Floral Delights: A Guide to Common and Regular Flowering Succulents
When we think of succulents, we often picture their unique and captivating foliage. However, many succulent species have an additional enchanting feature that sets them apart—their flowers. These blooming succulents add a splash of colour and beauty to your indoor or outdoor space, making them a popular choice for plant enthusiasts. Let us explore a curated list of common and regularly flowering succulents that bring the best of both worlds—gorgeous leaves and stunning blooms.
Aeonium (Aeonium spp.): Aeoniums are unique succulents that form rosettes of leaves. Some species, like Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop,' produce tall flower stalks topped with clusters of flowers. Cut off the bloomed branch after flowering as these plants die after flowering.
Bloom colour: Yellow
Bloom time: Year round
Exposure: Full or partial sunlight
Irrigation: Water once a week.
Crassula (Crassula spp.): Crassulas come in various shapes and sizes, and some species produce small, delicate flowers. Crassula ovata, commonly known as the jade plant, can produce clusters of flowers. It usually takes 4-5 years for blooming, add well balanced fertilizer.
Bloom colour: white, pink
Bloom time: Winter
Exposure: Four to six hours of bright indirect light
Irrigation: When top soil is dry.
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Echeveria (Echeveria spp.) Echeverias are some of the most iconic succulents, known for their rosette-shaped leaves and occasional vibrant flowers. The blooms often emerge on tall, slender stalks, showcasing shades of flowers depending on the species and variety. It takes usually four years to flower. Apply phosphorous rich fertilizers for better growth and for flowering.
Bloom colour: pink, red, orange, or yellow.
Bloom time: Summer
Exposure: Sun or shade
Irrigation: Has low water needs
Soil: Well drained soil
A sometimes mature plant does not bloom because it is deprived of sunlight and depending on species.
Gasteria (Gasteria spp.): Gasterias are small succulents that often produce tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or orange. Gasteria batesiana is a species with eye-catching blooms. Fertilise once in spring and add compost during potting is good idea.It takes four years to reach flowering period.
Bloom colour: Red, pink
Bloom time: Spring
Exposure: Bright indirect light
Irrigation: Regular watering but not frequent
Soil: Sandy well drained
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Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.) Kalanchoes are reliable bloomers, producing clusters of small, colourful flowers. Their long-lasting blossoms come in various colours. These easy-to-care-for succulents can brighten up any space. Some flowering species flower regularly but some species take 5-7 years for flowering.
Bloom colour: red, orange, pink, even bi-colour.
Bloom time: Late winter to late spring
Exposure: 5-6 hours of sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight.
Irrigation: Needs low water.
Soil: Well drained and aerated soil
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Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) The Christmas cactus is a classic holiday plant that belongs to the succulent family. It produces stunning tubular flowers during the winter months, adding festive cheer to your home. Fertilize monthly from June to august with a balanced fertilizer. When flower buds are forming fertilize with high phosphorus fertilizer. It takes 12 weeks to flower once bud is formed.
Bloom colour: Shades of pink, red or white
Bloom time: Late winter to spring
Exposure: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Irrigation: When top layer of soil is dry.
Soil: Use good potting soil.
Sedum (Sedum spp.) Sedums are a diverse group of succulents, and some varieties are prolific bloomers. Their clusters of star-shaped flowers can appear in shades of different colours. Sedums are excellent choices for rock gardens or ground cover. Use well balanced fertilizer to your plant once in spring. Avoid too much nitrogen it will rot.
Bloom colour: Red, pink, yellow, white
Bloom time: Summer, fall
Exposure: Six hours of sunlight.
Irrigation: Water once a week.
Soil: Well drained, sandy soil.
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Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) the fuzzy leaves of the Panda Plant are adorable, but it also surprises with small tubular flowers that appear in clusters. The flowers are typically yellow to orange and provide a charming contrast to the plant's velvety texture. Use a liquid fertilizer for every four weeks from spring until end of summer. It takes two years to flower.
Bloom colour: yellowish to red
Bloom time: Summer
Exposure: 6 hours of daylight
Irrigation: keep the soil moist but do not overwater the plant.
Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil
Donkey Tail (Sedum morganianum) this trailing succulent, with its cascading stems and plump leaves occasionally produces tiny star-shaped flowers. While the flowers are not the primary feature, they add an extra touch of interest to this unique plant. Add liquid fertilizer once a month and avoid using in winter. It takes 2-5 years to flower.
Bloom colour: red, yellow, white
Bloom time: Blooms during summer
Exposure: 4 hours of bright light.
Irrigation: keep soil moist
Soil: Well-draining soil
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) The Crown of Thorns is a succulent with spiky stems and colourful bracts that resemble flowers. These bracts come in shades of different colours, surrounding the tiny true flowers, creating a striking display.This is one of the rarest succulent capable of blooming all the year its flowers are actually bracts that last for several weeks.Organic fertilizer & organic manure should be applied and phosphorus rich fertilizer are best for flowering .It produces flowers year round.
Bloom colour: Bright pink,red,white,yellow.
Bloom time: Blooms throughout the year.
Exposure: 4-6 hours of direct light is required for flowering.
Irrigation: Water when top layer is dry.
Soil: Well drained soil.
Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis attenuata) The Zebra Plant, known for its striking zebra-like stripes on its leaves, can also surprise you with dainty, tubular flowers.Feed with balanced fertilizer once in every two weeks during spring and summer.The indoor plant is a slow growing plant ,reaches maturity after three years.
Bloom colour: Yellow, white, pink.
Bloom time: Blooms at end of summer.
Exposure: Bright light without direct sunlight during summertime.
Irrigation: Keep soil moist not waterlogged or too dry.
Soil: Well-draining soil
Tips for Encouraging Blooms
Provide Adequate Light: Most flowering succulents need bright, indirect sunlight to initiate blooming. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight to ensure they receive the right light conditions.
Avoid Overwatering: Succulents prefer to dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and inhibit blooming.
Fertilize Sparingly: Using a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season can encourage blooming. However, avoid excessive fertilization, which may promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Monitor Temperature: Some succulents, like Christmas Cacti, rely on temperature changes to trigger flowering. Cool temperatures (50-60°F or 10-15°C) for a few weeks can stimulate blooming in some species.
Incorporating flowering succulents into your collection adds a delightful element to your plant display. These plants prove that succulents are not just about remarkable leaves— they can put on a spectacular floral show too. Enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of these common and regularly flowering succulents in your indoor or outdoor garden.