33 Exceptional Flowering Succulent Plants (with Pictures) - Brainy Gardener (2024)

Flowering succulents are in a league of their own when it comes to the topic of gardening and decorating. There are so many types of beautiful succulents out there, but this group is truly special.

They’re different than your typical succulent because they actually flower at some point. This makes them a lot more versatile when it comes to the types of succulents you can have around the house. Here are some of the best flowering plants for your home that We’ve selected just for you!

Flowering Succulents For Your Garden or Home

Baby Toes (Fenestraria rhopalophylla)

Fenestrariais a small genus of just one known species, native to South Africa. They are stemless flowering succulents with strange-looking flowers that resemble tiny glasses.

The plant is called Baby Toes because of the small, cylindrical, stubby leaves that resemble baby toes.

The flowers ofFenestraria rhopalophyllaonly add interest to the already eye-catching succulents. They grow on long stalks (relative to the body) and are yellow or white. When they open up, they resemble daisies, only with more petals.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Sparingly, soak and dry method

Common Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)

A common flowering succulent that’s often used as a houseplant, the Common Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum) is a small plant with thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are green with red or brown tips and arranged in a rosette pattern.

In addition to the gorgeous flowers, starry purple, highly showy flowers also make their appearance in the summer. They’re borne on stalks that emerge from the central rosettes.

These plants are monocarpic, meaning they die off after one bloom. But since they give off so many offsets, they keep ongoing, and new offsets fill up the space left behind by their predecessors.

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

Hindu Rope Plant (Hoya carnosa‘Compacta’)

TheHindu Rope Plant, also called Krinkle Kurl or Waxflower, is a succulent that’s very easy to grow. It’s called Krinkle Kurl because of its unique growth habit.

Like other succulents in the Hoya genus, this is a flowering succulent. And what flowers they are! They emerge from ‘spurs’ that extend from the main branch. Each spur bears a perfectly symmetrical ‘cup’ of flowers, waxy white. This is the reason this is called the Wax Flower as well.

Flowering frequently happens in the summer, and new spurs sprout all the time. When the flowering season comes to a close, and it’s time to prune, leave the spurs alone as they’ll blossom again in the next season with more gorgeous flowers.

• Light: Filtered sunlight
• Watering: When the soil is dry

Carrion Plant (Stapelia gigantea)

TheStapelia gigantea, also called the Carrion Plant and the Toad Plant is a flowering succulent native to the deserts of South Africa. It’s called Carrion Plant because of its flowers and their unpleasant smell, like rotting corpses.

The flowers are usually a deep red color, striped with thick yellow tiger stripes. The flowers each have five petals in a star shape. They are surprisingly large in relation to the body of the plant, which is thought to help with attracting flies for pollination. The smell of the flowers is like smelling like rotting flesh, which attracts flies in droves.

The plant blooms sporadically throughout the year, with each bloom lasting only a few days. But when it does bloom, the smell can permeate an entire room. If the smell is too much, it’s best to keep this plant outdoors.

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

Irish Rose (Aeonium arboreum)

The Irish Rose (Aeonium arboreum) is a succulent flowering plant with a shrubby growth habit. It’s a member of Aeonium genus and native to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife.

Flowers are borne of fleshy stalks and emerge in a sort of pine-tree-like triangle. They’re usually yellow, but some variation in color is present in some species. This flowering succulent is also called Tree Aeonium as a reference to the way its flowers form.

Of particular note is the cultivar ‘Zwartkop.’ It has dark maroon, almost black leaves that form a dark-colored rosette. And coupled with the yellow flowers, the results are stunning, to say the least.

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

Blue Chalksticks (Senecio serpens)

The Blue Chalksticks (Senecio serpens) is a beautiful flowering succulent native to South Africa. It’s easily recognizable by its blue, finger-like leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are actually covered in a powdery substance called farina. This powder helps the plant to retain moisture and protect it from the harsh sun.

The stems like to keep themselves low to the ground as they tend to send out roots from their nodes into the ground. This growing habit makes it easy for them to cover lots of ground quickly, making them ideal as ground cover.

Flowers appear sporadically on the plant, but they are small and not very showy. They are white or yellow in color and clustered together in groups. The flowers will sometimes turn pink as they age.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Drought-tolerant

Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens)

The Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens) is an evergreen flowering succulent that’s native to South Africa. Its called the “Candelabra Aloe” because of the way its branches resemble candelabras. The leaves are thick and fleshy, deep green color with white spots. It is closely related to Aloe vera.

