Succulent indoor plants have become a fad because they are relatively easy to care for. They also usually come in cute sizes, making them suitable even in small spaces. Most importantly, these pretty succulents add more life to a dull interior and improve the air quality inside our homes.
If you're planning on becoming a plant parent, succulents may be one of the best plants to start on. Finding a suitable type for your home can sometimes be a hit or miss, but we're here to help you. Read on below to know some of its benefits with a basic buying guide and succulent plant types to buy online.
Quick List - Top Indoor Succulent Plants
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
We often see succulents used as home decors or interior accents, but that is not the only value they add to your home. Most people are impervious as to what these beautiful plants can provide for any living space. Today, let's cover some of the amazing benefits to reap from keeping them inside your homes.
Plants naturally emit oxygen in the air and absorb our respiratory waste, which is carbon dioxide. This process supplies our home with abundant fresh, breathable air. Oftentimes, when removing toxins in the air, we rely on air purifiers, but indoor succulents could easily eliminate these pollutants as they also absorb benzene and ammonia.
Succulents also humidify the air, improving the air quality by releasing water vapor during photosynthesis to provide extra moisture. Dry indoor air is unpleasant to some people, which causes throat irritations and dry skin.
Throughout history, succulents such as Aloe Vera or Agave have been used to treat medical problems. Cuts, burns, or stomachaches are no match to the healing powers of these succulents. The aloe vera juice has been known to reduce digestive tract inflammation so many people with stomach problems like drinking this.
The Yucca plant is now used for the treatment of arthritis, where its saponins, together with other antioxidants, help reduce inflammation and ease joint pains.
The feeling of calmness and being closer to nature is what a desk plant brings to your mind. It may be the color or texture makes us feel relaxed and changes our mood. Your productivity is dictated by your own volition, but with a small addition to your work station, the possibilities are boundless.
Tons of research has already been conducted on the effects of having a plant while at work, and it yielded positive outcomes. In a test, a group of people was given a reading task on a blank wooden desk, while the other group was given the same task, but with plants around the desk.
Surprisingly, the group surrounded by plants performed better than the other group. This study has since been repeated many times, and yet, it still has the same results.
After a long day at work and coming home with a lot in your mind, tending to these gorgeous beauties will surely take away your stress. It relieves your subconscious from all those mental tasks throughout the day and allows you to refocus.
Succulents are easy-peasy to handle and they could live anywhere as long as you don’t neglect it. This reduces your stress even more since you won't get frustrated by killing a plant. Succulents don't require high maintenance, and the shallow root system can allow you to repot, redecorate, or reorganize them to bring out the artistic side in you.
The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
You can opt to have a Snake plant or a Lithop for your living space but there are other popular succulent types that you might not know about. Around 60 plant families fall under the succulent category, but the list below are popular types are commonly found in homes or at a plant store.
One of the most recognizable types of succulent is the cactus plant. Because of its native desert habitat, it could withstand extreme cold or heat with little water. Many cacti can bloom colorful flowers that could beautify any living space. The most common are Bunny Ears, Christmas cactus, or Moon cactus.
The Aloe plant loves sunshine and is happy to be potted. Your kitchen will benefit from this plant as it absorbs toxins and emits huge loads of oxygen to improve air quality. In cases of minor burns because of cooking accidents, you can easily pluck out a leaf and directly apply the gel inside to the burnt part.
Frequently confused with Aloes, a Haworthia belongs to the same family but are smaller and very slow-growing. The famous Zebra plant is one of its types that has been recently circulating on the internet among plant parents. It requires bright light but not direct sunlight, so it's the perfect center table piece for the living room.
These succulents come in many shapes and sizes. It could thrive with a lot of sun and little moisture which could be grown indoors or outdoors. The Burro's Tail is one of the famous types that are usually hung to showcase its dangling stems.
These plants hate the cold temperature, so it will enjoy a window sill that receives early morning sunlight and afternoon shade. The classic rosette shape of the leaves identifies this succulent type. They are hardy and could come in a variety of colors depending on maturity, temperature, exposure to sunlight, and other factors.
