Types of tall succulents are ones that can easily reach great heights both indoors and outdoors and work fine to add vertical dimension. When we think of succulent plants, the first image that comes to most people’s minds is that of small plants with fleshy leaves.
Most succulents are slow growers but there are quite a few of them that can grow tall over time. Keep reading this article to find out about the variety of tall succulents.
Contents
- List of Types of Tall Succulents
- 1. Candelabra Spurge
- 2. Joshua Tree
- 3. Mother of Millions
- 4. Agave Americana
- 5. Jade Plant
- 6. Snake Plant
- 7. African Milk Tree
- 8. Sticks on Fire
- 9. Elephant Bush
- 10. Hanging Chain Cholla
- 11. Ocotillo
- 12. Saguaro
- 13. Aloe Vera
- 14. Aloe Aristata
- 15. Stenocereus Thurberi
- 16. Aeonium arboreum
- 17. Euphorbia Tirucalli
- 18. Euphorbia Milii
- 19. Orchid Cactus
- 20. Soaptree Yucca
- 21. Desert Rose
- 22. Fox Tail Agave
- 23. Xerosicyos Danguyi
- 24. Ceropegia Woodii
- 25. Pachypodium Lamerei
- Conclusion
List of Types of Tall Succulents
In this article, we will help you know all about the tall succulent plants that you can grow outdoors and indoors depending on the space available.
1. Candelabra Spurge
Candelabra spurge or Euphorbia Ammak ‘Variegata’ looks like a tall cactus but is not a cactus. It has thin, long branches with spikes and looks like long candles facing the sky.
Candelabra spurge is not a frequent bloomer and blooms only in its natural environment. It may reach up to 20 feet tall and eight feet wide, making it an ideal choice for larger corners. Since it does not have very high water requirements, it is a wonderful plant to grow in dry areas.
It is key to know that this plant needs to receive full sunlight to grow well. Avoid keeping it in dark corners. Although the blooms are quite rare, you might see them once or twice if you keep them in full sun.
2. Joshua Tree
Joshua tree or Yucca brevifolia is a succulent and not a tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and is loved for its unique-looking foliage. It has green and pointed leaves that stick out at odd angles. It needs full sunlight to grow well.
Joshua tree is a fairly drought-tolerant plant that can survive the summer of deserts which is why it is also called the tree of the desert. Usually, before branching, these trees grow up to nine feet tall and grow a single trunk.
Joshua trees are one of the striking features of Californian landscapes. Before flowering, these trees need a dormant cool weather period. Their flowers are pollinated by Yucca moths that lay eggs inside the flowers. Since Joshua trees are slow-growers, they tend to live for a very long time.
3. Mother of Millions
Mother of millions or Kalanchoe delagoensis can grow up to seven feet tall and three feet wide. It sticks to its name with each leaf carrying a lot of pups. The foliage comes in multiple colors from green to brown and purple.
The bright orange flowers bloom in clusters all around the year making it a fantastic plant for height and color. Unlike various other slow-growing succulents, Mother of millions is a fast-grower and reproduces quite fast.
To grow this succulent, you need a well-draining soil mix that is alkaline. It is drought resistant and can grow in compact soil too, provided you water it only when needed.
4. Agave Americana
Century plant or Agave Americana is an ornamental succulent loved for its silvery-blue pointed leaves that form a round rosette. It is native to Mexico and Texas and can grow up to 30 feet tall and eight feet wide. It is even familiarized by other common names two of them being Maguey and American aloe.
Despite the name American aloe, it does not belong to the Aloe family. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The reason why it is called the Century plant is due to its life cycle which typically ranges between 10 and 30 years.
5. Jade Plant
Jade plants or Crassula ovata can grow up to five feet tall under proper growing conditions. It is a hardy succulent kept commonly in homes and office desks. It needs bright indirect sunlight to full sunlight to grow well.
