Let’s start off the list of succulents that bloom with a timeless favorite! Aloe species were once thought to be a touch stuffy, but now they’re enjoying a resurgence in well-deserved favor.
This resilient genus, which is found in tropical areas all over the world, thrives inside since its requirements are simple to meet. Even amateur indoor gardeners can use it! You only need to give succulents the bare minimum of attention.
It’s simple to take care of your aloe vera plant. It is better to cultivate it indoors because it does not like cold weather and frost is not an option. Make sure you find it the appropriate pot because it can quickly take up a lot of room. We are all aware that the aloe plant’s spiky leaves contain a gel with numerous medical, health, and cosmetic uses.
Provide your aloe with plenty of sunlight and make sure it is grown in a pot with a drainage hole and dirt that drains effectively. With the right care, you’ll see the growth of a flower spike that yields numerous lovely (often orange) blossoms. a breathtaking sight!
Echeveria (Echeveria sp.)
Echeveria, one of the most well-liked varieties of flowering succulents, is admired for its lovely rosette growth pattern. This variety of flowering succulents can provide stunning blooms. Multiple offsets from a single flower spike can each bear the most gorgeous tiny pink, yellow, or orange blooms.
Even though echeveria is not the most straightforward succulent to cultivate indoors, you may make yours thrive if you follow its care instructions. For this species to keep its flat, rosette-like structure, it needs lots of light.
Echeverias will etiolate heavily if they receive insufficient light. As a result, the plant becomes awkwardly stretched and incapable of using its energy to produce blooms. So to truly enjoy this wonderful species, place yours in the sun or get some growing lights.
Remember that there are many different Echeveria species available. To choose the ideal flowers for you, look over our guide to Echeveria types, hardiness zones, optimal flowering dates, and indoor vs. outdoor cultivation.
Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.)
The Opuntia genus contains prickly pear cactus that are well renowned for being tasty. As long as you peel the “cactus fruit” correctly, it makes a wonderful accent to your recipes.
When the irritating spines are removed from some prickly pear cacti’s leaf pads, the tasty fruit they generate is produced. Opuntia cacti are valued for their nutritive value as well as the lovely flowers they produce.
Everyone can find an Opuntia because there are more than a hundred species in the genus. Opuntia microdasys, often known as the bunny ears cactus, is a flowering succulent that maintains a compact size. For those who are die-hard flower fans, there is the magnificent Opuntia basilaris and the extremely cold-hardy Opuntia Grandiflora.
All are thought to be incredibly hardy and simple to grow, making them the best option for beginners. Just remember to handle this species carefully because it has some of the nastiest cacti spines around! Numerous Opuntias produce glochids, which are burn hairs that can become lodged in your skin and cause excruciating irritation.
You need to locate the ideal balance of high temperatures, sunshine, and low humidity if you want to grow the most magnificent cacti (and other succulents, for that matter) (lots and lots of it). Be careful not to water your cacti more frequently than is advised. They begin to resemble sponges when they absorb too much water, and they might even collapse under their own weight. It’s true!
String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
You’ll adore the flowers on the plant known as a string of pearls if you can appreciate subtlety. Senecio rowleyanus, a quirky succulent with both foliage and flowers, is its scientific name. It’s a great choice for hanging planters because of its long strings of pea-like leaves. The plant will also produce a ton of tiny, fuzzy blossoms if adequate care is given.
When it comes to watering, the string of pearls might be a little particular. Be sure to do your research before purchasing this plant. The plant typically grows on rocky terrain with minimal earth in its natural habitat, which is a highly unwelcoming environment with limited rainfall.
We’ll want to duplicate that at home by selecting extremely abrasive soil that drains rapidly and watering sparingly but deeply. Your Senecio will drown if there is too much water! Since this plant will deflate its typically fleshy leaves when it is thirsty, underwatering is generally preferable to overwatering.
Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis sp.)
Do you favor showy over subtle? Choose Easter lily cactus from the Echinopsis genus (also known as hedgehog cacti) in place of the previously specified string of pearls. Although this genus often has a relatively unremarkable appearance, once spring arrives and it emerges from its winter slumber, everything changes.
The plant produces a fuzzy flower spike that unfolds to expose a magnificent blossom that might be so big that completely obstructs the cactus.
One variety of Echinopsis is dubbed “Flying Saucer” for a reason. The cactus can flower for days or even weeks if the conditions are correct, with each flower fading after a few days and then being replaced right afterwards by a new one.
If you can give Echinopsis cacti plenty of light, they are simple to maintain. In the summer, water deeply only when the soil is completely dry, and mostly not at all in the winter. To give your Echinopsis the energy it needs to create its magnificent bloom, think about using a cactus fertilizer!
Remember that cactus don’t need complicated blends of fertilizer when it comes to these plants. With extremely diluted all-purpose fertilizer, which you can purchase from a specialized store, the majority of cacti and succulents will thrive. For your requirements, a low-nitrogen, water-soluble fertilizer is optimal. In terms of frequency, feeding your cactus once or twice a year will generally be beneficial.
