15 Tall Succulent Types: A Guide to Stunning Greenery
Succulents have become increasingly popular in home décor and gardening due to their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and low maintenance needs.
Among these, tall succulent types stand out, adding vertical interest to your plant collection. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your succulent journey,
this guide will explore the most stunning tall succulent types, their care requirements, and how to incorporate them into your space.
What Are Succulents?
Before diving into the specific tall succulent types, let’s briefly define what succulents are. Succulents are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions.
This unique adaptation makes them ideal for those who may not have a green thumb or have busy lifestyles.
Benefits of Tall Succulent Types
Here’s a detailed look at the benefits of tall succulent types that make them a fantastic addition to your plant collection:
1. Space Efficiency
Tall succulents are perfect for maximizing vertical space in your home or garden. They can fit in small corners, on shelves, or as statement pieces in larger areas, making them versatile for various settings.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
The striking silhouettes of tall succulents can serve as eye-catching focal points in your plant arrangements. Their unique shapes and sizes add dimension and intrigue to any space.
3. Low Maintenance
Like most succulents, tall types require minimal care, making them suitable for both beginners and busy plant lovers. Most thrive in bright, indirect light and only need watering every few weeks.
15 Popular Tall Succulent Types
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular tall succulent types that you can incorporate into your plant collection.
1. Euphorbia Trigona (African Milk Barrel)
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Description: This tall, columnar succulent features thick, upright stems with spines and is known for its striking appearance and resilience.
2. Aloe Vera
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Description: Famous for its medicinal properties, Aloe vera has thick, fleshy leaves that grow tall and can thrive in various conditions.
3. Cereus Peruvianus (Peruvian Apple Cactus)
- Height: Up to 10 feet
- Description: With its tall, upright stems and night-blooming flowers, this cactus is a showstopper in any garden.
4. Agave Americana (Century Plant)
- Height: Up to 6 feet
- Description: This striking succulent has thick, sword-like leaves and a rosette shape, making it a favorite for outdoor gardens.
5. Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
- Height: Up to 4 feet
- Description: Known for its architectural shape and low maintenance, the Snake Plant features tall, sword-like leaves and is perfect for indoor spaces.
6. Euphorbia Ingens (African Milk Barrel)
- Height: Up to 10 feet
- Description: This tall succulent features a cactus-like appearance with thick, vertical stems and can thrive in various climates.
7. Cylindropuntia (Cholla Cactus)
- Height: Up to 6 feet
- Description: This tall cactus type is characterized by its cylindrical segments and can provide a unique texture to your garden.
8. Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora (Paddle Plant)
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Description: Known for its round, paddle-shaped leaves, this succulent grows tall and can produce vibrant yellow flowers.
9. Fockea Edulis
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Description: This unusual succulent has a tuberous base and produces long, trailing vines, giving it a unique look.
10. Haworthia Cooperi
- Height: Up to 1 foot (can grow taller with time)
- Description: While generally smaller, with proper care, Haworthia can grow taller, showcasing its stunning rosette form.
11. Echeveria Agavoides (Lipstick Echeveria)
- Height: Up to 2 feet
- Description: This rosette-shaped succulent can grow tall and features striking red tips on its leaves, adding vibrant color.
12. Sedum Morganianum (Burro’s Tail)
- Height: Up to 2 feet (can cascade)
- Description: This succulent can grow tall and cascade over the edges of pots, making it perfect for hanging arrangements.
13. Crassula Ovata (Jade Plant)
- Height: Up to 3 feet
- Description: The Jade Plant is a popular succulent that can grow tall, featuring thick, glossy leaves and a tree-like appearance.
14. Dracaena Draco (Dragon Tree)
- Height: Up to 10 feet
- Description: This tree-like succulent features a tall trunk and a crown of spiky leaves, making it a stunning addition to any space.
15. Yucca Elephantipes (Spineless Yucca)
- Height: Up to 10 feet
- Description: This tall succulent resembles a tree with its long, arching leaves and is great for both indoor and outdoor use.
