Types of Succulents That Grow Tall

Do you love indoor plants but can’t take care of them? Succulents are low-maintenance house plants and require little to no care.

Some people associate succulents with characteristics like being small, tiny, easy to care for, and adaptable. However, did you know that succulents can grow tall?

Tall succulents are ideal for your home if you like vertical-dimension plants. These plants amp up your outdoors, giving it a more expansive and inviting look.

In addition, tall succulents are colorful and add to the beauty of your home.

If you are planning to add tall succulents to add to your garden, look no further. In this article, we have shared 14 types of tall succulents to make your decision easy.

Types of Succulents

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most familiar and popular succulents. It can be found in almost every household because of its cosmetic and medicinal uses.

Aloe vera is usually purchased in small forms and kept in a pot. The pot restricts the plant’s growth, making it easier to place indoors.

However, the average aloe vera plant can grow tall, about 3 feet, if planted outside under 8 hours of sunlight daily.

That said, the height of your succulent will depend on the type of aloe vera plant you choose.

Aloe vaombe, a species of aloe vera native to Madagascar, can grow to about twenty feet tall! The plant is also known as the Malagasy Tree Aloe.

Fishhook Barrel Cactus

Fishhook barrel cactus is a type of tall cactus that can grow about as tall as a tree – 10 feet. The plant is native to southern Mexico and gets its name from its hook-like spines.

The botanical name of the fishhook barrel cactus is Ferocactus wislizeni.

Arizona barrel cactus is another common name for fishhook barrel cactus because it is round and looks like a barrel.

The plant is easy to grow and can survive in extremely hot and cold climates. Additionally, the plant has a lifespan of 50-100 years.

Giant Agave 

Giant agave (Agave salmiana ) is commonly found in North America and Mexico. The plant can grow about 6 feet tall, and its flower stalk can grow up to 13 feet.

The giant agave plant is slightly different from other succulents as it requires a protected environment. You will need to water it every 2 to 3 weeks.

This succulent is an ideal landscaping plant for semi-shaded areas.

Interestingly, the giant agave has captured the fancy of several enthusiasts because its flowers only bloom once in 15-25 years!

When the flowers finally show their full glory, you’ll feel a deep sense of achievement.

Mother of Millions

Mother of millions (Kalanchoe Delagoensis) is a unique succulent. It can grow about 7 feet tall and spread for 3 feet. The plant got its name due to its extreme reproduction.

In addition, the edges of the leaves are filled with tiny plantlets.

These plantlets become tiny new plants when after falling on the floor and getting the right nutrients.

This plant is often considered invasive due to its fast reproductive nature.

In terms of care, mother of millions requires full sunlight and can bloom bright bell-shaped flowers any time of the year.

Snake Plant

The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), originating in West Africa, is a favorite indoor succulent for plant parents.

The low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plant can survive in cold and hot temperatures and needs little to no care.

The plant can grow about 8 feet outside; however, it can also grow tall in pots, reaching around 4 feet.

Its pointy, sword-like leaves can add an elegant and chic look to your house.

African Milk Tree

The African milk tree (Euphorbia Trigona) originates from South Africa and is called the good luck plant.

This succulent can grow about 8 feet in full soil; however, it doesn’t grow tall in pots, making it easier to place indoors. Additionally, the plant requires direct sunlight to grow 2 feet each year.

The African milk tree blooms tiny white and yellow flowers only when placed outside. The plant got its name because it releases a toxic milky-like fluid that can irritate the skin.

All in all, the plant is easy-to-grow and makes an ideal outdoor or entrance plant.

Jade Plant

Originating from South Africa, the Jade plant (Crassula Ovata) is another popular good luck plant on this list.

It is one of the tallest succulents on the list, reaching a 15 feet height in the best setting. However, it is a common indoor plant and can grow about 12 inches in a pot.

Additionally, the plant got its name due to its resemblance to jade. The plant requires direct sunlight and less water, so it is advised to place it in sunlight for maximum height.

Saguaro

Next is the Saguaro (Carnegiea Gigantean), the tallest succulent on our list, which can grow up to 60 feet. The plant originated in Arizona and Mexico.

Although it is the tallest succulent, infant Saguaros take many years to reach full height and grow very slowly.

Naturally, they also have long life spans, living up to and above 150 years.

The plant looks like a pitchfork and grows long vertical arms. Additionally, the plant produces red edible fruit and white flowers on the tips of its branches that only bloom at night.

Hanging Chain Cholla

Hanging chain cholla (Cylindropuntia Fulgida) originates from the southwestern United States. The plant closely resembles a tree with cacti branches hanging from it.

Hanging chain cholla is not an indoor plant and grows on dry soil. It is also often called the jumping cholla; the plant got this name due to its easily detached spines.

These spines can injure humans and animals even from a slight brush against them.

Madagascar Palm

Next on the list, we have the Madagascar palm (Pachypodium Lamerei). The plant got its name due to its unique palm-tree-like structure.

It has a long puffed-up trunk that grows narrow leaves on the top, which further develop tiny branches with bright flowers.

Moreover, the plant can grow about 19 to 20 feet in full soil. However, it only grows about 4 to 6 feet indoors.

The plant can thrive in hot climates and doesn’t require much watering; however, it needs care and looking after in winter and protection from the cold weather.

Crown of thorns

Crown of thorns is a low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plant. It doesn’t require much attention and can thrive in hot climates.

The botanical name of this plant is Euphorbia Milii. As the name suggests, the plant’s stem is filled with long spines.

Additionally, the crown of thorns has fleshy leaves and produces tiny red flowers yearly under the right conditions.

The plant can grow about 6 feet in height and 3 feet in width. It requires low to moderate sunlight, so you can place it indoors and in plant beds.

Ocotillo Plant

Next in line is the ocotillo plant (Fouquieria splendens). It originated from the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.

Like the Organ pipe plant, ocotillo plants have long branches that attach to a grounded trunk.

In dry weather, the branches look dry and dead; however, they turn green in the rain and produce bright flowers in spring.

Moreover, it can grow about 30 feet in height and 10 feet wide. Ocotillo is not an indoor plant, but it can certainly add elegance to the outdoors.

Thankfully, the plant can survive in scorching weather and doesn’t require much care, making it the perfect choice for your garden.

Desert Rose

Last on the list, we have the desert rose (Adenium Obesum). It is a beautiful succulent with white and pink flowers.

The plant may appear high maintenance, but it is relatively easy to grow plant and requires little to no care. 

Desert roses can grow about 4 feet in ideal settings and thrive in direct sunlight. Plant this succulent in your yard to give it more color or place it indoors to spice up your house.

Wrapping Up

Succulents make for ideal houseplants since they typically require less attention. These plants are often found in kitchens, offices, and balconies.

The unique quality of succulents is their diversity in sizes and beautiful colors.

Although most people adore small succulents, tall succulents can be an elegant and inviting addition to your front and back yards.

We hope our post about the types of tall succulents will help you make a good decision about your tall succulent of choice for your front yard, living room, or plant bed. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Succulents Make Oxygen?

Yes, succulents produce oxygen. They produce oxygen through photosynthesis. Plants use the process of photosynthesis to break down carbon dioxide into the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

The hydrogen and oxygen are released into the atmosphere, which tourists breathe. The carbon is retained by the plant, spreading through the plant until it is no longer usable.

Do plants grow better with tap water or distilled water?

Water, no matter the source, will nourish a plant’s roots, but distilled water will not contain anything beneficial to the plant.

The mineral and trace element content within tap water is what helps plants grow.

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