10 Fast-Growing Succulents to Plant in Your Garden

Succulents are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants beloved for their ability to thrive in tough conditions. By storing moisture in their leaves, stems, and roots, they can go long periods without water, making them ideal for dry climates and busy schedules. Whether planted in the garden or displayed indoors, these fast-growing varieties add color, texture, and personality to any space.

#1. Echeveria Perle von Nurnburg

Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg forms a rosette with overlapping, spoon-shaped leaves. Its beauty is elevated by a striking blend of blue-gray, pink, and purple hues lightly dusted in pruinose—a fine, whitish powder that gives the plant a frosted appearance.

• Zones: 10 to 11
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-draining soil
• Mature size: 8 to 10 inches tall
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

#2. Agave

Agave is a striking desert succulent, commonly used as an ornamental plant, known for its ability to withstand the harshest conditions with minimal water. Its plump, firm leaves store moisture, helping the plant survive in hot, dry climates. It also produces flowers, typically after 10 to 30 years.

• Zones: 7 to 10
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rocky or sandy, well-draining soil
• Mature size: 6 to 10 feet tall
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets

#3. Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana

Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana is known for its long-lasting, colorful blooms. As an evergreen, it retains its dark green, scallop-edged leaves year-round. Bright red, pink, or yellow flower clusters bloom in large umbels above the foliage.

• Zones: 10 to 12
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil
• Mature size: 12 to 18 inches tall
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets

#4. Sedum

Sedum, also known as a stonecrop, thrives in the heat and drought, making it a great choice for rock gardens and low-maintenance landscapes. It bears star-shaped flowers in clusters ranging in color from white and yellow to pink and red, depending on the variety. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to its colorful blooms.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Sandy or rocky, shallow soil
• Mature size: 2 to 10 inches tall
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

#5. Sedum Angelina

Sedum Angelina has chartreuse or golden needle-like leaves that spiral around the stem. In the summer, it produces tiny yellow star-shaped flowers. And in the fall, the foliage takes on an orange or rust tone. This succulent is a perennial, and in mild climates, remains evergreen through winter.

• Zones: 5 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining soil
• Mature size: 4 to 6 inches tall
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

#6. Panda Plant

Panda Plant, also referred to as the Chocolate Soldier Plant, stands out with its pale green leaves covered in grayish-white fuzz, rimmed with chocolate brown spots. While it cannot tolerate intense heat or direct sunlight, it is not a low-light houseplant. It can produce small red flowers during the summer when grown outdoors, but it’s rare for it to flower when grown indoors.

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining soil
• Mature size: 2 feet tall
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets

#7. Hens and Chicks

Hens and Chicks is a compact geometric plant. A larger central rosette known as the hen is surrounded by smaller offshoots called chicks. The arrangement resembles a mother hen with her young. Over time, the chicks become hens, and the cycle continues.

• Zones: 3 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil
• Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

#8. Ice Plant

Ice Plant gets its name from the tiny hairs on the plant’s leaves and stems, which reflect light in a way that resembles ice crystals. The foliage may be pink, red, purple, yellow, or orange. Since this succulent is cold-sensitive, many varieties are evergreen in warm, dry regions. It is planted in sunny but sheltered desert gardens, rock gardens, or slopes as ground cover or edging.

• Zones: 4 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Sandy, well-drained soil
• Mature size: 3 to 6 inches tall
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets

#9. Mother of Millions

Mother of Millions is commonly known as the Chandelier Plant for its drooping flowers. Clusters of bright orange blooms hang from upright stems, contrasting with green-gray leaves that may be marked with brownish-red spots. This succulent grows best in hot, arid conditions.

• Zones: 10 to 11
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Loamy or sandy, well-drained soil
• Mature size: 3 to 4 feet
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets

#10. Flapjack Kalanchoe

Flapjack Kalanchoe is named after the distinctive shape of its leaves, which resemble a stack of pancakes. Its round leaves remain green in color with distinctive dark red edges throughout the year. The flowering stalk features white or yellow bell-shaped flowers from late winter to early spring.

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Loamy or sandy, well-drained soil
• Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
• Toxicity: Toxic to pets

Reach Out to The Massey Team

Whether you’re sprucing up an outdoor space or adding greenery indoors, fast-growing succulents are an easy way to create a fresh, inviting look. If you’re ready to buy a new home with more room to garden or display potted plants inside, The Massey Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties has you covered.

Our professional Realtors, with over 50 years of combined experience, are here to make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Speak with a member of our team by contacting us today at (618) 791-5024 or (618) 791-9298!