Succulent Plants With Round Leaves for a Unique and Textured Look

Succulents are hugely popular houseplants and garden plants due to their low maintenance nature and sculptural beauty. Within the diverse succulent world, there is an especially charming category – succulents with round leaves. Their nearly spherical or disc-shaped foliage adds distinctive texture and form to displays.

The Allure of Circular Succulent Leaves

Plump, rounded succulent leaves have an adorable playful look quite unlike spiky agaves or ruffled echeverias. The 3D spheres catch and reflect light irresistibly, like shiny beads on a string. They come in sizes from the tiny pea-like leaves of string of pearls to the giant flapjack paddles.

The dimensional nature of the round leaves creates depth and contrast when mixed with rosette-forming varieties. Combining differing shapes and textures makes for more dynamic succulent plantings. Round succulents also work well in tight spaces where broader leaves would be overwhelming.

Top Indoor Succulents with Round Leaves

Several popular houseplant succulents flaunt circular leaves, Here are some top picks

• String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) – Trailing stems covered in tiny green beads create a quirky dangling effect Needs bright light and excellent drainage

• Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) – Dense blue-green teardrop leaves form a thick trailing tail. Thrives in warm, sunny spots.

• Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) – Leaves with fuzzy white hairs resemble cute panda paws stacked along the stems.

• Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) – Coin-shaped, smooth green leaves on long petioles are perfect for modern spaces. Avoid direct sun.

• Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) – A succulent-like houseplant with a swollen base and gracefully curving strap leaves. Tolerates low humidity.

Outstanding Outdoor Succulents with Rounded Foliage

For succulent gardens and landscaping, some excellent choices include:

• Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.) – Extremely hardy mat-forming succulents, the leaf rosettes resemble chicks around a hen. Leaves are nearly spherical.

• Stonecrop (Sedum spp.) – Groundcover succulents, many with very small ball-shaped leaves like string of pearls. Withstand cold.

• Flapjacks (Kalanchoe luciae) – Giant paddled leaves on 2 ft. stems create dramatic silhouettes. Available in green and red varieties.

• Moonstones (Pachyphytum oviferum) – Plump blue-gray leaves actually resemble little stones, glistening in sunlight.

• Jelly Bean Plant (Sedum rubrotinctum) – Prolific jelly bean-like leaves in shades of green, yellow, and red cover this hardy succulent. Great in containers.

Achieving Perfectly Rounded Succulent Leaves

Certain growing conditions promote round, compact leaves on succulents:

• Allow plenty of sunlight – strong light helps tighten the leaf structure.

• Use very well-draining soil that dries out between waterings. Wet soil causes weak, stretched growth.

• Water deeply but infrequently. Drought stress encourages tight rosettes.

• Allow ample space and air flow around each plant to prevent crowding.

With the right care, round-leaved succulents will stay looking their best for years, adding beautiful spheres and bubbles to your plant displays.

Where to Find Round Leaf Succulents

Many succulent retailers sell these cute round leaf varieties, both online and in nurseries. Start by looking for:

• String of Pearls – hanging baskets
• Burro’s Tail – small starter plants
• Panda Plant – 4 inch pots
• Hens and Chicks – cold hardy groundcover flats

You can also easily propagate your own from leaf cuttings. Just be sure to provide the proper growing conditions for compact, rounded leaves.

With their adorable spherical leaves and sculptural presence, round leaf succulents are irresistible charmers. They make fantastic low maintenance houseplants or garden accents. Just be sure to resist overwatering to keep those leaves plump and perfect.