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Largest Succulent Plants to Grow in the Garden

July 10, 2023 by Ann

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With a wide variety of shapes and sizes, succulents come in all sorts of varieties, some reaching massive heights! In this article, I’ll be discussing the largest succulent plants, their types, and how to grow them. 

largest succulent plants

Table of Contents

  • Largest Succulent Plants to Grow
    • True Cactus
    • African Baobab Tree 
    • Palm Tree
    • Agave Americana 
    • Joshua Tree
    • Foxtail Agave 
    • Pig’s Ear
    • Snake Plant 
    • Aloe Vera
    • Saguaro Cactus 
    • African Milk Tree 
    • Fishhook Cactus 
    • Desert Rose  
    • Spineless Yucca 
    • Prickly Pear Cactus 
    • Madagascar Palm
    • Jade Plant 
    • Crown of Thorns 
    • Queen of the Night 
  • How to Grow Largest Succulent Plants 
  • Water and Soil Requirements
  • Largest Succulent Plants Maintenance Tips 
  • A Large Container Plant
  • Benefits of Largest Succulent Plants 
  • Why Grow Largest Succulent Plants 
  • Largest Succulent Plants Frequently Asked Questions
    • How big is the biggest succulent in the world?
    • What is the giant succulent called?
    • What is the longest living succulent?
    • What is the hardest succulent to keep alive?
  • Largest Succulent Plants

Largest Succulent Plants to Grow

Wrangling with the largest succulent plants can seem a bit daunting at first. Luckily, there are plenty of large drought-tolerant plants out there that are easy to take care of and will add an interesting touch to any home or office space.

Here are some of the biggest and best succulents for you to choose from!

True Cactus

True cactus is native to the Americas and can grow up to 30-40 feet tall. Its leaves are thick and spiny, giving it a unique look.

African Baobab Tree 

Also known as the adansonia digitata, this succulent is native to Africa and can reach heights of up to 82 feet. Its interesting trunk is covered in bark and it has huge compound leaves that are able to store a large amount of water.

African baobab tree

Palm Tree

The common palm tree can reach heights of up to 100 feet and is a great choice for those looking for a large succulent. Palm trees are easy to care for and can thrive in many different climates.

palm trees

Agave Americana 

Agave americana, also known as the century plant, is a large succulent that can reach up to 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide.

It has bright green leaves with sharp tips, and its flowers range from white to yellow in color. Agave americana is native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States.

Agave americana

Joshua Tree

The iconic Joshua tree is native to the southwestern United States and can reach heights of up to 70 feet. Its branches look like limbs and it has spiky leaves that are capable of storing plenty of water.

joshua tree

Foxtail Agave 

Also known as agave attenuata, the foxtail agave can reach up to 5-10 feet tall. It has long, arching leaves with yellow-green stripes and produces white flowers in the summer. It is native to Mexico and parts of South America and is drought tolerant.

Pig’s Ear

Also known as the cotyledon orbiculata, this succulent is native to South Africa and can reach heights of up to 4 feet. Its thick, waxy leaves are gray-green in color and have a unique shape that resembles pig’s ears.

cotyledon-orbiculata

Snake Plant 

Snake plant is a popular succulent that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its long, vertical leaves are green and yellow in color and can store lots of water.

snake-plant

Aloe Vera

Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, is a popular plant that can reach up to 3 feet tall. It has thick, fleshy leaves with saw-toothed edges and produces yellow or orange flowers in late summer.

Aloe barbadensis is native to dry tropical regions and is widely used as a medicinal plant. 

Saguaro Cactus 

The saguaro cactus is a large succulent native to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States. It can reach up to 50 feet tall and produces white flowers during the spring months.

saguaro cactus

African Milk Tree 

Also known as Euphorbia trigona, this succulent can reach up to 10 feet tall. It has bright green leaves and produces white flowers in the spring. The African milk tree is native to Central Africa and is drought tolerant. 

