21 Best Succulent Plants Perfect For Growing Indoors In Pots Or Containers

Do you want to bring beautifully potted succulents into your home? Try one of the 21 on our list! These resilient beauties make perfect companions for novice gardeners and seasoned plant parents. They’re also shockingly easy to grow. So, let’s review these epic indoor succulents that will transform your space into a living sanctuary!

Lovely haworthia gasteria ox tongue plant in a terracotta planter.

Sound fun?

Then, let’s explore these magic desert-loving plants in detail.

The 21 Stars of Indoor Succulent Gardens

Let’s examine our enchanted collection of desert gems! Each succulent packs boatloads of unique charm and can thrive in indoor environments.

1. Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis fasciata)

Lovely striped zebra succulent plant growing in a terracotta pot.

Zebra plants have distinctive white horizontal stripes adorning their dark green leaves. It’s perfect for windowsills! The zebra plant loves bright, indirect light and forgives the occasional watering lapse. Its compact size makes it ideal for cramped urban spaces, while its bold pattern adds instant visual interest to any room.

Plant Size: Compact, typically 4 to 8 inches tall and wide.
Appearance: Dark green leaves with raised white horizontal stripes, growing in tight rosettes.
Water Needs: Low. Water when soil completely dries (every 2 to 3 weeks).
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light. It can tolerate some direct morning sun.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 80°F. Brief drops to 50°F are okay.

Zebra plants typically bloom in late summer or early autumn. They produce yellow spiked flowers if they receive sufficient light and humidity.

2. Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’)

Epic spoon jade or crassula Gollum plants with lovely green foliage.

This quirky cultivar brings whimsy to any indoor oasis – especially with its lovely tubular leaves resembling tiny green trumpets. Its sturdy nature and tolerance for varying light conditions make it a superstar for busy professionals. Remember to place it in a south-facing window for the leaf tips to develop a gorgeous reddish tinge!

Plant Size: Medium, grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
Appearance: Tubular, finger-like green leaves with reddish tips.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade. At least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun.
Ideal Temperature: 65 to 75°F. Protect from temperatures below 40°F.

As each leaf reaches skyward like tiny green fingers, this Lord of the Rings-inspired succulent reminds us that even the oddest things can be beautiful.

3. Hens-And-Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

Bright green and healthy sempervivum growing in a clay pot.

These charming rosettes are the gift that keeps on giving! These epic succulents produce adorable “chicks” around the mother plant. They’re perfect for DIY enthusiasts creating living wall art or unique container gardens. Their cold hardiness makes them exceptional indoor-outdoor performers throughout the seasons.

Plant Size: Small, 4 to 6 inches tall, with spreads up to 2 feet.
Appearance: Tight rosettes of pointed leaves in various colors.
Water Needs: Very low. Water every 3 to 4 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Ideal Temperature: Extremely hardy from 20 to 90°F. It can survive freezing temperatures.

Watch in wonder as each mother plant creates a living legacy and spins off babies that carry on her pattern for generations.

4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Beautiful aloe vera plants growing in clay terracotta pots.

The ultimate multitasker – this succulent looks pretty and has real-world use! Beyond its elegant, serrated leaves, it’s nature’s first aid kit. Let it flourish in your kitchen for easy access to its soothing gel. It’s also one of the best air-purifying succulents, perfect for bedrooms and home offices.

Plant Size: Medium to large, typically 1 to 2 feet tall.
Appearance: Thick, fleshy leaves with serrated edges.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect to direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 55 to 80°F. Brief exposure to 40°F is okay.

Ancient Egyptians called aloe vera the “plant of immortality.” Its soothing properties have stood the test of time for over 6,000 years!

5. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Sedum morganianum succulent plant aka donkey tail growing in a pot.

Cascading stems with plump, blue-green leaves make this succulent a show-stopping hanging basket specimen. It’s the perfect choice for elevated spaces and macramé planters. Just remember that these trailing beauties prefer minimal handling once established.

Plant Size: Trailing stems up to 4 feet long.
Appearance: Rope-like stems covered in plump, blue-green leaves.
Water Needs: Moderate. Water every 2 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light.
Ideal Temperature: 65 to 75°F. Protect from temperatures below 40°F.