Powder puff cactus (Mammillaria sp.)
The powder puff cactus comes up at number six on our list of flowering succulents. With approximately 200 known species, the genus Mammillaria is one of the most numerous families of cacti on the planet. Their lovely tiny flowers, which bloom in spring and form a crown on top of the plant, are what unite its members.
However, Mammillaria is among the most widely grown and accessible cacti species. This implies that it should be simple for you to locate one at your neighborhood garden center. Additionally, all of its types remain compact, which makes them the ideal accent to a sunny windowsill.
As always, select grittier soil that doesn’t retain water and grow your Mammillaria in a container with drainage holes. Water when the soil is completely dry, but throughout the duration of the winter, nearly no water should be provided to mimic the plant’s natural environment.
Pro Tip: Depriving Mammillaria of water and exposing it to colder temperatures over the winter actually encourages more prolific blossoming in the spring.
Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri)A Holiday Flowering Succulent
The Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri), so named because it blooms around Easter, is a lovely addition to your springtime decor. To ensure you do not confuse it with other holiday cacti (such as the Thanksgiving or Christmas ones), here is how it appears:
The Easter cactus has segments that are 2 to 3 inches long, is succulent, jointed, and spine-free. Typically, segments are flat, although older stems may develop triangular shapes. There are soft, brownish bristles at the tips and in between the segments. The segments’ edges, known as phylloclads, are frequently encircled by a purple fringe.
Even though it’s not very challenging to grow this species, many indoor gardeners wind up with a dead Easter cactus. Why? because they didn’t take into account the plant’s natural environment. The Easter cactus doesn’t flourish in conditions similar to those in deserts, in contrast to many other flowering succulents. Because it is a rainforest succulent, it requires more moisture and less light than its desert-adapted relatives.
Remember that light and warmth are both required for flowering. The plant will ‘perform’ better if you can keep the evenings entirely pitch black starting about January, but it will still blossom if you do nothing at all in the months leading up to spring.
Pro Tip: The Christmas cactus, which we’ll talk about later in this post, shouldn’t be confused with the Easter cactus. Uncertain about the type you’re working with? Compared to the Christmas cactus, the Easter cactus has segmented leaves that are more rounded. Its flowers also feature a single segment rather than several.
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum sp.)
Sempervivums are the ideal plant and are typically planted outdoors because they are one of the few succulent species that can tolerate almost anything. They normally grow in rocky cracks and crevices in arid places, so their extreme drought tolerance is not a surprise.
They can also withstand a lot of sunlight and will produce a lot of offsets each year, living up to their common name of “hens and chicks.”
Now, while all of that is wonderful and all, the actual reason we adore hens and chicks so much is because they also grow the most beautiful little flowers. Sempervivums are monocarpic plants, hence the emergence of blooms signals the plant’s impending demise. However, there is no need to be afraid of their blossoms because each individual specimen will continue to generate several offspring.
Carrion flower (Huernia sp.)
For those readers who enjoy the unique flowering succulents, here is one for you! Succulents belonging to the genus Huernia are indigenous to southern Africa. It maintains a tiny size by solely generating stems as opposed to stems plus leaves. Its blooms are its most captivating characteristic.
Many species produce flowers that smell like carrion, as suggested by its common name, in order to entice flies to function as pollinators. Each variation of these tiny blossoms produces more bizarre-looking ones than the previous one, making them unlike anything you’ll see on other succulents.
Huernia naturally flourishes in arid environments. To grow inside, it needs sufficient drainage. Although plenty of illumination is preferred, this species doesn’t truly require as much direct sunlight as some others. Additionally, it functions just fine in strong indirect light.
Ice plant (Delosperma sp.)
The Delosperma genus contains ice plants, which have their origins in South Africa. There are several diverse variations in the genus. For individuals wishing to cultivate a succulent as ground cover, they are all excellent choices.
Delosperma runners will swiftly cover whatever area they are planted in given the correct circumstances. This produces a gorgeous green show, which gets even more stunning when flowering time comes around. Huge amounts of tiny daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and yellow are produced by ice plants.
As long as they are maintained dry over the winter, Delosperma succulents are extremely cold-hardy. For many other flowering succulents, a strong freeze would mean definite death, but these can withstand it!
Does every succulent produce flowers?
No. Succulent plants don’t always bloom. Some plants may not flower at all, while others may take years to mature. While some succulent species require a maturation period before they are ready to flower, certain succulent species flower freely even while they are young.
Growing conditions and environmental factors can play a significant role. The appropriate temperatures, a lot of sunlight, and an atmosphere that resembles their native habitat are all things you can do to promote blooms.
Why is a blossom appearing on my succulent?
Succulent flowers exist in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the most are created by nature to entice the insects that will pollinate them.
Succulents are frequently reluctant to blossom, especially if they are houseplants in containers.
