Do you also have a habit of discovering new succulents that do not look like succulents? Then this list is going to be your top choice.
When one says “succulents”, the first few ideas that come to mind are plump leaves and rosette shapes. However, we have discovered some plants that challenge the basic idea of a succulent. With a variety of succulents out there, these plants are here to be your number one choice.
Succulents That Do Not Look Like Succulents
1. Madagascar Palm
Botanical name: Pachypodium lamerei
A natural-growing miniature desert warrior, the Madagascar Palm is a succulent with spiny armor. This armor helps ward off hungry herbivores, making it both tough and stylish.
Most succulents grow pretty quickly, but the Madagascar Palm takes its sweet time to grow. Once it grows, it rewards you with a thick, sculpted trunk. And if you have enough patience, it might even reward you with its beautiful white, plumeria-type blooms.
2. String of Dolphins
Botanical name: Senecio peregrinus
A plant that brings the vibes of the ocean into your home. This is a hybrid of the String of Pearls and the Candle Plant, making it a rare catch in the succulent kingdom.
This succulent gives out baby dolphin-shaped leaves, which sometimes lose their shape when they mature. If you want the dolphin leaves to maintain their playful shape, keep them in bright light. And if luck is on your side, you might be gifted with tiny white flowers that give out the smell of cinnamon, a little extra spice from its oceanic resemblance.
3. Candle Plant
Botanical name: Euphorbia tirucalli
This succulent is mistaken for a cactus because of the bunch of green stick shapes that it has. It is a euphorbia consisting of toxic sap that was once used as a medicine in ancient cultures, and at present, it is being studied by scientists for biofuel.
It puts on a show with its red and orange hues if exposed to bright light or cooler surroundings. A survivor plant that can withstand drought, but If you give your plant enough space, Candle Plant can turn into a big tree that grows up to 30 feet in the wild.
4. African Milk Tree
Botanical name: Euphorbia trigona
An easy-to-care-for giant succulent, the African Milk Tree can reach a height of 8 feet indoors with minimal care, often producing rarely noticed tiny red blooms that add to its appearance.
Sometimes, it can also develop a wavy or crested shape and become even more evident.
Interesting fact – In several African cultures, the African Milk Tree is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. So, it is not just a statement piece but also a lucky charm for you.
5. Crested Euphorbia
Botanical name: Euphorbia lactea ‘Cristata’
This is a lovely succulent for your place. It has a fan-like body due to a genetic mutation known as fasciation. This condition turns its simple stems and gives it the shape.
Crested Euphorbia has ridges that look like ocean coral and can take pink or purple shades if exposed to bright sunlight.
6. ZZ plant
Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The ZZ plant is full of surprises. Its potato-like rhizomes hide under the soil and are there to store water, which is the reason it can survive for months without water. It has shiny leaves that brightens the color even more.
The plant can thrive even in near-total darkness, so it is perfect for low-light spaces like offices or basements. This makes it a beautiful centerpiece for your table.
7. Mimicry Plant
Botanical name: Pleiospilos nelii
A plant known for its camouflage, the Mimicry plant earns its name because of its ability to disappear into its surroundings. It can disguise itself among rocks to avoid being devoured by animals. This plant has a strict “two-leaf rule,” meaning it cannot grow more than a pair at one time and replaces the old with the new every year.
With just the right amount of care, this succulent can live for decades, turning into a lifelong companion.
Interesting fact – The Mimicry Plant produces daisy-like blooms that can be even larger than the plant itself!
8. Silver Dollar Vine
Botanical name: Xerosicyos danguyi
The Silver Dollar Vine is a succulent belonging to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae), making it a distant relative of cucumbers and melons. The coin-shaped leaves store water and help it withstand dry conditions.
This particular succulent grows like a vine, using its tendrils to climb, but it can also thrive in hanging baskets as a trailing plant. A very beginner-friendly plant, but a rare find even in nurseries.
9. Adenia Glauca
Botanical name: Adenia glauca Schinz
Adenia Glauca is a distant relative of passionflowers. This plant is the perfect choice if you have to decorate y9ur living room. It can be a perfect corner piece.
During the dry seasons, it sheds its leaves, but the vines keep on growing. This plant is also dioecious, meaning a male and a female plant are needed for seed production.
10. Hottentot Bread
Botanical name: Dioscorea elephantipes
Hottentot Bread is a succulent that resembles a cracked tortoiseshell and can withstand drought. It has a bold appearance which is beautiful to look at throughout the year. It is also a slow-growing plant and can take years to reach its full height, but once grown completely it is your companion for decades.
That was our list of succulents that are a little different from the usual ones! Let us know in the comments if we missed your favorite among them!