Growing Burro’s tail is like nurturing a green waterfall of plump, trailing leaves cascading down like nature’s organic party streamers!

6. Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)

A beautiful blue rose echeveria growing in a flower pot in an urban garden.

These rosette-forming stunners come in a rainbow of colors and sizes. Their symmetrical growth pattern makes them living sculptures, perfect for modern minimalist spaces. Under proper light, they’ll reward you with a color show ranging from powdery blues to deep purples.

Plant Size: Varies by species, typically 3 to 12 inches.
Appearance: Rosette-forming with thick, fleshy leaves in various colors.
Water Needs: Low. Water when the soil is dry.
Sunlight Needs: Bright direct to indirect light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 80°F. Can briefly tolerate down to 40°F.

Under UV light, their leaves glow with a subtle blue fluorescence. It’s like nature’s own light show hidden in plain sight.

7. String Of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

Ceropegia woodii houseplant with lovely heart shaped leaves.

This delicate vine with heart-shaped leaves brings romance to any room. Its trailing nature makes it perfect for shelf edges and hanging displays. In bright indirect light, it’ll grow quickly, creating a living curtain of tiny hearts.

Plant Size: Trailing vines up to 12 feet long.
Appearance: Delicate heart-shaped leaves on thin purple stems.
Water Needs: Moderate. Water every 1 to 2 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 80°F. Protect from temperatures below 50°F.

The tiny translucent windows on each leaf allow light to penetrate the vine, a clever adaptation that makes this plant a master of low-light survival.

8. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Crassula ovata jade plant growing in a white pot.

Consider this the money tree of the succulent world – both in folklore and its ability to thrive for decades. Its thick trunk and oval leaves create a miniature tree appearance, perfect for bringing a chic structure to plant arrangements. With proper care, it becomes a family heirloom.

Plant Size: Large, can grow 3 to 6 feet tall.
Appearance: Thick woody stems with oval, fleshy leaves.
Water Needs: Moderate water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright direct to indirect light.
Ideal Temperature: 65 to 75°F. Protect from temperatures below 40°F.

In feng shui tradition, placing this “money tree” by your front door or in the southeast corner of your home invites prosperity and good fortune.

9. Red African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)

Magnificent and epic African milk tree or euphorbia trigona growing indoors.

This architectural beauty adds vertical drama with its deep green stems and reddish edges. It’s perfect for creating height variation in succulent displays. But be careful! Its milky sap can irritate skin, so handle it carefully. Don’t don’t let that deter you from this stunning specimen – just be mindful.

Plant Size: Large, can grow 6 to 8 feet tall.
Appearance: Dark green triangular stems with reddish edges.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect to direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 85°F. Keep above 50°F.

Like a living sculpture, each angular stem tells the story of this plant’s desert evolution. It’s like a real-world testament to nature’s artistry and adaptability.

10. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

The beaucarnea recurvat ponytail palm with curly green leaves.

Despite its common name, this isn’t a palm! It’s of the Asparagaceae family and is closely related to yucca and spider plants. Its bulbous base and fountain of long, thin leaves make it a conversation starter. It’s nearly indestructible and perfect for those who travel frequently or occasionally forget to water.

Plant Size: Medium to large, 4 to 8 feet tall indoors.
Appearance: Bulbous base with long, thin, curling leaves.
Water Needs: Very low. Water every 3 to 4 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect to direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 80°F. Brief drops to 50°F are okay.

Despite its delicate appearance, this survivor can store months of water in its bulbous trunk, making it the perfect plant for forgetful waterers.

11. Echeveria Lola (Echeveria ‘Lola’)

Green echeveria Lola succulent plant growing in a small pot.

This Instagram-worthy succulent forms perfect powder-blue rosettes with a pink blush. Echeveria’s compact size makes it superb for desk gardens and small spaces. Under bright light, it develops a subtle pearlescent sheen that catches the eye.