Tips for Growing Tall Succulents
Growing tall succulents can be a rewarding experience, and with the right care, you can enjoy these stunning plants for years to come. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your tall succulents thrive:
1. Choose the Right Pot
Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Terracotta pots are an excellent choice as they allow for airflow and help absorb excess moisture.
2. Provide Adequate Light
Most tall succulents prefer bright, indirect light. Consider placing them near a south or west-facing window for optimal growth.
3. Monitor Watering
Watering too frequently is a common mistake with succulents. Always allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Adjust your watering schedule based on the season, as succulents may need less water in the winter.
4. Fertilize Sparingly
During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize tall succulents with a diluted cactus fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant months (fall and winter).
Incorporating Tall Succulents into Your Space
Incorporating tall succulents into your space can enhance your decor while adding a touch of nature. Here are some creative ways to display these stunning plants:
1. As Focal Points
Use tall succulents as focal points in your home. Place them in decorative pots or stands to showcase their height and unique shapes.
2. In Mixed Arrangements
Combine tall succulents with shorter varieties in a mixed arrangement for added visual interest. Varying heights can create a dynamic display.
3. Outdoor Gardens
In outdoor gardens, tall succulents can be used as statement pieces in succulent gardens, rock gardens, or even as part of xeriscaping designs.
People also ask
What type of succulent grows tall?
Here are some popular options:
Euphorbia Trigona (African Milk Barrel): This upright succulent can reach up to 3 feet tall and features thick, green stems with spines.
Aloe Vera: Known for its medicinal properties, Aloe can grow tall with sturdy leaves, reaching up to 3 feet.
Cereus Peruvianus (Peruvian Apple Cactus): This tall cactus can grow up to 10 feet and produces beautiful night-blooming flowers.
Agave Americana (Century Plant): With thick, sword-like leaves, this succulent can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Sansevieria (Snake Plant): Known for its architectural look, the Snake Plant can grow up to 4 feet tall with long, upright leaves.
Fockea Edulis: This unusual succulent has a tuberous base and can grow tall with long, trailing vines.
Dracaena Draco (Dragon Tree): With its tall trunk and spiky crown, it can reach up to 10 feet, making it a striking feature.
What succulent grows like a tree?
Here are a few notable ones:
Dracaena Draco (Dragon Tree): This succulent can grow up to 10 feet tall, featuring a thick trunk and a crown of spiky leaves, resembling a small tree.
Pachypodium Lamerei (Madagascar Palm): Despite its name, this succulent has a thick trunk and can reach heights of 6 feet, with a tuft of green leaves at the top.
Crassula Ovata (Jade Plant): Often referred to as the “money tree,” the Jade Plant can grow several feet tall with a thick, sturdy trunk and rounded leaves.
Beaucarnea Recurvata (Ponytail Palm): This unique succulent has a bulbous base that stores water, growing tall with long, arching leaves, resembling a ponytail.
Adenium Obesum (Desert Rose): Known for its swollen base and beautiful flowers, this succulent can grow into a small tree, reaching up to 3 feet tall.
What to do with a succulent that is too tall?
If your succulent has grown too tall, here are some effective ways to manage it:
Pruning: Trim back the top growth to encourage a bushier shape. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut just above a leaf node.
Repotting: If the succulent is top-heavy, consider repotting it into a larger, heavier pot to provide better stability.
Propagating: Take cuttings from the pruned top and propagate them to create new plants. Allow the cut ends to callus for a few days before placing them in soil.
Support: Use a stake or support to help stabilize the tall succulent while it continues to grow, especially if it’s leaning or falling over.
Location Change: Move the succulent to a brighter location. Sometimes, insufficient light can cause them to stretch, leading to tall, leggy growth.
Conclusion
Tall succulent types are an excellent addition to any plant lover’s collection, offering both beauty and low maintenance.
With their striking forms and adaptability, they can brighten up any space, whether indoors or outdoors.
By following the care tips provided, you can enjoy these stunning plants for years to come. Happy gardening!
I’m George, the heart and soul behind The Daily Gardening. Gardening has always been a passion of mine, and I’m thrilled to share that enthusiasm with you through this website.
