Want a cacti-like plant in your collection but are too afraid? Check out these spiky succulents that are surprisingly easy to handle.
If you have been wanting to add some cacti-like spiky plants to your collection for a while now and are afraid of getting hurt, we have got your back. Gardening should be a breeze, and the closest alternative to cacti is spiky succulents. So, here are some that are surprisingly easy to handle!
Spiky Succulents That Are Surprisingly Easy to Handle
1. Aloe vera
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
We all know and love the spiky aloe vera that can grow practically anywhere and is really forgiving. This plant really lives up to that adjective because even though it has soft thorns along the sides of its pointed, spiky leaves, they don’t actually hurt at all when you handle the plant!
Generally, these spines or sharp edges are there to protect the plant from being eaten by any predatory animals. But these sharp “teeth” hardly do any damage to humans.
Bonus: Aloe vera is also packed with soothing gel that’s great for skin burns, which makes it both beautiful and useful.
2. Haworthia
Botanical Name: Haworthia attenuata
Have you noticed how Haworthias often look like mini aloe veras? Most Haworthia species showcase the classic spiky, pointed leaves that are the hallmark of an aloe vera.
Plus, just like the medicinal succulent, Haworthia species also have raised, or serrated edges on their leaves, which might look pointy and hurtful but are actually soft.
If you truly want your Haworthia to stand out, choose species with variegations like the Zebra Haworthia with white horizontal stripes across its leaves.
They also make great desk plants since they love bright, indirect light and don’t need frequent watering.
3. Agave
Botanical Name: Agave americana
People generally tend to add Agave species to their collection for a dramatic and architectural look. But what makes it so? Well, for one, they are well-known for their distinctive, spiky appearance (quite foreboding on first look!).
The thick, fleshy leaves arranged in the classic rosette pattern somewhat contribute to the scary appearance. But, additionally, these leaves also often have spines on the edges. However, these are often blunt, depending on the variety.
For a succulent that grows slowly and stays compact in small containers and pots, pick the Agave!
4. African Milk Tree
Botanical Name: Euphorbia trigona
This is usually a plant that you would see in the collection of succulent pros. This succulent showcases a spiky appearance because of its distinctive triangular stems and ridges on the edges.
Plus, these ridges generally have small thorns too. But there is no need to worry too much as the thorns may be prominent but are not too sharp.
But there is one thing you must be mindful of when handling the African milk tree is its sap. It is toxic, so you must keep it away from kids and pets.
5. Crown of Thorns
Botanical Name: Euphorbia milii
Living up to its name, the defining feature of this Euphorbia species is its “spiky-ness,” meaning the numerous, sharp thorns all over its branches and stems. These are actually a natural defense mechanism for the plant, which helps it to avoid being preyed upon by herbivores.
But besides the spiky stems, this succulent is sought after for its bright, green foliage and small, colorful bracts.
Note: The Crown of Thorns is not completely harmless like others on this list, so you must handle it with gloves. But it is quite easy to take care of, and thrives on neglect.
6. Ox Tongue
Botanical Name: Gasteria carinata var. Verrucosa
Whether you know this plant by its scientific name Gasteria or by the common name “Ox Tongue”, it is because of the unique shape of the leaves. Most importantly, the leaves often appear spiky or warty because they are covered by small, wart-like protrusions. These are called tubercles and these give the succulent its texture and almost a “spiky” look.
Of course, these are not pronounced like spines and thanks to the bumpy or blunt structures, you won’t get hurt handling this plant.
7. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
We all know snake plants are super easy to handle and of course, there will be a lot of debate on whether they are actually spiky. The answer is actually yes! No matter whether you pick a variegated one or the cylindrical snake plant, the upright leaves have quite slender, upright, and pointed leaves, often compared to a sword or a spear.
Of course, these sword-like leaves are not sharp to the touch and add to the elegant, architectural look of the plant.
8. Ponytail Palm
Botanical Name: Beaucarnea recurvata
Surprised to see the Ponytail Palm on here? Well, on first glance, you may find that the clusters of narrow, arching leaves are anything but spiky. In fact, they resemble more of a ponytail than harmful spikes.
However, the narrow leaves are stiff enough such that they create not just a visually striking effect but also a “sharp, spiky” one.
Consider this succulent like a mini palm tree filled with a lot of attitude!
9. Barrel Cactus
Botanical Name: Ferocactus spp.
We have officially come to the end of the list of spiky succulents, hence the cactus. While you wouldn’t expect a cactus to be harmless, just a pair of gloves can go a long way! Barrel cactus is usually named so for its classic cylindrical shape, and ribbed surface covered with spines.
These spines are often long and sharp enough to deter herbivores and help it survive in arid environments.
10. Pickle Plant
Botanical Name: Delosperma echinatum
If you’ve never seen a succulent that looks like a fuzzy little cucumber, meet the Pickle Plant! This quirky succulent has slender, spiky stems covered in tiny, soft hair-like spines that give it a “prickly” look—but don’t worry, they’re not sharp at all. You can touch them without feeling a thing.
It’s super easy to care for, loves bright indirect light, and grows in a quirky trailing pattern that looks great in hanging baskets or small pots. Despite the spiky appearance, this one’s all show and no sting!
So, that’s all about the spiky succulents to add to your collection that won’t harm you when you are handling them. Which one is your favorite and why? Tell us in the comments below!