Plant Size: Small, 3 to 6 inches in diameter.
Appearance: Perfect pale blue-gray rosettes.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect to direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 65 to 80°F. Protect from temperatures below 40°F.

When sunlight hits its perfectly symmetrical rosette just right, the pearlescent leaves create a miniature spiral galaxy.

12. Lithops (Living Stones)

Colorful lithops or living stone succulents growing in a pot.

These fascinating mimicry plants look precisely like pastel pebbles – until they surprise you with daisy-like flowers! Perfect for minimalist arrangements and science enthusiasts, they require little care but offer endless intrigue.

Plant Size: Tiny, 1 to 2 inches tall.
Appearance: Pastel-colored split pebble-like leaves in gray, brown, or green.
Water Needs: Very low. Water 3 to 4 times per year.
Sunlight Needs: Bright, direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 65 to 80°F. It can tolerate high heat but protect from frost.

These living stones have evolved perfect camouflage! You usually only find wild specimens when their yellow or white flowers emerge from what appears to be bare ground.

13. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Snake plants growing in ceramic pots growing atop a desk.

Here’s the ultimate survivor – the snake plant! This architectural beauty thrives in almost any indoor condition. Its striking vertical leaves purify the air even at night, making it the perfect bedroom companion. Available in various patterns and heights, it’s impossible to go wrong with this classic.

Plant Size: Medium to large, 6 inches to 8 feet tall.
Appearance: Upright sword-like leaves with variegated patterns.
Water Needs: Very low. Water every 3 to 4 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Tolerates any light level.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 85°F. Easily survives brief drops to 45°F.

NASA research confirms that this air-purifying champion effectively removes four of the five main toxins associated with sick building syndrome.

14. White Fairy Washboard (Haworthiopsis limifolia)

White fairy washboard succulent plants growing in a pot.

This compact charmer features distinctive horizontal ridges that catch light beautifully. It’s perfect for small spaces and desktop gardens, offering visual interest without demanding much space or attention.

Plant Size: Small, 3 to 5 inches tall.
Appearance: Dark green leaves with white ridged patterns.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 80°F. Keep above 50°F.

Check out this plant’s impressive ridged leaves. It’s like growing a tiny, textured masterpiece in your living room.

15. Graptoveria ‘Debbi’

A lovely looking Graptoveria Debbie succulent plant in pot.

A gorgeous hybrid combining the best of Graptopetalum and Echeveria, ‘Debbi’ offers pearl-pink rosettes that blush purple in bright light. It’s perfect for adding soft color to arrangements and thrives on neglect.

Plant Size: Small, 4 to 6 inches in diameter.
Appearance: Pearl-pink to purple compact rosettes.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect to direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 65 to 80°F. Protect from temperatures below 40°F.

As temperatures and light levels change, watch the seasons paint her leaves in watercolor washes of pink, lavender, and blue.

16. Ox Tongue (Gasteria spp.)

Gasteria ox tongue plant growing in a small pot.

Ox tongue gets its name from its rough, tongue-like leaves. It’s as tough as it looks! This shade-tolerant succulent is perfect for darker corners where other succulents struggle. Its unique spotted patterns and architectural form make it a breathtaking addition to any indoor garden.

Plant Size: Small to medium, 6 to 12 inches tall.
Appearance: Thick, spotted leaves with rough texture.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to bright indirect light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 80°F. Brief exposure to 50°F is okay.

Ox tongue’s rough, spotted surface might not win beauty contests, but this humble plant can thrive in the darkest corners where other succulents fear to grow.

17. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)

Blooming Christmas cactus growing in a pot during the holiday season.

This holiday hero brings dramatic flowering displays when other plants are dormant in winter. Its pendulous stems look gorgeous in hanging baskets, and with proper care, it becomes a cherished family heirloom that blooms for generations.

Plant Size: Medium, 1 to 2 feet tall and wide.
Appearance: Trailing segmented stems with flowers in winter.
Water Needs: Moderate. Water every 1 to 2 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 70°F. It needs cooler temps (50 to 55°F) to trigger blooming.

Pass this holiday bloomer down through generations – a well-cared-for specimen can live for over 100 years. (Not a typo – these plants are long-term keepers!)

