Succulents are a popular choice due to their low maintenance and unique appearance. If you’re looking for a statement piece that will add height and drama to your space, tall succulents are the way to go. In this article, we will explore the different types of tall succulents available and how to care for them.
When choosing a tall succulent for your home, it’s important to consider the amount of light and space available. While succulents are known for their ability to thrive in bright, sunny conditions, some tall varieties may require more shade. Additionally, these plants can take up a significant amount of space, so it’s important to choose a location where they can grow freely without becoming a hazard.
Tall Succulents for Your Indoor Plant Collection
If you’re looking for a way to add some height and interest to your indoor plant collection, tall succulents are a great option. Not only are they low-maintenance, but they also come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Here are some of the best tall succulents to consider adding to your collection:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
The snake plant is a classic indoor plant that can grow up to several feet tall.
A snake plant has long, upright leaves that grow from a central base, with green color and yellow or white stripes running along the edges. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, including low light and low humidity.
To care for it, keep the soil slightly moist but not too wet, and avoid overwatering.
Purchase a snake plant here or here.
Related Post: How to Get Snake Plant to Grow Straight
2. Jade Plant
The jade plant is a popular succulent that can grow up to three feet tall.
A jade plant is a small, compact succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that are usually a shiny green color. The leaves can be round or oval-shaped and have a glossy texture.
To care for a jade plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Jade plants are great indoor house plants because they are low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of conditions. They are also known for their ability to purify the air and add a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space.
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3. Foxtail Agave
The foxtail agave is a striking succulent that can grow up to six feet tall.
A foxtail agave plant is a succulent that has a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that grow upwards and outwards. The leaves are green-gray in color and have sharp, pointed tips. The plant gets its name from the long, slender flower stalk that emerges from the center of the rosette and resembles a fox’s tail.
To care for a foxtail agave plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Foxtail agave plants are great indoor house plants because they are low maintenance and can add a unique, tropical touch to any indoor space.
Purchase Foxtail Agave here.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular succulent that can grow up to two feet tall.
An aloe vera plant is a succulent with long, pointed leaves that grow upwards and outwards from a central base. The leaves are usually green in color and have a fleshy, gel-like interior that is commonly used for medicinal purposes.
To care for an aloe vera plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Aloe vera plants are great indoor houseplants because they are low maintenance and can be used for a variety of medicinal purposes, such as treating burns and soothing skin irritation.
Related Post: How to Tell if Aloe Needs Water
5. Burros Tail
The Burros Tail is a unique succulent that can grow up to three feet long.
A burro’s tail plant is a succulent that has long, trailing stems covered in small, plump leaves that resemble beads. The leaves are blue-green in color and have a waxy texture.
To care for a burro’s tail plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Burro’s tail plants are great indoor house plants because they are low maintenance and can add a unique, cascading touch to any indoor space. This plant looks adorable planted in a face planter since the plant resembles hair.
6. String of Pearls
The String of Pearls is a delicate succulent that can grow up to two feet long. It has long, trailing stems covered in small, round leaves that resemble pearls. The leaves are green in color and have a waxy texture.
To care for a String of Pearls plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Related Post: How to Care for String of Pearls
7. Madagascar Palm
The Madagascar palm is a tall succulent that can grow up to ten feet tall. It’s known for its thick, woody trunk and long, feathery leaves.
This plant features a thick, spiny trunk with a tuft of green leaves at the top. The leaves are typically small and oval-shaped.
Caring for the Madagascar palm plant is easy. Provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Don’t give this plant too much water, and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Madagascar Palm plants are great indoor house plants because they are low maintenance and can add a unique, tropical touch to your indoor plant collection.
8. Hanging Chain Cholla
The hanging chain cholla is a unique cactus that can grow up to several feet long. It’s known for its long, trailing stems that are covered in small, spiny branches. Hanging chain chollas are perfect for hanging baskets or tall containers.
The stems are covered in small, spiny bumps and can grow up to several feet long.
To care for a hanging chain cholla plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and bright, direct sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
9. African Milk Tree
The African milk tree is a striking succulent that can grow up to six feet tall. It’s known for its tall, spiky stems that are covered in small, green leaves. African milk trees are low maintenance and are perfect for adding a touch of drama to your indoor space.
The branches are covered in small, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color.
To care for an African milk tree plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Purchase African Milk Tree here.
10. Candelabra Spurge
The candelabra spurge is a tall succulent that can grow up to several feet tall.
Candelabra spurge has a thick, branching stem with small, oval-shaped leaves that grow in clusters along the stem. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that resemble candles.