The flowers of this plant are absolutely gorgeous. They’re long and tubular, a beautiful reddish-orange color. They bloom in the late summer and early fall, and they attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

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

Cliff Maids (Lewisia cotyledon)

Lewisia cotyledon, commonly known as Siskiyou lewisia and Cliff Maids, is a flowering perennial that’s native to Oregon and California. It gets its common name from the beautiful petals that resemble a perfect rose.

The plant produces lovely blooms in shades of pink, red, and white from early spring to late summer. Individual flowers exhibit a spectrum of colors, with pale pink getting closer to magenta near the borders.

The biggest downside to this plant is that it’s susceptible to lots of pests. Keep an eye out and check weekly for any signs of uninvited guests.

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

Livingstone Daisy Plant (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis)

The Livingstone Daisy Plant (Dorotheanthus bellidiformis) is a flowering succulent native to South Africa. It’s called the “Livingstone Daisy” because of the shape of its flowers, which resemble daisies. The specific epithet, bellidiformis, means “daisy-like” in Latin.

It’s an annual plant that blooms in late spring and early summer. The flowers are borne on long stems above the rosette of leaves. They come in many shades: yellow, orange, red, and pink. Some varieties even have bi-colored flowers.

This is a low-growing succulent that has a mat-forming habit. This means you can plant it in a garden bed, and it will take over the space in no time. This is an effortless way to experience daisy-like blooms year after year at little to no cost or maintenance.

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

October Daphne (Sedum sieboldii)

The October Daphne (Sedum sieboldii) is a small flowering succulent that’s perfect for dish gardens and potted houseplants. Its called October Daphne because of the fact that it blooms in October, which is quite late for a succulent plant. The flowers are white and pink, adding a splash of color to the fall landscape.

This little plant only gets about six inches tall, so it’s perfect for tucking into small spaces. It has a spreading habit, so give it room to grow or trim it back if necessary. It’s considered semi-evergreen, meaning that it will drop its leaves in winter but usually doesn’t lose them all.

The October Daphne is native to Japan, where it grows in rocky areas and on forest floors. It’s easy to see why this plant does well in terrariums and dish gardens; it doesn’t need much room to thrive.

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

Crassula ‘Morgan’s Beauty’

This is one of the most beautiful Crassula succulents out there. It’s perfect for growing indoors because it doesn’t require too much light and can tolerate lower humidity levels. The leaves are green-grey, wide, and slightly cupped.

They’re arranged in a stacking pattern and have a waxy sheen to them that makes them look almost artificial. Individual leaves closely stack on top of each other, resulting in a unique look.

Crassula ‘Morgan’s Beauty’ flowers appear in winter and are pink in large clusters. They grow just above the leaf stacks and contrast nicely against the grey-green leaves.

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

Bitter Aloe (Aloe Ferox)

The Bitter Aloe (Aloe ferox) is a South African native that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It’s one of the largest aloes and produces yellow, orange, or red flowers in the winter. The flowers appear on tall multi-branched fleshy stalks that emerge from the top of the plant.

The leaves are thick and fleshy, with spines along the edges. They’re arranged in a rosette pattern that circles around the central stem. And since these plants are single-stemmed, the result is an upright, tree-like plant that produces gorgeous flowers on tall racemes above the main stem.

But if you’re up for the challenge, the Bitter Aloe is a beautiful and unique plant, there for the taking.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Moderate, with good drainage

Lifesaver Plant (Huernia zebrina)

This is one of the most recognizable and popular flowering succulent plants and for a good reason. It’s got it all – strange looks, unique flowers, and a weird name.

But what really sets this plant apart is its flowers. They’re large, striped with yellow and brown, and have 5 petals that curl back at the tips. But what’s truly strange about them is the large, donut-shaped red circle smack dab in the middle of the flower.

They give off a pungent odor that’s been described as “rotting meat” or “decaying flesh.” But despite the less than pleasant scent, they’re still quite beautiful. We recommend keeping them outside, on a patio or deck, to keep out the smell.

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

Mexican Firecracker (Echeveria setosa)

TheEcheveria setosais a succulent that’s native to Mexico. It’s a member of the Crassulaceae family, which includes well-known plants such as Sedum and Sempervivum.

This particular flowering succulent is easily recognizable due to its hairy leaves, which are covered in tiny white hairs. The hairs help protect the plant from strong sunlight and wind. They also give the plant a silver-grey coloration that’s quite pretty.

The plant produces small, yellow, and red flowers in the summer. They’re borne on fleshy stalks that rise from the center of the rosette. The coloration of the flowers is quite unique, and it’s the reason for this species’ common name: Mexican Firecracker. They’re red at the bottom and get progressively brighter and brighter yellow towards the top. They end up looking quite eye-catching, even as buds.

