You’re exploring different types of succulents and learning their specific needs. But there’s one problem — sometimes plants are just labeled “succulent varieties” at the store, or you get some cuttings from a friend who doesn’t know their name. Identifying succulents can be challenging — so many look so similar! I’ll show you how to distinguish between similar succulents and how to get them identified. I have also compiled a succulent identification chart that links to detailed information about how to care for different types of succulents.
Succulents are incredibly popular houseplants and garden plants, thanks to their drought-tolerant nature and minimal care requirements. With over 60 different plant families and thousands of varieties, there is a huge diversity in the succulent world. From tiny rosettes to tree-like giants, succulents come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors and textures.
With new cultivars being created all the time, it can be tricky to identify the specific type of succulent you have. This guide will walk you through the key steps for identifying common succulent varieties so you can learn what kind of succulent you have.
Why Proper Identification Matters
Correctly identifying your succulent is important for several reasons
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Specific care needs – While succulents share general care needs, some varieties have slightly different requirements for sunlight, water, temperature, soil, etc. Identifying the type helps you tailor care.
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Troubleshooting problems – If your plant is struggling, knowing exactly what it is makes it easier to pinpoint the issue.
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Safety – Some succulents are toxic, so proper ID ensures pets and kids are kept safe.
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Preventing invasiveness – Certain succulents like aeonium can become invasive. Proper ID prevents accidental spreading.
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Enjoyment – Putting a name to your plant lets you learn about its origins characteristics and why you love it!
How to Identify a Succulent Plant
Here are the best techniques for identifying an unknown succulent:
Examine Physical Characteristics
Look closely at the physical features of the plant:
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Leaf shape, color, texture – The leaves are the main focus. Note thickness, fleshiness, number of leaves, leaf shape and whether there are distinctive markings or bumps.
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Stem shape, length, color – Does it have a stem? Is it short, long, thick, thin?
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Flower color, shape – The flowers provide clues about species. Note size, shape and color.
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Overall plant shape and size – Rosette? Trailing? Upright? Tree-like?
Use a Succulent Identification Chart
Identification charts allow you to browse succulent images to find visual matches. Check charts organized by:
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Genus – Match unknown plants to plants in genus like Echeveria or Crassula.
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Physical traits – Find unknown succulents through leaf shape, stem type, etc.
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Alphabetical – Scroll visually to find a match.
Take a Photo for Mobile Plant ID Apps
Apps like Google Lens and PlantSnap allow you to upload a photo of your succulent for identification. The app provides possible matches from its database.
Ask a Gardening Community
Gardening groups on Facebook and Reddit are great for crowdsourcing IDs. Post photos and describe features for help.
Take It to a Nursery
Local nurseries may be able to pinpoint your succulent. Bring the plant or a few photos.
Identify by Growing Conditions
Note the conditions where you spotted the succulent, as its native environment offers clues about its needs.
Most Common Types of Succulents
Below are some of the most popular indoor and outdoor succulent varieties along with their key identifying traits:
Aloe (Aloe sp.)
- Spiky leaves with serrated edges
- Rosette shape
- Tubular flowers in summer
Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
- Trailing stems with bead-like leaves
- Leaves drop off easily
- Yellow star-shaped flowers
Echeveria
- Rosette shape with chubby, rounded leaves
- Leaves are often pastel colors
- Bell-shaped flowers on tall stalks
Haworthia
- Rosette shape
- Zebra-striped leaves
- Very small white flowers
Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum)
- Rosette shape
- Offsets/chicks around base
- Leaves often have red tips
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Oval jade green leaves
- Woody stems
- Waxy leaves
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
- Narrow, long, tubular green leaves
- Base looks like bulb
- Not a true palm or succulent
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Tall, straight, sword-like leaves
- Leaves may have yellow edges
- Small white flowers
Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora)
- Paddle-shaped oval leaves
- Red edges when stressed
- Bell-shaped flowers
Next Steps After Identifying Your Succulent
Once you’ve discovered your succulent type, here’s how to move forward:
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Learn your plant’s ideal care conditions like sunlight, water, soil and temperature.
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Research its growth habit and mature size to determine if it will reach your expectations.
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Find out if it is toxic or pet/child safe based on placement.
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Troubleshoot any issues now that you can specifically diagnose problems.
