How Big Do Succulents Get? (Best Succulent Growing Tips)

Succulents are one of the most popular houseplants and for a good reason! They’re easy to care for, come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, and can even tolerate a little neglect. But one question we get a lot is, “How big do succulents get?”

The answer to that question is, unfortunately, a little bit complicated. You see, there are hundreds of different types of succulents, and they can range in size from just a few inches to several feet tall. So, if you’re looking for a specific answer, you’ll need to do a little research on the type of succulent you’re interested in.

In general, however, most succulents will only get as big as the pot they’re in. And, of course, you can always prune your succulent to keep it at the size you want. We’ll talk about all of these in this blog post, including the succulents’ growing factors and succulent growing tips.

So, let’s get started!

What Are Succulents?

Succulents are a type of plant that have thick, fleshy leaves or stems. They can store water in these leaves or stems, which is why they are often found in arid or desert climates.

Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be either annual or perennial plants. Some common varieties of succulents include cacti, aloe vera, and sedums.

Succulents are a popular choice for indoor plants, as they are easy to care for and require little water. They can be placed in a sunny spot and will thrive with minimal watering.

In addition to being low-maintenance, succulents are also very versatile. They can be planted in a traditional pot, container, or even in a hanging basket. They make a great addition to any indoor or outdoor space and can even be used as part of a living wall.

Factors That Influence the Size of Succulents

When it comes to succulents, size definitely matters. There are a number of factors that can affect the size of your succulent, from the type of plant to the growing conditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to determine how big your succulent will grow.

1. Type of Plant

One of the biggest factors in succulent size is the type of plant. Some succulents, like echeverias, belong to the smaller breed, while others, like kalanchoes, can grow to be quite large. If you’re not sure how big a
particular type of succulent will get, ask your nursery or do some research online.

2. Growing Conditions

The growing conditions of your succulent can also affect its size. If you’re growing your succulent indoors, it will likely stay on the smaller side. This is because indoor conditions are often less than ideal for succulents, with lower light levels and less airflow. Outdoor succulents, on the other hand, grow much larger as they’ll have access to abundant sunlight and fresh air.

3. Pot Size

Another factor to consider is the pot size. A larger pot will allow your succulent to grow to a larger size, while a smaller pot will limit its growth. If you’re not sure what size pot to use, your horticulturist may be a resource that can answer your query or study botanical blogs related to these topics.

Recommended Succulent Pots

4. Fertilizer

Fertilizers can also affect the succulent size. If you fertilize your succulent regularly, it will likely grow to be larger than if you don’t fertilize it at all. However, you don’t want to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.

As you can see, there are several factors that can affect the size of your succulent. Keep these things in mind when you’re choosing a plant and pot size, and you’ll be on your way to growing a healthy, happy succulent.

How Big Do Succulents Get?

While these plants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, most succulents are relatively small. However, there are a few species that can grow quite large.

Size of the Biggest Succulents

• One of the largest succulents is the elephant’s foot (Pachycormus discolor). This plant is native to Mexico and can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. It has a thick, trunk-like stem that is covered in dark green leaves. The leaves are fleshy and have a waxy coating that helps to prevent water loss.
• Another large succulent is the jellybean plant (Sedum rubrotinctum). This plant is native to Mexico and can grow up to 2 feet (0.6 m) tall. It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are green in color with red edges. The jellybean plant gets its name from its small, round, red fruits that resemble jellybeans. These fruits are edible, but they are not very tasty.
• The tree aloe (Aloe barbadensis) is another large succulent. This plant is native to Africa and can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has a thick, trunk-like stem that is covered in green leaves. The leaves are fleshy and have a sharp, tooth-like margin.
• The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is the largest member of the Crassulaceae family. It can grow up to 1.5m (5 ft) tall and has a diameter of up to 1m (3.3 ft).

These large succulent plants are popular houseplants and are often used as landscape plants in warm climates.

Size of the Small Succulents

One of the most common questions we get asked about small succulents is, “how big do they get?”

Small succulents are typically very slow-growing plants. Most will stay fairly small, only reaching about 6 inches in height and width at maturity. There are, however, a few species that can grow slightly larger.

If you’re looking for a succulent that stays on the smaller side, some good options include echeverias, sedums, and crassulas. These varieties typically max out at around 6 inches in height and width.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some small succulents, such as sempervivums, can actually get quite large – up to 2 feet tall and wide in some cases! Others, like the kalanchoe, can grow to be a few feet tall. And then there are plants like the crassula, which can grow to be over 3-6 feet tall!