Fishhook Cactus 

Also known as Ferocactus wislizeni, this cactus can reach up to 6 feet tall. It has bright green spines that resemble a fishhook and produces large yellow and pink flowers in the summer.

Fishhook cactus is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico and is drought tolerant. 

fishhook-cactus

Desert Rose  

The desert rose is an interesting succulent that can reach up to 6 feet tall. It has thick, fleshy leaves and produces pink or white flowers throughout the summer months. Desert rose is native to Africa and parts of Arabia and is drought tolerant.

desert-rose

Spineless Yucca 

Spineless yucca palm (Yucca elephantipes), can grow 5 feet tall when indoors, but can reach heights from 15- 30 feet when outside.

It has broad, dark green leaves and produces white flowers in the summer. The spineless yucca is native to Mexico and parts of South America and is drought tolerant. 

Warning: The spineless yucca is known to be poisonous to dogs, cats, and people.

Prickly Pear Cactus 

Prickly pear cactus is a large succulent that can reach up to 20 feet tall. It has wide, flat pads with sharp spines and produces bright yellow flowers in the spring.

Prickly pear cactus is native to Mexico, South America, and parts of the southwestern United States and is drought tolerant. 

prickly-pear-cactus

Madagascar Palm

The Madagascar palm (Pachypodium lamerei), can reach up to 10-20 feet tall. It has thick, spiny leaves and produces white flowers in the summer. The Madagascar palm is native to southern Africa and is drought tolerant. 

Jade Plant 

The jade plant is one of the most popular houseplants and can reach up to 6 feet tall, looking like a small tree.

It has thick, fleshy leaves with a glossy green look and produces clusters of white or pink flowers in spring. Jade plants are native to South Africa and require minimal care. 

jade plant

Crown of Thorns 

Crown of thorns is a large succulent shrub that can reach up to 5-6 feet tall. It has thick, spiny leaves and produces bright red flowers in the summer. Crown of thorns is native to Madagascar and requires minimal care.

crown-of-thorns

Queen of the Night 

Queen of the night is a large succulent shrub that can reach 6-10 feet in height. It has thick, waxy leaves with yellow stripes and produces white flowers in the summer. Queen of the night is native to Mexico and requires minimal care.

queen of the night

How to Grow Largest Succulent Plants 

Growing large succulents can be a rewarding experience. With proper care, they can bring life and beauty to your garden or home. Here are some tips for getting the best results from your succulent plants:

  • Provide plenty of sunlight: Most succulents need full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) per day to thrive.
  • Plant in well-draining soil: Succulents need soil that drains quickly and doesn’t stay too wet. Use a mixture of potting soil and sand or gravel to ensure adequate drainage. 
  • Give the plant space to grow: Large succulent plants can get quite big, so give them plenty of room to spread out. 
  • Water regularly but not too much: Succulents need regular water but not too much. Water your succulent deeply, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. 
  • Feed occasionally: Most succulents don’t require fertilizer, but if you want to give yours an extra boost, use a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer once every few months during the growing season. 
  • Protect from frost: If you live in an area with cold winters, protect your succulents by moving them indoors or covering them with a frost blanket. 

By following these tips, you can enjoy large, healthy succulent plants for years to come! 

Water and Soil Requirements

Successfully growing large succulent plants requires understanding their water and soil requirements. Here’s an overview of what to look for: 

  • Water: Most succulents need water once every week or two, depending on the weather and season. Water deeply but not too often—allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. 
  • Soil: Succulents prefer well-draining soil, so use a mixture of potting soil and sand or gravel. Avoid using heavy, wet soils that can lead to root rot. 

