Nature’s mimicry amazes! That’s why, Succulents That Look Like Something Out of This World are worth checking out for their unexpected looks!
These ordinary succulents become extraordinary due to their surprising shapes and forms, making you feel like you are in a fantasy world. They are a must-have collection for all plant-loving pals or succulent lovers!
Succulents That Look Like Something Out of This World!
1. Fockea comaru
This succulent has a large tuber with thin, twisted vine-like branches that usually appear in winter. Its unusual shape makes it look like an alien brain with tendrils, just like a science fiction creature. The caudex (bulbous part) differs in shape with gray or brown.
Interestingly, the vines can grow quite long, so be prepared to give it some space or provide support to climb on.
2. Crassula alstonii
Crassula alstonii is a dwarf, monocarpic succulent whose leaves grow close to each other, forming a spherical rosette. It grows up to 2 inches tall and produces pale yellow tubular flowers that turn brown in the fall. This plant in a pot appears like a group of mini UFOs landed on the earth.
3. Cereus forbesii monstrose ‘Ming Thing’
This clumping cactus naturally bears a normal growth, forming an irregular club-like shape, and appears as a coral formation from an alien underwater world. You can plant this slow grower with a succulent potting mix in a place with filtered shade. It reaches up to 1 foot only!
And if you don’t want to deal with thorns, the good news—this one is thornless, which is why it is safe for any area or anyone.
4. Stapelia leendertziae f. cristata
The unique stapelias are succulents with large, dark purple, star-shaped fleshy blooms that emit a foul smell. People often compare them to alien starships decked on the plants. Known for their trailing stems that hang down over the pot. The stems are usually pale green but turn reddish if exposed to bright sunlight.
5. Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Barbillion’
Popular for its attractive foliage and slow-growing nature, this hybrid variety features rosettes with wavy leaves and ruffled edges that look like the frills of an extraterrestrial jellyfish. The best part about this variety is its color-changing ability throughout the season.
6. Pseudolithos cubiformis
This succulent belongs to a very odd species with a leafless, single stem whose shape is not uniform. Sometimes, it’s semi-spherical, while other times, it’s cube-like with a rough texture, resembling a collection of some unusual artifacts from another dimension. Its flowers are white to pale green with tiny hairs on the tips and appear in late summer.
7. Euphorbia obesa
Native to South Africa. It is a small succulent with a ball-like structure with vertical stripes and has solitary gray-green stems that become cylindrical on maturity, appearing like a mini textured space orb. The plant produces yellow flowers and 3-angle capsules-sized small fruits.
8. Trachyandra tortilis
A beautiful and intriguing plant with curly, or you can say rod-like or ribbon-like leaves that twist and turn, it seems like an unusual underwater coral is growing in a plant. However, these folding and coiling leaves vary from plant to plant. This perennial plant can grow up to 25 cm in height, surrounded by 3-6 basal leaves.
9. Crested Senecio vitalis
This bluish-green twisted fan-like succulent resembles a mermaid tail. It is native to the Cape of South Africa and is super easy to grow during winter—it requires little water, full sun, or partial shade with well-draining soil. In summer, it is in its dormancy phase. A perfect match for the forgetful caretakers!
10. Bowiea volubilis
Bowiea volubilis is a plant with a large green scaly bulb, like an onion, with leafless stems and white flowers. Its first appearance will make you feel it’s a living creature from another plant. But it’s a perennial succulent from deserts, known for quickly producing stems. Do not consume it—it’s toxic to humans. However, it’s a great ornamental plant.
11. Crassula umbella ‘Wine Cup’
This one is a gorgeous plant with flat umbrella-shaped leaves attached to unbranched stems, as clusters of alien parasols growing in a pot or container. During its blooming season, the plant can grow up to 6 inches tall with yellowish-green flowers, each 0.4 inches in diameter.
Now that you’ve got the list of the best succulents that look like something out of this world, it’s time to pick your favorites! Which one blew your mind the most? Let us know in the comment section below!