This hardy succulent can grow five to six feet tall and three feet wide in bright light and a well-draining soil medium. If you have a terrace or even a balcony that receives a lot of direct sunlight during the day, consider growing a Jade plant.
Crassula ovata is a slow-growing succulent plant, adding only two to three inches every year, which is why as the years pass you see it grow. It grows actively from spring to summer and becomes dormant in winter. We would advise you to bring it indoors to a bright, warm space when it gets chilly and frosty outdoors.
6. Snake Plant
The Snake plant or Sansevieria trifasciata has leaves that grow straight tapering to a point on the top. The tall leaves in different colors make the plant a popular one among most home gardens. It is one of the most fuss-free succulents that are hard to kill.
If you are a beginner, go for a Snake plant without a doubt. It grows well in a sandy medium but can tolerate poorly drained soils too if you do not overwater. With minimal water needs, it is a maintenance-free plant that you can grow in both bright and dim light conditions.
With proper care and under optimal light conditions, these plants can get six to eight feet tall. The tall, green leaves look like long snakes in a pot, and once the plant takes over the entire pot, you can shift it to a bigger one and propagate the baby plants.
7. African Milk Tree
African milk tree or Euphorbia trigona, also known as the good luck cactus, is a native succulent of Southern and Central Africa. Its thin, long, green-colored stems can get up to 10 feet tall and about one to two feet wide.
This plant grows well in well-draining soil in full sunlight. Its bright red flowers bloom in spring and summer. It is usually grown as a hedge due to its fast growth and is known by other names such as cathedral cactus, good luck cactus and friendship cactus.
8. Sticks on Fire
Sticks on fire is an evergreen succulent with long, thin, red sticks that resemble corals and look like a fire growing towards the sky. This plant would be able to grow four to eight feet tall in warm places that receive full sunlight.
The pencil-like thin stems are red initially and grow yellow in summer warmth and back to red in winter. A great point to keep in mind about this succulent is that it is fairly pest and disease-resilient and salt tolerant.
Some common names for this succulent are the Red pencil tree and Firesticks. If you have both kids and even pets in your flat or in your home, be cautious while growing this plant as it is toxic. All parts of it are toxic and can cause irritation if ingested.
9. Elephant Bush
Elephant bush or Portulacaria afra is a soft-wooded, perennial succulent plant native to South Africa. This is a tall succulent variety that can grow eight to 15 feet tall. It is a popular succulent choice in gardens all over the world in mild climates.
Grown as a low-maintenance plant in gardens as a shrub, it is also called elephant food, elephant plant, pork bush, spekboom and miniature jade. An excellent feature of this plant is its ability to absorb relatively more carbon from the air.
The fleshy, green, roundish-oval leaves are about an inch long and turn grayish as the plant matures. As the plant grows old, its stems also turn brown. Its foliage is edible and commonly consumed in parts of Africa due to its medicinal benefits.
10. Hanging Chain Cholla
Hanging chain cholla or Cylindropuntia fulgida is a shrubby cactus native to the Southwestern United States. It is a tree-like succulent with one trunk and can grow up to 13 feet tall with branches of fruits. Young branches of the succulent are covered with silver-yellow spines that turn gray over time.
As the spines fall off with age, the trunk gets revealed. It turns black, brown and rough with age. Some of its other names include the Jumping cholla, Chain fruit cholla, Vilas de Coyote and Cholla brincadeira. Its name Jumping cholla comes due to the ease with which the sharp stems detach when brushed.
A slight touch with this plant will leave bits of cactus on your clothes. We recommend keeping it slightly away from the reach of kids and pets. You can grow them in pots in well-draining soil.
11. Ocotillo
Ocotillo or Fouquieria splendens is a semi-succulent desert plant native to the Southwestern United States. It looks like a set of large, thin cane-like dead sticks and is more related to the family of teas and blueberries instead of cacti.
Some of its common names include Candlewood, Buggywhip, Slimwood, Coachwhip, Desert coral, Vine cactus, Flaming sword and Jacob cactus. It produces bright, crimson flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It is also used for fencing as its spines help keep the animals away.