Here’s a list of some of the smallest succulent plants and their sizes:

• Echeveria Lola – This diminutive echeveria stays small at only 4-6 inches wide. Its leaves are a beautiful rosy hue, and it produces yellow flowers in the spring.
• Sedum Morganianum – It reaches a maximum length of about 3 feet, but individual stems are only about an inch wide.
• Aeonium Firecracker – Aeoniums are known for their showy rosettes, and the Firecracker variety is no exception. It grows to be about 4-6 inches wide, with red or orange leaves that turn green in the center.
• Haworthia Cooperi – This little succulent is only about 3-4 inches wide, but its leaves are fascinating up close. They’re translucent, so you can actually see the tiny greenish-white flowers that bloom inside the rosette.
• Crassula Rupestris – It grows to be about 4-6 inches tall and wide, with blue-green leaves that are edged in red.
• Kalanchoe Humilis – Kalanchoes are known for their clusters of colorful flowers. It only gets to be about 4 inches wide, but it can produce yellow, red, or orange flowers.
• Lithops Bromfieldii – Lithops are often called “living stones” because their leaves look like they’re made of stone. The Bromfieldii variety is one of the smallest, reaching a height of only about 2 inches.
• Portulacaria Afra – It grows to be about 2-4 feet tall, but individual stems are only about an inch wide.
• Sansevieria Trifasciata – This is the plant that’s commonly known as the snake plant. It stays relatively small, only reaching 2-3 feet in height.
• Sempervivum Hirtum – Sempervivum Hirtum is a low-growing succulent that only reaches about 4 inches in height.

So, as you can see, the answer to the question of how big do small succulents get is quite variable. It really depends on the species of plant in question.

In general, small succulents are easy to care for and make great houseplants. They are perfect for those who are new to these plants, as they are low-maintenance and easy to keep alive.

How Big Do Succulents Get Indoors?

Jade plants can get up to about 3 feet tall, but they are slow growers, so it will take some time to get them to that size. Aloe vera plants can also get up to 3 feet tall, but they are also slow growers. Snake plants can get a bit larger, up to 4 feet tall.

If you are looking for a larger succulent to grow indoors, you could try a Kalanchoe, which can get up to 5 feet tall. However, Kalanchoes are fast growers, so you will need to provide them with plenty of room to spread out.

Regardless of the type of succulent you choose, remember that they all prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to scorch, so if you are growing them indoors, place them near a window where they will get bright, indirect light.

Why Is My Succulent Not Growing?

If your succulent is not growing, there are a few potential reasons:

• The most common reason is that the plant is not getting enough light. Succulents need a lot of light to grow, so if yours is in a shady spot, it may not be getting enough light.
• Another potential reason is that the plant is not getting enough water. Succulents need to be watered once a week, but they also need to have good drainage. If the plant is sitting in water, it will not grow.
• The soil might not be right for succulents. Succulents need well-draining soil, so if your soil is too dense or doesn’t drain well, your succulent might have problems growing.
• Finally, the plant may not be getting enough nutrients. If the soil is not fertilized, the plant will not have the nutrients it needs to grow.

If you’re not sure what the problem is, you can always ask a succulent expert for help. (See: Should I cut the brown tips off my Aloe plant?)

Recommended Succulents on Amazon

How to Care for Your Succulent: Succulent Growing Factors

These trendy plants are actually quite easy to take care of, as long as you understand their basic needs.

Here are some tips on how to care for your plant:

Recommended Grow Lights

2. Water

One of the most common reasons why these types of plants die is because of overwatering. They store water in their leaves, so you don’t need watering very often.

In fact, it’s best to err on the side of underwatering. If you notice that the soil is completely dry, that is the only time that you should water your plant. When you do water, make sure to give your plant a good soaking so that the water can reach the roots.

3. Soil

Succulents need well-draining soil to thrive. If your plant is sitting in waterlogged soil, the roots will start to rot, and your plant will eventually die.

To make sure your soil is well-draining, you can mix it with some perlite or sand. You can also buy cactus and succulent potting mix at your local nursery or online.

4. Fertilizer

Succulents don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a light feeding every now and then. Use a succulent-specific fertilizer or a general-purpose fertilizer diluted to half-strength.

Fertilize your plant every other month during the growing season (spring and summer), and then skip fertilizing during the fall and winter.

Recommended Fertilizer

6. Pests

Succulents are relatively pest-free, but can sometimes be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and scale. If you see any pests on your plant, you can remove them by hand or spray them with insecticidal soap.

7. Propagation

One of the best things about succulents is that they’re easy to propagate. You can propagate succulents from leaves or cuttings.

To propagate from a leaf or a cutting, simply remove a leaf from the plant or cut a piece of the stem off the plant and allow it to develop a callous over a few days. Once the leaf or cutting is calloused, you can plant it in some well-draining soil.

You may also be interested in… Fastest Growing Succulent Plants

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that comes in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, you can’t go wrong with succulents. While they vary greatly in size, most succulents stay relatively small, making them perfect for indoor gardens and terrariums.

On the question of “how big do succulents get,” Some common varieties, like echeveria and sedum, rarely get bigger than 6 inches. However, there are a few exceptions, like kalanchoe and aloe, which can grow quite large.

With proper care, they can live for years and even flower. Follow the tips in this article to ensure your succulents stay healthy and thrive.

FAQs