Last updated on March 25th, 2022
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Whether you are looking for the best succulent for yourself or you are trying to get a gift for a beginner gardener, it’s always great to choose an easy plant to begin with, so that you can familiarise yourself with its maintenance and general care before you move on to something more complicated and challenging.
To help as a beginner, we’ve compiled this list of the best succulents that are easy to grow as long as you follow some key steps and will survive, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Each of the succulents on this list is very low-maintenance, they are a bit forgiving of over-watering which is the biggest problem people have with succulents, and they are simple to propagate if you decide that having great success with them you now want extra plants.
Check out our latest guide on how to take cuttings from succulents in this guide here
1. Agave plants
Agave plants come in many varieties and they are perfect for bright windowsills. You can find varieties for growing indoors that are smaller and ideal for a beginner, one example being the Agave parviflora.
2. Aloe plants
Aloe specimens have spiky foliage with unique blooms, occasionally ranging in colour from pink to orange. There are smaller specimens that you can grow in groups so that you have more than one plant of the same variety. Aloe plants come in many varieties with different speckles, textures on the foliage, stripes, spots and more, so you can find something suitable to whatever your personal preferences.
3. Fenestraria rhopalophylla ‘Baby Toes’
Another great beginner plant is the ‘Baby Toes’ plant. It gets its name because the leaves actually look like tiny little baby toes. You might also have heard it by the name of ‘Key Lime Pie’ because some people liken the appearance to that of a pie crust.
4. Jade plant
The Jade plant, otherwise known as Crassula, is one of the most common for beginning with succulents because it produces flowers in clusters of pink or white and will even flower in the winter. But more importantly, it’s nearly impossible to kill. It’s incredibly tolerant of less than ideal conditions and is perfect for a beginner.
You can learn about Jade plants in our grower’s guide here
5. Echeveria species or hybrids
Another great option is the Echeveria species (or hybrids) that are very slow growing so they won’t take over a given space too quickly and they won’t need transplantation immediately. They are also very easy to care for.
6. Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaws’
Faucaria tigrina ‘Tiger’s Jaws’ is one of the coolest-looking succulents you will find, with leaves that literally look like the toothy grin of a tiger or a cat. It is very easy to grow and offers a lot of texture in addition to the wonderful display of leaves like that of a happy grin. This succulent is great for growing indoors and is often used amongst other air-purifying plants for its aesthetic appeal.
7. Sansevieria – Mother in laws Tongue
Sansevieria is a species that is incredibly unique in its appearance, and it’s actually a common houseplant that you have probably seen many times before. It goes by the name of Snake Plant, Mother-in-law’s Tongue, or Bowstring Hemp. It’s not only great for its delightful appearance, its easy maintenance and care requirements, but it’s an air-purifying plant.
That’s why most people grow them, not necessarily realising that they fall under the category of succulents. They grow them indoors to purify their home. These plants are very tolerant of low light conditions, over-watering, and will serve you well.
You can also see our recommendation of our indoor plants for low light conditions in this guide here
8. Haworthia
The Haworthia is a succulent commonly mistaken for Aloe, it’s perfect for beginners because it tolerates low light. This is particularly important for beginners who might not have a greenhouse facility in which to overwinter more finicky succulents or people who are growing in colder areas of the UK. Similarly, it is quite tolerant of over-watering so if you accidentally water it more than you should, or you leave it outside in the rain, the plant will likely survive.
No matter which of these you choose, these top succulents for beginners will give you an excellent hobby and in many cases, purer air if you decide to grow them indoors.
