If you’re interested in succulents that grow tall, there are quite a few tall succulent types. We’ll discuss the most common tall succulent types, how tall they grow both outside and inside, and the things you need to be aware of about them.
African Milk Tree
Euphoria trigona originates from central and southern Africa. Cactus-like spines are rounded off by soft, feathery leaves. Cacti typically don’t have leaves, so it’s not considered a cactus. It grows between 1 and 2 feet per year, reaching almost 8 feet outdoors. Indoors, it won’t reach the ceiling.
You might see a white or yellow flower outside, but not inside. It is named after the white milky sap it produces. However, the sap is toxic and will irritate your eyes and skin. The sap of this plant is toxic, so wear protective gloves and goggles when propagating it. They love the sun and need 5-6 hours of bright indirect light.
Ocotillo
This succulent grows up to 20 feet tall with branches spreading 10 to 15 feet. The vine-like branches are long, wiry, and wand-like. Small spikes on ocotillo shrub succulents keep animals and people out.
Ocotillo means little torch in Spanish – the tiny red tubular flowers bloom during spring and summer. A drought-resistant plant, it can survive harsh sun all its life. Desert climates, rocky mesas, and rock gardens thrive with it. In the wild, ocotillo can live for 60 to 100 years, so take good care of the plant and it can last decades.
Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata, or the snake plant, is common in homes today. They come from West Africa and grow up to 12 feet tall outside. The taller house plant doesn’t require much attention. The leaves are broad and taper to a swordlike point. They thrive in warmer weather and can even survive in colder conditions. Even though they’re drought-resistant, overwatering can cause root rot. Water it only when the soil gets dry.
Jade Plant
Are you feeling lucky? Jade plants symbolize good luck. Known for their décor appeal, jade plants reach 3 to 6 feet tall. Jade plants don’t need to be repotted often since they grow slowly. Cool temperatures and low humidity are ideal. It requires four to five hours of direct sunlight every day. It gets leggy without light. Also, the leaves turn red when exposed to sunlight.
Desert Rose
Its white and pink flowers are stunning. Typically, it grows up to 10 feet tall and 2 to 5 feet wide. Despite its elegant appearance, it’s easy to grow and care for. It likes tropical weather and sun. It needs sandy, well-draining soil. Its base has thick spines, and it produces bright flowers in the summer. Outside, you’ll need to repot it every couple of years to keep it upright.
Fox Tail Agave
Fox tail agave is an easy succulent to care for. They grow up to 10 feet tall and make pale green and silvery-colored leaves. Its strong, curved stems are gray in color. Despite being drought-tolerant, it dislikes desert heat. It needs well-draining soil with lots of sand and gravel for growth. The plant can survive without water for weeks. Partial shade is OK, but it prefers full sun. Palmer’s agave is common in warm climates. It grows up to 4 feet high and has symmetrical rosettes.
Aloe Vera
This plant needs no introduction. In addition to its medicinal uses, aloe vera has many non-medicinal uses. You might see aloe vera plants in kitchens, but they can reach 3 feet tall if properly cared for. It needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day to grow tall instead of wide and bushy. Younger aloe plants can handle less sunlight than mature plants. Warm climates are ideal for them. However, they can also live indoors.
Sedum Morganianum
Also called burro’s tail or donkey’s tail, this tall succulent type looks unique. Its fleshy blue-green leaves are thick and lance-shaped. It grows up to 3 feet tall and must be placed in suspended pots so the stems can grow freely. Drainage is important. It can survive even in hot weather. However, it must be kept indoors during cold weather. Tiny, scentless pink, lavender, and red flowers grow on this succulent. They are rare, however.
String of Pearls
This plant has tiny pea-shaped leaves. The stems cascade over the sides of the pot, allowing the leaves to grow on them. It can grow to 3 feet tall and live for nearly 5 years with proper care. It also doesn’t need any special conditions to thrive. All it needs is light and fertilizer for growth.
Madagascar Palm
This plant is a cactus, not a palm as the name implies. It grows slowly and can reach 18 to 19 feet tall outside and 4 to 6 feet inside. Madagascar palms have a swollen trunk with long, narrow leaves that grow into small branches. This succulent produces bright summer flowers. They love the sun and don’t need much water. It does well in hot weather but needs more care in cold weather.
Hanging Chain Cholla
Growing up to 15 feet tall, it is native to the Southwest United States. It looks a bit like a tree with a bunch of cacti hanging off it. Its spines detach from its main branch if you brush against them and cause minor wounds. Its ability to jump has earned it the nickname “Jumping Cholla.” It needs bright sunlight and dry soil to survive.
Those are just some of the tall succulent types you can grow. As you’re choosing which tall succulent types you want to have in your garden, think about their light and water requirements, and how much space they need. Once you consider those and weigh your options, you’re sure to find tall succulents that will be perfect for your garden.