If you’re looking for a unique way to add cool, calming color to your plant collection, blue succulents are a perfect choice. Blue succulents – rare and beautiful varieties – offer a stunning departure from the typical greens and reds. Their unusual hues can make any garden or windowsill feel more serene and special.
This color isn’t common in the plant world, making these varieties highly sought after. We’ll look at some of the most striking types and explain how to care for them so they thrive.
Blue Succulents – Rare and Beautiful Varieties
True blue plants are rare in nature. In succulents, the blue color often comes from a powdery coating called farina, or from special pigments in the leaves. This color helps protect the plant from harsh sunlight. Owning one feels like having a living piece of art.
What Makes a Succulent Appear Blue?
The blue tint is usually a survival adaptation. The farina, or epicuticular wax, acts like sunscreen. It prevents burns and reduces water loss. If you touch it, the coating can rub off, so handle these plants gently.
In other cases, the leaves themselves have bluish pigments. This helps them reflect certain light wavelengths in their native, sunny habitats. It’s a fascinating example of how plants adapt.
Top Blue Succulent Varieties for Your Collection
Here are some exceptional blue succulents to consider. Each has its own character and charm.
Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio serpens)
This is a fantastic trailing succulent. It has small, finger-like leaves that are a soft powdery blue. It’s perfect for spilling over the edge of a pot or as ground cover in warm climates.
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Key Feature: Fast grower and easy to propagate from cuttings.
Blue Rose Echeveria (Echeveria imbricata)
This classic echeveria forms a tight, symmetrical rosette that looks like a blue flower. Its leaves are a consistent blue-gray and it produces lovely pink flower stalks in spring.
- Light: Needs plenty of bright light to maintain its compact shape.
- Key Feature: One of the most common and reliable blue echeverias.
Blue Prince Echeveria (Echeveria ‘Blue Prince’)
Darker than the Blue Rose, the ‘Blue Prince’ has pointed, deep blue-gray leaves that can tinge purple at the tips with enough sun. It’s a very striking, architectural plant.
Blue Giant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
Also known as Ghost Plant, this succulent can range from blue-gray to pinkish-yellow. It forms beautiful, sprawling rosettes on long stems. It’s incredibly tough and forgiving for beginners.
- Light: Changes color based on sun exposure.
- Key Feature: Very easy to grow from a single leaf.
Blue Sprite Sedum (Sedum ‘Blue Sprite’)
This one offers a different texture. It has tiny, plump blue leaves that clump together densely. It’s great for fairy gardens or as a filler in succulent arrangements.
Essential Care Guide for Blue Succulents
Keeping your blue succulents healthy and colorful isn’t hard if you follow a few basic rules. The main goal is to preserve that precious blue coating.
Light Requirements
Most blue succulents need bright, indirect light or direct morning sun. Intense afternoon sun can sometimes scorch them, even with their protective coating.
- A south or east-facing window is ideal indoors.
- If the plant stretches or turns green, it needs more light.
- Acclimate them slowly to stronger sun to avoid burns.
Watering Practices
Overwatering is the fastest way to kill a succulent. They store water in there leaves.
- Use the “soak and dry” method. Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole.
- Then, let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
- In winter, water much less frequently, sometimes only once a month.
Soil and Potting Needs
Well-draining soil is non-negotiable. A standard cactus or succulent mix is good, but you can make it even better.
- Mix 2 parts commercial succulent soil with 1 part perlite or pumice for extra drainage.
- Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent because they breathe.
- Repot every couple of years to refresh the soil.
Protecting the Farina
That powdery blue coating doesn’t grow back on existing leaves. To protect it:
- Water the soil directly, avoiding the leaves.
- When handling, hold the plant by its base or the pot.
- Keep them somewhere they won’t be brushed against or rained on heavily.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to identify and fix them.
Stretching (Etiolation)
If your succulent grows tall and spacey between leaves, it’s begging for more light. The stem will weaken and the color will fade. Solution: Move it to a brighter location gradually. You can behead the stretched part and replant it.
Loss of Blue Color
Turning green usually means not enough light. A sun-starved succulent produces more chlorophyll, masking the blue. Slowly increase its sun exposure to bring the color back.
Soft, Mushy Leaves
This is a sign of overwatering and potential root rot. Act fast.
- Remove the plant from its wet soil.
- Cut away any black or mushy roots and leaves with a clean tool.
- Let it air dry for a day or two, then repot in fresh, dry soil.
- Wait a week before watering again.
Pests to Watch For
Mealybugs and aphids can sometimes be a nusance. They look like small white cottony spots or tiny green insects.
- Isolate the affected plant immediately.
- Wipe pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- For bigger infestations, use an insecticidal soap.
Propagating Your Blue Succulents
Creating new plants from your existing ones is rewarding and simple. The best methods are leaf cuttings and offsets.
Leaf Propagation:
- Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem. Ensure it comes off cleanly.
- Let the leaf end callous over for 2-3 days.
- Place it on top of dry succulent soil.
- Mist the soil lightly every few days once tiny roots appear.
- Wait for a new baby plant to grow.
Offsets (Pups): Many succulents, like echeverias, produce small offshoots. You can carefully seperate these from the mother plant with a clean knife. Let the cut end dry, then pot it up as a new plant.
Design Ideas for Showcasing Blue Succulents
Their color makes them fantastic design elements. Here’s some inspiration:
- Monochromatic Pots: Plant them in white, gray, or terracotta pots to make the blue really stand out.
- Color Contrasts: Pair them with orange or red succulents (like some sedums) for a vibrant, complementary look.
- Textural Mix: Combine them with fuzzy or spiky green succulents to create visual interest.
- Living Centerpiece: Plant several blue varieties in a shallow bowl for a stunning tabletop arrangement.
FAQ About Blue Succulents
Are blue succulents real or painted?
They are real! The blue color is a natural adaptation. Avoid any plants that look artificially spray-painted, as this harms them and the color won’t last.
Why did my blue succulent turn green?
Insufficient sunlight is the most common cause. The plant produces more green chlorophyll to capture more light, overpowering the blue pigments or farina.
Can I grow blue succulents indoors?
Yes, but they need the brightest spot you have, like a south-facing window. A grow light can be very helpful, especially in winter months when days are shorter.
How often should I water my blue succulent?
There’s no set schedule. Always check the soil first. It should be completely dry an inch or two down before you water again. This might be every 10-14 days in summer and less in winter.
Where can I find rare blue succulents?
Check local specialty nurseries, online succulent shops, and plant shows. Etsy and dedicated succulent forums are also great places to find unique varieties from reputable sellers.
Adding blue succulents to your home brings a touch of rare beauty. Their calming color and unique forms are truly special. With the right light, careful watering, and a little patience, you can enjoy these stunning plants for years to come. They are a wonderful way to make your space feel more peaceful and connected to natures artistry.