Understanding the water and soil requirements of your succulent plants is critical for their health and growth.

aloe-vera-plant

Largest Succulent Plants Maintenance Tips 

Large succulent plants need regular maintenance to keep them healthy and looking their best. Here are some tips for maintaining your succulents: 

  • Prune regularly: As your succulent grows, prune it back to control its size and shape. Dead or damaged leaves should also be removed as they can attract pests or diseases. 
  • Remove weeds: Keep an eye out for weeds that can compete with your succulent for resources. Pull them out by hand or spray with an organic herbicide to keep them under control. 
  • Apply fertilizer: Succulents don’t need much fertilizer, but applying a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer once every few months during the growing season can help promote growth. 

With proper care and maintenance, large succulent plants can bring life and beauty to your garden or home. Whether you’re growing indoors or out, they are an easy way to add a unique touch of colour and character to any space.

A Large Container Plant

If you are looking to add a large succulent to your container garden, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are some tips for caring for tall succulent plants in containers: 

  • Use a big enough pot: Make sure the container you choose is big enough for the size of your succulent plant. The bigger the better as they will need enough space to grow. 
  • Provide good drainage: Succulents need soil that drains quickly, so use a potting soil mixture with sand or gravel. Make sure the container has multiple holes in the bottom for water drainage. 
  • Water regularly but not too much: Succulents in containers tend to dry out faster than those planted in the ground, so water your succulent deeply and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. 
  • Feed occasionally: Fertilize with a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer once every few months during the growing season for best results. 

Most succulent species are low-maintenance plants that don’t need much water to grow into a mature plant that can be enjoyed in a succulent garden or rock garden.

New plant owners may want to start with an average size succulent in a small pot to enjoy watching it grow!

large succulents

Benefits of Largest Succulent Plants 

Largest succulent plants are not only attractive, but they also provide many benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider growing large succulents in your garden or home: 

  • Low maintenance: Succulents require minimal care and can be left to their own devices with little effort. Just make sure to provide enough sunlight, water, and drainage.  
  • Versatility: Succulents are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. This makes it easy to find one that fits any style or space.
  • Drought tolerance: Succulents are well adapted for arid climates and can survive long periods without water. 
  • Low cost: Because succulent plants require minimal care, they are a great choice for anyone on a budget. 

Large succulent plants can make an attractive and low-maintenance addition to any garden or home. 

Why Grow Largest Succulent Plants 

Growing succulents can be a fun and rewarding experience for any gardener, novice or experienced. For best results, make sure to provide plenty of sunlight and water as needed.

Succulents are known for being hardy plants that can survive in tough environments so don’t be afraid to experiment with different species and sizes to find the right fit for your home or office space.

With the right care, these large succulent plants will thrive and add unique beauty to any space!  

And remember, when it comes to succulents size does matter! Not only do these larger plants look beautiful, but they can also be more resilient and tolerant of harsh environments than their smaller counterparts.

Now that you know about some of the biggest succulent plants out there, you’re ready to start growing them! With proper care and attention, these plants can thrive in your home or office.

Be sure to research each plant’s specific needs to ensure their health and longevity. 

Largest Succulent Plants Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the largest succulent plants you can grow in your garden. 

How big is the biggest succulent in the world?

The largest succulent in the world is the African Baobab (Adansonia digitata). It can grow up to 82 feet tall.

What is the giant succulent called?

Echeveria are considered large succulents. A common name for echeveria are hens and chicks. They can grow about 2 feet tall.

What is the longest living succulent?

The longest living succulent is the Mexican giant cardone, also known as the elephant cactus. It can live up to 300 years in the Mexican desert!

What is the hardest succulent to keep alive?

Silver prince and Compton carousels are the hardest succulents to keep alive, which is too bad, since they are both very attractive plants.

Largest Succulent Plants

I hope this blog post has helped you learn about the largest succulent plants, their types, and how to grow them. If you have any questions or would like more information on growing succulents, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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My name is Ann. I am a lover of God, flowers, cats, beaches, and my family and friends. Stop and smell the roses while you are here. And even learn to grow your own! Welcome to my blog! Read More…

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