Thriving Giants: 18 Large Succulents Unleashed
Large Growing Succulents: Adding Height and Beauty to Your Collection
Introduction
Succulents have taken the gardening world by storm with their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and low maintenance requirements. While most people are familiar with the compact and small varieties, there is a whole world of large succulent plants waiting to be explored. In this article, we will delve into the realm of tall succulents and discover the beauty they bring to any space.
The Beauty of Large Succulents
Large succulents offer a striking visual appeal, adding height and drama to your collection. These majestic plants can become the centerpiece of a room or the focal point of an outdoor garden. Their impressive size and unique structures make them stand out from their smaller counterparts, making a bold statement in any setting.
Types of Tall Succulents
When it comes to indoor plants, succulents have gained immense popularity due to their unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. While many people are familiar with small, compact succulents, there is a whole world of tall succulents waiting to be explored. These plants not only add height and beauty to your indoor space but also serve as conversation-starters. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 types of tall succulents that are perfect for indoor cultivation. Get ready to transform your space with these stunning plants!
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a popular choice for indoor cultivation. It features long, upright leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. This succulent is known for its air-purifying qualities and ability to tolerate low-light conditions, making it perfect for offices and bedrooms.
2. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The Ponytail Palm, scientifically known as Beaucarnea recurvata, is an eye-catching succulent that features a swollen trunk and long, flowing leaves resembling a ponytail. While it may not grow as tall as some other succulents on this list, it can still reach heights of up to six feet indoors. This low-maintenance plant prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those with a busy lifestyle.
3. Yucca elephantipes (Spineless Yucca)
The Spineless Yucca is a popular succulent that resembles a small tree. It features long, sword-like leaves that grow in a symmetrical pattern. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. With its elegant form and ability to adapt to various lighting conditions, the Spineless Yucca adds a touch of sophistication to any room. Yuccas are drought-tolerant and can adapt to a wide range of lighting conditions, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
Aloe Vera is a popular succulent known for its medicinal properties and soothing gel-filled leaves. While most Aloe Vera plants are compact, there are varieties that can grow tall and slender. This succulent prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It also requires infrequent watering.
5. Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
The Madagascar Dragon Tree is a tall succulent tree that adds a dramatic touch to any indoor space. It features long, slender leaves with red or purple edges. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering. With proper care, it can reach several feet in height.
6. Century Plant (Agave americana)
The Century Plant, also known as the American Agave, is a striking succulent that forms a rosette of spiky, blue-green leaves. While it takes several years to reach its full height, this succulent can eventually grow up to 6 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
7. Desert Cabbage (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora)
The Desert Cabbage, also known as Paddle Plant or Flapjack, is a unique succulent with thick, paddle-shaped leaves that stack on top of each other. It forms a rosette shape and can grow several feet tall. This succulent prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
8. Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree)
Euphorbia trigona, also known as African Milk Tree or Cathedral Cactus, is a tall succulent that resembles a cactus. It features multiple upright stems with triangular sections. This succulent requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and adds an architectural element to your indoor space.
9. Giant Hesperaloe (Hesperaloe funifera)
The Giant Hesperaloe, also known as Texas Red Yucca, is a stunning succulent tree with long, arching leaves that resemble a fountain. It produces tall flower stalks with vibrant red flowers. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It is a perfect choice for adding height and color to your indoor space.
10. Echeveria ‘Black Prince’
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is a tall succulent with dark, almost black leaves that grow in a rosette shape. While most Echeveria varieties are compact, ‘Black Prince’ can grow up to 6 inches tall. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Its unique color and form make it a standout addition to any indoor succulent collection.
11. Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’
With its rosette shape and stunning lavender-gray leaves, this large succulent is a favorite among collectors. It can grow up to 12 inches in diameter, making it a beautiful addition to any succulent arrangement.
12. Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’
Commonly known as the Black Rose, this succulent features dark burgundy rosettes that can reach up to 3 feet in height. Its striking color contrast and architectural structure make it a showstopper in any garden.
13. Senecio rowleyanus
Also called the String of Pearls, this succulent has long, trailing stems covered in small spherical leaves resembling pearls. While it may not be tall in height, it can grow several feet in length, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or cascading displays.
14. Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)
The Jade Plant is a popular succulent known for its tree-like growth habit. It features thick, fleshy leaves and can grow up to 3 feet tall. This succulent prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering. With its glossy leaves and elegant form, the Jade Plant adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
15. Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)
The Pencil Cactus is a tall and slender succulent that resembles a cluster of green pencils. It can grow up to 10 feet tall, making it a striking addition to any indoor space. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. However, it’s important to handle it with care as its sap can be toxic and irritating.
16. Euphorbia ingens
Also known as the Candelabra Tree, Euphorbia ingens is a magnificent succulent that can reach impressive heights of up to 30 feet indoors. With its thick, columnar trunk and multiple branches resembling a candelabra, this succulent makes a striking focal point in any room. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it an ideal choice for those who tend to forget about their plants.
