Succulents are magical plants that come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, but there are times when a miniature is the only one that will do.
Mini succulents have boomed in popularity in recent years because of the sheer number of uses they have, and they stand out most in places where standard succulents just won’t do.
A mini succulent can be a regular-sized succulent whose growth has been stopped on purpose, or it can be a type of succulent that grows smaller than other plants.
However you happen upon a mini succulent doesn’t matter, but if you’re after one of these petite types of plants, some stand out from the crowd.
What are the best mini succulents then?
There is a great range of smaller-than-usual succulents, including Echeveria minima, Sedum or ‘little missy’, and the Haworthia fasciata or ‘Zebra Plant’.
Depending on where you want to plant it or the type of project you’re using it for, you’re bound to find one that’s the right look and color with a miniature size to make you happy.
If you’re a succulent lover or are looking for a plant that’s petite yet breathtaking, this list is for you.
We’re going to count down nine of the most popular mini succulents, what makes them so great, and how to take care of them, so you can open yourself up to a world of wonder with these small but beautiful plants.
Table of Contents
9 of the Best Mini Succulents
Mini succulents are a great way to fill in space between pavers, decorate a bowl, or put in places where larger plants wouldn’t fit.
If you’re looking for the perfect mini succulent for your home or garden, these are nine of the best around.
#1: Echeveria minima
The word “Mini” is the correct word when it comes to this succulent, as the Echeveria minima will grow no more than three inches in height at its largest.
With a beautiful rosette shape created from its leaves, you’ll be dazzled by the blue-green color that features bright pink tips.
It requires only infrequent but deep watering. It’s very hardy and does well with good sunlight.
This is an ideal mini succulent for people with curious animals as it’s pet-safe and it’s one of the easiest to propagate, so even beginner green thumbs will be able to grow plenty.
#2: Haworthia fasciata
If you want a mini succulent that’s still going to stand out, something as bright and striped as the Haworthia fasciata will do just fine.
Also known as the Zebra Plant, this South African native is a short but wide plant, measuring around six inches in diameter and three inches in height when fully grown, boasting colorful triangular leaves.
Rare for a succulent, the Zebra Plant prefers low-light environments, so it’s great for use indoors. It grows best in winter and lays dormant in summer, so switch up its watering routine compared to your other succulents.
As one of the strongest of all plants, if you’re prone to killing green things around your home, you’ll have a hard time getting rid of this one, so don’t worry.
Don’t forget the zebra plant is succulent and needs air to have its soil dry out once in a while. So while it’s a great addition to any terrarium, make sure it’s not a closed terrarium. Closed terrariums are just too humid.
#3: Blossfeldia liliputana
If you want to take miniature to a new level, why not consider the smallest species of cacti ever, the Blossfeldia liliputana?
This cute and tiny little succulent will measure just half an inch in diameter when it’s fully grown, and when in bloom, it has large and beautiful pink or white flowers that grow bigger than it does.
As one of the slower-growing cacti around, you need the patience to watch this one come to fruition, otherwise more advanced gardeners might attempt to graft them.
They require very little water with draining soil, so caring for them is just like other cacti, and you can be hands-off completely during winter.
#4: Sedum
The sedum is a fast-growing succulent with a few varieties but by far the most popular and smallest is the Little Missy.
This creeping succulent will never grow larger than three inches but still manages to cover a lot of space on the ground so it’s perfect for in-between rocks and pathways on the floor.
Like other sedums, Little Missy needs to be outdoors in partial shade and doesn’t require a lot of water to be happy.
This is a pet-friendly variety, so you can feel safe leaving succulents around your cat and dog around them.
#5: Crassula ovata
Crassula ovata is a succulent shrub that sometimes resembles a bonsai tree, with a cute name, Baby Jade, to match.
This shrub will grow no more than 24 inches in height but can be trimmed down to whatever size you need, and amazingly, it does just as well indoors as it does out.
With bright green leaves that turn red in the sun, you’ll get a different look from this plant depending on where it lives.
In bloom, the Baby Jade will make small clusters of white flowers, and because it’s a hardy plant that thrives in all conditions, it’s a great choice for inexperienced gardeners.
#6: Gasteria
Although it doesn’t have the prettiest name, Little Warty or Gasteria, has long green leaves, a pinkish hue on its edges, and white speckles all through it, making it a dazzling beauty.
When the plant blooms, you’ll note thin pink flowers, that add even further to the huge color range it offers.
This is a great indoor mini succulent because it requires very little light to thrive, so long as you provide adequate drainage and minimal watering.
Pets are also safe around this and it’s an easy plant to propagate thanks to creating more offsets than most succulents.
#7: Sempervivum
The Sempervivum, also known by its common name of Little Bobo, is a small clustering plant that will only ever reach around three inches in height and width when it’s grown.
Commonly found in fairy gardens and cute succulent gardens, they’re one of the most beautiful plants around, with bright green leaves that are displayed like a rose.
The Little Bobo will do best in full sun, so don’t worry about keeping it shady, as long as the roots are being drained.
They’re extremely hardy so not only do they thrive in sunlight, they can survive in winter when covered with a blanket of snow, so they’re one of the toughest yet.
#8: Lithops
For succulent lovers who like bright and beautiful plants that are smaller than usual, the Lithops or Living Stones are the choices for you.
They are shaped like small stones that have been split in two. They make great pieces of garden art.
These succulents are better for those with time to spare as they require extra care with high-drainage soil, minimal watering, and lots of sun.
With the right care, you’ll be rewarded with some dazzling colors and after they bloom their white or yellow flowers, the plant splits and starts again with wonderful new leaves.
#9: Kalanchoe pumila
Kalanchoe pumila or Flower Dust Plant is a great choice for those who want a mini succulent to add color variety to their garden.
They’re taller than most mini succulents we’ve found but still short enough to be considered, measuring up to eight inches when fully grown, and many gardeners like to keep them in hanging pots.
The leaves on this are white and silver and when it blooms, it creates small clusters of pink flowers that make it a standout.
They’re low maintenance with minimal watering required, safe enough to be around pets, and can even withstand being outside in frosty winter conditions.
FAQ
Mini succulents are a popular choice for everyone from serious gardeners to beginner green thumbs.
As one of the easiest plants to keep alive and care for, there’s very little you need to learn to grow them successfully.
Below are some FAQs to answer your most frequently asked questions.
Do mini succulents stay Mini?
Mini succulents will stay small and can live in small pots for several weeks, months, or even years. It all depends on the mini succulent plants you have and how well they are cared for. As they get older and grow, they will inevitably outgrow the small container.
Will mini succulents grow?
Yes, mini succulents do grow. They can live and thrive for months or even years if properly cared for. The important thing to remember is that certain small succulents will want to expand and may need to be repotted into a larger pot.
Do mini succulents need sun?
All succulents, including mini succulents, need sun. Generally, most succulents require roughly four to six hours of sunlight per day. However, note that some can take full sun, while others do better when exposed to indirect light.
How Long Does a Mini Succulent Live?
As a slow-growing perennial plant, the mini succulent can live for years if it’s been taken care of properly. To ensure a long life, you need to give your succulent the right amount of sun, shade, and water, as well as change its soil every couple of years to keep it healthy and happy.
How Do I Propagate a Mini Succulent?
To propagate a mini succulent, you can remove offsets or plantlets that have sprung up next to the already grown plant and replant it, or unearth a plant and gently separate the roots to start a new one. Propagation is an easy method of growing a mini succulent that uses the plants you already have rather than having to start from scratch with a seed, although either method is effective.
References
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.
