Unusual succulents and cacti are progressively popular among modern-day garden enthusiasts for their unique shapes, colors, and textures. These plants are not only gorgeous but also easy to care for and ideal for small areas.
Whether you’re looking to add some interest to your garden or merely want a low-maintenance plant for your house, there are many uncommon succulents and cacti that are best for the modern-day gardener.
Because of their unique appearance, one of the reasons why succulents and cacti are so popular is many succulents have rosette-shaped leaves that come in a range of colors, from pale pink to deep purple. Cacti, on the other hand, can be found in a large range of sizes and shapes, from small, round cacti to large, branching cacti.
Another benefit of succulents and cacti is that they are easy to take care of. These plants are drought-tolerant and can endure a series of lighting conditions, making them ideal for both outdoor and indoor gardening. They likewise need minimal watering and can survive on little to no fertilization.
There are numerous alternatives to pick from if you’re looking to include some uncommon succulents and cacti in your garden. Some succulents, like Gasteria armstrongii, have long, tongue-shaped leaves with white spots, while others, like Aeonium “Sunburst,” have yellow and green variegated leaves that form a rosette shape.
Cacti, like Echinocereus Engelmannii, have round stems and large, pink or red flowers, while others, like Agave Variegata, have white-striped leaves that form a rosette shape.
Succulents and cacti are also terrific for container gardening and small rock gardens. Cereus repandus, likewise known as the “Peruvian Apple Cactus,” is another example that is best for rock gardens and container gardens.
In conclusion, unusual succulents and cacti are the best addition to any modern gardener’s collection. They are distinct, simple to take care of, and ideal for small areas. With numerous alternatives to select from, you are sure to find one that will fit completely in your garden or home.
In this pictorial guide, we cover 30 unusual succulents and cacti as follows:
30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Aeonium Zwartkop – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Echeveria Black Prince – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Agave Attenuata – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Crassula Buddha’s Temple – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Cereus Peruvianus Monstruosus – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Sedum Pachyphyllum – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Euphorbia Lactea Cristata – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Aloe Blue Elf – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Mammillaria Elongata – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Opuntia Microdasys Bunny Ears – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Gasteria Bicolor – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Aeonium Kiwi – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Echinocactus Grusonii – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Agave Blue Flame – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Crassula Ovata Gollum – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Cereus Tetragonus – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Sedum Angelina – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Euphorbia Ingens – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Pachyphytum Oviferum – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Mammillaria Hahniana – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Opuntia Compressa – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Gasteria Verrucosa – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Aeonium Sunburst – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Echinocereus Engelmannii – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Agave Variegata – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Crassula Hobbit – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Cereus Repandus – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Sedum Frosty Morn – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Euphorbia Tirucalli Sticks On Fire – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- Aloe Black Beauty – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
- How To Grow And Care For Unusual Succulents And Cacti
- How To Propagate Unusual Succulents And Cacti
- Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Unusual Succulents And Cacti
- Top 10 Interesting Facts About Unusual Succulents And Cacti
Aeonium Zwartkop – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Aeonium Zwartkop is a striking succulent that is known for its deep purple-black leaves that form a rosette shape. This distinct coloration makes it a popular choice for including contrast in a succulent garden.
Echeveria Black Prince – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Echeveria Black Prince is a succulent that is known for its dark chocolate-colored leaves that form a rosette shape. In the summertime, it can produce red-orange flowers that add an additional touch of color to the plant.
Agave Attenuata – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Agave Attenuata, also referred to as the “Fox Tail Agave,” is a slow-growing cactus with soft, versatile leaves that form a rosette shape. This agave can be grown both indoors and outdoors, and it’s ideal for rock gardens, containers, and as a specimen plant.
Crassula Buddha’s Temple – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
The Crassula Buddha’s Temple is a distinct succulent that is understood for its stacked leaves that look like a miniature pagoda, earning it its name. This intriguing and distinctive succulent is perfect for dish gardens or small rock gardens.
