Most succulent plants grow slowly, but if you remain consistent and patient, they will grow tall over the years and become bigger than other plants in your garden.
The most known succulents that grow tall are the Cereus peruvians- a cactus which grows to 110 feet in India.
Other than cactus plants, yuccas like the Joshua tree, agave, and Eve’s needle also grows tall, becoming some of the tallest succulent plants in any park. If you are looking for size, a baobab is also a huge succulent.
Are you someone who loves fleshy leaves and vertical growth? We have combined a list of some tall succulent plants that are easy to care for as well.
Here are some succulents that grow tall and will make the perfect addition to your home. These tall succulent types are easy to care for, so don’t worry too much about their maintenance:
Mother of Millions (Kalanchoe Tubiflora)
Table of Contents
Mother of millions are tall succulents that can grow taller than the average man- it can reach a height of 7 feet, but it only spreads 3 feet.
The name of this succulent is derived from the fact that it can have more offspring than a thousand women combined.
Each leaf of this plant grows many pups that fall to the ground and grow into tiny plants. Moreover, the stalks and foliage contain shades of blue, purple, gray, violet, brown, and green.
The best part about these succulent plants is that the color changes based on how strong the sunlight is.
Bright orange and bell-shaped flowers grow above the plant in clusters at any time of the year.
Unlike other succulent plants, Mother of millions grows quickly and does not have a life span longer than two years.
However, it reproduces rapidly, which means that it can fill up your garden quickly. Moreover, this rare beauty can be found in Mediterranean gardens and exotic deserts.
These low-maintenance tall plants grow in USA zones 10 to 11 and require well-drained soil.
It thrives in sand, clay, or loam-based soil with a pH of mildly alkaline and mildly acidic. The succulent plant is drought tolerant as well as resistant to rocky soil.
Adenium Obesum (Desert Rose)
Desert rose grows on outcroppings and rocky slopes in the wild and is easy to fall in love with at first sight. This gorgeous succulent plant grows to a height of 4 feet.
It has healthy, fleshy leaves that store water for long periods of time. When cared for properly, these succulent plants grow beautiful red or pink flowers.
One of the most coveted features of the Desert rose is that it has a thick bottom that is covered with spines. The plant’s stems support stunning blooms, round leaves, and white-brown or red seed pots.
One of the main reasons these tall succulent plants are popular is that they do not require too much maintenance- these low-maintenance plants require minimum sunlight and space.
These indoor plants are great for gardeners who do not have too much space in their homes but want to grow indoor tall succulents. They can be grown on the floor or table, depending on where you have available space.
However, the desert rose plant needs to be repotted every two years so that it can maintain its size and shape. If it remains in the same pot, it will not grow upright as it blooms fast. We recommend replanting the desert rose during the summer months.
Century Plant (Agave Americana)
The agave species will remain a small succulent for a very long time, and just when it is about to complete its lifespan, the agave plant will shoot into a huge plant, becoming a tall succulent of 30 feet in height and 8 feet in width.
Agave plants are common tall succulent plants that are known for their pointed blue leaves that grow into a wide and round rosette.
For decades, these plants will remain spherical like decorative leaves, and out of the blue, you will notice a long stem growing above. This is a flower stem that is known as a quiote.
The white or yellow flowers will grow alongside this long stalk, reaching 24 feet tall if cared for properly.
Once the blooms have served their time, the quiote will fall to the ground, and the plant will die. However, you will find lots of offsets at the base that can be propagated to grow new plants.
A Century plant looks like a statue during its life- it is a slow grower and does not destroy the surroundings it grows in, making it great for deserts and Mediterranean, coastal, urban, and gravel gardens.
These tall growing succulents grow well in warm temperatures and require well-draining soil. Moreover, it is drought-tolerant.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria Spp.)
Even though a snake plant will not grow too much in pots, it can grow 8 feet tall when planted in full soil.
This mainly depends on the conditions and snake plant species, but this tall succulent can look more attractive when given the correct space to grow.
Snake plants have curved, long plants that point to the sky with lots of color combinations. Blue, silver, yellow, and green patches grow on their leaves, making every snake plant look unique.
Moreover, the waxy surface, smooth leaves, and elegance of this plant make it perfect to keep indoors or outdoors.
The variegated snake plant is a winner among this specie- it grows well as a houseplant and, if you live in a hot region, you can shift the plant outdoors when it becomes a tall succulent.
The best part about these tall succulent plants is that the sculptural look of the plant makes it go well with all surroundings, making it perfect for coastal gardens and elegant outdoor surroundings.
All you have to do is provide the plant with soil that has a pH that is neutral or mildly alkaline.
