Some Must-Know Flowering Succulents: A Practical Guide

Flowering succulents bring joy and vibrancy to gardens, indoor spaces, and outdoor landscapes. With their unique forms and stunning blooms in various colors, they add a touch of natural beauty that is hard to resist. Whether you prefer succulents with orange, yellow, red or pink flowers, there are plenty of options to choose from. Although many still believe that flowering succulents do not exist or are difficult to grow, there are many varieties that give spectacular and colorful blooms between spring and summer.

Embrace the world of flowering succulents and let their colorful delights transform your green spaces into stunning visual spectacles.

Succulents have long been adored for their unique and captivating beauty, but did you know that some succulents also produce stunning flowers? Here is a list of flowering succulents you should know about. Get ready to be amazed by the colorful blooms that these magnificent plants have to offer. Let’s see which are the most common flowering varieties that are beautiful and easy to grow.

Which Plants Are Flowering Succulents?

Succulents come in numerous varieties, but not all of them produce flowers. However, there are several popular succulents that are known for their vibrant blooms. Some noteworthy flowering succulents include the Aloe vera, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Echeveria elegans, and Sedum rubrotinctum, among others. These plants bring a burst of color to any garden or indoor space

Caring for Flowering Succulents

Some varieties lend themselves to indoor cultivation, while others must necessarily live outside and with proper care and attention can thrive for many, many years. The general rule of thumb, for all of them, is that to encourage flowering, their seasonal cycles must be respected. From autumn to spring, therefore, temperatures should never be below 50° F (10° C) and water and nutrient supply must be suspended. During winter, therefore, the plants should be placed inside the house or in an enclosed location sheltered from the weather and cold.

While succulents are generally hardy plants, growing flowering succulents does require some specific care. Here are a few key tips to ensure your succulents thrive and continue to produce beautiful flowers:

Sunlight Requirements

Most flowering succulents prefer bright sunlight. Place them in areas where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you are growing them indoors, choose a sunny spot near a window.

Well-Draining Soil

Succulents thrive in well-draining soil. Ensure the soil is porous, allowing excess water to drain easily. A mix of regular potting soil, perlite, and sand is an excellent choice for potted succulents.

Watering

Watering succulents can sometimes be tricky. It’s important to strike a balance between not overwatering and not underwatering. Water your succulents thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid leaving the plant sitting in water, as this can lead to root rot.

Some Must-Know Names and Varieties of Flowering Succulents

Here are five names that eveyone should be familiar with:

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Known for its medicinal properties, Aloe vera is a popular succulent that produces tall, colorful spikes of tubular flowers. It adds a touch of elegance to any garden.

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana

This succulent delights with vibrant clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers. They come in a range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink, making them a favorite amongst gardeners.

Echeveria Elegans

With its rosette-shaped leaves and soft, pastel colors, Echeveria elegans is a beautiful succulent that produces bell-shaped flowers on tall stems. Its delicate blossoms create a stunning contrast against its foliage.

Sedum Rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Known for its unique, bean-shaped leaves that turn red in bright sunlight, Sedum rubrotinctum produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers. This succulent adds a pop of color to any collection.

Echinopsis

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti also known as hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. This is perhaps the only flowering and even fragrant succulent plant. Plants of this genus ar globose to cylindrical in shape and have spines grouped in clumps at the apex: here, in summer, beautiful white or light yellowish flowers with an intense and intoxicating fragrance alternate incessantly.

Flowering Succulents with Yellow Flowers

For a sunny and cheerful aesthetic, flowering succulents with yellow flowers are the way to go. Here are two popular varieties you should consider:

Sedum Lemon Ball

As its name suggests, Sedum Lemon Ball features round, vibrant yellow flowers that resemble small balls. It is a low-growing succulent, making it ideal for ground cover or rock gardens. This succulent thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings to prevent rot. Sedum Lemon Ball is a hardy plant and can tolerate drought conditions.

Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)

Jade Plant is a well-known succulent that produces clusters of star-shaped white or pale pink flowers. It often develops a red tinge on its edges when exposed to full sunlight. Jade Plant thrives in bright light but can tolerate moderate indoor lighting. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Euphorbia milii (Crown of Thorns)

Euphorbia milii is a unique succulent with spiky stems and thick, waxy leaves. It produces clusters of small yellow flowers surrounded by colorful bracts. The combination of yellow flowers and vibrant bracts creates a striking visual display. However flowers can come in different colors depending on the variety: these bracts can be found in shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, or white, creating a visually striking display.

Flowering Succulents with Red Flowers

These plants are a captivating addition to any garden or indoor space. With their vibrant hues and unique forms, these succulents add a touch of drama and beauty. Let’s explore some notable succulents with red flowers and learn how to care for them.

