14 Easy-to-Grow and Hardy Succulent Varieties Recommended for Beginners

The first thing many beginners do when getting into succulents is pick a variety to grow, but there are so many succulent varieties that they can overwhelm you in an instant. How can you pick out, from among thousands of succulents, the ones that are easy to grow, tolerate rough treatment, and are also beautiful?

1. Sedum sediforme (Thousand Buddha Hands)

The leaf shape of Sedum sediforme is also very lovely. The leaves have a thin layer of fine powder, and both the yellow-green leaves that grow from leaf cuttings and the blue-green leaves of mature plants are very charming. When grown from leaf cuttings, it does not sprout quickly, but the sprouting rate is still decent. When Sedum sediforme gets plenty of sunlight, its transparent jelly-like texture is absolutely stunning!

2. Echeveria 'Jade Butterfly'

Echeveria 'Jade Butterfly' is not too strict about environmental requirements. Generally speaking, under warm, dry and sunny conditions, it grows beautifully, and if its shape is well controlled, it looks absolutely gorgeous! It is also not expensive, and nowadays in the succulent community it is a fairly widely grown variety.

3. Sedum adolphi (Golden Glow)

Sedum adolphi is also a very easy variety to grow. It can still grow well even in ordinary garden soil without a custom soil mix. Its golden yellow waxy leaves have also captured the hearts of a large number of succulent lovers.

4. Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant)

Graptopetalum paraguayense is what we commonly call the jewel plant. With such a familiar name, you probably already know this is a fairly easy-to-grow succulent. Not only is it easy to grow, it is also common, so naturally the price is not high. Most importantly, it is easy to propagate: a fallen leaf immediately grows into a new plant, and before you know it you have a whole big pot.

5. Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum is highly adaptable and not very strict about soil requirements, but in summer you need to avoid sunburn from high temperatures. Normally it basically has no pests or diseases, and when autumn comes, it is usually the time when Sedum rubrotinctum outshines all the rest!

6. Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg' (Purple Pearl)

A relatively easy variety to grow, and among common succulents it counts as a tough one. In summer the purple fades a little, and in autumn the purple deepens somewhat. As for growing requirements, you need to be mindful of summer and winter. The most suitable growing temperature is 15-25 degrees, and in winter it is best to move it indoors.

7. Sempervivum tectorum (Hens and Chicks)

Sempervivum tectorum is also called houseleek. It is a very common succulent plant, cheap, with purple-red leaf tips. Planted in pots of different shapes, it shows off a different kind of beauty.

8. Sedum pachyphyllum (Jelly Beans)

Sedum pachyphyllum is truly an easy-to-grow succulent plant. Apart from needing appropriate shade in summer, it does not mind full sun in the other seasons. If it has always been acclimated to an outdoor environment, then Sedum pachyphyllum can also grow normally in summer, without going into obvious dormancy.

9. Echeveria 'Chihuahuaensis' (Chihuahua)

The red tips of Echeveria 'Chihuahuaensis' are always especially adorable. Even without much change, it is beautiful enough! Most succulent lovers probably have one in their collection.

10. Echeveria 'Black Prince'

One of the representatives of black-toned succulents, with an imposing name, and very distinctive color and form. When light is insufficient, the color gradually turns green, but as long as light is ensured, its looks will not be lacking! Propagation by leaf cuttings also has a high survival rate, so succulent lovers who like it can give it a try.

11. Graptoveria 'Titubans' (White Peony)

To be precise, if you were to ask which one is most suitable for beginners to grow, it might first and foremost be Graptoveria 'Titubans'! The leaves have a light layer of powder, propagation is simple, and generally speaking it has few pests and is not prone to black rot. Moreover, for its looks alone, blooming like a peony flower, it is worth considering!

12. Graptopetalum mendozae (Ji Qiuli)

The appearance of Graptopetalum mendozae is also the charming kind. Under strong light, it develops an adorable orange-red color and looks very jelly-like! Over time, a slight white powder appears on the leaves.

13. Orostachys boehmeri (Chinese Dunce Cap)

Orostachys boehmeri grows fast and is highly adaptable, and it basically does not go dormant in summer. As a succulent plant that easily fills its pot, Orostachys boehmeri is also very beautiful as an ornament in a bonsai arrangement. However, to preserve its looks, it is best not to let water touch the leaves when watering.

14. Echeveria pulvinata (Chenille Plant)

Echeveria pulvinata has a velvety surface with a bit of red along the edges. As a succulent plant jokingly called "like grass," Echeveria pulvinata is naturally very easy to grow. It goes dormant in midsummer, and at that time you just need to pay attention to ventilation and shade.