We’re surrounded by a concrete jungle, and it’s a great relief to have a piece of nature in your living space.
Besides beautifying your room, houseplants can improve air quality and reduce stress.
Succulents are among the most liked indoor plants, as they are low maintenance and drought tolerant.
People with zero gardening experience can kick-start their journey to grow greenery with succulents.
Apart from minimal maintenance, different succulent varieties can grow fast.
This write-up will discuss nine fast-growing succulents, their unique characteristics, ideal growing conditions, and essential care tips.
If you love succulents or are just starting to garden, these fast-growing plants will thrive in your garden or inside your home.
9 Fast Growing Succulent Plants
1. Jade Plant
With thick, glossy leaves, the Jade plant is native to South Africa and is one of the favourite plants to use as bonsai.
With proper care, your jade plant can live up to 50 years.
Like most succulents, jade plants opt for well-drained soil, indirect sunlight and an ideal temperature of 65-75F.
Overwatering is one of the main reasons why most succulents experience stunted growth.
You must check soil moisture by inserting your index finger into the soil. Water only when the top 2 inches of the potting soil is dry.
Important: Jade plants benefit from occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, known for its thick, fleshy leaves filled with a soothing gel, originates from the Arabian Peninsula and is widely used for its medicinal properties.
Aloe Vera thrives in well-draining soil, such as a cactus mix, and requires bright, indirect sunlight.
It grows best in temperatures between 55-80°F. Overwatering can lead to root rot and is a common issue for succulents. To prevent overwatering, insert your finger into the soil to check moisture levels. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
Important: Aloe vera benefits from removing older, dried-out leaves to promote healthy new growth and overall plant vitality.
3. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a diverse genus of succulents that boasts vibrant foliage and star-shaped flowers.
Native to the Northern Hemisphere, Sedum varieties are famous for their hardiness and low-maintenance nature. Sedum prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering; water only when the soil is arid. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, but a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can promote robust growth.
- Sedum is resilient and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making it ideal for rock gardens and ground cover.
- Prune back the plant after flowering to encourage a bushier appearance and prevent legginess.
- Additionally, dividing the plant every few years helps maintain its health and vigour. Sedum is also deer-resistant, adding to its appeal in gardens.
4. Echeveria
Echeveria is a genus of succulents known for its rosette-shaped foliage and stunning colour variations.
Native to semi-desert areas of Central America, these plants are famous for their aesthetic appeal and ease of care.
Echeveria thrives in well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, and requires plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. It grows best in temperatures between 65-80°F.
Water the plant only when the soil is arid, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Overwatering is a common issue, so letting the soil dry out between waterings is crucial.
Echeveria typically doesn’t need much fertilizing. However, during the growing season (spring and summer), a diluted, balanced fertilizer once a month can support healthy growth.
- Remove dead leaves from the bottom of the plant to prevent pests and diseases.
- Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even growth and maintain its attractive rosette shape.
- Echeveria is also sensitive to frost, so it should be brought indoors or protected during cold weather.
5. Burro’s Tail
Also known as Sedum morganianum, Burro’s tail is a trailing succulent known for its long, cascading stems covered in fleshy, tear-drop-shaped leaves.
Native to southern Mexico and Honduras, burro’s tail is a popular choice for hanging baskets. It prefers well-draining, sandy, or cactus soil and requires bright, indirect sunlight. It thrives in temperatures between 65-75°F.
Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing is not often necessary, but you can apply a diluted, balanced fertilizer once in the growing season (spring or summer) to support healthy growth.
- Handle Burro’s Tail carefully, as its leaves are delicate and easily fall off.
- Ensure the plant has adequate light to maintain its compact, trailing form, and prune back leggy stems to encourage fuller growth.
- It is also essential to protect the plant from frost.
6. Sempervivum
Sempervivum, often called hens and chicks, is a resilient succulent celebrated for its rosette structure and prolific offset production. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it is valued for its durability and ease of care.
This plant thrives in well-draining soil, such as a gritty or sandy mix, and requires full sun to light shade. It performs best in temperatures between 65-75°F but can tolerate colder conditions.
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as it is highly drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing is rarely needed, but a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can boost growth.
- Remove dead rosettes after they flower to encourage new growth and prevent disease.
- Sempervivum spreads by producing offsets, so dividing and replanting them can help maintain a healthy, thriving cluster.
- This plant is exceptionally frost-hardy, making it suitable for outdoor gardens in various climates.
7. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe is a diverse genus of succulents known for its vibrant, long-lasting flowers and thick, fleshy leaves.
Native to Madagascar and tropical Africa, these plants are popular as indoor and outdoor ornamentals.
