4 Weird Succulents I’ve Grown & How to Care for Them
Succulents are one of my favorite kinds of plants to grow, both because they are so simple to take care of but also because of how weird they can look. Fun fact, all cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti. Meaning that cacti are not the only kind of succulent.
I started growing succulents when I was 4 years old in my first little fairy garden and fell in love with these wild and weird little plants. Below are my favorite (and some of the weirdest) succulents I have in my garden, along with tips and tricks on how to grow succulents and care for them.
The Fukuro Cactus, a Weird Succulent I Love
The Fukuro cactus is commonly known, because of its unique appearance, as the Boobie Cactus. This odd cactus was originally crossbred from the native Mexican Blue Candle Cactus in Japan. The Fukuro cactus grows quite slowly but over time can reach heights up to 3ft.
The Fukuro cactus is at the top of my weird cactus list for a couple reasons. First, it’s easy to grow, it just needs space, sun, and a little water every now and again. Second, it just looks like stacks of boobies and makes me giggle every time I see it.
Lithops, The Butt
The strange succulent known as Lithops has a very memorable appearance, a living rock to some people. To others, it looks like a small butt. This odd looking little plant can reach up to 2 in high, 1.5 in wide. Lithops is native to southern Africa where its rock-like look was developed, to hide from animals who might want to eat it.
Similar to the Fukuro cactus, I love this little plant because of its silly appearance. It’s also another succulent that always makes me laugh when I see it.
Euphorbia Hybrid “Prickly Pickle”
This Euphorbia Hybrid is commonly known as the Prickly Pickle, because each stem looks like a long spiky pickle. Despite being a succulent, it is not actually a true cactus. True cacti grow spines from areoles. The Pricky Pickle grows thorns that actually start out pink and turn brown over time. The full plant can reach heights of up to 3 ft and widths of 3-4 ft.
I love this little cactus because of the colorful spines, its name, and the fact that it indeed, does look like a spiky little pickle.
The Sand Rose
One of my favorite succulents, this rare plant can grow up to 3-4 in high and 8 in wide in a clumping mat. The Sand Rose is native to the rocky outcrops of South Africa.
What makes this small slow growing succulent memorable is the fact that under bright light the leaves will change from green to purple, pink, or red.
The reason I love this small plant so much is that it will add a pop of color to any mini garden or home and puts a smile on my face anytime I see it.
How to Plant and Care for Succulents
Succulents are the best plant group for a newbie when it comes to gardening because they enjoy being ignored. Water them every couple of weeks, give them ample sunlight and just love them. For the best looking and happiest succulent follow these simple tips:
- Use fast draining soil (if you’re unsure, you can buy a succulent mix like this one)
- Give them bright sunlight (I find growing outdoors works better)
- Only water when the soil feels completely dry
- Most succulents prefer warmer temperatures, so if it's getting cold, bring them inside
- Make sure pots have a drain hole on the bottom, they do not like wet roots
- Pull off dead dry leaves to make room for new ones to grow
- Repot if you succulent needs more space
I hope this helps you on your succulent journey. Have fun and don't suck-ulent.
About the Author | Issa
Issa is a Houston area teen, competitive swimmer, and lover of nature. She enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, paddle boarding, and every single animal. She spends her days quickly finishing homeschool work so she can jump in the pool and swim for hours. When she's not in the pool you can probably find her tending her succulents, hanging out with friends, or playing with her dog.