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Share photos of your ID’d succulent on social media to inspire other lovers of these amazing plants!
Identifying succulent varieties takes some patience and practice. But the payoff is enjoying a thriving plant that fits your home and lifestyle perfectly. With so many types to choose from, succulents can delight beginners and experts alike when properly identified and cared for.
All the details you need to know about individual
Succulent plants as a whole have very similar care needs. But sometimes particular varieties will need slightly different amounts of water or sunlight than others.
Below you’ll find over 180 succulent varieties and information about their specific care needs.
You can also purchase my book to get detailed succulent care information.
Succulent Identification – Why It Matters
When you love succulents, there comes a point when it’s important to know them by name. As I have argued before, proper succulent identification can literally be the difference between life and death! Different types of succulents may share the same common name or a similar appearance with very different characteristics. Sometimes the difference is in their winter hardiness. A mistake in identifying succulents could lead to dead plants, killed by the cold. However, some succulents are toxic to pets and children. Sedum morganianum is perfectly safe for pets and small children, but Euphorbia myrsinites is highly toxic! Take care to learn how to recognize what succulents you have to ensure the safety of your plants and family.
Succulent Identification | Succulent Name with Picture #succulentidentification #pinayplantita
FAQ
How do I identify my succulent plant?
- Leaf – shape, size and thickness.
- Color – of leaves, flowers or stems.
- Markings or bumps on the leaves.
- Flower – shape, color, number of blooms and petals per bloom.
- Stem – color, texture, length.
- Ciliate hairs.
- Epicuticular wax.
What is the app that identifies succulents?
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Succulent Markethttps://succulentmarket.comThe Best Plant Identification Apps – Succulent MarketAug 14, 2021 — So when it comes to plant care, knowing who and what they are really matters! Fortunately, there is help! Plant Snap can identify your succulents th…
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App Storehttps://apps.apple.comSucculent Tracker on the App Store – AppleSucculent Tracker App — a place to easily record all the important details you need to know about your succulents (or other plants). The app allows you to keep …
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Planet Deserthttps://planetdesert.comHow to Identify Plants + 7 Apps That’ll Help – Planet DesertJan 28, 2025 — The following seven apps are popular plant identification apps you can use to determine plants accurately and quickly. * Plant Snap. PlantSnap offe…
What are the most common succulents in the house?
Popular succulent plants for indoor cultivation include Aloe, Jade Plant, Echeveria, Haworthia, and String of Pearls.
How do you identify sedum succulents?
Sedum leaves are also thick like Cotyledon, but they sit atop the main stem. The leaves surround the stem-like rose petals. The end of the stem has the appearance of a flower, a rosette.
Are there different types of succulents?
Different types of succulents may share the same common name or a similar appearance with very different characteristics. Sometimes the difference is in their winter hardiness. A mistake in identifying succulents could lead to dead plants, killed by the cold. However, some succulents are toxic to pets and children.
What do succulents look like?
Succulents are a type of plant with thick fleshy leaves that grow well in warm dry conditions. All succulent species store water in their leaves, roots, or stems. Although most varieties of succulents have green leaves, some kinds have shades of red, blue, purple, pink and orange.
Are succulents a good outdoor plant?
Succulents are great outdoor plants for planting in south-facing rock gardens in warm and dry climates. Some types of succulents such as agaves are also good for growing outdoors as they tend to be large plants.
How can you identify a succulent?
Succulent identification is crucial for maintaining a healthy plant. To identify a succulent, look for plants with thickened leaves or stems that store water. While some succulents might share a similar appearance or name, they still have different characteristics and needs, such as winter hardiness.
Are succulents easy to care for?
Succulents are generally easy-to-care-for houseplants. Their fascinating shapes, textures, and colors look beautiful in any room. Succulents are generally kept as small indoor plants, and you can care for a few of them easily without any bother. Most types of succulents require similar care to help them keep their color and grow properly.
What is a sweetheart succulent?
The Hoya kerrii (sweetheart plant or lucky-heart plant) is a cool-looking type of succulent that is grown indoors. The heart shaped leaves of this type of succulent are the reason why it’s also named love heart plant. The sweetheart succulent plant grows best in bright direct light and well-draining loose soil, with only occasional watering.