Cereus Peruvianus Monstruosus – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Cereus Peruvianus Monstruosus is a cactus that is known for its distinctive, elongated stems that can grow to be a number of feet high. It also has little white spines that cover the surface area, and it produces big, white nocturnal flowers that are rather aromatic.
Sedum Pachyphyllum – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Sedum Pachyphyllum is a succulent that is known for its chubby, plump leaves that are blue-green in color and form rosettes. This low-maintenance succulent is perfect for rock gardens, combined containers, or as a ground cover.
Euphorbia Lactea Cristata – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Euphorbia Lactea Cristata is a succulent that is likewise called the “Crested Coral Cactus.” This plant is known for its undulating, wavy crest that forms on top of its green stems, which gives the plant an interesting and special look.
Aloe Blue Elf – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Aloe Blue Elf is a little aloe variety that is known for its blue-green leaves that form a rosette shape. This aloe is best for container gardens and small rock gardens, but it can also be grown inside.
Mammillaria Elongata – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Mammillaria Elongata is a cactus that is known for its small size and its long, round shape. It likewise has small white spinal columns that cover the surface area, and it produces small pink or white flowers.
Opuntia Microdasys Bunny Ears – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Opuntia Microdasys or “Bunny Ears,” is a cactus known for its distinctive “bunny ear” pads and its small, white spinal columns.
Gasteria Bicolor – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Gasteria Bicolor this is a small, slow-growing succulent that forms rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are typically green with white or pale green spots or stripes, giving the plant its bicolor name. Gasteria bicolor is drought-tolerant and can be grown in a range of light conditions.
Aeonium Kiwi – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Aeonium Kiwi is a little succulent with rosettes of leaves that grow on high stems. The leaves are green and tinged with purple or red. This plant is drought-tolerant, and it can be grown in a variety of light conditions.
Echinocactus Grusonii – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Echinocactus Grusonii Also called golden barrel cactus, this cactus type has a rounded shape, a ribbed surface, and golden spinal columns. It’s native to Mexico and can mature to 1 meter in diameter. They are well suited to hot, dry environments, and they succeed completely.
Agave Blue Flame – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Agave Blue Flame This agave is a hybrid cultivar, it’s known for its blue-green leaves that have a red margin. It’s a slow-growing plant and can rise to 2m height. Agave ‘Blue Flame’ is drought-tolerant and can be grown in full sun.
Crassula Ovata Gollum – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Crassula Ovata Gollum This succulent has little, tubular leaves that are green with red suggestions. The leaves are organized in a rosette on a short stem. This plant is drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of light conditions.
Cereus Tetragonus – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Cereus Tetragonus This cactus species is likewise referred to as the “Fairy Castle Cactus.” It’s a columnar cactus that grows narrow and tall, with a unique four-sided shape. It actually has ribbed green stems covered in fine hair and spinal columns. Cereus tetragonus can be grown in full sun and needs well-draining soil.
Sedum Angelina – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Sedum Angelina This is a little, low-growing succulent that forms a mat of intensely yellow-green leaves. The leaves are fleshy and have a needlelike shape. Sedum “Angelina” is drought-tolerant and can be grown in full sun.
Euphorbia Ingens – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Euphorbia Ingens This cactus-like succulent can grow up to 10 meters high and has a thick trunk covered in little spinal columns. The leaves are small and green; they appear just at the top of the plant. It’s native to South Africa; it’s drought-tolerant and can be grown in full sun.
Pachyphytum Oviferum – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Pachyphytum Oviferum is also known as the “sugar-almond plant” or “moonstones.” This succulent is native to Mexico and is known for its fleshy, blue-green leaves that are oval-shaped and are arranged in a rosette.
Mammillaria Hahniana – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Mammillaria Hahniana This little cactus type has a round shape, is covered in white spinal columns, and produces pink or red flowers. It belongs to Mexico, and it’s well suited to hot, dry climates. They succeed completely.
Opuntia Compressa – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Opuntia Compressa This cactus species has flat, round pads that are blue-green or green in color. It has little spines, and it produces yellow or red flowers. It belongs to the United States, and it’s well suited to hot, dry climates; it does well in full sun.