For hints regarding the growth circumstances and seasonal cycles your plant needs, you should try to understand as much as you can about its original environment.
All that may be required for a plant to successfully flower is the provision of winter cold, summer heat, fertilizer, or more intense lighting.
For instance, cactus plants are well known for their beautiful, fleeting blossoms, which only develop after a protracted period of drought.
Epiphytes like Schlumbergera and Epiphyllum are deceivingly uninteresting until they suddenly flower with a large number of flowers.
Some succulent flowers emit scents that aid in helping insects find them. Due of their ability to attract flies that serve the same purpose, Stapelia and Huernia are referred to as “carrion flowers.”
Many succulent plants push their blossoms high into the air on arching stems, in contrast to some invading plants that create a carpet of texture.
When Do SucculentsBloom?
Different succulents bloom at different times; Sempervivums, for instance, don’t bloom until the second or third year.
No matter where you reside, the majority of cacti and succulents bloom around roughly the same time of year as they would in their natural habitat.
Aloes, Mammillarias, Euphorbias, and Crassulas will all offer you a lovely flower at the start of the year.
The variety of succulent flowering species is enormous by the middle to late Spring and early Summer. Including Gasteria, Kalanchoe, Echeveria, and Sedum.
While Holiday Cactus blooms later in the season, Sedums are still in flower in the Fall.
Numerous Echeverias, together with Cremnosedum, Lithops, Agaves, Pachypodium, Cerochlamys, and Glottiphyllum, are in bloom at the end of the year.
Your homes and yards will be illuminated by succulents’ natural displays, which resemble the best fireworks display.
Senecio is one of the few succulents that blooms at various times throughout the year; however, not all succulents bloom in cultivation at all or as effectively as they do in the wild.
What MakesSucculents Bloom?
Taxonomists classify flowering succulent plants based on the characteristics of their blossoms rather than their leaf structure.
A succulent bloom may be star-shaped, bell-shaped, tubular, frilly, or any combination of these. Some point upward for simple pollination, while others hang down to shield delicate areas.
Succulents are widely found in the desert environment. To set their blooming chemistry, they need greater temperatures in the summer.
Most of the time, climate-controlled homes lack the necessary temperature extremes.
Succulents kept indoors benefit from summertime relocation outside. The transition should be gradual so that they are gradually exposed to greater heat and sunlight over the course of a few weeks.
Cold winter temperatures and winter dormancy are necessary for desert plants to bloom in the spring.
Timing is crucial. Water is necessary for succulents to develop flower buds and new growth.
If they don’t get it, their tissues’ reserves of water that they require to withstand drought get depleted.
They survive but don’t flourish. Plants should be thoroughly watered during growth phases until the water drains from the drainage holes. Wait to rewater until the top inch of soil is completely dry.
Most succulents spend a portion of the year dormant. Cacti typically do this in the winter or plants like living stones in the summer (Lithops).
Succulents get a lot of direct and indirect light in nature, even if they’re growing behind a shrub. It can be challenging to reproduce this indoors.
The majority of cacti thrive well in windows on the east or south. To create the food necessary for blooming, most succulents require sunshine for half of the day, ideally in the morning.
There won’t be enough light for flowering if the succulent species with leaves or stems exhibit open and lax development. Globular cacti won’t flower if they are reaching for the light.
If kept in complete shade, succulents like different Gasterias, Haworthias, and some Aloes will blossom.
Succulents can be grown under grow lights if there is insufficient natural light. it might be simpler than you imagine. They produce a wide variety of ornamental fittings. And there are many different types of light bulb styles available in every home décor shop.
All living things, including humans and plants, have biological clocks that must be set by photoperiodicity.
Some succulents, like the holiday cactus (Schlumbergera), require frigid temperatures, long nights, and short days in order to develop bloom buds.
For many other succulents, the combination of higher spring temperatures and lengthening days signals the beginning of new growth.
The evenings of the plants can be made longer or shorter artificially by receiving extra light from the interior of the house. The occurrence may prevent flowers from blooming.
A plant will flower if it can since it is necessary to produce seeds in order for the species to survive.
To supply the components necessary for the development of flowers, they require plant nourishment.
Due to the lack of rain that would otherwise wash soil minerals away, desert dirt actually provides good nutrition for plants.
While the plant is growing, fertilize half-strength once every month. In late summer or early fall, stop feeding the plant.
To encourage bloom production, use a fertilizer with more phosphorus, such as 10-15-10.
Will It DieAfter It Blooms?
Monocarpic plants are prevalent in succulents. These particular succulents develop, bloom, produce seeds, and then perish.
Biennials have two growing seasons, perennials might take several years to flower, while annuals flower and set seed in just one year.
Although most succulents can repair their damage, it is always a good idea to remove any broken, sickly, or dead leaves, stems, or flower stalks as soon as possible.
There is a myth in Thailand that claims the quantity of flowers that blossom on a Crown of Thorns foretells the destiny of the plant’s caretaker.