Succulents 101 - Our Top 10!

 

Succulents have taken the plant world by storm - and for good reason. These charming little plants are not only visually stunning, with their geometric shapes and vibrant hues, but they’re also incredibly low-maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a notorious plant killer, succulents offer the perfect mix of beauty and simplicity.

What makes succulents so special? Their ability to store water in their leaves means they thrive on neglect - sunlight and occasional watering is all they need. From tiny desk buddies to elegant statement pieces in your living room, they’re perfect for adding a fresh, modern touch to any space.

And with so many varieties to choose from - like echeverias, string of pearls, or haworthias - there’s a succulent for every style.

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Us at Rooting for You! absolutely adore these unique, hearty plants. We've comprised a list of some intriguing succulents you may not have heard of before!🌱

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#10. Conophytum Calculus

At first glance, you might mistake this unique plant for a stone - but don’t be fooled. This fascinating little succulent, often called "marble buttons," is a true gem of the plant world. Native to South Africa, it’s prized for its smooth, rounded shape and unique ability to blend into its rocky surroundings.

Unlike typical succulents, marble buttons grow as a compact, dome-shaped plant that rarely exceeds an inch in diameter. But come fall, this little mimic reveals its magic—surprising growers with a delicate, daisy-like flower that bursts from the center, often in shades of orange or yellow.

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#9. Lapidaria Margaretae

This rare and striking succulent that looks like it was carved by nature herself. This succulent is also known as the "karoo rose." Often mistaken for a living stone, this South African native is a close relative of the more well-known lithops and conophytum calculus. But the karoo rose brings its own quiet charm to the succulent scene.

The karoo rose looks like a delicate flower made of stone. It typically has two to four pairs of thick, triangular leaves that sit flush against the soil, blending beautifully into its natural rocky environment. It blooms with a single golden-yellow, daisy-like flower. This succulent thrives in bright light and well-draining soil. It has a similar dormancy pattern to other "living stone" type succulents.

Rare, sculptural, and truly mesmerizing, this succulent is a dream addition for any collector looking to add a bit of desert magic to their windowsill.

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#8. Greenovia Dodrantalis

If you’ve ever dreamed of a rose that lasts forever, greenovia dodrantalis - or the mountain rose - might just be your dream come true. This enchanting succulent is famous for its tightly packed, rose-like appearance that looks almost too  good to be true.

The mountain rose forms compact, layered petals that mimic the look of a blooming rose. With proper care (bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and careful watering) greenovia dodrantalis can thrive indoors or out, turning heads and stealing hearts wherever it’s planted.

A true gem for collectors and succulent lovers alike, this "everlasting rose" is proof that nature really is the best artist.

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#7. Lithops

If you’ve ever looked at a pot of rocks and realized one of them is blooming, chances are you’ve just encountered a succulent! Nicknamed “living stones,” lithops are some of the most intriguing and deceptive succulents out there. These tiny plants have evolved to look like pebbles as a clever survival tactic; blending seamlessly into their arid, rocky surroundings to avoid being eaten.

Each lithops plant consists of a pair of thick, fleshy leaves that resemble split stones. These unique succulents grow low to the ground and come in a wide range of earthy colors and patterns, making each one look like a miniature piece of natural art. They surprise you with a single daisy-like flower that emerges from the center - usually white or yellow that is sometimes larger than the plant itself!

Lithops require bright light, gritty soil, and a very careful watering schedule. Overwatering is the number one way to lose them - less is definitely more with these desert dwellers. For plant lovers who enjoy the unusual and want a conversation-starter, lithops are tiny, living wonders that prove nature’s camouflage game is strong.

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#6. Monilaria Moniliformis

If there’s one plant that can make you do a double take (and maybe squeal a little), it’s the monilaria moniliformis... the succulent that looks like it’s got little bunny ears! This quirky little plant has captured the internet’s heart with its charming appearance and playful vibes. Appropriately, this plant is also called the "bunny succulent."

This succulent sends up two long, fuzzy green leaves that look just like bunny ears popping out of bead-like stems. It’s as if a cartoon bunny decided to take root in your plant pot. But it’s not just cute - the bunny succulent is a true desert survivor, thriving in dry climates and needing only occasional water.

When cared for properly (lots of bright light, well-draining soil, and a gentle hand with the watering can) it will keep bouncing back year after year with those signature “ears.”

Whether you’re a succulent collector or just looking to add a little whimsy to your windowsill, the bunny succulent is the perfect plant to brighten your day... and your Instagram feed!