To care for a candelabra spurge plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and bright, direct sunlight. Don’t overwater this plant. Candelabra Spurge is low maintenance, but they do produce a milky sap that can irritate the skin, so it’s important to handle them with care.
11. Joshua Tree
The Joshua tree is a unique succulent that can grow up to several feet tall.
A Joshua Tree has a thick, spiny trunk with branches that grow upwards and outwards. The branches are covered in small, green leaves that are needle-like in shape. The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in the spring.
To care for a Joshua Tree, plant it in well-draining soil and give it plenty of sunlight.
Keep in mind that this plant is a slow grower and can take several years to reach its full height, so it may not be the best choice for those looking for a quick-growing plant.
12. Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
The Desert Rose is a tall succulent that can grow up to several feet tall. It’s known for its thick, woody trunk and beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers.
The branches are covered in small, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color. The plant produces large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink flowers, red, and white.
They are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be prone to root rot if overwatered, so it’s important to take care when caring for them.
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13. Sticks On Fire (Euphorbia Tirucalli)
Sticks on Fire is a striking succulent that can grow up to several feet tall. It’s known for its tall, branching stems that are covered in small, fiery red leaves.
To care for a sticks-on-fire plant, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and bright, direct sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. They are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be prone to root rot if overwatered, so it’s important to take care when caring for them.
14. Organ Pipe Cactus
An organ pipe cactus is a type of cactus that has a tall, cylindrical stem with several branches that grow upwards and outwards.
The stem is covered in small, spiny bumps and can grow up to several feet tall. The plant produces large, white flowers that bloom in the summer.
To care for an organ pipe cactus, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of bright light. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Organ pipe cacti are great indoor house plants because they are low-maintenance plants. However, they are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be prone to root rot if overwatered, so it’s important to take care when caring for them.
15. Night Blooming Cactus
The Night Blooming cactus is a unique cactus that can grow up to several feet tall. It’s known for its tall, branching stems that are covered in small, spiky branches.
The stem is covered in small, spiny bumps and can grow up to several feet wide. The plant produces large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night and can be white, yellow, pink, or red in color.
To care for a Night Blooming Cactus, it’s important to provide it with well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Water it sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
16. Fishbone Cactus (Ric Rac Cactus)
A fishbone cactus plant is a type of cactus that has long, flat stems that grow in a zig-zag pattern, resembling a fishbone.
The stems are typically green in color and have small, spiny bumps along the edges. The plant produces large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white.
Related Post: How to Propagate Fishbone Cactus
Growing Tall Succulents
If you are looking for a unique and low-maintenance plant for your indoor or outdoor space, tall succulents can be a great choice. These plants can grow up to several feet tall and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Here are some tips on how to grow tall succulents successfully.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Tall succulents typically require bright, indirect light to thrive. If you are growing them indoors, place them near a south-facing window or under grow lights. Outdoor plants should be placed in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Most tall succulents are drought-resistant and can tolerate high temperatures, but they may need protection from extreme heat or cold. If you live in a region with harsh winters, it is best to bring your outdoor plants indoors or cover them with frost cloth.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering tall succulents, less is more. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Water your plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In general, indoor plants need water every two to three weeks, while outdoor plants may only need water once a month or less.
Soil and Nutrient Requirements
Tall succulents prefer well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. You can use a commercial cactus mix or make your own by mixing sand, perlite, and potting soil in equal parts. Fertilize your plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
What Tall Succulents Are Better Off as Outdoor Plants?
While many tall succulents can be grown indoors, some are better suited for outdoor conditions.
These include:
- Agave americana
- Yucca rostrata
- Dasylirion wheeleri
- Euphorbia ingens
These plants can grow up to several feet tall and require plenty of full sun and space. If you have a sunny and spacious outdoor area, consider adding one of these tall succulents to your garden. You’ll have even better luck growing your rall succulent outdoors if you live in a warm climate.
Types of Tall Succulents
If you’re looking for tall succulents to add to your collection, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of tall succulents:
Tall Skinny Succulent Types
If you’re looking for a tall succulent with a slim profile, there are many options available. Some of the most popular tall, skinny succulent types include:
- Sansevieria: Also known by its common name, snake plant, this succulent has long, upright leaves that can grow up to several feet tall.
- Euphorbia: This succulent has tall, thin stems that can grow up to several feet tall. Some varieties, such as sticks on fire, have brightly colored leaves.
- Agave: This succulent has long, pointed leaves that can grow up to several feet tall. Some varieties, such as blue agave, are popular for their use in tequila production.
