As desert plants that can survive drought-like conditions, succulents are considered one of the hardiest plants in gardening. But they also thrive in pots and containers, sometimes flourishing more than other perennials and annuals. That’s because garden planters and pots dry out faster than in-ground beds, which shallow-rooted succulents can easily adapt to. Plus, most succulent varieties prefer heat, and planting them in containers makes it easy to relocate them indoors during cold winter months. Ahead, we rounded up the best succulents that thrive in pots and containers.
Melissa Finan-Demalon, gardener and landscape manager at Belmont University
Tammy Sons, master gardener and founder of TN Nursery, a leading tree and plant nursery
Snake Plant
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With its green-and-yellow leaves that snake upward, the snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a beginner-friendly succulent that novice gardeners love. Snake plants prefer indirect sunlight from a south- or east-facing window, but they can tolerate low light conditions. This succulent is susceptible to overwatering, which is why gardening expert Melissa Finan-Demalon, recommends allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Zones: 9 to 11Size: 2 to 4 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; sandy, well-draining soil
Jade Plant
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The jade plant (Crassula ovata) has glossy leaves and the occasional white or pink flowers. Despite being tree-like as it matures, the jade plant can thrive in pots and containers. “It is no surprise that fleshy succulents, like the jade plant, are seen everywhere these days. They are the ultimate low-maintenance houseplant,” says Finan-Demalon. Just be sure to keep this plant potted in well-draining soil, as it hates having wet feet.
Zones: 11-12
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, neutral, acidic soil
Aloe Vera
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Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a beautiful plant with spiny, slender leaves. “It seems to love being in pots, as its roots enjoy the snug, confined spaces,” says Tammy Sons, master gardener and founder of TN Nursery. Aloe vera plants prefer full sun, and the foliage may stretch towards the light if they aren’t getting enough of it. Water this plant occasionally, letting the soil dry between waterings to keep it in top condition, Sons notes.
Zones: 10 to 12Size: 12 to 36 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Full to partial sun; sandy, acidic soil
Burro’s Tail
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Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) is a distinctive-looking succulent that can add visual interest to any planter. “It is known for spilling over the sides of pots,” says Sons. It has long, trailing stems and unique branching structures that resemble the tails of donkeys, adds Finan-Demalon. Even better? Burro’s tail is one of the easiest succulents to care for. “It loves well-drained soil and will do well with indirect sunlight,” says Sons.
Zones: 10 to 11Size: 1 to 4 feet long x 1 to 2 feet wideCare requirements: Full to partial sun; loamy, sandy, well-draining soil
Echeveria ‘Lola’
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Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a hybrid plant that produces compact rosettes in beautiful pastel hues, making it a beautiful addition to containers. “Its neat rosette shape helps to keep this plant from getting too long when in a pot,” says Sons. “All this plant needs is good drainage and a low-maintenance approach.” Water this plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and keep it in bright to indirect sun for optimal growth.
Zones: 9 to 12Size: 3 to 6 inches tall x 5 to 6 inches wideCare requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; sandy, well-draining soil
Pig’s Ear Plant
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Pig’s ear plant (Cotyledon orbiculate) is a drought-resistant succulent that loves growing in pots and containers. It has fleshy, oval leaves that clump together, offering a unique display when paired with other desert plants. “When choosing your succulents for a mixed grouping, focus on using different colors, sizes, and textures,” says Finan-Demalon. Hence, adding this plant into a mix of other succulents or cacti will make for an eye-catching assortment of container plants.
Zones: 9 to 12Size: 4 feet tall x 3 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; sandy, well-draining soil
Zebra Plant
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As its name implies, the zebra plant (Haworthia fasciata) is characterized by its thick, dark green, spiky leaves with white stripes. This plant prefers arid conditions, so you want to keep it happy in a container by selecting a suitable pot with drainage holes, says Sons. “This plant is easy-going when it comes to light and requires very little water to keep it happy and healthy,” she says.
Zones: 9 to 11Size: 3 to 5 inches tall x 3 to 5 inches wide Care requirements: Full to partial sun; sandy, well-draining soil
Ghost Plant
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The ghost plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) is a rosette-shaped succulent with fleshy foliage. Its leaves tend to be opalescent, changing color depending on its environment, and it produces star-shaped flowers to add a touch of beauty to any garden or indoor space. Best of all, this plant is easy to care for. It can handle full sun to partial shade, and though it is not particularly cold-hardy, it can withstand the occasional freezing temperatures, says Finan-Demalon. Like all desert plants, water when the soil is dry and opt for a planter with drainage holes.
Zones: 9 to 11Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 2 to 3 feet wideCare Requirements: Full to partial sun; sandy, well-draining soil
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