Aloe cameronii

Aloe cameronii, also known as the Red Aloe or the African Aloe, is characterized by its deep red foliage and tubular red flowers. The leaves of this succulent have a distinctive coppery-red color that intensifies with sun exposure. The vibrant red flowers appear on tall stalks, adding height and interest to the plant.

Aloe cameronii needs a well-draining soil and shall be placed it in a location with full sun to partial shade. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This succulent is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate periods of drought.

Echeveria ‘Red Velvet’

Echeveria ‘Red Velvet’ is a stunning succulent with rosettes of deep red, velvety leaves. While it may produce small yellow flowers on tall stalks, it is primarily valued for its striking foliage. This succulent is perfect for adding texture and a pop of color to succulent arrangements or rock gardens.

How to care for your Echeveria ‘Red Velvet’? Make sure to provide it with well-draining soil and place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This succulent is sensitive to overwatering, so it is crucial to avoid excess moisture.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Known for its long-lasting blooms, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. This succulent produces dense clusters of red flowers that create a stunning visual display. It is a compact plant, making it ideal for small spaces or as a potted plant.

Remember to place Kalanchoe in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Water it thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. This succulent prefers well-draining soil and is relatively drought-tolerant.

Flowering Succulents with Orange Flowers

If you’re fond of warm and vibrant hues, consider including succulents with orange flowers in your garden. Some notable options include:

Gasteria bicolor

Gasteria bicolor is prized for its striking, tongue-shaped leaves with white, tubular flowers. The flowers can have orange hues, adding a splash of color to the overall presentation.

Lampranthus

A small perennial, never exceeding 30 cm in height, it is easy to grow. It blooms in spring, while in summer it offers a rich green-gray needle-like vegetation. The flowers are vibrant in shades of pink, yellow and orange. They usually open in the morning and then close again as the sun sets. The blooms last for an average of one week, but are immediately replaced by new flowers that provide a show of undoubted beauty from April to May. It can be grown both in pots and in the ground, provided the temperature is fairly mild even in winter.

Flowering Succulents with Pink Flowers

We can also find succulents with fantastic pink flowers. And for a touch of softness and romance, pink flowering succulents are a fantastic choice. Here are a couple of options worth exploring:

Crassula Capitella (Campfire Plant)

This succulent features bright orange-red leaves that resemble flames, making it an excellent choice for adding a fiery touch to your garden. It produces small white or pale pink flowers.

Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant)

Ghost Plant is a succulent with rosette-shaped leaves that can vary in shades of pink, lavender, and grayish-blue. It produces delicate pink flowers that enhance its ethereal appearance.

Sedum dasyphyllum (Corsican Stonecrop)

Corsican Stonecrop has tiny, overlapping leaves that form a dense mat of bluish-green foliage. It produces clusters of dainty pink flowers that create a delightful contrast against its foliage.

Indoor Flowering Succulents

If you prefer to enjoy the beauty of flowering succulents indoors, there are several varieties that thrive inside homes and offices. Consider the following options of specifically indoor flowering succulents:

Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus)

Christmas Cactus is a popular indoor succulent known for its stunning flowers that often bloom during the holiday season. It comes in various colors, including shades of pink, red, and white.

Haworthia fasciata (Zebra Plant)

Zebra Plant is a small succulent with distinctive, dark green leaves that have white horizontal stripes resembling zebra patterns. It produces tall stalks of small, white flowers.

Desert rose (Adenium)

This flowering succulent us easy to grow indoors: from spring through fall, it produces white and pink flowers

Outdoor Flowering Succulents

If you have a garden or outdoor space, these flowering succulents will make a spectacular addition:

Agave americana (Century Plant)

Century Plant is a stunning succulent that produces a tall flower spike with clusters of yellow flowers. It is known for its robust and architectural presence.

Dudleya varieties

Dudleya succulents come in a range of varieties, each with its unique shape and flower color. From Dudleya pachyphytum with orange flowers to Dudleya farinosa with pink flowers, these succulents offer eye-catching blooms for outdoor spaces.

Sedum palmeri

This flowering succulent is just perfect in the garden and on the balcony: when spring comes, it produces beautiful yellow flowers. It can also stand in half shade.

Delosperma

A genus of succulent plant with pink flowers of varying intensity that grows well in rock gardens. It withstands cold and severe weather very well.

When does a succulent plant flower?

Usually succulents bloom only once a year, in summer and spring. Some specimens finish flowering in early autumn.

How long does a succulent plant flower last?

Basically, it depends on the varieties: some last a few hours, others a few days. Still others, even as little as one night.

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