10 Best Succulents for Beginners [With Pictures]

Buying succulents is a fun task; for a long time I have been more excited buying succulents than buying a dress or a pair of shoes… well, maybe as much as the shoes. But it is also true that when choosing the species in question, the matter can be complicated. In the nursery we find many plants that we like and would take home, but we do not know if their cultivation will be too complicated.

best succulents for beginners

Selection of the 10 Best Succulents for Beginners

We tend to think that succulents are hardy plants that anyone can grow. In theory, this is true; succulents are not complicated plants (some less than others), but some people find difficulties taking care of them the right way and finally lose the plant.

In today’s post, I bring you a list of 10 succulents for beginners that can grow and develop well with little care. They can withstand weeks without water indoors and will stay well, even a few weeks outdoors if they are not in full sun.

But beware, we can only neglect them for a limited time if we’re planting them in pots. It is a different matter if they were planted in the garden soil. On land, once established, they can survive on their own on natural humidity, rain or some sporadic irrigation.

10 plants is a good number to start a collection with and in the list that I have prepared there are succulents of different colors and textures that, when combined, can form a beautiful arrangement. On the other hand, when they grow you will have the possibility to multiply them and increase the number of plants without spending more money.

Easy Succulents for Beginners

Sedum burrito

succulents for beginners

Known as ‘Burro’s tail’ or ‘Donkey’s tail’, it is a very easy-to-maintain succulent that can tolerate a certain amount of excess watering and also some neglect.

Aloe vera

succulents for beginners

In the garden soil, it is a very resistant plant that almost does not need any care, and in a pot, it will withstand being left unattended for three or four weeks without problems. It is a very useful plant at home to apply on the skin and soothe minor burns or irritations.

Graptoveria

best succulents for beginners

Its thick and fleshy leaves store a large amount of reserve water so it tolerates prolonged drought. It has a reddish tone that is maintained even in poorly-lit areas.

Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)

best succulents for beginners

The jade plant is a succulent that is very popular for its resistance and its beautiful flowering. Relatively tolerates both extremes, excess watering and drought. It can also adapt to low light, although without direct sun it will not flourish.

Sansevieria trifasciata

easy succulents for beginners

It needs little light and little watering but will withstand occasional excess water. It is a very decorative and appropriate plant for indoors.

Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant)

basic succulents for beginners

Like Graptoveria, its thick, fleshy leaves store a large amount of reserve water, so it tolerates some drought. It multiplies with amazing ease from any leaf that falls on the ground.

Portulacaria afra

easy succulent for beginners

Another uncomplicated succulent that prefers to grow in full sun and can withstand short dry spells. What can kill a portulacaria is excess water, so it is best to wait for the soil to dry before re-watering.

Haworthia fasciata

best succulents for beginners

Simple to grow and undemanding in irrigation. It prefers a semi-shaded location to develop more quickly and to avoid burning the tips of the leaves.

Mammillaria gracilis

easy succulents

A very drought tolerant cactus that is easily propagated by seedlings that grow around the mother plant. It provides a very interesting texture to succulent compositions.

Aeonium gomerense

easy succulents

Aeonium, the toughest of all my succulents. I have it very widespread in the garden and also in a flowerpot and I got it from a cutting that I found in the field. It can withstand more than a month without watering; it will wrinkle and look limp, but when watered it again it will recover.