Choosing the right succulent size will greatly depend on the space that you are willing to give up inside your home or office. Larger plants are hardier and don't require as much water as smaller species. The smaller the succulent, the more care it needs. The price will also come into play as the size of the plant dictates a different price range.
If you opt to purchase a succulent at its adult stage, it's your choice. But growing a succulent from scratch means you will either use cuttings or plugs.
Cuttings are plant parts that don't have roots and much cheaper than rooted ones. It might need more attention since more work needs to be done. Whereas, plugs start growing much quicker than cuttings and are costly.
Most succulents are non-toxic to humans. In fact, an aloe or prickly pear is used as ingredients in many dishes or medicinal concoctions. The spines on a cactus that could puncture the skin or the eye which poses danger to small children or playful pets around the house. Other than that, there is little risk.
Echeverias, Haworthias, Sedums, and Sempervivums aren't toxic, whether to humans or pets. However, there are some varieties that might be harmful to your young ones or fur babies. Aloe veras, Jade plants, Euphorbias, or Kalanchoes could cause digestive problems when ingested, rash on the skin, and sickness to pets.
If you still want to enjoy the beauty of these mildly toxic succulents, just remember to keep it away from your little ones and pets.
The uprooting, packaging, and transport process poses a health threat to any type of plant. It induces stress while it is out of its natural condition and the movement might cause breakage to any of its parts. The lesser time it is out of the soil, the better chance of it surviving.
Although succulents are generally hardy since they can go long periods without water, there are some factors to consider during transport. The proper temperature and airflow should be observed during transport.
Some imported succulents come in bare root or containers. A bare root is preferred for long journey shipping. It prevents rotting because it doesn't have a water content in the soil. Succulent in containers is only beneficial when shipping on short distances, which is favorable.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
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Scientific Name | Common Name | Origin | Toxicity | Lifespan | Maximum Height | |||||
1 | Jade Plant | ![]() | Bring In Luck and Wealth With This Hardy Succulent | Crassula ovata | Jade Plant, Money Plant, Dollar Plant | South Africa | Poisonous to Humans and Pets When Ingested | Up to 70 Years | 72 Inches | |
2 | Zebra Cactus | ![]() | An Eye-Catching and Beginner-Friendly Succulent | Haworthiopsis fasciata | Haworthia, Zebra Haworthia, Zebra Cactus, Star Window Plant | South Africa | Non-Toxic | Up to 50 Years | 8 Inches | |
3 | Aloe Vera | ![]() | A Decorative Plant That Also Purifies the Air | Aloe barbadensis | Aloe Vera | Africa, Specifically the Arabian Peninsula | Aloe Vera Latex May Cause Adverse Effects When Ingested | Up to 12 Years | 24 Inches | |
4 | Burro's Tail | ![]() | Boasts Unique Trailing Stems for a Lovely Hanging Decoration | Sedum morganianum | Burros' Tail, Donkey's Tail | Southern Mexico | Mildly Toxic to Humans and Pets When Ingested | Up to 10 Years or So | 48 Inches | |
5 | Rose Cabbage | ![]() | Pleasing to the Eyes and Easy to Care for | Echevaria imbricata | Blue Rose, Cabbage Rose, Imbricata | Mexico | Non-Toxic | Up to 30 Years | 6 Inches | |
6 | Domino Cactus | ![]() | A Low-Maintenance Succulent for Busy Plant Parents | Echinopsis subdenudata | Domino Cactus, Easter Lily Cactus | South America | Non-Toxic | Up to 10 Years or So | 6 Inches | |
7 | Snake Plant | ![]() | Fuss-Free and Natural Air Purifier | Sansevieria trifasciata | Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue | West Africa | Mildly Toxic to Humans and Pets When Ingested | Up to 25 Years | 48 Inches | |
8 | ZZ Plant | ![]() | Comes With a Lush Foliage to Brighten Your Space | Zamioculcas zamiifolia | ZZ Plant, Aroid Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Zuzu Plant | Eastern and Southern Africa | Toxic to Humans and Pets When Ingested | Up to 10 Years or So | 60 Inches | |
9 | Prickly Pear Cactus | ![]() | A Sturdy Cactus That Provides Health Benefits | Opuntia | Opuntia, Prickly Pear Cactus | South America | Mildly Toxic to Humans and Pets When Ingested | Up to 20 Years | 60 Inches | |
10 | Living Stones | ![]() | Add More Color to Your Place With These Unassuming "Rocks" | Lithops | Living Stones, Lithops, Flowering Stone, Stoneface | Southern Africa | Non-Toxic to Humans and Pets | Up to 50 Years | 2 Inches |
If you want to attract good luck, consider adding a jade plant to your space. Also known as the money tree and believed to symbolize good fortune, many homes and businesses love to have this succulent. Most importantly, this plant is hardy and can easily propagate from clippings or even stray leaves!