18. Aloe Aristata (Lace Aloe)

Aloe Aristata lace aloe succulent growing in a glass bowl.

This dainty aloe variety offers the same medicinal benefits as its larger cousin but in a compact, decorative package. Its white-spotted leaves and delicate teeth make it perfect for fairy gardens and detailed arrangements.

Plant Size: Small, 4 to 6 inches tall and wide.
Appearance: Spiky rosettes with white spots.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect to direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 80°F. Hardier than most aloes. It tolerates brief drops to 40°F.

This miniature aloe vera version proves that good things come in small packages. And it offers the same soothing benefits in an apartment-sized form.

19. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)

Kalanchoe tomentosa panda plant growing in a pot.

With fuzzy, silver-green leaves tipped in dark brown, this tactile treat is easy to admire. It’s perfect for adding texture to arrangements and thrives in bright windows. Its slow growth makes it ideal for long-term container displays.

Plant Size: Small to medium, 1 to 2 feet tall.
Appearance: Fuzzy silver-green leaves with brown tips.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect to direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 60 to 75°F. Protect from temperatures below 50°F.

Those velvet leaves aren’t just for show – they help the plant capture moisture from fog in its native Madagascar.

20. String Of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)

Senecio rowleyanus plants growing in pots at the plant nursery.

These cascading strands of bead-like leaves create living art in hanging displays. Perfect for high shelves and macramé hangers, they add movement and intrigue to any room. Give them room to trail for maximum impact.

Plant Size: Trailing stems up to 3 feet long.
Appearance: Round bead-like leaves on thin stems.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect light.
Ideal Temperature: 70 to 80°F. Keep above 50°F.

Like a living necklace of green pearls, each bead-like leaf has a tiny translucent window, allowing light to penetrate inside for photosynthesis.

21. Lipstick Echeveria (Echeveria agavoides)

Lipstick echeveria succulent plant growing in a small pot.

We saved one of our hidden succulent gems for last. Lipstick Echeveria! This architectural beauty features smooth, pointed leaves that flush red at the tips when stressed. It’s perfect for modern arrangements and thrives in bright indoor conditions.

Plant Size: Small to medium, 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
Appearance: Pointed green leaves with red tips.
Water Needs: Low. Water every 2 to 3 weeks.
Sunlight Needs: Bright indirect to direct light.
Ideal Temperature: 65 to 80°F. Protect from temperatures below 40°F.

When stressed by bright light, the red edges deepen like perfectly applied lipstick, proving that even plants can pull off a bold glow-up.

Tips For Success

A beautiful zebra plant basking in plentiful sunlight.

Here’s a handy succulent growing cheat sheet to help ensure success. (No worries. Maintaining these plants is shockingly easy. This list makes it even easier.)

Light Is Crucial

Most succulents need bright, indirect light to maintain compact growth and vibrant colors. A south-facing window is often ideal.

Well-Draining Soil Is Non-Negotiable

Use a specialized succulent and cactus mix. You can also create your own by mixing perlite and coarse sand with regular potting soil.

Water Deeply But Infrequently

Wait until the succulent’s soil is arid before watering again. In winter, the frequency of succulent watering is reduced by about half.

Choose The Right Pot

Always use containers with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent choices as they help prevent overwatering.

Watch For Signs Of Trouble

Leaves falling off quickly or becoming transparent usually indicates overwatering – and wrinkled leaves mean your succulent feels thirsty.

Conclusion

Lovely home decor with an elegant and sleek aloe vera plant.

Each of these desert jewels brings a unique personality to your indoor garden – from the architectural beauty of the snake plant to the whimsical trailing pearls of Curio rowleyanus. Choosing the best variety to grow is tricky. But it almost doesn’t matter which one you choose! These low-maintenance stunners prove anyone can create their slice of desert paradise.

What about you?

Which succulents will you welcome into your home first?
What unexpected spots in your home have become the perfect succulent sanctuary?
Have you discovered any creative ways to display your succulent collection?

Thanks for reading.

Have a great day!