Which houseplants are classified as succulents?

Succulents are plants characterized by their thick, fleshy tissues adapted for water storage. While cacti are a well-known group of succulents, many other plants are also classified as such for indoor cultivation.123

Common Succulent Houseplants

• Cacti: This group includes various forms such as the button cactus (Epithelantha), pincushion species (Mammillaria), chin cactus (Gymnocalycium), barrel cactus (Echinocactus), and the leaf or orchid cacti (Epiphyllum).2
• Leaf Succulents: These are popular for their foliage and include Aloe, Echeveria* (hen and chickens), Kalanchoe (such as the panda plant), Crassula (jade plant), and Haworthia*.21
• Stem Succulents: These include various Euphorbia species, which often feature angled, column-like stems.2
• Durable Varieties: The strap-leaf snake plants, or Sansevieria, are highly valued as houseplants for their ability to tolerate neglect and thrive in various indoor environments.2

Many of these plants utilize a specialized form of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism, which helps them minimize water loss by keeping their stomata closed during the day.1