7 Houseplants You Didn’t Realize Are Succulents

Closeup of a leafy plant with rounded leaves in a planter — String of hearts is a popular vining succulent. Credit:
Suphanni Chongmithom / Getty Images

When you think of succulents, you likely picture desert dwellers with small spiky leaves and muted coloring. But some of the most common houseplants, beloved for their stunning foliage and low-maintenance demeanor, are actually part of the succulent family. Succulents are characterized by their ability to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, enabling them to withstand prolonged periods with little water. (Cacti are a specific type of succulent, distinguished by their areoles—the structures that produce spines and flowers.)

Ahead, gardening experts share some of the most popular houseplants that you never knew were succulents–and why you should consider adding them to your plant collection.

Adrian Aviles, plant expert and owner of the Athletic Club Flower Shop
Lucie Bradley, gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation

01 of 07

Snake Plant

With thick, water-storing leaves that make them highly drought-tolerant, the snake plant is a great beginner-friendly houseplant. These plants even adapt to low light but grow best in bright, indirect light, says Adrian Aviles, a plant expert and the owner of the Athletic Club Flower Shop. For optimal results, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. "In winter, overwatering is the most common cause of decline, as growth slows and excess moisture lingers in the soil," she says.

02 of 07

ZZ Plant

This plant is native to eastern Africa and stores water in its underground rhizomes, allowing it to tolerate long dry periods. "They do well in moderate to bright indirect light but tolerate low light easily," says Aviles. It's a great houseplant for small, dark areas of your home. Water only after the soil has fully dried, she adds. Especially during winter, less frequent watering keeps them the healthiest.

03 of 07

Jade Plant

Jade plants are classic succulents from South Africa and are often treated as standard houseplants indoors. They require bright light to maintain compact growth, and you only need to water them sparingly and only once the soil has dried, says Aviles. "In winter, reduced daylight means they require even less water than most people expect," she adds.

04 of 07

Hoya Plant

A luscious Hoya carnosa plant in an orange pot on top of a wooden stool. — Andrey Nikitin / Getty Images

Hoya varieties have thick, waxy leaves that store moisture, making this plant a great indoor succulent. Hoyas prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, says Aviles. "Allow the potting mix to dry between waterings, as they thrive in stable indoor conditions and tend to struggle when watered too frequently," she says.

05 of 07

String of Hearts

A potted plant with trailing vines and heartshaped leaves on a white surface — yuqian liu / Getty Images

This vining succulent is from southeastern Africa. "With delicate, thin, heart-shaped leaves on long cascading vines, it's understandable that string of hearts is not recognized as a succulent," says Lucie Bradley, a gardening and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation. But this dainty indoor vine plant stores water in its pea-shaped leaves. "Only water when soil is completely dry and then allow the compost to thoroughly soak until water drains from the base of the pot," she says. String of hearts will thrive in bright, indirect light but needs to be protected from intense afternoons, which could cause scorching.

06 of 07

Ponytail Palm

With a large, bulbous trunk and long, cascading leaves at the top, it's understandable why this houseplant would be mistaken for a mini palm tree, says Bradley. "However, its need for well-draining soil, infrequent watering, and bright light to thrive is typical of many desert succulents," she says. The ponytail palm stores its water in its trunk, so it's happy to tolerate almost drought conditions. "When you do water, ensure you give the plant a good soak and then let it freely drain—you don't want to leave it sitting in water as this could lead to root rot," she says.

07 of 07

Pencil Cactus

Despite its branching shape, pencil cactus is a succulent that stores water in its stems, says Aviles. This plant does best in very bright light and requires minimal watering. "Let the soil dry fully before watering again. Indoors, excess water is the most common issue, particularly in cooler months," she says.

7 Popular Houseplants You Didn’t Know Were Succulents