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#5. Cotyledon Tomentosa

Say "hello!" to the cotyledon tomentosa, the succulent that looks like it belongs in a fairytale forest. Commonly known as the “bear paw” succulent, this fuzzy little plant is beloved for its thick, chubby leaves that end in rounded tips - often marked with tiny red notches that look just like a teddy bear’s claws.

Native to South Africa, cotyledon tomentosa stands out not just for its shape, but for its soft, velvety texture. The leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a plush feel. It’s a succulent that begs to be admired up close (but handle it gently!).

Bear paws love bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. While they can tolerate a bit of neglect, overwatering is their kryptonite - those thick leaves store plenty of moisture, so it’s best to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. They may also surprise you with orange, bell-shaped flowers - adding even more charm to their already irresistible look.

Cute, cuddly, and easy to love, cotyledon tomentosa is a must-have for any succulent lover’s collection. Just don’t be surprised if your guests ask: "is that a tiny bear paw in your plant pot?”

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#4. Crassula Sericea

Delicate, fuzzy, and full of charm - crassula sericea is a lesser-known succulent that deserves a moment in the spotlight. Native to southern Africa, this plant is part of the diverse crassula family, but it stands out thanks to its soft, velvety leaves and compact, bushy form.

Crassula sericea thrives in bright light and well-draining soil. Like most succulents, it prefers to dry out completely between waterings. During its growing season, you might see clusters of tiny white or pale pink star-shaped flowers, adding a delicate touch to its soft, muted foliage.

This low-maintenance beauty is perfect for terrariums or indoor displays. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new plant parent, crassula sericea is an elegant, easygoing addition that brings a soft, silvery glow to any succulent setup.

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#3. Haworthia Cooperi

If you're looking for a succulent that's both low-maintenance and visually mesmerizing, the haworthia cooperi is the gem you’ve been looking for. This small but stunning plant is known for its plump, translucent leaves that look like little drops of water or glass - earning it the nickname "crystal succulent."

Native to South Africa, Haworthia cooperi grows in tight rosettes, with each leaf swollen and see-through at the tip. These transparent windows help the plant absorb light even when buried in sand in its native habitat - a clever survival trick that adds to its unique beauty.

Perfect for bright indoor spots with indirect sunlight, this succulent doesn’t ask for much: well-draining soil, light watering (only when the soil is dry), and a little admiration. It's also slow-growing, making it ideal for desks, shelves, and windowsills.

Whether you're a succulent collector or just starting your plant journey, the haworthia cooperi brings an enchanting, almost magical touch to any space. It’s the kind of plant that makes you stop and stare... every time!

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#2. Echeveria Subcorymbosa 

With its elegant form and soft pastel tones, echeveria subcorymbosa is a quiet stunner in the succulent world. This charming variety is a member of the popular echeveria family - celebrated for its symmetry, resilience, and effortless beauty.

What sets echeveria subcorymbosa apart from others is its compact size and delicately curved, spoon-shaped leaves. This succulent thrives in bright light and well-draining soil, and like most echeverias, it’s drought-tolerant and happiest when allowed to dry out between waterings. It’s low-maintenance, beginner-friendly, and downright photogenic.

Whether you’re creating a succulent centerpiece or adding to your collection, echeveria subcorymbosa brings timeless grace in a tidy, sculptural form. It’s proof that sometimes, beauty lies in the softest details.

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#1. Adenium Obesum

Meet the adenium obesum, better known as the desert rose - a succulent that knows how to make an entrance. With its thick, sculptural trunk and vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, this eye-catching plant brings colour to even the dullest of spaces.

The adenium obesum is a true survivor, storing water in its swollen base to weather long dry spells. But don't let its toughness fool you - when in bloom, it explodes with flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or even deep purple, looking more like a hibiscus than a typical succulent. (Do not mistake this plant for a type of bonsai - it is in fact a succulent!!).

This sun-loving showstopper thrives in warm temperatures and well-draining soil. It prefers full sun, minimal water, and good airflow. With proper care, it can be grown as a striking specimen indoors or as a centerpiece in outdoor gardens (in frost-free climates).

Elegant, exotic, and just a bit dramatic, the desert rose is perfect for plant lovers who want a bold statement piece.

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And there you have it! Our top ten succulents! We hope you learned something new, or perhaps added a new plant to your wishlist. Various online stores sell these plants as seeds (we got ours from a store called "Unusual Seeds"), though it takes time for them to germinate and grow. You can also propagate succulents from leaf cuttings... but more on that in our next post!

Cheers, plant peeps!🌿