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

Orchid Cactus (Disocactus ackermannii)

TheOrchid Cactus(Disocactus ackermannii) is a stunning succulent that’s native to Mexico and Central America. It’s closely related to the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), but it has much showier flowers.

The Orchid Cactus gets its common name from the shape of its flowers, which resemble miniature orchids. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. And they bloom throughout the year, with each individual flower lasting for several days. But most varieties exhibit large, bright red flowers in the spring.

But the flowers are not the only attractive feature of this plant. The stems are also colorful, ranging from green to reddish-brown. They’re spiny and cactus-like, giving off brown spines that can cause injury in handled without gloves.

• Light: Filtered
• Watering: Consistently moist

Propeller Plant (Crassula falcata)

ThePropeller Plant(Crassula falcata) is a succulent native to South Africa. Its called the Propeller Plant because of the shape of its leaves, which are long and narrow. They circle around the main stem like the blades of a propeller, hence the name.

The Propeller Plant is a medium-sized flowering succulent that only reaches about 2 feet in height. Its leaves are long, thin, and with a slight curve at the end that further adds to the propeller-like illusion. The leaves are a muted green.

The flowers of the Propeller Plant are white or pale pink, and they bloom in the winter months. They grow in clusters on slender stalks that rise above the leaves. Flowers bloom slowly, but they last for a full month when they do appear, adding interest.

• Light: Light shade
• Water: Sparingly

Crinkle Leaf Plant (Adromischus cristatus)

The Crinkle Leaf Plant (Adromischus cristatus) is a small flowering succulent native to South Africa. It gets its common name from the deeply crinkled leaves that it produces. The leaves are dark green in color and can grow up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.

This is a slow-growing plant, so don’t expect it to fill out a pot quickly. But its small size makes it ideal for small spaces, like windowsills or desks. When it blooms, it produces small white or red flowers. But the blooms are not as showy as the leaves, so they’re often overlooked.

Like many succulents,Adromischus cristatusis very easy to care for. It can survive a wide range of conditions and is very drought-tolerant. Just make sure to give it bright light and well-drained soil, and it will be happy.

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

Calico Hearts (Adromischus maculatus)

The Calico Hearts (Adromischus maculatus) is an evergreen succulent that’s native to South Africa. Its called Calico Hearts because of the shape of its leaves, which resemble a heart. The leaves are also covered in spots, hence the “calico” part of the name. This flowering succulent is also called Chocolate-Drop due to its spotting.

The flowers of Adromischus maculatus are white with purple centers and appear in spring or summer. They’re not particularly showy but are definitely a welcome addition to the plant. It can tolerate low light conditions but will produce more flowers if given bright, indirect light.

This succulent is low-maintenance and is a great choice for beginners. It’s also one of the more affordable succulents on this list.

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

Tree of Love (Aichryson laxum)

The Tree of Love (Aichryson laxum) is a small, flowering succulent tree native to the Canary Islands. It’s an easy plant to grow both indoors and out.

During the summer months, small yellow flowers appear from inflorescences above the leaves. Since the leaves are typically arranged in a tight rosette, the flowers tend to umbrella the entire plant as they’re so dense. They’re star-shaped and quite eye-catching, even from afar. As this plant remains small, even at its ultimate height, you can have a mini-tree growing on your desk as a potted plant; it’s really quite something!

One thing to keep in mind is that the flowers need to be removed, by hand, as quickly as possible when they begin to die out. Otherwise, the plant itself will quickly wither and die. These plants are meant to only last until their first bloom ends, but you can extend that lifespan by lending a helping hand.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Light, avoid overwatering

Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)

The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a flowering succulent that is native to Africa and Arabia. It’s a popular houseplant because it’s easy to care for and produces beautiful flowers.

The flowers of the Desert Rose are its most striking feature. They can be pink, red, or purple, and they’re often bi-colored or multi-colored. They’re also very fragrant, making this plant even more enjoyable to have around the house.

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

Lace Aloe (Aloe aristata)

The Lace Aloe (Aloe aristata) is a flowering succulent that originates from South Africa. It’s a slow-growing plant that only reaches about 8 inches (20 cm) in height.

This aloe gets its common name from the distinctive white spots on its leaves. The spots are actually raised bumps filled with white, sticky sap. If the plant is damaged, this sap will ooze out and can cause irritation to the skin.