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia Milii)
The Crown of Thorns may grow slowly, but before you know it, it will become a tall shrub that is 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
This is a renowned succulent plant that has spiked and soft stems, along with oval leaves that are green in color. The aesthetics of this plant make it perfect for a gorgeous backdrop.
Even though these tall succulent plants grow small leaves, the bright red and pea-shaped bracts that circle them look gorgeous. These stay on the plant for a long time and ensure that the Crown of Thorns blooms throughout the year in the right conditions.
In the winter season, the foliage becomes orange and then wine red- the perfect winter colors that will brighten up your garden on the bleakest of days.
This plant usually grows well in containers but can also thrive in beds, borders, and hedges.
It is a popular low-maintenance plant that provides a burst of color throughout the year and does not require too much care.
All you need is sand, chalk, or loam-based well-drained soil with a pH that is mildly alkaline to mildly acidic. It grows well in full sun and is a hardy plant that can grow several feet tall under the right conditions and is drought tolerant.
Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra)
An elephant bush is a succulent that can grow tall with little to no care. It has arching branches that resemble the trucks of pachyderms. Even though they are soft, you may think that they look rough. When young, they have a tinge of purple and are shiny and tender.
Along the branches, the leaves of jade plants are heart-shaped and small. They are as green and as waxy as a jade plant.
The best part is that these tall succulent plant’s leaves are nutritious, edible, and have medicinal qualities. Usually, jade plants are used to treat insect bites on the skin and help with indigestion and stomach problems.
This succulent plant grows in the form of a shrub that falls to one side and reaches 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
This plant does not need too much attention- it thrives in the most severe conditions, including drought. This makes it perfect for growing in containers, borders, hedges, and rock gardens.
Moreover, it creates a wonderful backdrop for Mediterranean gardens and courtyards. However, the only sad part is that these succulent plants barely bloom.
They require well-draining soil with a pH that is mildly alkaline to mildly acidic. Moreover, these tall succulent plants are drought tolerant, so if you live in an area where rainfall is scarce, these plants are perfect for growing.
Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
A Jade plant is perfect if you want your space to look posh and elegant. The thick branches of this succulent plant grow tall with curves at different angles, causing the plant to sprawl and droop in certain regions.
Under the correct care, these plants grow oval-shaped leaves, with each leaf being 13 inches. Because of the leaf ridges, the plant has a rough surface texture, which makes it perfect for hanging around the house.
You can expect this succulent to grow 15 feet tall, making it the tallest succulent on this list. Its name is derived from its resemblance to jade.
These plants require full sun regions to grow well- they thrive in bright natural sunlight, so if you live in a region that is cloudy on most days, we do not recommend getting the Jade plant.
Even though the jade plant is a succulent that grows tall, it needs more water than other plants. Hence, we recommend watering it once a week, particularly if you live in a very dry area.
A variegated jade plant cannot tolerate humidity, so even though it requires more water than other tall succulents, you must ensure that you do not over-water the plant or grow it in poorly drained soil.
If you are not careful, it will develop root rot.
Opuntia Ficus Indica (Barbary Fig)
This succulent plant is identified by its flat, wide, branching pads and is commonly known as paddle cactus or nopal cactus. The leaves grow sharp spines, but spineless varieties include O.ellisiana.
Once this succulent has been thoroughly cleaned, the fruit, flowers, and pads it grows are edible.
These prickly pear succulents can be found in dry, warm climates, but if you live in a cold area, you can grow its Eastern varieties, such as O.humifusa.
During the winter season, you may find the plants looking wilted and shriveled but don’t worry- they will become green and lush as soon as spring arrives.
You can expect these plants to grow 10 to 15 feet tall, especially if they are grown as outdoor plants in full sun.
The colors of the pear flowers depend on the type, but you can expect purple or red flowers to bloom.
We recommend transplanting these succulents to the same level at which they are growing, as planting them deeper can lead to root rot.
Moreover, they must be handled with care as they can prick you, and the pads can easily break off.
These tall succulents prefer soil that is well-drained with alkaline to neutral pH levels. Keep in mind that puddling and residual moisture can lead to root rot.
African Milk Tree (Euphorbia Trigona)
The African milk tree is native to South Africa and has rapid growth, which is why homeowners usually grow it as a hedge.
When you look at this tall succulent, you will think that it looks like a cactus- it is no wonder that the African milk tree is known as the good luck cactus, friendship cactus, cathedral cactus, and candelabra cactus.
