Succulents are known for their unique ability to store water in their leaves, making them a popular choice for low-maintenance houseplants. However, not all succulents stay small and compact.
Some succulents can grow quite tall and impressive. Talking about succulents that grow tall is an interesting topic because it challenges the traditional perception of succulents and expands our knowledge of their diverse characteristics.
Additionally, tall succulents can add a striking visual element to any indoor or outdoor space, making them a great choice for plant enthusiasts looking to add vertical interest to their collection.
Overview of the Succulents That Grow Tall
| Succulent Types | Light Requirements | Water Requirement | Soil Type | Heat Tolerance Level | Height | Additional Info | Diseases |
| Yucca | Full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 30 feet (9.1 meters) | Stem cuttings or pups | Scale insects, spider mites |
| Fire Sticks | Full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) | Stem cuttings | Sap can be toxic |
| Ocotillo | Full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 20 feet (6.1 meters) | Stem cuttings | Leaf drop, insect infestations |
| Organ Pipe Cactus | Full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 23 feet (7 meters) | Seed or stem cuttings | Scale insects, spider mites |
| Madagascar Palm | Full sun to partial shade | Moderate | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 25 feet (7.6 meters) | Seeds or stem cuttings | Spider mites, scale insects |
| Aloe Vera | Partial to full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 3 feet (0.9 meters) | Division or offsets | Soft rot, mealybugs |
| Senita Cactus | Full sun to partial shade | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 15 feet (4.6 meters) | Stem cuttings | Spider mites, mealybugs |
| Queen of the Night | Partial shade to full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 30 feet (9.1 meters) | Stem cuttings | Spider mites, scale insects |
| Century Plant | Full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 30 feet (9.1 meters) | Offsets or bulbils | Agave snout weevil, root rot |
| Eve’s Needle | Full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 6 feet (1.8 meters) | Seeds or stem cuttings | Scale insects, spider mites |
| Elephant’s Ears/Elephant’s Bush | Partial to full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 15 feet (4.6 meters) | Stem cuttings | Mealybugs, spider mites |
| Crassula Ovata | Partial to full sun | Low | Well-draining | Tolerant of heat, but protect from frost | 3 feet (0.9 meters) | Leaf or stem cuttings | Mealybugs, scale insects |
Types Of Succulents That Grow Tall
- Yucca: The Yucca plant is a popular succulent growing up to 30 feet tall. It has a unique branching structure with long, sword-shaped leaves, producing tall, white flowers in the summer. It is a hardy plant that thrives in dry, arid climates and can withstand extreme temperatures.
- Fire Sticks: The Fire Sticks succulent, also known as Euphorbia tirucalli, can grow up to 8 feet tall. It has bright orange or red stems that resemble sticks and small leaves that grow in clusters along the stems. When exposed to sunlight, the stems can turn a vibrant red color, making them a striking addition to any garden or indoor space.
- Ocotillo: The Ocotillo plant is a tall, spiky succulent that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has long, thin stems with small leaves that grow in clusters at the top. When in bloom, it produces bright red flowers that attract pollinators. It is often found in dry, desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
- Organ Pipe Cactus: The Organ Pipe Cactus is a unique succulent that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has multiple stems that grow from a central base and produce small, white flowers in the summer. It is native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico and is a protected species due to its vulnerability to habitat destruction.
- Madagascar Palm: The Madagascar Palm is a tall, slender succulent that can grow up to 30 feet tall. It has a single, thick stem with small branches and produces clusters of small, white flowers at the top. It is native to Madagascar and thrives in warm, humid climates.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a popular succulent growing up to 4 feet tall. It has long, green leaves with serrated edges and produces tall, yellow flowers in the summer. It is commonly used for its medicinal properties, as the gel inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns and other skin irritations.
- Senita Cactus: The Senita Cactus is a tall, columnar succulent that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has a single stem with small branches and produces pink or purple flowers in the spring. It is native to the Sonoran Desert and popular for landscaping due to its unique shape and appearance.
- Queen of the Night: The Queen of the Night, also known as Selenicereus grandiflorus, is a tall, climbing succulent that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has long, slender stems with small spines and produces large, white flowers that bloom at night. It is native to Central and South America and is often grown as an ornamental plant.
- Century Plant: The Century Plant, also known as Agave americana, can grow up to 30 feet tall. It has a thick stem with large, spiky leaves that grow in
Tall Succulents for Pots
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant is a low-maintenance succulent growing up to 4 feet tall.
It’s native to West Africa and is known for its striking upright foliage that resembles a snake’s skin.
Snake plant is an excellent choice for beginners, as it tolerates a wide range of light and water conditions.
It can be grown in pots and is ideal for indoor spaces, as it purifies the air by removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The Ponytail palm is a unique succulent that can grow up to 30 feet tall in the wild but typically reaches heights of 6-8 feet when grown in pots.
It’s native to Mexico and is known for its long, thin leaves that resemble ponytails. The Ponytail palm is a slow-growing plant that requires little water and prefers bright, indirect light. It’s an excellent choice for indoor spaces, as it can tolerate low light conditions.
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
The Madagascar dragon tree is a tall, slender succulent that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It’s native to Madagascar and is known for its striking burgundy and green foliage.
The Madagascar dragon tree is an easy-to-care-for plant that prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.
It can be grown in pots and is ideal for indoor spaces, as it purifies the air by removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. The plant can also be pruned to maintain a smaller size if desired.
What is the best planter for tall succulents?
When it comes to tall succulents, choosing the right planter is key to ensuring their health and longevity. The best planter for tall succulents is one that provides adequate drainage, aeration, and stability.
Firstly, choosing a planter with drainage holes is important to allow excess water to escape.
Tall succulents are particularly susceptible to root rot, so the soil mustn’t be waterlogged. A planter with drainage holes allows excess water to drain out, preventing the soil from becoming too wet.
Secondly, it’s important to choose a planter that provides adequate aeration. Tall succulents require well-draining soil and good airflow to prevent root rot and other diseases. A planter with ample space for the roots to grow and good airflow around the soil is essential for plant health.
Finally, choosing a planter that provides stability for the tall succulent is important. Taller plants are more prone to tipping over, especially top-heavy ones. A heavy, sturdy planter with a wide base can help to prevent the plant from toppling over.
Some popular planter options for tall succulents include ceramic or terracotta pots, concrete planters, and fiberglass planters. These materials provide good drainage and stability and allow good airflow around the soil.
What is a fast growing tall succulent?
A fast-growing tall succulent is the Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as the pencil cactus or milk bush. This succulent can grow up to 25 feet tall in its natural habitat but typically reaches around 6-8 feet tall when grown in pots.
The pencil cactus has thin, green stems that resemble pencils and can grow up to 1 inch per week in the right conditions.
It’s native to Africa and is known for its hardiness and drought tolerance. However, it’s important to note that the pencil cactus is toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
With proper care and attention, the pencil cactus can add a unique touch to any indoor or outdoor space with its striking appearance and fast growth.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while succulents are often associated with small and compact plants, several species can grow tall and add a dramatic touch to any indoor or outdoor space.
From the towering Yucca rostrata to the slender Euphorbia tirucalli, these succulents are hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, making them a great addition to any garden or home.
However, it’s important to choose the right plant for your space and climate and to ensure that you provide adequate care and attention to keep your tall succulent healthy and thriving for years to come.
With their unique and striking appearance, tall succulents will make a statement and add a touch of natural beauty to any setting.