The Lace Aloe blooms in the summertime, producing tall stalks covered in tubular, orange, or red flowers. These panicles can reach up to 20 inches (50 cm) in height and are quite eye-catching.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Regular, avoid overwatering

Fairy Tongue (Crassula exilis subsp. schmidtii)

The Fairy Tongue (Crassula exilis subsp. schmidtii) is a small flowering succulent that’s perfect for indoor gardens and garden beds. Its called Fairy Tongue because of the shape of its leaves, which resemble little tongues sticking out of the stem.

The leaves emerge in a rosette from the stems. They’re long and narrow but thicker near the bottom than at the top. Pink flowers appear in clusters on stalks. They’re a bright pink that immediately draws the eye. Luckily, it is easy to get this plant to bloom.

• Light: Semi-shade
• Watering: Every few weeks in well-drained soil

Tufted Ice Plant (Delosperma sphalmanthoides)

The leaves are what makes this plant standout from the crowd. They grow in a tight spread or ‘tufts’ near the ground. So much so that the stem is hidden under the dense foliage. The result is a sea of standing, cylindrical leaves that look like sea anemones from a distance. When covered with purple, daisy-like flowers, the appeal only gets greater.

The flowers are the finishing touch; they complete the aesthetic of the plant when they appear. They appear in the spring and summer, dotting the foliage in shades of purple. They bloom in the winter and provide some cool contrast to the blue-green leaves.

This plant is perfect for rock gardens, succulent gardens, or as a ground cover in a sunny spot. It’s also incredibly frost-tolerant, so it’s perfect for cold, wintery climates. Just make sure it has fast drainage as it will not tolerate soggy soil.

• Light: Full sun or part shade
• Watering: Frequently, unlike other succulents

Dew Flower (Drosanthemum bicolor)

The Dew Flower (Drosanthemum bicolor) is a small, yellow-flowering succulent that’s native to South Africa. This plant grows as a small shrub that likes to stay low to the ground. It forms a mat easily and can be used as a colorful groundcover. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and with a slight green tinge.

The flowers ofDrosanthemum bicolorappear in clusters at the tips of the stems. They’re round and very,veryshowy. If you were looking for a showstopper, this is it. What makes them stand out is their coloration. The insides are chiefly yellow—eye-popping bright yellow—which transitions to red the closer it gets to the tips.

The flowers only last for a couple of days but they’re produced in such great quantities that the plant is always in bloom. This plant is drought-tolerant and requires little care outside of the basics.

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

Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

TheCrown of Thorns(Euphorbia milii) is a flowering succulent that’s native to Madagascar. It gets its common name from the sharp thorns that line its branches. The thorns actually help the plant grow over the competition and keep it from getting crowded out by other plants in its natural habitat.

Historically, this plant is said to be the same plant present in the infamous “Crown of Thorns” worn by Christ. The truth of that claim is up for debate, but it’s an interesting anecdote nonetheless.

The Crown of Thorns is a beautiful plant with red flowers that emerge from the tips of the stem. They appear in the spring and summer. If you’re planning to plant this flowering succulent in your garden, note that it isn’t frost-hardy. Anything below 10 degrees Celsius is a problem.

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Moderate, in well-drained soil

Flower Dust (Kalanchoe pumila)

The Flower Dust Plant (Kalanchoe pumila) is a small flowering succulent with a big impact. It’s covered with a thin, wax-like substance that gives it a powdery appearance, hence the common name.

This plant is endemic to Madagascar, where it grows on rocky outcrops. The leaves are thick and fleshy, adapted to storing water in arid conditions. They’re a grey-green color with a serrated edge. The flowers are pink, and they appear in clusters at the tips of the stems.

• Light: Bright, indirect light, or full sun (depending on heat)
• Watering: Sparingly, when the soil is dry

Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

TheFlaming Katy(Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a popular succulent that’s known for its vibrant flowers. The plant is native to Madagascar, but it’s widely cultivated all over the world.

Although the rest of the plant looks nice; the real showstopper are the flowers. They appear in clusters at the end of long stems and come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. The flowers are quite long-lasting, often staying open for several weeks. And best of all, they appear in the winter when traditional flowering plants tend to go dormant.

These plants appreciate dry conditions and go below their advertised frost tolerance if kept completely dry. Well-drained soil is a must, just like with most succulents.

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

Tiger Jaws (Faucaria tigrina)

Tiger Jaws(Faucaria tigrina) is a small succulent that’s perfect for growing indoors. It gets its name from the shape of its leaves, which resemble a tiger’s jaw.

The flowers of Tiger Jaws are yellow and tubular, blooming in the summertime. They’re not particularly showy, but they’re a welcome addition to the plant nonetheless. Only older plants tend to flower, usually after a few years of getting established.

Tiger Jaws is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate neglect better than most succulents. It’s a good choice for beginners or those who don’t have a lot of time to care for their plants.