However, don’t be confused- the African Milk Tree is a succulent plant, not a cactus! It has triangular stems with three sides covered in ridges. You should handle African milk trees with care as the ridges contain thorns- the tear-shaped leaves look beautiful, but if you are not careful, you could get hurt.
African milk trees remain green and gorgeous throughout the growing season. Moreover, other plants that grow from these tall succulent’s stem cuttings have a light green color with narrow leaves.
As the growing season continues, you will notice the plant becoming bright red- this may be one of the most beautiful sights you come across.
The tree has a long life and can grow 2 feet to 9 feet tall. However, if you grow this as an indoor plant, it will grow to half its height.
If you live in an arid region where temperatures are above 50 F, you can grow the tree outdoors. One cannot deny the beauty this succulent adds to any landscape.
It must be kept in mind that the plant is toxic to humans and pets. Moreover, you should handle the plant with gloves as it can be toxic to the mouth, eyes, and skin.
In fact, if you accidentally rub your eyes, you can experience intense eye irritation. When swallowed, this plant may lead to convulsions. Hence, keep pets and children far away from it.
Fishhook Barrel Cactus
Fishhook Barrel Cactus thrives in subtropical or tropical regions in warm temperatures and extreme sunlight. The ideal temperature to grow this outdoor plant is between 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. Anything lower or higher can slow down the growth of the Fishhook barrel cactus and cause dormancy.
Moreover, air humidity should also be relatively low when growing this succulent plant. If you are growing it indoors, you must keep the environment ventilated as high humidity can damage the plant.
Even though the barrel cactus can be grown in the garden or on the balcony, prolonged exposure to bright sunlight is not recommended in extreme summer months. During this time, you must keep the plant in a shaded region so that it does not get damaged.
Moreover, gravel-rich, fertile soil that has a pH level of between 6 to 7 is recommended for ideal growth. The roots of the barrel cactus are vulnerable to oxygen deficiency, which means that if the plant does not receive enough water and air, it will develop root rot.
To determine permeability, check to see if the water is passing through the soil quickly. If you find that it hinders the soil surface, you will need to repot this evergreen succulent and provide it with some extra care. Loosening the soil every year will also ensure that the soil remains well-ventilated.
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)
Organ pipe cactus gets its name from its multi-limbed appearance that resembles pipes of big organs that you can commonly find in churches. Organ pipe cactus best grows in hot climates and warm temperatures.
These succulent plants grow 26 feet tall, so they must be planted in an area with plenty of space. However, the organ pipe cactus is a slow-growing cactus, so you can plant it in a container for a few years before repotting it into a bigger container.
Even though these succulents grow tall, you need to be careful that the pot you plant them in does not have too much moisture. You can use a cactus mix or make your own potting soil with some perlite and sand.
Even though this succulent plant loves water, many homeowners tend to overwater it, leading to its demise. Hence, you should only water it in the early spring months and completely refrain from watering the plant from November to February.
These succulents that grow tall have huge, bright flowers. The greenish-yellow flowers and narrow leaves make this plant beautiful to look at. A fun fact is that the flowers grow towards the outer region of the cactus so that insect pollinators and bats can feed off the blooms. These flowers are usually pollinated by moths or bats at night.
If you care for them well, the flowers will yield juicy fruits that have red flesh. While we do not guarantee that homegrown cactus can produce white flowers, this tall succulent will attract people from different parts of the neighborhood to admire its beauty when grown outdoors.
Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium lamerei)
A Madagascar palm is one of the most beautiful succulent plants you can get for your home. Don’t be confused by its name- this is not a palm, but instead, a beautiful, tall-growing succulent.
A Madagascar palm does not require too much care, making it the perfect choice for those looking for low-maintenance plants. Even though the Madagascar palm grows best in full sunlight, you can also grow it indoors as long as it is provided with sufficient lighting.
The silver stem of the Madagascar palm is thick and has sharp spines with leathery leaves that grow on top. The plant’s trunk can quickly grow 20 feet tall outdoors and 6 feet tall indoors. If you choose to grow the plant outdoors, you will notice huge, white flowers that resemble trumpets. However, the plant barely blooms when it is grown indoors. Mature plants branch out after their flowering process.
Since the plant likes staying dry, it must be grown in well-draining soil, and the pot it grows in must have a drainage hole. However, the plant should only be watered when the soil is completely dry. We recommend not watering the plant at all during the winter to avoid root rot.
Conclusion
This is the perfect guide for those who are looking for a way to grow tall succulents, especially when kept indoors or outdoors. The tall succulent types in this list are low maintenance and can easily be cared for, even if you do not have too much experience growing plants.
The best part about tall succulent plants is that they do not require any special kind of soil, so drainage is usually not a problem either!