Texas is one of the southernmost states of the United States, and some areas of the state have an almost identical climate to that of Mexico. There are plenty of succulents that are native to Mexico, so it is not a stretch to assume that the weather in Texas would be ideal for these plants.
In this article, we will discuss some of the succulents that can thrive in your Texas home. So, if you are planning on collecting succulents in Texas, keep reading to learn more.
Best Succulents for Texas
1. Echinocereus
The echinocereus is a small to medium, cylindrical-shaped cactus native to the rockier and sunnier regions of Mexico and the southern United States.
This succulent has spines and it produces large flowers that add to its unique look.
It is low-maintenance and can tolerate various living conditions without that much care and attention.
Because of its compact size compared with other succulents, it does well in pots and containers, both indoors and out. It can also be added to outdoor gardens where it will add dimension to your flower beds and landscapes.
Although most echinocereus species prefer dry, frost-free climates, there are some that can actually tolerate cold temperatures.
Make sure your plant gets lots of sunlight to encourage blooms.
2. Cereus
The cereus is also a type of cactus, with over 30 different species. These succulents are native to South American countries such as Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil.
They prefer growing in well-draining, sandy mineral soil, and should be placed in a part of your garden where they can get lots of sunlight. Certain species of this genus bloom at night.
They do especially well in the climate of west Texas. Species that do best in Texas weather are the Cereus hildmannianus, Cereus hexagonus and Cereus repandus. All of these do well in similar growing conditions and can even be grown next to each other.
Water these plants only when the soil has completely dried out in order to avoid overwatering.
3. Crassula ovata
The Crassula ovata is more commonly known as the jade plant. It is native to South Africa and Mozambique, and it produces small, pink and white flowers.
While it is native to a place with a warm climate, the jade plant does quite well indoors in various parts of the world.
The jade plant is often mistaken for a tree, because the older the plant becomes, the thicker its stem and branches become, making it resemble a tree.
Make sure your jade plant gets lots of sunlight and water it when the soil is dry to the touch. Also make sure its soil is well-draining, because this will help avoid overwatering and possible root rot.
In Texas weather, the jade plant will do great outdoors. Its leaves and flowers will become more vibrant under the sun, adding to your outdoor garden’s overall aesthetic.
4. Sempervivum
The sempervivum is commonly known as the houseleek, and there are around 40 different species of this flowering succulent.
These succulents are low-maintenance, so they are perfect for people who do not have a lot of time to care for a plant. Because they are very hardy, they do well in most climates and weather conditions.
The leaves on this plant grow in a rosette formation, creating a beautiful symmetry that will stand out in any garden.
The plant produces offsets, or pups, from its base, which makes propagating the plant very easy. Plant the sempervivum in a spot in your garden where there is rocky soil, which is what it likes best.
The sempervivum is more tolerant of harsh conditions than many other plants, and it has no problem multiplying and blooming even in these conditions.
5. Aeonium
Aeoniums are also called tree houseleeks, and this genus has over 30 species.
The varieties that are commercially available are hybrids from either the Aeonium arboreum, Aeonium undulatum, Aeonium haworthia, or Aeonium tabuliforme.
This plant’s leaves also grow in a rosette formation, making it look very similar to echeverias and sempervivums. Some varieties have branches, while others like to grow low on the ground.
The leaves of this succulent are rounded, and its stems can be short and stubby or branched and long. The leaves can be green, yellow or red.
The flowering stems of the aeonium grow out from the center of the rosettes.
Cuttings from this plant will root easily and grow into new plants, so you can fill your garden with aeoniums in no time.
You can plant aeoniums directly in the ground, but they also grow well in containers or pots.
If you live in a part of Texas where the winters can still get a little chilly, it is best to grow them in pots so you can bring them indoors when necessary.
6. Senecio mandraliscae
This succulent is native to the western part of South Africa. It is commonly referred to as blue fingers or blue chalksticks because of the unique appearance of its leaves.
This plant likes to grow in the crevices of rocky sandstone slopes, and it likes a spot where it can get lots of bright sunlight.
It only needs to be watered when the soil has dried out completely, and does not have a problem enduring dry periods.
7. Kalanchoe luciae
Kalanchoe luciae is also known as the paddle plant. It is one of the most popular plants for warm weather because its leaves become more vibrant the more sunlight it gets.
The leaves of this plant grow in layers to form a rosette, with each leaf resembling a flattened pancake.
When the plant is ready to bloom, a thin, white stalk will grow from the center of the rosette. If you do not like the look of the stem, you can always cut it off after the plant has flowered.
The plant will produce offsets from its base, and you can use those to easily propagate your paddle plant.
8. Euphorbia
Euphorbias are low-maintenance succulents that can grow in garden beds, as borders, and they also grow well in containers.
The leaves of the euphorbia are called bracts, which is a modified form of leaves. They can come in white, green, and even pink, which makes them look like flowers.
These plants are resistant to drought and extreme heat, meaning they will do very well in Texas.
Euphorbias grow quite fast, so they can help fill your garden out in a short time. Just be careful when handling them, because their white sap is highly irritant and, in some species, toxic.
9. Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Sedums, in general, are very hardy plants, which is why they would thrive even in the Texas climate.
The ‘Autumn Joy’ is tolerant of drought because its thick leaves can store plenty of water to use in case of dry spells.
These plants can grow in either light shade or under full sun. Upright sedums can form clumps of foliage and produce flower heads in the summer that will bloom in the fall.
This plant is also a source of food for birds come wintertime.
10. Delosperma
The Delosperma is also known as the ice plant. This succulent can grow under full sun and is very easy to grow and care for.
It can grow in dry, rocky soil, and produces reddish-purple flowers from summer to fall that stand out against its emerald leaves. Because the plant blooms for several months and thanks to its lush green leaves, the delosperma will work well as a groundcover in your garden.
This plant grows and multiplies very quickly and can reach up to two feet wide when fully mature.
11. Opuntia
Opuntia is part of the Cactacae family and is commonly known as the prickly pear cactus. It has flat, paddle-shaped stem segments which are adorned with spines.
It produces yellow flowers, and its edible fruit and paddles are used in some Mexican dishes.
Opuntia grows best in full sun, in a well-draining potting mix. It is both heat- and drought-tolerant so it will have no problem growing in the warm Texas climate.
Conclusion
Succulents are typically native to the more dry and arid regions of the world, so the climate in Texas is perfect for these types of plants.
Any of the succulents listed in this article are great choices for your rock garden, as long as they can get plenty of light and only get watered when the soil has completely dried out.
Place them in your outdoor gardens or indoors in a pretty little pot; either way, your home will become more lively with them around.