Gasteria Verrucosa – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Gasteria Verrucosa This small succulent forms rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that are dark green with white spots or stripes. The leaves are generally covered in little, raised bumps, giving the plant its verrucose name. Gasteria verrucosa is drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of light conditions.
Aeonium Sunburst – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Aeonium Sunburst Aeonium “Sunburst” is a small succulent with rosettes of leaves that grow on high stems. The leaves are green with yellow ideas, and it looks like a sunburst. This plant is drought-tolerant, and it can be grown in a variety of light conditions.
Echinocereus Engelmannii – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Echinocereus Engelmannii Also called Engelmann’s hedgehog cactus, this species has a round shape and typically grows up to 1 meter high. It has a dense covering of spinal columns and little red or pink flowers. They choose complete sun and well-draining soil.
Agave Variegata – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Agave Variegata This agave is a variegated cultivar, known for its green leaves with white or yellow margins. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of 2 m. Agave variegata is drought-tolerant and can be grown completely in the sun.
Crassula Hobbit – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Crassula Hobbit This succulent has little, tubular leaves that are green with red tips. The leaves are organized in a rosette on a short stem. Its small size and unique shape make it a popular option for fairy gardens. This plant is drought-tolerant and can be grown in a range of light conditions.
Cereus Repandus – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Cereus Repandus This cactus type is also called the “Peruvian Apple Cactus.” It’s a columnar cactus that can mature to 6 meters high. It has a distinctive, ribbed surface and long, white spines. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.
Sedum Frosty Morn – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Sedum Frosty Morn This is a small, low-growing succulent with thin, needle-like leaves that are wintry white in color. The leaves form a dense mat, and it’s ideal for rock gardens or as a ground cover. Sedum “Wintry Morn” is drought-tolerant and can be grown in a range of light conditions.
Euphorbia Tirucalli Sticks On Fire – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Euphorbia Tirucalli Sticks On Fire This succulent is also known as “Fire Sticks.” It’s a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 6 m high. The plant produces small, red flowers, and it’s perfect for a focal point in a garden.
Aloe Black Beauty – 30 Unusual Succulents And Cacti For The Modern Gardener
Aloe Black Beauty This aloe is a hybrid cultivar, it’s understood for its dark, almost black leaves. It’s a slow-growing plant and can reach up to 2m height. Aloe ‘Black Beauty’ is drought-tolerant and can be grown in full sun.
Uncommon succulents and cacti are a special addition to any contemporary garden. With correct care, these unusual succulents and cacti can add lasting beauty to your garden for numerous years.
How To Grow And Care For Unusual Succulents And Cacti
Caring for and growing unusual succulents and cacti is reasonably easy and requires minimal effort. Here are some suggestions on how to care for and grow these distinct plants:
- Light: A lot of succulents and cacti prefer brilliant, indirect light, however some can tolerate lower light conditions. Make certain to research the particular needs of your plant and location it in an area that satisfies those requirements.
- Watering: Succulents and cacti are drought-tolerant and only need to be watered when the soil is entirely dry. Make sure to let the soil dry out completely before watering again because overwatering might cause root rot. Cacti generally need less water than succulents.
- Soil: Cacti and succulents choose well-draining soil with a somewhat acidic pH. You can use a cactus or succulent potting mix or make your own by blending coarse sand and regular potting soil.
- Fertilizer: The majority of succulents and cacti do not need regular fertilization, but if you choose to fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer that is particularly created for cacti and succulents.
- Temperature level: A lot of succulents and cacti prefer temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but some can tolerate cooler temperatures. Be sure to research the particular temperature requirements of your plant.
- Repotting: Cacti and succulents do not need frequent repotting, but if the roots become crowded in the container, you can repot them in the spring. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.
- Propagation: Cacti and succulents can be propagated by taking stem or leaf cuttings and permitting them to dry for a couple of days prior to planting them in well-draining soil. With cacti, you may need to wait until the plant is dormant before taking cuttings.
