Tall Succulents Types

If you want to add striking vertical interest to your home, tall succulents types are the perfect solution. These architectural plants bring drama and structure to indoor gardens, thriving with surprisingly simple care.

Unlike their compact cousins, tall succulents act like living sculptures. They can fill empty corners, create focal points, and make a real style statement. The best part? Their care is often just as easy as caring for smaller succulents, as long as you know a few key tips.

This guide will help you choose the right tall succulent for your space and light conditions. We’ll cover how to care for them properly so they stay healthy and elegant for years to come.

There is a wonderful variety of tall-growing succulents, each with its own unique shape and texture. Here are some of the best and most popular types for growing indoors.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Often called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this is arguably the toughest tall succulent you can grow. Its stiff, upright leaves come in shades of green with beautiful variegation.

Height: Can reach 4 feet or more indoors.
Light: Tolerates very low light but grows faster in bright, indirect light.
Key Trait: Excellent air purifier and nearly impossible to overwater.

African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)

This plant has a dramatic, cactus-like appearance with tall, three-sided stems lined with thorns and small leaves. It adds a strong architectural element.

Height: Can grow over 6 feet indoors with time.
Light: Needs plenty of bright, direct sunlight.
Note: Sap is toxic and irritating, so handle with care and keep away from pets.

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)

While often seen outdoors in deserts, young Ocotillo can be grown as fascinating indoor specimens. They have long, slender, spiny canes that sprue leaves after watering.

Height: Can be maintained at 3-5 feet in a container.
Light: Requires full, direct sun for several hours daily.
Key Trait: Drought-deciduous; it drops its leaves in dry periods to conserve water.

Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium lamerei)

Not a true palm, this succulent has a thick, spiny silver trunk topped with a graceful crown of long, green leaves. It’s very striking and unique.

Height: Slowly reaches 4-6 feet indoors.
Light: Demands lots of direct sunlight.
Care Tip: Water thoroughly when soil is dry, but reduce watering significantly in winter when leaves may drop.

Tree Aloe (Aloe arborescens)

This aloe forms a branching, shrub-like structure with rosettes of fleshy, toothed leaves. It’s more tree-like than the common Aloe vera.

Height: Typically 3-4 feet in pots.
Light: Prefers bright light to some direct sun.
Bonus: The sap from its leaves has similar soothing properties to Aloe vera.

Spear Head (Senecio kleiniiformis)

This lesser-known succulent has fascinating blue-green, spear-shaped leaves on long, upright stems. It tends to sprawl a bit but can be staked for height.

Height: Stems can grow 2-3 feet long.
Light: Likes bright, indirect light.
Key Trait: Its unique foliage color and shape make it a great conversation piece.

How to Care for Your Tall Succulents

Keeping your tall succulents healthy and upright requires attention to a few specific areas. Their size makes them a bit more vulnerable than small potted succulents.

Light Requirements

Most tall succulents need abundant light to grow strong and avoid becoming leggy or leaning. A south or west-facing window is ideal for many types.

Direct Sun Lovers: African Milk Tree, Madagascar Palm, Ocotillo. They need several hours of direct sun daily.
Bright Indirect Light: Snake Plant, Tree Aloe, Spear Head. They enjoy very bright light but might scorch in harsh afternoon sun.
Rotate Regularly: Turn your pot a quarter turn each week. This prevents the plant from bending toward the light source and keeps growth even.

Watering Correctly

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm a tall succulent. Their large size can be misleading; they still store water in their tissues.

Always check the soil first. Insert your finger about 2 inches deep.
Water only if the soil is completely dry at that depth.
Water deeply until excess water flows out the drainage hole.
Empty the saucer underneath after 15 minutes so the pot doesn’t sit in water.
In winter, water much less frequently, sometimes only once a month.

Soil and Potting

The right soil and pot are crucial for stability and root health. A top-heavy plant in poor soil will easily tip over.

Use a Cactus/Succulent Mix: Buy a commercial blend or make your own with 2 parts potting soil, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite or pumice.
Choose a Heavy Pot: Terracotta or ceramic pots are heavier than plastic. This provides a stable base and helps prevent tipping.
Ensure Drainage: The pot must have at least one drainage hole. This is non-negotiable for succulent health.
Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Go up only one pot size (1-2 inches wider in diameter) to avoid excess wet soil.

Support and Pruning

Some tall succulents may need a little help to stay upright, especially if they become leggy.

Staking: Use a sturdy bamboo stake or dowel. Insert it carefully into the pot edge and loosely tie the stem to it with soft plant ties.
Pruning: You can prune back some types, like Snake Plants or Tree Aloe, to control height. Use clean, sharp shears. Cuttings can often be propagated to make new plants.
Beheading: For stretched-out echeverias or similar rosettes, you can cut off the top, let it callous, and replant it to start a new, more compact plant.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, issues can arise. Here’s how to identify and fix common problems with tall indoor succulents.

Leaning or Stretching

If your succulent is leaning heavily or the space between leaves is getting long, it’s etiolating. This means it is not getting enough light.

Solution: Gradually move it to a brighter location. You may need to stake it for support. For severe cases, consider pruning and propagating the healthier top part.

Soft, Mushy Stems or Leaves

This is a classic sign of overwatering and potential root rot. The base of the stem may also turn black or brown.

Solution: Stop watering immediately. Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Cut away any black, mushy roots with a sterile tool. Repot in fresh, dry succulent mix and wait a week before watering again.

Brown, Dry Leaf Tips

This can be caused by underwatering, but also by low humidity or a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water.

Solution: Check your watering schedule. If the soil is bone dry, water more consistently. You can also try using filtered or rainwater, and trim off the brown tips with clean scissors for appearance.

Pests

Mealybugs and scale insects can sometimes bother succulents. They look like small white cottony masses or brown bumps on stems and leaves.

Solution: Isolate the affected plant. Wipe pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, applying it to all surfaces of the plant.

FAQ About Tall Indoor Succulents

What is the fastest growing tall succulent?

Among common indoor types, the African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is known for relatively fast growth in good light. Some Snake Plant varieties also put on height quickly when they’re happy.

Can tall succulents live in low light?

The Snake Plant is the champion of low-light tolerance. Most other tall succulents need bright, direct light to thrive and maintain their form. In low light, they will likely become weak and leggy.

How often should I fertilize my tall succulent?

Fertilize sparingly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, or a fertilizer made for cacti. Apply it only during the active growing season (spring and summer), about once a month. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.

Why are the bottom leaves of my succulent falling off?

It’s normal for some older leaves at the base to dry up and fall off as the plant grows. However, if many leaves are dropping or they’re mushy, check for overwatering. If they’re wrinkled and dry, you might be underwatering.

Are tall succulents pet safe?

Not all of them are. Snake Plants are mildly toxic if ingested. Euphorbias, like the African Milk Tree, have toxic sap. The Madagascar Palm is also toxic. Always research a specific plant’s safety if you have curious pets.

What is the easiest tall succulent to care for?

The Snake Plant is the most forgiving. It tolerates low light, irregular watering, and generally neglect better than almost any other houseplant. It’s a perfect choice for beginners or busy people.

Adding tall succulents to your indoor garden is a fantastic way to build height and visual interest. By selecting the right type for your light conditions and following these simple care steps, you can enjoy these architectural beauties for a long time. Remember, the keys to success are plenty of light, careful watering, and a stable pot. With just a little attention, your tall succulents will become a standout feature in your home.