This succulent is native to South Africa and has gained popularity due to its low maintenance requirements and ability to thrive indoors in various conditions. It doesn't require excessive watering and can be grown in porous soil with good drainage. Just note that temperature variations, dryness, or nutrition can cause the leaves to change color.
Scientific Name | Crassula ovata |
---|---|
Common Name | Jade Plant, Money Plant, Dollar Plant |
Origin | South Africa |
Toxicity | Poisonous to Humans and Pets When Ingested |
Lifespan | Up to 70 Years |
Maximum Height | 72 Inches |
Characterized by its dark green leaves with white horizontal stripes, the zebra plant is an eye-catching succulent for your living space. Most amateur gardeners won't go wrong in growing it because of its versatility and resilience. Best of all, this plant is non-toxic to humans and pets.
At least four hours of bright indirect sunlight are needed to maintain its color. Just be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight for extended periods; otherwise, the leaves may turn an unsightly red or purple. Watering it once a week is usually sufficient, but overwatering can lead to root rot.
Scientific Name | Haworthiopsis fasciata |
---|---|
Common Name | Haworthia, Zebra Haworthia, Zebra Cactus, Star Window Plant |
Origin | South Africa |
Toxicity | Non-Toxic |
Lifespan | Up to 50 Years |
Maximum Height | 8 Inches |
Perhaps one of the most popular succulents worldwide, the Aloe vera plant is an evergreen perennial that can be grown under various conditions. Additionally, this wondrous succulent has many uses! You can find it in many consumer products like beverages, skin lotions, cosmetics, ointments, and gels. Many plant enthusiasts also enjoy using it as an ornamental plant.
In addition to its utility, this succulent is an oxygen powerhouse. During the day, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night. It also helps clear the air of carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde. In return, simply provide it with four hours of morning sunlight and enough water to keep its soil moist.
Scientific Name | Aloe barbadensis |
---|---|
Common Name | Aloe Vera |
Origin | Africa, Specifically the Arabian Peninsula |
Toxicity | Aloe Vera Latex May Cause Adverse Effects When Ingested |
Lifespan | Up to 12 Years |
Maximum Height | 24 Inches |
Scientific Name | Sedum morganianum |
---|---|
Common Name | Burros' Tail, Donkey's Tail |
Origin | Southern Mexico |
Toxicity | Mildly Toxic to Humans and Pets When Ingested |
Lifespan | Up to 10 Years or So |
Maximum Height | 48 Inches |
The Echeveria imbricata is a small evergreen succulent with tight rosettes arranged in an overlapping circle. Its blue-green saucer-shaped leaves are a distinctive feature. This succulent is one of the oldest hybrids resulting from a cross between two types of Echeverias. It is also considered one of the most adaptable within its species, thriving in sandy soils and in direct sun or partial shade.
This succulent, with its 'blue rose' appearance, is an excellent addition to accentuate any space in your home. Propagation is straightforward and can be done through leaf or stem cuttings. Once established, it requires only occasional watering. The plant is generally disease-free and has no known pests, although you might want to watch out for aphids or other bugs.
Scientific Name | Echevaria imbricata |
---|---|
Common Name | Blue Rose, Cabbage Rose, Imbricata |
Origin | Mexico |
Toxicity | Non-Toxic |
Lifespan | Up to 30 Years |
Maximum Height | 6 Inches |
Nothing says self-sufficient more than cacti! These plants thrive despite neglect. This means that you only need to keep an eye on them every once in a while, which is perfect for people with busy schedules. For beginner plantitos and plantitas, the Easter lily cactus, also referred to as the domino cactus, is an excellent place to start.
