliputana” bygraftedno1is licensed underCC BY-ND 2.0.
• “Ariocarpus fissuratus” by Resenter1 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “File: Conophytum conradii – Living pebble, Sorakukka C IMG 3486.JPG” byAnnelisis licensed underCC BY-SA 3.0.
• “File:2007 crassula perfoliata.jpg” byRlis is licensed underCC BY-SA 3.0.
• “Echeveria’ Black Prince’ エケベリア・古紫” bysalchuiwtis licensed underCC BY-SA 2.0.
• “File:Huernia zebrina flower.jpg” bySkolnik Collectionis licensed underCC BY-SA 4.0.
• “Tiger Jaw in bloom” byAnika Maloneis is licensed underCC BY 2.0.
• “Agave parryi”byandrewtoskinis licensed underCC BY-SA 2.0.
• “Aporocactus flagelliformis”byBlossfeldianais licensed underCC BY-NC 2.0
• “File:Longwood 2011 09 02 0403 (6160336655).jpg” byHarvey Barrison from Massapequa, NY, USAis is licensed underCC BY-SA 2.0.