Especially in recent years, succulent plants have gained in popularity due to their distinctive look and ease of upkeep. Their wild beauty can be enhanced in your garden without the need for watering, and they can withstand droughts and extreme temperatures without requiring winter shelter. They have an enormous variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, providing exotic desert charm to your garden. The allure of 10 of the world’s most extraordinary succulents will be explored in this article.
Topsy Turvy (Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’)
A Topsy Turvy succulent belongs to the Echeveria genus, which includes 150 succulent species. It originates from Texas to the south and reaches Argentina. Its squared-off leaf tips resemble sea urchins. The pale green leaves add an elegant touch to container gardens and ground plantings. Overwatering can harm this succulent, so proper drainage is crucial.
- Light – Topsy Turvy enjoys full to partial sunlight, making it perfect for sunny spots in your garden.
- Soil Needs – sandy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH level is ideal for Topsy Turvy.
Plover Eggs Plant (Adromischus cooperi)
The Plover Eggs Plant adds a playful element to any succulent collection. It boasts pudgy leaves speckled with purplish-grey. It thrives in indirect sunlight and propagates easily through leaf cuttings. Due to its sensitivity to cold temperatures, this succulent requires care.
- Light – Plover Eggs Plant prefers full sunlight to thrive, so place it in a sunny location to promote healthy growth.
- Soil Needs – free draining and gritty compost is what this marvellous succulent needs.
Crinkle Leaf Plant (Adromischus cristatus)
Crinkle Leaf is another funny-looking and easy-to-grow outside or inside small succulent. Characterised by triangular leaves with lightly ruffled tips, it adds texture and visual interest to any garden. It prefers sunny spots with infrequent watering and produces small, tubular red-and-white flowers in spring.
- Light – Crinkle Leaf Plant thrives in full to partial sunlight, making it adaptable to various lighting conditions.
- Soil Needs – using compost that drains well freely and is gritty will be ideal for this succulent.
Tiger Jaws (Faucaria felina)
South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is the homeland of this species. The common name ‘tiger jaw’ comes from its triangular, fleshy leaves edged with spiny “teeth.” Despite the spiky appearance of the spikes, they are actually very soft and flexible. It tolerates shade, but it needs more water than most succulents. However, it’s worth the effort for its captivating appearance and occasional daisy-like yellow flowers.
- Light – Tiger Jaws need at least three hours of bright, direct sunlight a day.
- Soil Needs – Sandy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH level is ideal for this succulent.
Baseball Plant (Euphorbia obesa)
The spherical shape of the Baseball Plant adds heft and texture to any garden without the sharp spines typically found on round succulents. Its petite flowers signal a thriving plant, making it a delightful addition to succulent collections.
- Light – Baseball Plant prefers full to partial sunlight for optimal growth, making it suitable for various garden settings.
- Soil Needs – what this succulent prefers is a very airy, sandy, and well-draining soil mix.
Topsy Debbi (x Graptoveria ‘Topsy Debbi’)
A hybrid of Graptoveria ‘Debbi’ and Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’, this succulent has a lilac-grey waxy leaf with spoon-shaped leaves that add a splash of colour to any garden. Topsy Debbi’s origins remain unknown. With its lilac-grey waxy leaves, Topsy Debbi spreads easily by offsets, making it easy to propagate and share with fellow gardeners. Make sure it receives adequate sunlight to maintain vibrant growth.
- Light – Topsy Debbi thrives in full to partial sunlight, so place it in a sunny spot to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
- Soil Needs – to thrive, they need topsoil and compost, as well as peat, sand, or other grit.
Pies From Heaven (Kalanchoe rhombopilosa)
Originating from Madagascar, this succulent stands from the rest with its distinctive silver-green colour and intricate brown spots, forming a captivating marble-like pattern. The mesmerising leaves of the Pies From Heaven are not only visually stunning but also add a delightful touch to any interior or exterior decor.
- Light – Pies From Heaven prefers full to partial sunlight but avoids intense afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn.
- Soil Needs – like every other succulent sandy and very well-draining soil is what Pies From Heaven needs in order to bloom.
Barbillion (Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Barbillion’)
Barbillion is one of Dick Wright’s most popular hybrids, one of the three Echeverias in his “Volcano Series”. This succulent forms a rosette of heavily carunculated leaves with a slow growth rate. This hybrid’s true beauty lies in its ability to change colour and shape when seasons change.
- Light – Barbillion prefers full sunlight to thrive, making it suitable for sunny locations in your garden.
- Soil Needs – soil that drains freely, keeping moisture away from roots. Use regular cactus soil for these plants.
Blue Curls (Echeveria ‘Blue Curls’)
The hybrid is rumoured to be a sister plant of Echeveria ‘Blue Waves’. It is presumed to be a Frank Reinelt hybrid of Echeveria gibbiflora. This succulent usually forms a single rosette of powdery blue-green wavy leaves in spring and fall that turn pink in the autumn. The flowers open to a reddish-pink colour and are borne on long stalks in summer.
- Light – for vibrant foliage and robust growth, place this succulent in full sunlight.
- Soil Needs – not a surprise but sandy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level is the oasis that this succulent needs.
Aloinopsis (Aloinopsis luckhoffii)
Aloinopsis succulents consist of geometric leaves topped with bumpy white dots, creating an eye-catching display in any garden. They thrive in full sunlight with minimal irrigation, mimicking their native habitat of South Africa.
- Light – Aloinopsis prefers full sunlight for optimal growth, making it suitable for sunny spots in your garden.
- Soil Needs – and again sandy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level is ideal for this succulent.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these 10 best unusual succulent plants offer a variety of colours, textures, and shapes to enhance your garden. Whether you prefer the vibrant foliage of Barbillion, the frilly leaves of Blue Curls, or the geometric patterns of Aloinopsis, these low-maintenance succulents are sure to make a striking statement in your outdoor space. With their deer resistance and preference for full sunlight, these succulents are resilient choices that will thrive with minimal care. Happy gardening!