17. Kalanchoe beharensis (Elephant’s Ear)
The Elephant’s Ear is a tall succulent with large, thick leaves that resemble the ears of an elephant. It can grow up to 6 feet tall, creating a dramatic focal point in any room. This succulent prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. With its unique foliage and architectural form, the Elephant’s Ear adds a touch of exotic beauty to your indoor space.
18. Dracaena draco
The Dragon Tree, scientifically known as Dracaena draco, is a visually stunning succulent that can reach impressive heights of up to 20 feet indoors. Its unique, palm-like appearance and red resin exudate give it an otherworldly charm. This succulent requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil to thrive. While it may require some patience to witness its vertical growth, the Dragon Tree is well worth the wait.
Care Tips for Tall Succulents
1. Sunlight: Most tall succulents thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a sunny window or in a well-lit area outdoors. However, be cautious of intense midday sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
2. Watering: Succulents are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, making them drought-tolerant. Water your tall succulents sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
3. Soil: Well-draining soil is essential for the health of your tall succulents. Use a succulent or cactus-specific soil mix, or amend regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
4. Temperature: Most tall succulents prefer warm temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Protect them from frost and extreme cold, as they are not as cold-hardy as some smaller succulents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I grow tall succulents indoors?
Yes, many tall succulents can thrive indoors as long as they receive sufficient sunlight and proper care. Be sure to place them near a window with bright, indirect light.
Can tall succulents be grown in small spaces?
Yes, many tall succulents have a relatively small footprint, making them suitable for smaller indoor spaces. However, it is essential to ensure they have adequate vertical space to grow and thrive.
Where can I buy large succulents?
Large succulents can be found at local nurseries, garden centers, or online plant shops. You may also find them at specialized succulent shows or plant fairs.
Do tall succulents require any special care compared to smaller succulents?
While tall succulents may have slightly different care requirements, they generally share the same resilience and low-maintenance qualities as compact succulents. Providing them with adequate light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering will help them thrive.
How often should I water tall succulents?
Tall succulents, like their compact counterparts, prefer infrequent watering. It is crucial to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. As a general rule, water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Can tall succulents be propagated?
Yes, many tall succulents can be propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. However, it is essential to research the specific propagation methods for each succulent variety, as some may have unique requirements.
What type of succulent grows tall?
There are several types of succulents that can grow tall. Some popular tall succulents include Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree), Sansevieria cylindrica (Cylindrical Snake Plant), and Aeonium arboreum (Tree Houseleek).
What are the 3-foot tall succulents?
Some succulents that can grow up to 3 feet tall include Agave americana (Century Plant), Euphorbia ingens (Cowboy Cactus), and Aloe dichotoma (Quiver Tree).
What is the tallest succulent in the world?
The tallest succulent in the world is Pachypodium namaquanum, also known as the Halfmens or Half-human. It can grow up to 16 feet tall in its natural habitat in South Africa.
What can I do with tall succulents?
Tall succulents can be used for various purposes. They make great focal points in indoor gardens or as standalone decorative plants. You can also use them to create vertical gardens or as architectural elements in landscaping.
Is it okay for succulents to grow tall?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for some succulents to grow tall. However, it’s important to provide them with adequate light so that they don’t become too stretched out or leggy. If a succulent is not receiving enough light, it may grow taller in an attempt to reach more light.
What is a fast-growing tall succulent?
One fast-growing tall succulent is Senecio mandraliscae, commonly known as Blue Chalksticks. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and produces attractive blue-gray foliage.
What is the hardest succulent to grow?
One of the more challenging succulents to grow is Lithops, also known as Living Stones. They have unique leaf structures and require specific growing conditions, such as a well-draining soil mix and controlled watering.
What is the rarest succulent in the world?
One of the rarest succulents in the world is Titanopsis schwantesii, a small succulent native to South Africa. It has beautiful rosette-like leaves and yellow flowers.
What is the most popular succulent?
One of the most popular succulents is the Echeveria genus. There are many different Echeveria varieties, known for their rosette-shaped leaves and vibrant colors.
What is the name of the big succulent plant?
One of the big succulent plants is Agave americana, commonly known as the Century Plant. It can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and has striking blue-green leaves with sharp spines.
Why do succulents grow so tall?
Succulents grow tall in response to various factors, such as the amount of available light, temperature, and water availability. When a succulent doesn’t receive enough light, it may stretch and elongate its stems to reach more light.
How do I identify my succulents?
To identify your succulents, you can start by observing their physical characteristics like leaf shape, color, and arrangement. There are also various online resources, books, and communities dedicated to succulent identification that can help you.
What fuzzy succulent grows tall?
One fuzzy succulent that can grow tall is Kalanchoe tomentosa, commonly known as Panda Plant or Chocolate Soldier. It has fuzzy leaves and can reach a height of about 1-2 feet.
Conclusion
Large succulent plants offer an exciting and captivating addition to any succulent collection. From tall spiky succulents to those with long, trailing leaves, the possibilities are endless. By following proper care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of these large succulents both indoors and outdoors. So, why not elevate your succulent game and introduce some big and beautiful succulents into your life?
