Let’s pause to appreciate succulents that resemble coral reefs that decided to combine the land and the sea to create a breathtaking work of art.

These cacti demonstrate how plants can thrive in arid and rocky conditions while resembling marine life. Their vivid hues, distinctive forms, and coral-like textures give arid land a hint of ocean beauty, demonstrating that life can still be beautiful even in the most hostile environments!

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Succulents That Look Like Coral Reefs

1. Firestick Plant

Botanical name: Euphorbia tirucalli

The Firestick Plant looks like someone set a coral bush on fire, but in a good way. When the sun is strong, its tall green stems turn bright red, orange, or yellow. This gives it the look of fiery coral under the water.

It does best in sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. Euphorbia tirucalli can also handle drought very well. It can grow to be 6 to 10 feet tall outside.

Be careful with it because the milky sap is poisonous and can make the skin and eyes hurt. Because its thick, upright, coral-like stems make it a good living fence, a lot of people use it as one.

2. Gollum Jade

Botanical name: Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’

The leaves of Gollum Jade look like coral tubes because they are long and thin. The leaves stay bright green, but the tips turn red or orange when the sun shines on them. It can grow to be 12 to 18 inches tall and does best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water it only a little bit and let the soil dry out completely.

It might bloom with small star-shaped flowers in the winter, but this doesn’t happen often inside. People think it brings good luck, and many people use it to bring in good energy. Put your tips in a place where they will get a few hours of morning sun if you want them to be brighter.

3. Jelly Bean Plant

Botanical name: Sedum rubrotinctum

Well, The Jelly Bean Plant looks just like its name: tiny jelly beans stacked up like coral beads. The leaves are green, but when the sun shines on them, they turn a pretty red or orange color. stacked like coral beads. The leaves are green but blush to a pretty red or orange shade in bright sun.

It’s super easy to grow: just forget about watering until the soil is bone dry. In spring or summer, it produces small yellow star-shaped flowers. And if a leaf falls off? You can grow a new plant from it—like magic.

Again, just remember that it’s mildly toxic, so keep it away from curious pets and kids.

4. Blue Chalksticks

Botanical name: Senecio mandraliscae

The cool, blue, finger-like leaves of blue chalksticks grow in clusters and resemble underwater coral rising from the ground. It gets brighter blue the more sunlight it receives—that’s a party trick.

Blue Chalksticks is native to South Africa and thrives in gritty soil and full sun. It can easily withstand drought thanks to its thick leaves. In addition to producing tiny white flowers in the summer, people frequently grow it as ground cover or along borders.

But yes—it’s toxic if eaten, so keep pets and curious kids away.

5. Coral Reef Echeveria

Botanical name: Echeveria ‘Coral Reef’

This one appears to be a classic Echeveria dipped in coral-pink paint. It has the appearance of a real reef thanks to the bluish-green rosettes with coral edges.

It requires very little water, grows well in bright light, and maintains its compact size, hence it’s good for windowsills. And it’s safe for kids and pets, which is like a cherry on top!

6. Bunny Succulent

Botanical name: Monilaria obconica

The award for cuteness goes to this plant. It produces two tiny shoots that resemble rabbit ears in the spring. Bunny Succulent makes sense as it is among the most popular succulents on the internet.

It is native to South Africa and prefers bright light, cool weather, and little watering. Its cute “ears” can get scorched by too much sun or water.

You might be blessed with daisy-like flowers if you take good care of it. Patience is essential because it grows slowly from seeds and is uncommon.

7. Paddle Plant

Botanical name: Kalanchoe thyrsiflora

The Paddle Plant is known for its flat, round leaves that look like stacked pancakes. In bright light or cool weather, the leaf edges turn red or pink, giving it a coral-like glow. It thrives in bright spots, needs little water, and prefers well-draining soil.

It can reach 18 inches tall and produces yellow tubular flowers in late winter or spring. The main plant may die after flowering, but new pups usually grow around it.

It’s toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach. If you want stronger colors, give it more morning sunlight—just avoid harsh midday heat.

8. Ghost Plant

Botanical name: Graptopetalum paraguayense

Ghost Plant has pearl-like rosettes that change from bluish-gray to pinkish-yellow depending on sunlight—just like soft coral that shifts shades underwater.

It’s easy-going, drought-tolerant, and can regrow from a single fallen leaf. That makes it a favorite among new succulent lovers.

There’s also a wild plant nicknamed the Ghost Plant—Monotropa uniflora—but it’s not a succulent. It’s a mysterious, all-white forest plant that doesn’t need sunlight to grow. Two very different plants with equally fascinating looks.

Now that you’ve explored these coral-like succulents, you know exactly what to pick for a garden that feels a little tropical and a little ocean-inspired. If you’ve grown any of these or discovered tricks to keep their colors bright, share your tips in the comments!