The dome-shaped cactus got its name due to the characteristic white spots all over its exterior. It's a good choice for beginners because it can survive prolonged periods of drought and extremely hot weather, making it suitable for the Philippine climate.
Scientific Name | Echinopsis subdenudata |
---|---|
Common Name | Domino Cactus, Easter Lily Cactus |
Origin | South America |
Toxicity | Non-Toxic |
Lifespan | Up to 10 Years or So |
Maximum Height | 6 Inches |
Don't let the name of this plant intimidate you! Known as the snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue, it is characterized by its sword-like leaves. This tough succulent lives up to its name by standing tall and stiff. It can even go without water for up to a month, just needing water when the topsoil is dry.
With no need for direct sunlight, you'll easily find a spot for it. It also has air-purifying qualities, allowing it to absorb pollutants like carbon monoxide. A perfect choice for newbie plant parents, this fuss-free plant adds a pop of color to your room or office!
Scientific Name | Sansevieria trifasciata |
---|---|
Common Name | Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue |
Origin | West Africa |
Toxicity | Mildly Toxic to Humans and Pets When Ingested |
Lifespan | Up to 25 Years |
Maximum Height | 48 Inches |
This plant is considered indestructible for a reason. In addition to being a low-maintenance plant, it also thrives in various conditions. It is best placed in an area with low to moderate light exposure, but it can also withstand extremely low light levels. This makes it a good plant for a bathroom without windows that relies solely on fluorescent lights.
Moreover, it only needs water when the soil is dry, which is great for busy plant parents. To style your bathroom with this plant, you can put it on the floor—it is guaranteed to jazz up the bare area with its beautiful foliage! Furthermore, it can also help purify the air inside your bathroom.
Scientific Name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia |
---|---|
Common Name | ZZ Plant, Aroid Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Zuzu Plant |
Origin | Eastern and Southern Africa |
Toxicity | Toxic to Humans and Pets When Ingested |
Lifespan | Up to 10 Years or So |
Maximum Height | 60 Inches |
The prickly pear is a bushy cactus plant that has a woody trunk, which is often cultivated in many warm areas for its edible fruits and leaves. The fruit contains fiber, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients are key for a healthy blood pressure and immune system.
From leaf pads, one can easily grow it by leaving it in a sunny place for a couple of days to ensure that the base is completely dry. It can also propagate in sandy but well-drained soil. This cactus is both low-maintenance and practical, offering two benefits in one!
Scientific Name | Opuntia |
---|---|
Common Name | Opuntia, Prickly Pear Cactus |
Origin | South America |
Toxicity | Mildly Toxic to Humans and Pets When Ingested |
Lifespan | Up to 20 Years |
Maximum Height | 60 Inches |
Lithops is a type of succulent plant whose name is a combination of the ancient Greek words 'lithos,' meaning stone, and 'ops' for face. These plants are native to the driest areas of South Africa, where most of them have never experienced rainfall. In the wild, they grow at ground level, making them nearly indistinguishable from rocks and sand.
In cultivation, it's essential to place them in a well-lit location due to the intense sunlight they receive in their natural habitat. Lithops are known to be sensitive to different climates and conditions, with overwatering and inadequate light being common causes of decline. However, their various shapes and colors can add a unique flair to your home!
Scientific Name | Lithops |
---|---|
Common Name | Living Stones, Lithops, Flowering Stone, Stoneface |
Origin | Southern Africa |
Toxicity | Non-Toxic to Humans and Pets |
Lifespan | Up to 50 Years |
Maximum Height | 2 Inches |
Don’t limit yourself to succulents. There’s a myriad of indoor plants to make your living space more inspiring and habitable. Check out the following articles via the link below to find your new plant baby soon.
Re-editor: J. Ausa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: |Jade Plant
No. 2: |Zebra Cactus
No. 3: |Aloe Vera
No. 4: |Burro's Tail
No. 5: |Rose Cabbage
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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