These plants can be planted all year round and can be grown from seeds and stem cuttings. Replanting has a low success rate. It thrives in full sunlight and is fairly drought tolerant. Rocky and well-drained soils work well for its growth and in their natural environments, they can reach up to 20 feet in height.
12. Saguaro
Saguaro or Carnegiea gigantea is a tall tree-like cactus native to the deserts of Arizona and can grow up to 40 feet tall. Its age can easily exceed 150 years. This plant can absorb and store lots of water which helps it to survive drought periods.
In their natural growing environments, these trees can grow 10 to 50 feet tall. The slow-growing cactus is one of the largest-growing cacti in the United States. It produces white, waxy flowers in summer that open after sunset and close by noon.
13. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is not the tallest succulent but this invasive plant can reach up to two feet in height if properly cared for. It is an evergreen succulent native to tropical and semi-arid regions around the Arabian peninsula.
The stemless plant spreads and grows through offsets that emerge horizontally. You can grow it in partial and full sunlight in warm climates. It is tolerant to drought and extreme temperatures. The aloe plant also has immense medicinal benefits that make it a perfect choice for houseplants.
14. Aloe Aristata
Aloe aristata or Aristaloe aristata is one of the hardy succulent types that looks quite similar to a Haworthia. It is one of the frost-hardy and fast-growing tall succulents native to Southern Africa. It is also called guinea-fowl aloe and Lace aloe.
It thrives in bright indirect light and full sunlight. But avoid placing it in harsh sunlight as it can cause leaf burns. In harsh winters and summers, bring the plant indoors to prevent damage. Nonetheless, keep in mind that this plant would grow easily somewhere between six to 12 inches, if you take proper care of it.
The plant has dark green leaves with white bumps that are broad at the base and sharper as it grows upwards. It flowers in spring and summer and produces reddish-orange blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees.
15. Stenocereus Thurberi
Organ pipe cactus or Stenocereus thurberi is native to Mexico and the United States. The name organ pipe comes due to the plant’s resemblance to a pipe organ. Its narrow stems grow vertically from a single main trunk above the ground. The stems are able to grow and reach to 16 feet tall and even taller in the wild.
It thrives in gritty soils and needs to be watered sparingly in summer. Remember, that you should not water it at all as it becomes dormant in winter and does not grow new stems. A key fact about this succulent is that it matures in 150 years and is pollinated by bats.
16. Aeonium arboreum
Aeonium arboreum or Irish rose is a subtropical succulent native to southern Australia. It is an invasive plant that can grow three to five feet tall. In home gardens, it is better to grow it in pots.
This succulent is also called by other names such as the Tree houseleek and Tree aeonium. It has showy rosettes with shiny, fleshy green leaves towards the end of the branches. It grows well in well-drained soils and warmer climates. It is a fantastic choice for succulent gardens and rock gardens.
17. Euphorbia Tirucalli
This plant is also called the pencil cactus, it is one of the tall plants that grows in semi-arid tropical climates. In the wild, it can get large and reach up to 30 feet in height. Large, mature plants have thick, brown branches with green stems at the ends.
This plant does not have sharp spines, unlike other cactus species. In spring and summer, it produces small flowers. Also known as Indian tree spurge, Milk bush and Pencil tree, it has a fast growth rate and makes for a wonderful-looking houseplant.
Grow it in full sunlight in a well-draining potting mix. It is a low-maintenance plant with minimal water needs and is fairly pest-resistant. It thrives in warm temperatures and low humidity conditions. Be careful while growing this plant in your home as it is toxic to humans and animals.
18. Euphorbia Milii
The Crown of thorns of Euphorbia milii is a gorgeous, woody, flowering succulent with fleshy, green leaves and stunning red blooms on top. These plants grow in Madagascar and are also known by common names such as Christ plant and Christ thorn as it is associated with the crown of thorns worn by Christ.