By following these pointers, you can successfully care for and grow unusual succulents and cacti in your garden or house. Remember to investigate the specific requirements of your plants and change your care accordingly. With appropriate care and attention, your unusual succulents and cacti will flourish and add special appeal to your space.
How To Propagate Unusual Succulents And Cacti
Propagating uncommon succulents and cacti is a basic and simple procedure that permits you to multiply your plants and produce new ones. Here are some tips on how to propagate these distinct plants:
- Stem Cuttings: Among the easiest and most typical methods to propagate cacti and succulents is by taking stem cuttings. Cut a stem from the mother and father plant, allow it to dry for a few days until a callus forms on the end, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not damp until roots have formed and brand-new development appears.
- Leaf Cuttings: Some succulents can be propagated by taking leaf cuttings. Remove a leaf from the parent plant completely and allow it to dry for a few days until a callus forms. Press the leaf into well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until roots have formed and new development appears.
- Offsets: Numerous succulents and cacti produce offsets, which are small plants that grow at the base of the mom and dad plant. These offsets can be thoroughly gotten rid of and planted in their own container with well-draining soil.
- Seed: Some cacti and succulents can be propagated from seed. Make certain to investigate the specific requirements of your plant and plant the seeds in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm place until germination occurs.
- Grafting: This technique is utilized for cacti only. It’s a strategy that includes taking a cutting from one cactus and attaching it to the rootstock of another cactus. This can help create a new plant that has the desirable characteristics of both the rootstock and the cutting.
It is very important to keep in mind that the time required for the brand-new plants to establish roots and the success rate of the propagation technique depend on the type of succulent or cactus, the time of year, and the environment where the cutting is placed.
By following these tips, you can effectively propagate unusual succulents and cacti in your garden or house. Remember to look into the particular needs of your plants and change your proliferation approaches appropriately.
Your propagated unusual succulents and cacti will thrive with proper care and attention, adding a unique beauty to your space.
Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Unusual Succulents And Cacti
Q: What are some unique succulents and cacti?
A: Some examples of unusual succulents and cacti include the string of pearls, the pencil cactus, the zebra cactus, the blue chalksticks, and the pincushion cactus.
Q: How often should I water my succulents and cacti?
A: Succulents and cacti are drought-tolerant and only need to be watered when the soil is completely dry. Make sure to let the soil dry out completely before watering again because overwatering might cause root rot. Cacti typically require less water than succulents.
Q: What type of soil is best for succulents and cacti?
A: Succulents and cacti prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. You can use a cactus or succulent potting mix or make your own by mixing coarse sand and regular potting soil.
Q: Can succulents and cacti be propagated?
A: Yes, succulents and cacti can be propagated by taking stem or leaf cuttings and allowing them to dry for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil. With cacti, you may need to wait until the plant is dormant before you take the cuttings.
Q: How much light do succulents and cacti need?
A: Most succulents and cacti prefer bright, indirect light, but some can tolerate lower light conditions. Be sure to research the specific needs of your plant and place it in an area that meets those requirements.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Unusual Succulents And Cacti
- Some succulents and cacti can store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive in arid conditions.
- Some cacti have developed unique adaptations to survive in their desert environments, such as the ability to photosynthesize at night.
- Some succulents and cacti have medicinal properties, for example, Aloe vera is known for its wound healing properties.
- Some cacti species like the Saguaro cactus can live for over 200 years.
- Some succulents and cacti can change color according to the amount of sunlight they receive, this is called “phototropism”
- Some succulents and cacti have a mutualistic relationship with certain species of insects, birds, and mammals, which help in pollination and seed dispersal.
- Some succulents have a symbiotic relationship with certain species of fungi, which help them absorb nutrients from the soil.
- Some cacti species have spines that can change color depending on the humidity and temperature, they also can be used as a defense mechanism.
- Some succulents and cacti can reproduce asexually, by producing offsets or through cloning.
- Some succulents and cacti are endangered species due to habitat destruction, over-collection and climate change.