Tall Succulent With Long Leaves
If you’re looking for a tall succulent with long, flowing leaves, there are many options to choose from. Some of the most popular tall succulent types with long leaves include:
- Aloe: This succulent has long, pointed leaves that can grow up to several feet tall. Some varieties, such as queen of the night, have brightly colored flowers.
- Yucca: This succulent has long, sword-like leaves that can grow up to several feet tall. Some varieties, such as Spanish dagger, are popular for their use in landscaping.
- Senecio: This succulent has long, trailing leaves that can grow up to several feet long. Some varieties, such as string of pearls, are popular for their use in hanging baskets.
Tall Succulent Tree
If you’re looking for a tall succulent that resembles a tree, there are many options available. Some of the most popular tall succulent tree types include:
- Dracaena: This succulent has a tree-like appearance, with a thick trunk and long, narrow leaves that can grow up to several feet tall.
- Beaucarnea: Also known as ponytail palm, this succulent has a thick, bulbous trunk and long, curly leaves that can grow up to several feet tall.
- Pachypodium: This succulent has a tree-like appearance, with a thick trunk and long, spiky leaves that can grow up to several feet tall.
Fast Growing Tall Succulents
If you’re looking for a tall succulent that grows quickly, there are many options to choose from. Some of the most popular fast-growing tall succulent types include:
- Kalanchoe: This succulent has thick, fleshy leaves and can grow up to several feet tall in just a few years.
- Aeonium: This succulent has rosette-shaped leaves and can grow up to several feet tall in just a few years.
- Crassula: This succulent has thick, round leaves and can grow up to several feet tall in just a few years.
Tall Succulent for Pots
If you’re looking for a tall succulent that can be grown in a pot, there are many options available. Some of the most popular tall succulent types for pots include:
- Echeveria: This succulent has rosette-shaped leaves and can grow up to several feet tall in a pot.
- Sedum: This succulent has thick, fleshy leaves and can grow up to several feet tall in a pot.
- Haworthia: This succulent has thick, pointed leaves and can grow up to several feet tall in a pot.
Tall Succulents with Colorful Flowers
If you’re looking for a tall succulent with colorful flowers, there are many options to choose from. Some of the most popular tall succulent types with colorful flowers include:
- Echinopsis: This succulent has large, colorful flowers that can grow up to several inches in diameter.
- Epiphyllum: Also known as orchid cactus, this succulent has large, colorful flowers that can grow up to several inches in diameter.
- Aloe: This succulent has brightly colored flowers that can grow up to several inches in length.
Hanging Succulents
If you’re looking for a tall succulent that can be grown in a hanging basket, there are many options available. Some of the most popular hanging succulent types include:
- Senecio: This succulent has trailing leaves that can grow up to several feet long and is popular for use in hanging baskets.
- String of Hearts: This succulent has delicate, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to several feet long and is popular for use in hanging baskets.
- Orchid Cactus: This succulent has long, trailing stems
Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your tall succulents is important to ensure their longevity and health. Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind:
Pruning
Regular pruning can help keep your tall succulents looking their best. Remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems, and trim back any overgrown or leggy growth. You can also propagate your plants by taking cuttings and rooting them in soil or water.
Pests and Diseases
Tall succulents are generally low-maintenance and resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can still be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and other common pests. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or webbing, and treat the problem promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Benefits of a Tall Succulent Plant
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your collection, a tall succulent plant might be just what you need. Here are some benefits of having a tall succulent plant:
- Easy to care for: Tall succulent plants are known for their ability to thrive in dry, desert-like conditions. They require very little water and can often go weeks without being watered. This makes them an ideal plant for busy people or those who are new to gardening.
- Adds height to your garden: If you’re looking to add some height to your garden, a tall succulent plant is a great option. They can grow up to several feet tall, making them a striking addition to any garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Tall succulent plants are able to store water in their leaves, making them very drought-tolerant. This means that they can survive long periods of time without water, making them a great option for areas with limited rainfall or for people who live in dry climates.
- Low-maintenance: Tall succulent plants require very little maintenance. They don’t need to be pruned or trimmed, and they rarely get pests or diseases. This makes them an ideal plant for people who don’t have a lot of time to devote to gardening.
- Air-purifying: Like many other plants, tall succulent plants are known for their ability to purify the air. They can remove harmful toxins from the air, making them a great addition to your home or office.
Overall, a tall succulent plant is a great option for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that adds height to their garden.
Related Post: Succulent Growth Rate