Kalanchoe prefers well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix, and thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Ideal temperatures range from 60-85°F.
Water thoroughly when the soil is dry, but avoid letting the plant sit in water, as it is prone to root rot.
To support flowering and growth, fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Prune spent flowers encouraging more blooms and removing leggy growth to maintain a compact shape.
- Kalanchoe is sensitive to cold and should be protected from frost.
- Allowing the soil to dry between waterings is crucial to prevent overwatering.
8. String of Pearls
String of Pearls, or Senecio rowleyanus, is a distinctive succulent known for its cascading strands of spherical leaves resembling pearls. Native to South Africa, it is often grown in hanging baskets.
String of Pearls prefers well-draining, sandy soil and thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It grows well in temperatures between 70-80°F.
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing lightly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) can promote healthy growth.
- Handle the plant gently to avoid breaking the delicate stems.
- Prune regularly to encourage fuller growth and remove dead or shrivelled pearls.
- Ensure the plant has adequate light and avoid overwatering, as this is a common cause of issues.
- Protect it from frost, as it is sensitive to cold temperatures.
9. Agave Plant
Agave is a fast-growing succulent known for its rosette of large, thick, and fleshy leaves with spiny edges. Native to the hot and arid regions of the Americas, Agave plants are famous for their dramatic appearance and low maintenance.
Agave thrives in well-draining, sandy or gritty soil and requires full sun to partial shade. It grows best in temperatures between 70-90°F.
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Fertilizing is typically unnecessary, but light feeding with a balanced fertilizer in the spring can support growth.
- Handle the Agave with care due to its sharp leaf edges. Prune dead or damaged leaves to maintain a healthy appearance.
- Agave is also frost-sensitive, so it should be protected or brought indoors during cold weather.
- Some Agave species are monocarpic, meaning they die after flowering, but they often produce offsets that can be replanted.
How to Care for Fast-growing Succulent Plants?
1. Optimal Lighting Requirement: Most fast-growing succulents thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a south- or west-facing window for adequate sunlight.
2. Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water sparingly, especially during the winter months when succulents are dormant.
3. Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix specifically formulated for succulents and cacti. Adding perlite or coarse sand can improve drainage.
4. Fertilizing: Feed fast-growing succulents with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
Nutritional Requirements of Succulent Plants
Succulent plants, with their distinctive fleshy leaves and water-storing abilities, possess specific nutritional needs tailored to their unique physiology and habitats.
While they excel in low-nutrient environments, providing the appropriate balance of nutrients is vital for their health and vitality. Key among these are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Nitrogen facilitates growth and green foliage development in plants, albeit at lower levels than many other plants, to prevent excessive vegetative growth.
Phosphorus supports root development, flowering, and energy transfer within the plant.
Potassium regulates water uptake, maintains cellular turgor pressure, enhances disease resistance, and aids stress tolerance.
Additionally, succulents require micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum, albeit in smaller quantities, to support critical biochemical processes.
Maintaining the proper pH level of the growing medium, typically slightly acidic to neutral, is essential for nutrient availability.
Occasional fertilization during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to avoid over-fertilization can provide essential nutrients without harming the plant.
Incorporating organic matter into the soil mix improves its structure, moisture retention, and nutrient-holding capacity, benefiting succulents in the long term.
By understanding and meeting these nutritional requirements, succulent enthusiasts can ensure their plants remain healthy, vibrant, and resilient to environmental stresses.
Best Succulent Soil Mix
A well-draining soil mix is essential for succulent success. A blend of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand in equal parts creates an ideal growing medium for succulents, ensuring adequate drainage and aeration for healthy root development.
Can Succulents Grow in Plastic Containers?
Succulents can grow in plastic containers, but proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.
Ensure that plastic pots have drainage holes in the bottom and use a well-draining soil mix to promote healthy root growth and prevent water buildup.
Additionally, avoid overwatering succulents planted in plastic pots, as excess moisture can lead to fungal issues and root rot.
Conclusion
In summary, fast-growing succulents offer beauty and resilience, making them ideal choices for novice and experienced gardeners alike. Their ability to thrive in various environments and low maintenance requirements make them perfect additions to any garden or indoor space.
From the striking rosettes of Sempervivum to the cascading foliage of String of Pearls, succulents bring unique textures, colours, and forms to landscapes and indoor settings.
Gardeners can enjoy the rapid growth and beauty of these remarkable plants by understanding their growth habits, providing proper care, and meeting their nutritional needs.
Whether used as ground cover, accent plants, or focal points, fast-growing succulents add a touch of elegance and charm to any green space while requiring minimal effort to flourish.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting