Check out these succulents that look and grow like air plants, combining lush, water-holding features with an airy, delicate shape.
Nature often imitates itself, and this is especially true when it comes to succulents. We’re about to explore succulents that look and grow like air plants. Along with their unique characteristics and appearance, these plants can also help purify indoor air, improving overall health and well-being.
Succulents and Air Plants
Succulents and air plants are indoor gardening favorites because they’re easy to care for and look unique. Both thrive in dry conditions but do it differently. Succulents store water in their leaves, while air plants, especially those in the Tillandsia genus, use specialized scales called trichomes to retain moisture. This ability helps them survive in dry environments, making them low-maintenance and popular.
Some succulents even resemble air plants with their slender, curving leaves and rosette shapes, coming in lively greens to silvery grays. These look-alikes enjoy bright, indirect sunlight and good air circulation, growing well in well-draining soil with only occasional watering.
Succulents that Look and Grow Like Air Plants
1. String of Pearls
Botanical Name: Senecio Rowleyanus
The String of Pearls has long, trailing stems with small, round leaves that look like beads or pearls, much like Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). You can grow this succulent in well-drained soil and bright, indirect light.
Additionally, its ability to store water in its round leaves makes it great for dry conditions, just like air plants. However, be aware that its leaves are somewhat toxic to pets and humans.
2. Jade Plant
Botanical Name: Crassula Ovata
The Jade Plant is popular for its dense, tree-like structure and thick, shiny leaves, which remind us of the robust Tillandsia xerographica. Unlike most air plants, Jade Plants need more frequent watering but thrive under bright light.
Jade Plants are symbols of prosperity and good luck in many cultures and you can gift it too to whoever you wish for. Along with that they are also known for their longevity. Some Jade Plants can live for several decades with proper care.
3. Topsy Turvy Echeveria
Botanical Name: Echeveria runyonii ‘Topsy Turvy’
Topsy Turvy Echeveria exhibits spirally arranged, curled leaves that echo the twisty appearance of Tillandsia streptophylla. Apart from that, its preference for bright sunlight and minimal water needs aligns it closely with the care requirements of air plants.
4. Cooper’s Haworthia
Botanical Name: Haworthia cooperi
Cooper’s Haworthia stands out with its translucent, bulbous and crystal-like leaves, similar to the rosette form of Tillandsia ionantha. This succulent does well in well-draining soil and low-light conditions, much like some hardy air plants. Plus, it has beautiful “windowed” leaves that help it absorb sunlight efficiently.
5. Lace Aloe
Botanical Name: Aloe aristata
Lace Aloe has thick, pointed leaves that look like the spiky foliage of Tillandsia caput-medusae. In addition, it needs more water than most air plants but shares their aesthetic appeal and low-maintenance traits. Aloe aristata is known for its hardiness and can tolerate various light conditions, just like its air plant look-alikes.
6. Panda Plant
Botanical Name: Kalanchoe tomentosa
The Panda Plant’s fuzzy leaves and unique texture resemble the velvety surface of Tillandsia tectorum. Plus, it thrives in environments with lower humidity and bright light, mirroring the environmental preferences of certain air plants while offering a distinct appearance in succulent collections.
Fact: The fuzzy leaves of the Panda Plant are not just for show—they help reduce water loss by trapping moisture and providing some shade to the leaf surface.
7. Burro’s Tail or Donkey Tail
Botanical Name: Sedum morganianum
Burro’s Tail showcases trailing, tail-like growth similar to hanging air plants like Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). Its need for ample sunlight and reasonable watering makes it a suitable option to air plants in hanging planters or as a trailing accent in succulent arrangements.
Note that Burro’s Tail is very sensitive to touch, and its leaves can fall off easily. It’s best to place it in a spot where it won’t be disturbed frequently.
8. Bates Gasteria
Botanical Name: Gasteria batesiana
Last on our list this succulent’s thick, tongue-shaped leaves remembers you the robust foliage of Tillandsia xerographica. It is a slow growing succulent and its preference for moderate light and periodic watering aligns it with the care needs of certain air plants, making it a great look-alike.
Fact: Gasteria plants are known for their medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the gel from Gasteria leaves is used to treat skin conditions and minor wounds.