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

Starfish Cactus (Orbea variegata)

TheStarfish Cactus(Orbea variegata) is a succulent (not a cactus) native to Mexico and Central America. It gets its common name from the shape of its flowers, which are reminiscent of a starfish.

It’s the flowers ofOrbea variegatathat serve as the main attraction of this plant. But they are definitely not the most pleasant-smelling things in the world. In fact, the flowers emit a disgusting stench that can stink up a room like nothing else. They’re also called Carrion Flowers, a direct reference to this smell.

However, it’s easy to forgive the smell if you place them on a patio or deck and appreciate the patterns. Because despite the less than stellar smell, they look gorgeous. They resemble a yellow starfish, heavily dotted with brown spots. No two specimens are quite alike, so each plant is somewhat unique.

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

Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayese)

TheGhost Plant(Graptopetalum paraguayese) is a gorgeous succulent that’s easily recognizable thanks to its ghostly appearance. The leaves are a ghostly silver-white that forms small rosettes similar to Echeveria on branching stems. When placed in direct sunlight, the leaves take on a pinkish hue.

This plant is perfect for those who want the look of a succulent without all the maintenance. It’s almost impossible to kill, as it can tolerate long periods of drought and poor lighting conditions. Just pour some water on it every now and then, and it will be happy.

Despite being one of the most low-maintenance plants around, it still produces beautiful flowers. They’re small and yellow, but they stand out against the leaves perfectly. These star-shaped beauties bloom in the spring and summer, contrasting with the whites of the leaves quite nicely.

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

Karoo Rose (Lapidaria margaretae)

Hailing from South Africa, the Karoo Rose (Lapidaria margaretae) is a flowering succulent with beautiful, many-petaled yellow flowers. It is native to Namibia, South Africa, where it grows in dry areas.

The flowers open up in the evening and close back up again in the morning. They’re a deep yellow color with darker yellow centers, kind of like a sunflower but without the dark brown middle.

The flower is quite wide in relation to the body and can dwarf the plant quite easily. They appear in autumn or early winter, depending on their cultivation conditions.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Regular, light watering

Starfish Flower (Duvalia caespitosa)

The Starfish Flower (Duvalia caespitosa) is a small, succulent plant that is native to South Africa. It gets its common name from the shape of its flowers, which are reminiscent of a starfish.

This plant is quite similar to the Starfish Cactus (Orbea variegata), and they’re often confused for one another. However, there are some key differences. The main one is the shape of their flowers. While both plants have horrendous-smelling flowers, you can clearly see the difference between the shape of the flowers.Duvalia caespitosa’sflowers have thin, elongated lobes in the place of petals, whileOrbea variegatahas fuller petals, close to the image of traditional flowers.

Duvalia caespitosa’sflowers also have a round disk in the middle of the flower that ties the lobes together. It looks eerily like a starfish.

• Light: Light shade
• Watering: Moderately

Mexican Snowball (Echeveria elegans)

TheMexican Snowball(Echeveria elegans), also called Mexican Hens and Chicks, is a low-growing flowering succulent that’s perfect for rock gardens and container gardens. It produces offsets readily, so it can fill in an area quickly.

This plant gets its common name from its flower heads, which resemble little balls of snow. The flowers are red with yellow centers and appear in late spring or early summer. They’re quite pretty, but they don’t last long.

• Light: Full sun (only shade from harsh afternoon sun)
• Watering: Moderately, avoid overwatering

References

1. “File:Crassula perfoliata var. falcata-IMG 0689.JPG” byChrister T Johanssonis licensed underCC BY 3.0.
2. “Tiger Jaw in bloom” byAnika Maloneis licensed underCC BY 2.0.
3. “Orbea variegata” byfotopamasis licensed underCC BY 2.0.
4. “Echeveria elegans”byMauricio Mercadanteis licensed underCC BY-NC-SA 2.0
5. “Crassula ‘Morgan’s Beauty’” byMeganEHansenis licensed underCC BY-SA 2.0.
6. “Aloe Ferox Flower”byRod Waddingtonis licensed underCC BY-SA 2.0.
7. “File:Huernia zebrina flower.jpg” bySkolnik Collectionis licensed underCC BY-SA 4.0.
8. “Delosperma sphalmanthoides” bybrewbooksis licensed underCC BY-SA 2.0.
9. “Drosanthemum bicolor – dew vygie” byDerek Keatsis licensed underCC BY 2.0.
10. “Lapidaria margaretae” bystefois licensed underCC BY 2.0.
11. “File:Duvalia caespitosa.jpg” by Engeser is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0