Succulent are some of the most popular houseplants due to their stunning variety, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in indoor environments. However, not all succulents are created equal. Distinguishing between tropical and desert succulents is crucial for providing the proper care they need. In this guide, we will explore the key differences between these two categories of succulents, provide specific examples, and offer tailored care tips to ensure your succulent houseplants thrive.
What Are Succulent Houseplants?
Succulent houseplants are plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive in arid conditions. This characteristic gives them their signature fleshy appearance. These plants are well-suited for indoor growth, where they can adapt to a variety of environmental conditions.
Key Differences Between Tropical and Desert Succulents
1. Native Habitat
Desert Succulents: Desert succulents originate from arid regions such as deserts, where they have adapted to survive extreme conditions—scarcity of water, high temperatures during the day, and cooler nights. These plants are typically found in regions like the American Southwest, the Sahara, and parts of Australia.
Tropical Succulents: Tropical succulents come from regions with consistent rainfall, high humidity, and warm temperatures. They are commonly found in rainforests, jungles, and other humid environments in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Unlike desert succulents, tropical succulents thrive in richer soils and are often found in shaded areas.
2. Leaf Structure and Appearance
Desert Succulents: Desert succulents typically have thick, rigid leaves that are designed to retain water. These leaves often have a waxy coating or are covered in spines or hairs to reduce water loss and protect the plant from harsh sunlight. Agave ferox and Aloe vera are classic examples, with their rosette-shaped, fleshy leaves that minimize water evaporation.
Tropical Succulents: Tropical succulents tend to have thinner, more flexible leaves that are adapted to humid environments. Their leaves may be smooth, shiny, and more colorful. Epiphyllum guatemalense and Hoya gracilis are examples of tropical succulents with softer, more pliable leaves. These plants often have a climbing or trailing growth habit, as they grow under the canopy in tropical forests.
3. Watering Needs
Desert Succulents: Desert succulents require infrequent watering due to their drought-tolerant nature. They are highly adapted to survive long periods without water, and overwatering is a common cause of failure in their care. Aloe vera, for example, should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Tropical Succulents: Tropical succulents need more consistent watering compared to desert varieties. While they still require well-draining soil, they are accustomed to environments with more regular moisture. Hoya kerrii and Epiphyllum oxypetalum thrive when their soil is kept slightly moist, but never soggy. These plants are more sensitive to drought and should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
4. Light Requirements
Desert Succulents: Desert succulents thrive in bright light, often requiring several hours of direct sunlight each day. They are adapted to intense sunlight and may develop sun-stress coloration under high light conditions. Agave macroacantha and Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ are examples that need full sun to maintain their compact shape and vibrant colors.
Tropical Succulents: Tropical succulents prefer indirect or filtered light, resembling the dappled sunlight of the forest floor. They can tolerate lower light levels than desert succulents and may suffer from sunburn if exposed to too much direct sunlight. Epiphyllum oxypetalum and Hoya wayetii do well in bright, indirect light and can even adapt to medium light conditions, though their growth may slow.
5. Temperature and Humidity
Desert Succulents: Desert succulents are adapted to withstand significant temperature fluctuations, from hot days to cool nights. They prefer warm environments but can tolerate cooler temperatures if protected from frost. Low humidity levels are ideal for these plants. They thrive in dry conditions, and excessive humidity can lead to fungal problems.
Tropical Succulents: Tropical succulents require consistently warm temperatures and higher humidity levels. They are sensitive to cold and should be kept away from drafts or cold windows. They benefit from a humid environment, which can be enhanced by misting or using a humidity tray.
Examples of Desert and Tropical Succulents
Desert Succulents:
Aloe Vera
Description: Aloe vera is a popular desert succulent known for its medicinal properties and ease of care. It has thick, fleshy leaves that form a rosette and produce a soothing gel used in skincare and healing.
Care Tips: Aloe vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Agave Americana
Description: Agave americana is a striking desert succulent known for its large, spiky leaves and slow growth. It is often used in landscaping but can also be grown as a houseplant.
Care Tips: Agave requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is highly drought-tolerant and should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. Agave plants prefer to be kept on the drier side, especially in winter.
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’
Description: This popular hybrid Echeveria is known for its beautiful rosette form and pastel colors, which can range from pale pink to purple depending on light exposure.
Care Tips: Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ thrives in bright light, ideally full sun, to maintain its color and compact shape. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and avoid water sitting on the leaves to prevent rot.
