17 Color-Changing Succulents You’ll Fall in Love With
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Succulents are renowned for their ability to survive dry conditions through water-retaining tissue. There are more than 10,000 species of succulents in the world, of which only about 2,000 are cacti, and some can live for 100 years!
As the succulent market is getting hotter than ever — worth more than $4 billion globally, according to recent horticultural statistics — color-changing varieties are entering the spotlight. Imagine if you had plants that not only survive but thrive with little care—and in addition, they flaunt a whole spectrum of colors!
These perennials adapt their colors to sunlight, temperature, or seasons. They are ideal for both professionals and beginners. Here are 17 of these stunning succulents that will have you in awe of their different colors!
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’
This succulent is a fan favorite for a reason, as it is so gorgeous. Its dark green leaves blossom into a lovely shade of pinks and purples in full sun. Due to the rosette, it will make any arrangement look elegant and should be a part of your collection.
It gleams brighter, almost transparent under strain from the sun or the wind. Combine it with contrasting greens to allow its colors to pop.
Sedum Rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)
As its name suggests, this succulent looks like it’s from a candy jar! The Jelly Bean Plant is green at the tips and turns red when put under direct sunlight. It grows well in warm weather and loves to be neglected, so it’s an ideal plant for newbies.
Its amusing appearance is a delight in outdoor gardens or sunny windowsills. Overwatering can make it turn yellow; keep it dry to get the most look out of it.
Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’
This hybrid succulent is a visual spectacle with leaves as yellow as a setting sun. Its peach-pink hues intensify with exposure to sunlight and are great for sunny places. It shifts back into more subdued tones in cooler weather but comes back blazing in warmer weather.
Its trailing habit also makes it perfect for hanging baskets or tumbling planters. One look, and you’ll feel like you’re grasping a piece of the California sky.
Aeonium ‘Mardi Gras’
This carnival-inspired succulent, with bright, carnival-themed hues, lives up to its moniker. Its leaves turn from green to yellow, red, and purple, creating a kaleidoscope effect.
Aeonium, like all succulents, thrives best in cooler temperatures and some shade, which makes it an exotic addition to any plant collection. It’s a slow grower, but it’s worth it as its colors deepen with time.
Kalanchoe Luciae (Paddle Plant)
The succulent is famous for its paddle-shaped leaves and is an eye-catcher. In the sun, its green leaves take on bright red tips that add a beautiful ombre effect. On cooler days, the red fades to burgundy, making it a new color altogether.
It’s relatively low-maintenance and prefers well-drained soil, so it’s fairly easy to tend to. This is proof that bold doesn’t have to be hard!
Crassula Capitella ‘Campfire’
As the name suggests, this succulent is a bright flame of red and orange that can fill your yard. Its broad, pointy leaves emerge green and turn gold in the sunlight. Good for rock gardens or ground cover, it germinates easily and makes a carpet of color.
The colors become even more intense against cooler temperatures, giving you seasonal flair. A fiery addition guaranteed to get compliments!
Sedum Nussbaumerianum (Coppertone Stonecrop)
This hardy succulent is chosen for the intense copper-colored tones that develop in direct sun. Its long, pointed leaves vary between golden yellow, orange, and bronze, shimmering with metallic shine. It is drought-tolerant and grows well in nearly any soil, so it’s perfect for outdoor landscapes.
As the season dries up, it intensifies into a warming winter landscape. It’s easy to grow and beautiful to admire, perfect for any succulent fan.
Echeveria ‘Afterglow’
This delicate succulent has broad, pastel leaves streaked with pink. In direct sunlight, the pink comes out brighter, as if airbrushed. It develops into a large rosette, a highlight of any bouquet.
It looks fragile, but it’s sturdy and straightforward and only requires minimal irrigation. This beauty is a dreamy addition to your collection, whether indoors or outdoors.
Euphorbia Tirucalli (Firesticks)
This striking succulent takes its name from its flaming appearance. Its pencil-like stems alternate between green and brilliant yellow, orange, and red, especially in winter or stressed periods.
It is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant plant, ideal for wet garden spaces. Firesticks grow tall and dense, making a bold, sculpture-like statement anywhere. However, its sap is deadly, so handle it carefully!
Echeveria ‘Rainbow’
This Echeveria variety is true to its name because it adds a spectrum of colors to your garden. Its leaves are pink, purple, yellow, and green, a vibrant combination that pops in full sunlight. It forms an exquisite rosette that makes any succulent arrangement seem symmetrical and elegant.
It’s a bit rarer and pricier than others, but it’s pretty, so it’s worth it. It’s an indoor masterpiece you’ll love to take care of.
Aloe Cameronii (Red Aloe)
Aloe Cameronii, an aloe species, is a true chameleon whose leaves change from green to gorgeous red when exposed to bright sunlight. The colors get even crazier in the winter, which makes it a favorite in the winter months.
It’s a low-maintenance plant that can survive dry conditions and looks amazing in rock gardens. Plus, its upright habit and striking foliage add drama to any landscape.
Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’
Graptoveria is a garden favorite. The leaves turn from green in sunlight to pink, purple, and orange. The more exposed it is to light and temperature, the more color-filled it gets, giving your collection a dynamic punch.
It’s quick-growing and capable of producing offsets, so it’s easy to spread and pass on. Fred Ives is the answer to anyone seeking some intrigue in their yard.
Anacampseros Rufescens
This diminutive succulent is a show-stopper. When illuminated in bright light, its green leaves turn pink and purple, forming a gorgeous gradient. It’s a dense, low-growing mat, ideal for ground cover or small planters.
When it blooms, you get pink flowers that make it more beautiful. This is a rare, underrated find for anyone who likes miniature, vivid flowers.
Senecio Mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
Typically pale blue, Blue Chalksticks can become pink or purple under stress or temperature extremes. Its narrow, cylindrical leaves offer a unique visual impression in succulents. It is fast-growing and looks wonderful as a ground cover or rock garden.
Easy care and drought-resistant, it’s ideal for beginners and advanced gardeners. Use it for a bit of cool elegance that throws a hint of warmth in the air.
Pachyphytum Oviferum (Moonstones)
Moonstones resemble a miniature forest with their lush, pastel-hued leaves. They are teddy bear-sized plants that turn soft green to pink or lavender in intense light. Their distinctive rounded leaves will lend a touch of texture to any succulent collection.
Even though they’re fragile, they’re tough and require little maintenance, great for beginners. Avoid touching them too much since their powdery surface can get ruined.
Cotyledon Orbiculata (Pig’s Ear)
This succulent was named for its fleshy, oval-shaped leaves. When allowed to grow, its leaves become vivid red with two-colored edges. It’s a hardy plant that grows in sandy, well-drained soil and full sun.
Its bright colour and distinctive shape make it a striking addition to your garden or pot. Pig’s Ear is the one for you if you’re looking for a rugged, low-maintenance plant.
Portulacaria Afra ‘Variegata’ (Rainbow Bush)
When exposed to blazing sunlight, this succulent’s light green and white leaves change to pink and red. Its treelike compactness is often planted as a bonsai, and it provides sculpture in gardens and containers.
It is extremely drought tolerant and prolific, which is beautiful and practical. Rainbow Bush can also be used to brighten small rooms. It’s like a miniature rainbow year-round in your garden!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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