The truth is that succulents can be found in almost every household. They are probably the most popular houseplants because they are relatively easy to care for and thrive even with neglect. But despite their immense popularity, only a few succulents flower. Flowering succulents are an amazing enrichment for every space because they bring more than just greenery to the table. So, if you are looking for a flowering succulent but are not sure what to pick, you have come to the right place.
What are some of the common types of flowering succulents? The most fabulous flowering succulents include aloe species, echeveria, prickly pear cactus, the string of pearls, Easter cactus, and sempervivum. Others include Christ thorn, desert rose, flaming beetle, houseleek, the crown of thorns, flaming katy, Ice plant, and graptopetalum.
This blog post discusses some of the most common types of flowering succulents and their characteristics. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
Why Do Succulents Bloom?
Before we explain the different types of flowering succulents, it is crucial to understand why these amazing plants bloom.
Succulents can flower in response to environmental changes such as temperature and light. They typically bloom when exposed to more daylight hours than usual or during drought conditions when water is scarce.
These plants produce lovely flowers that vary in shape, size, and color. The incredible range of flower colors and shapes makes them unique and attractive.
Some of the flowers are pollinated and produce edible fruits. For instance, the prickly pear cactus produces yellow flowers that turn into pear-shaped fruit. The fruit is known to provide numerous health benefits.
That said, it is good to mention that not all succulents flower because of environmental changes — some may never bloom in the same environment.
Types of Flowering Succulents
So, what are some of the most common types of flowering succulents? Let us find out:
1. Aloe Species
Let us start our list with one of the most classic succulents, the aloe genus. Even though members of the aloe genus are a little stuffy, they remain one of the most popular succulents in the world.
The genus has more than 500 species that thrive in tropical regions worldwide.
These species mostly thrive indoors because their growth requirements are relatively easy to meet. They are even suitable for beginners. All you have to do is provide basic succulent care, and everything will be fine.
Generally, caring for an aloe plant isn’t so hard. One of the most important things you need to remember is that this succulent doesn’t like cold temperatures and frost. That is why it is best to grow it indoors.
It grows relatively fast and can reach full maturity in one or two years. Therefore, be sure to find the right pot and spot for it.
Its leaves contain a gel that offers plenty of cosmetic and wellness applications. It is also known to have many medicinal properties.
As long as you provide it with plenty of sunlight exposure and grow it in a well-draining potting mix, the succulent will reward you with an array of exotic flowers.
Its orange flowers put on a magical show that is a real sight.
2. Easter Cactus
The Easter cactus is an unusual succulent that belongs to the Rhipsalidopsis genus. This flowering succulent is known for its vibrant and long-lasting blooms, making it a favorite among gardeners worldwide.
It typically produces yellow, orange, pink, and red flowers, making it a great indoor plant.
The succulent is native to Central and South American tropical forests but can also be found in parts of Africa.
It loves moderate temperatures between 15°C-25°C (60°F-75°F). When grown indoors, this succulent should get plenty of indirect sunlight.
To get the best results, water it when the soil is dry and avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Easter cactus will produce a spectacular display of bright blooms from late winter to spring when grown in optimal conditions.
3. String Of Pearls
Another popular flowering succulent is a string of pearls. This plant is native to the deserts of South Africa and thrive in dry conditions with plenty of sunlight.
The string of pearls is a unique-looking succulent that gets its name from the shape of its leaves — each leaf looks like a pearl.
It produces an array of vibrant flowers ranging from yellow to pink. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help to further propagate the species.
To get the best results with this succulent, ensure you provide it with well-drained soil, occasional watering and bright, indirect light.
4. Desert Rose
Adenium Obesum commonly referred to as the desert rose, is one of the real gems when it comes to flowering succulents. Its caudex can take on bizarre shapes making the plant an extraordinary eye-catcher.
In fact, the desert rose only reaches its full beauty when it blooms. Its gorgeous red/pink flowers are reminiscent of a wild rose. In its native environment, this succulent is mostly found in the tropical regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
The desert rose loves bright, indirect light but can survive a few hours of direct sunlight exposure every day. Water it when the soil is dry and avoid overwatering at all costs.
Furthermore, be sure to use gritty soil and don’t forget to repot it every 2-3 years. When given the right care, this stunning succulent will reward you with its fabulous flowers!
5. Crown of Thorns
The crown of thorns is an exotic-looking succulent native to the dry regions of Madagascar. This succulent gets its name from its thorny stems, which look like a crown.
It also produces an array of bright flowers, typically ranging from red to pink, giving it an even more beautiful appearance.
This plant thrives in warm temperatures and direct sunlight. Be sure to provide it with well-drained soil, and water it when the topsoil is completely dry.
If given the right care, the crown of thorns will reward you with striking flowers!
6. Prickly Pear Cactus
The prickly pear cactus is from the opuntia genus that produces edible fruits. The prickly pear fruit is a fantastic addition to different dishes as long as it is harvested and peeled properly.
Some varieties of the prickly pear cactus produce beautiful fruits, and the leaf pads are also edible. The most important thing you need to do is get rid of the pesky spines, and you are good to go.
With over 100 cacti species in the opuntia genus, there is something for everyone.
The prickly pear cactus is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add an interesting and unique plant to their landscape. It does best in full sun, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.
You must also find the perfect blend of low humidity, relatively high temperatures, and fertilizer to get the best out of your prickly pear cactus.
Before fruits form, the cactus will produce beautiful yellow or reddish-orange flowers in the spring and summer.
7. Sempervivum
Sempervivum, commonly referred to as the hens and chicks plant, usually thrives outdoors because it can survive everything.
In fact, this is the perfect flowering succulent for beginners. It is incredibly drought-resistant, given that they grow in crevices and rocky cracks in deserts and hillsides.
This beautiful succulent can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from hot to cold and bright, direct sunlight to shade. The hens and chicks are known for their unique green, red, purple, or yellow rosette-like foliage.
During spring, they produce an array of starry pinkish-white flowers that attract pollinators. Depending on the weather conditions, they require well-drained soil and only occasional to no watering.
8. Carrion Flower
The carrion flower is one of the funky flowering succulents from the Huernia genus. These plants are native to southern parts of Africa and thrive in dry, rocky areas.
Typically, they remain small and only produce stems instead of stems and leaves.
Their shape is a true eye-catcher; their flowers are usually white or yellow with a purple center, looking like something from another world.
The carrion flower may also produce small fruits that can be eaten raw or cooked for different dishes.
The succulent loves bright sunlight and nutrient-rich soil. Take care not to overwater it for the best results. Keep the soil relatively dry and only water during the active growing season.
9. Flaming Beetle
Lastly, we discuss the flaming beetle succulent. This succulent produces bright red flowers that turn the houseplant into a magnificent eye-catcher.
The flaming beetle is relatively low-maintenance succulent that can survive in different environments. It prefers bright light and temperatures between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
It requires well-draining soil and occasional watering during summer to thrive.
Summary
Blooming succulents are a beautiful and unique sight. By understanding why they bloom, and which types of succulents will flower, you can add these lovely plants to your home or garden.
Seeds for each of the nine varieties listed above can be purchased online or at your local nursery. Give one (or more) of these flowering succulent species a try today!
Last update on 2023-02-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