Sedum Morganianum (Burro's Tail)
Description: Sedum morganianum is a trailing succulent with long, cascading stems covered in small, fleshy leaves. It is often grown in hanging baskets.
Care Tips: Burro's Tail prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. Water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Handle carefully, as the leaves are prone to falling off.
Haworthia Fasciata (Zebra Plant)
Description: Haworthia fasciata is a small, slow-growing succulent with pointed leaves that have white, horizontal stripes, giving it a zebra-like appearance.
Care Tips: Zebra plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Tropical Succulents:
Hoya Kerrii (Sweetheart Hoya)
Description: Hoya kerrii is a charming tropical succulent known for its heart-shaped leaves, often sold as single-leaf cuttings. It can grow into a full plant with the right care.
Care Tips: Hoya kerrii prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It benefits from higher humidity and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.
Epiphyllum Oxypetalum (Queen of the Night)
Description: Epiphyllum oxypetalum is a tropical succulent known for its large, fragrant, night-blooming flowers. It has long, flat stems that grow in an arching habit.
Care Tips: Queen of the Night prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. This plant thrives in high humidity and benefits from occasional misting. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the stems to scorch.
Peperomia Obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
Description: Peperomia obtusifolia is a compact tropical succulent with thick, glossy, oval leaves. It is an excellent choice for small spaces and low-maintenance indoor gardens.
Care Tips: This plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure the pot has good drainage. Peperomia obtusifolia enjoys moderate humidity but can adapt to drier indoor air.
Rhipsalis Baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)
Description: Rhipsalis baccifera is an epiphytic tropical succulent with long, trailing stems that make it ideal for hanging baskets. It is native to rainforests and often grows in the shade of trees.
Care Tips: Mistletoe Cactus thrives in low to medium light and should be watered regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. It appreciates high humidity, so consider placing it in a bathroom or using a humidity tray.
Sansevieria Trifasciata (Snake Plant)
Description: Sansevieria trifasciata, commonly known as the snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue, is a hardy tropical succulent with sword-shaped leaves that can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Care Tips: Snake plants can survive in low light but thrive in bright, indirect light. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. They are very drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water.
Caring for Succulent Houseplants: Tailored Tips for Desert and Tropical Varieties
To ensure the health and longevity of your succulent houseplants, it’s important to tailor your care approach based on whether you’re dealing with desert or tropical varieties. Here’s how to adjust your care routine:
1. Soil Selection:
Desert Succulents: Use a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents. You can also create your own mix by combining standard potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Tropical Succulents: Tropical succulents require soil that retains some moisture but still drains well. A mix of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite works well. Avoid using soil that retains too much water, which can lead to root rot.
2. Watering Practices:
Desert Succulents: Water sparingly, ensuring that the soil dries out completely between waterings. In winter, reduce watering frequency, as these plants are dormant and require less moisture.
Tropical Succulents: Water more frequently, keeping the soil slightly moist but never soggy. Tropical succulents may need more frequent watering in warmer months but always check the soil before watering.
3. Lighting Requirements:
Desert Succulents: Place these plants in a location where they can receive plenty of bright, direct sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal.
Tropical Succulents: Provide bright, indirect light to avoid sunburn. East or west-facing windows with filtered light work best. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
4. Humidity and Temperature:
Desert Succulents: These plants prefer low humidity and can tolerate wide temperature ranges. Avoid placing them in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms.
Tropical Succulents: Maintain higher humidity levels for tropical succulents. They thrive in warm, humid environments, so consider placing them near a humidifier or in naturally humid areas of your home.
5. Fertilization:
Desert Succulents: Fertilize sparingly, using a diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter period.
Tropical Succulents: Tropical succulents can benefit from more frequent fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, applying it once a month.
Recognizing the differences between desert and tropical succulents is key to providing the best care for your succulent houseplants. While desert succulents like Agave and Echeveria thrive in bright, dry environments with infrequent watering, tropical succulents such as Hoya and Epiphyllum require more consistent moisture, higher humidity, and indirect light.
By selecting the right succulent for your home environment and following the appropriate care guidelines, you can enjoy a thriving collection of these fascinating and diverse plants. Whether you prefer the rugged resilience of desert succulents or the lush beauty of tropical varieties, understanding their unique needs will help you cultivate healthy and beautiful succulent houseplants.
To browse through all our currently available succulents, head to our Succulents Category
To browse through all our currently available Hoyas, head to our Hoya Plant Collection
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