12 Fast-Growing Succulents That Are Incredibly Easy to Maintain
Looking for succulents that are not only beautiful but incredibly easy to care for? These 12 fast-growing varieties are perfect for anyone, from beginner gardeners to those with busy schedules.
Known for their ability to "grow like weeds," these succulents require minimal care, making them ideal for anyone looking to add low-maintenance greenery to their home or garden.
Mother of Thousands
Mother of Thousands is a striking and fast-spreading succulent that thrives on minimal care. Its distinct leaves, marked by tiny plantlets along the edges, make it an eye-catching addition to any garden or rock bed.
You’ll appreciate how this plant loves warm, sunny conditions but keep it away from cold temperatures, which can damage it.
Elephant Bush
Elephant Bush, or Portulacaria Afra, is ideal for beginners due to its resilience and minimal care requirements. Its small, fleshy oval leaves stand out, and with the right care, this "bush" can actually grow into a towering tree reaching up to 4.5 meters. Its versatility allows it to flourish indoors or out, making it a favorite among succulent lovers.
Chandelier Plant
The Chandelier Plant, native to Madagascar, adds an exotic touch with its tall, slender stems and tubular flowers that bloom in winter. Its ability to reproduce through fallen leaves makes it one of the more invasive succulents, perfect for those looking to quickly fill a space with low-maintenance greenery.
Agave
Agave plants, including the popular Agave americana and Agave tequilana, bring dramatic structure to any landscape. Known for their sharp, spiny leaves and summer-blooming rosettes, these succulents grow well in pots or directly in the ground.
They are easy to propagate by offsets, making them an appealing option for gardeners wanting a bold statement plant.
Pink Mother of Millions
Pink Mother of Millions is a standout among succulents thanks to its unusual bright pink plantlets that line the edges of its leaves. Though it requires a bit more attention than other succulents, once established, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and rare addition to your collection that captivates with its vibrant color.
Sedum
Sedum is a garden favorite, requiring very little care once established. This succulent grows quickly and blooms with star-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators like bees.
Whether low-growing with yellow flowers or upright with stunning magenta clusters, Sedum makes a great ground cover and brightens up any outdoor space.
Devil’s Backbone
Devil’s Backbone, also called redbird flower or Christmas candle, is known for its quick growth and vibrant flowers that appear in spring. This low-maintenance shrub can grow up to 2.4 meters, making it a dramatic feature in any garden. Its interesting zigzag stems give it a unique silhouette that stands out among other plants.
Donkey Ear Plant
Donkey Ear Plant earns its name from the shape and size of its large leaves, resembling the ears of a donkey. This fast-growing succulent is a favorite for its beautiful blooms and medicinal properties.
Its leaves are traditionally used to treat headaches, burns, and skin wounds, making it both a decorative and practical choice for your garden.
Ice Plant
Ice Plant captivates with its shimmering purple flowers that resemble tiny jewels reflecting sunlight. This drought-tolerant succulent thrives in rock gardens, along borders, or in pots.
You’ll enjoy its long blooming season from June through fall, adding consistent color to your landscape.
Ghost Plant
Ghost Plant is a versatile and easy-to-grow succulent that changes color based on light exposure. In full sun, its rosettes turn a warm pinkish-yellow, while in partial shade they take on a blue-grey hue.
Whether in a rock garden or potted with other succulents, Ghost Plant adds a dynamic and changing element to any display.
Lizard’s Tail Succulent
Lizard's Tail, also known as Watch Chain, is a creeping succulent perfect for hanging baskets or small spaces. Its tightly packed, light green leaves give it a lush, full appearance.
Small yellowish flowers bloom from spring to mid-summer, adding a touch of brightness to its dense foliage.
Carrion Flower
Carrion Flower might not win any awards for fragrance, but its striking appearance certainly catches attention. This large-flowered succulent releases a carrion-like scent to attract flies for pollination.
While it may not be a plant for everyone, its bold and unusual look makes it a conversation starter in any succulent collection.