This plant thrives in warm climates and is a common houseplant in many tropical home gardens. It is not frost and cold hardy and in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it is advisable to bring it indoors. The shrubby succulent can reach up to six feet tall with dense spiny stems and small flowers. Its sap is poisonous which means it can cause skin irritation on contact.
19. Orchid Cactus
Orchid cacti or Epiphyllum is an epiphytic plant belonging to the cactus family. It originates from Central to South America and is also known by other names such as leaf cactus and climbing cactus. It can grow two to 10 feet tall with proper care.
It grows gorgeous, big, cup-shaped flowers in various colors. Its foliage does not look very showy but when the flowers bloom in spring, it looks stunning. For maximum flowering, keep the plant in full sunlight, and remember that you must repot it every two to three years in a bigger pot.
Since these plants are epiphytic, they grow quite well in hanging baskets. They are not tolerant of very cold temperatures and need to be kept above 60 degrees Fahrenheit for proper growth.
20. Soaptree Yucca
Soaptree yucca or Yucca elata is a cold-hardy succulent native to deserts of the United States. It can grow six to 20 feet tall and eight feet wide with a straight trunk. It can tolerate cold temperatures but needs a lot of sunlight too.
It grows showy, white flowers that emerge on tall stalks and can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are long with sharp points and pale green. It is a slow-growing plant adding only one to two inches of height.
21. Desert Rose
Adenium Obesum or Desert rose is a flowering succulent that grows up to four feet tall. It stores water in its fleshy leaves that help it to go through periods of drought.
The flowers of this succulent come in a variety of shades both red and pink. Its thick stems support the leaves and flowers on top. The bottom part is quite thick. It is a trouble-free succulent and can be easily grown in little space in bright light.
22. Fox Tail Agave
Fox tail agave or Agave attenuata is an easy-going succulent that can grow 15 to 20 feet tall and three to almost five feet wide. The low-maintenance succulent does not require full sunlight and has low water needs. Watering once or twice a month works just fine.
It is also known by other names such as Swan’s neck agave, Lion’s tail, and Spineless Century plant due to its curved inflorescence. Native to Mexico, it produces long, curved, greenish-yellow flowers.
23. Xerosicyos Danguyi
Xerosicyos danguyi or the Silver dollar plant is a succulent vine that can grow up to 40 feet tall. It is also called the Penny plant, Money plant, and Coin plant. It is a fast-growing plant belonging to the same family as a cucumber.
It has thin stems and round leaves that are about one to two inches wide. It looks beautiful growing in hanging baskets in partial to full sunlight. Avoid growing it in dark spaces that receive little or no light.
24. Ceropegia Woodii
Rosary vine or the String of hearts is a vining succulent that can grow two to three feet tall with proper care. Similar to Burro’s tail or Sedum Morganianum, it looks great in hanging planters. It is a hardy plant that has the ability to store water in its foliage which helps it to survive periods of drought.
It is even known by common names such as the Chain of hearts, the Sweetheart vine, and Hearts entangled. The heart-shaped leaves are about three inches long. It is one of the indoor succulents that thrive in bright, indirect light. Do not keep the soil overly humid as its roots are prone to rot.
25. Pachypodium Lamerei
Pachypodium Lamerei or the Madagascar palm is a bushy, flowering plant that grows well in outdoor gardens. It can grow and reach up to 20 feet tall in the ground. Its long and narrow leaves come in various colors such as green, blue, pink, yellow, and white.
It is a slow-grower and thrives in full sunlight and moderate watering. Due to its unique look, it stands out from the rest of the plants. Although it is called palm, it is related to the family of cacti.
Conclusion
If tiny, adorable plants with fleshy leaves come to your mind when someone speaks of succulents, it is time you consider growing these tall succulents. To have a vertical dimension using succulents is possible by choosing the right variety.
Once the succulents grow tall, they can add a completely different look altogether to our garden. Now that you know all about these succulents, which one are you planning to get your hand on first?
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