What Is a Succulent?

If you’re new to houseplants, it may be confusing to hear the different names and categories available. And when it comes to succulents, it’s even more confusing because even the experts don’t fully agree on the definition of what a succulent plant is.

You might be surprised to hear that some types of orchids are even classified as succulents, while others aren’t. That’s because the traits that define succulent plants are specific to the species, but may not apply to all of the plants in the taxonomic family. Closely related plants can develop very different traits from one another, depending on where they grow.

What Makes a Succulent a Succulent?

Succulents are plants that have adapted to dry environments by developing tissues that can store water. Some varieties hold water in thick, plump leaves, while others store moisture in their stems and have minimal leaves.

Aside from their water-storage abilities, succulent plants have the ability to survive for extended periods without water without significant damage. When grown in cultivation, they have minimal need for water, fertilization, or maintenance.

Why Do People Grow Succulents as Houseplants?

Succulents are low-maintenance, which is one of the main reasons that they are popular as houseplants. People also love to grow succulents for their appearance. There are so many different varieties of succulents that you can find most any color, size, or shape that you want. Many of them are unlike what most of us would consider a normal plant. Their unique shapes and fascinating variety make them a very intriguing category of plant.

Is a Cactus a Succulent?

When you think of plants that hold lots of water, the first thing you probably think of is a cactus. And yes, all cacti are succulents. But not all succulents are cacti. The category of succulent is much broader and encompasses plants from many different families.

The Most Popular Succulents Grown as Houseplants

There are lots and lots of popular succulents, but here are the most popular ones. Note that this list refers to the scientific name of the genus, and within that there can be many species and hybrids available.

  • Aloe
  • Cacti
  • Crassula
  • Dracaena
  • Echeveria
  • Euphorbia
  • Gasteria
  • Haworthia
  • Kalanchoe
  • Sansevieria
  • Sedum
  • Senecio