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by Greg Halbeisen
(Fort Mohave, AZ, USA)

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Gregs strange succulent plant

I found this plant while hiking and was able to bring it home and plant it and it is flourishing. It has leaves that start out small and pink and then turn green as it matures. It has grown a long stalk with a bunch of tiny, elongated pink/red flowers. I have looked all over the web for anything similar and cannot find it. Any ideas?

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Greg, Thanks for persisting in the attempt to send the picture! There is a size limit, so you need to edit the picture down to less than 100kb to upload it.

Anyway, here it is – what a gem! I can’t believe you found it out in the wilderness, because it seems to be some type of Echeveria, judging from the flowers. See the pictures on Echeveria species page. They show the same flower stalk and bell like blooms.

As you found it somewhere out in the boonies, we will never know how it got there, or what the parents are, but you rescued it and gave it a home.
Jacki

Comments for Small pink leaves and tiny elongated pink/red flowers

May 02, 2011

Thank You!
by: Greg Halbeisen

Jacki,
I am thrilled that you were able to identify my mystery plant. A little more information for you. It was the only one around that we could find and it was on a high cliff above a small waterfall. We found it in a place called Christmas Tree Pass in Grapevine Canyon just outside Laughlin, Nevada. The canyon walls are coved with petroglyphs and this place holds significant meanings for the Indians in our area. All this just makes it more special. As I said it is doing really well since we transplanted it and I hope it continues to flourish. Thanks again for your help!


Apr 19, 2012

Dudleya
by: Ronaele

This is a Dudleya, can’t tell which one by the picture. May be a CITES plant.


Apr 19, 2012

Thanks again!
by: Greg Halbeisen

Thanks Ronaele for posting your note about my mysterious plant. I just spent an hour on line looking up more information and pictures however, the CITES site is way confusing and difficult to use. Anyway, I find it even more interesting now and will continue my research. It is thriving in the pot that I put it in and doubled in size and getting ready to bloom again. Any other information you could share would be appreciated. I will post some better pics of it. Thanks again!


Unlabeled Succulents

by Amanda
(Chatman)

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I’m sort of new to succulent plant ownership. I’ve had a well-established Aloe vera for a few months now that’s doing very well, so I wanted to try expanding. However, I’m not entirely sure what I have.

The first image is all four plants. One’s around 4′ tall and red on the top, I understand that’s a grafted cactus. The remaining three are all fuzzy.

Any help would be much appreciated, and thank you!

Comments for Unlabeled Succulents

Oct 14, 2010

That’s how it starts…
by: Jacki

You start with one, then think, oh I like that – it’s so easy to grow, and before you know it, your collection numbers in the hundreds. Welcome to our obsession!

Your plants are 1) as you say, a grafted cactus (not my field of expertise, so I can’t help there) then going clockwise; b) a Pachyveria; c)  Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’ and finally; c) another Echeveria which I’m not certain of the species or variety.

Find out more about how to grow Echeveria here.


Nov 22, 2010

your unlabeled succulents
by: anja

the grafted cactus is known as Gymnocalycium mihanovichii ‘Hibotan’ or moon cactus – the top cactus is made in Japan and cannot grow because lacks the ability to get nutrients from soil itself. This is the reason why it’s grafted to the other cactus which are relatively short lived. I suggest grafting the upper cactus to another cactus that is longer lived. T

he succulent that is counter clock wise to that looks to be to be a Echeveria ‘Lola’ which is a hybrid of E.lilancina and E. derengerii and the succulent that’s clockwise of the ‘Hibotan’ looks to be a succulent known as Little Jewel. hopes this helps 🙂


Apr 24, 2017

Laymens Terms
by: jackofalltrades

Not sure about the red one, but the others are usually called “Hens and Chickens”. Don’t ask me why.


need a name

by Emma
(California)

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Its bright green and has a pink tone at the ends like that of what its planted in. It doesn’t look like the donkeys tail.

Comments for need a name

Jun 25, 2010

No Name
by: Jacki

Hi Emma,
Your plant looks like some of the Sedeveria, which are a cross between Sedum and Echeveria. The picture is a little fuzzy, so it’s hard to tell for sure. If it is one of the Sedeveria group, it is related to the donkey tail, as that is Sedum morganianum.
I would suggest keeping it on the dry side, watering deeply twice a month or so, and drier in the winter. Hopefully, your pink pot has a hole for drainage in the bottom.


Jun 25, 2010

Thanks
by: Emma

Hello Jacki,

Well thank you! It is named Sedeveria; Pat’s Pink. I didnt know how to care for it and its beautiful, would have been a shame for it to have died on my hands. And yes my pot does not have a drainage hole in the bottom, i will be repotting it immediately. Thanks again!


Well, It’s Blue-green…

by Karen
(NYC)

Sorry, I don’t have a camera; I’ve been combing many online photos to no avail. This little guy is blue-green and each stem ends in a kind of elongated spade (the shovel, not the card suit) with three points, the longest being in the middle with those on the sides having length equal to each other. Any help would be most appreciated and thanks in advance. 🙂

Comments for Well, It’s Blue-green…

Jun 16, 2010

Succulent?
by: Jacki

Hi Karen,
Tell me if the blue green guy is a succulent? I have a hard time without a picture, if you can get one just use the contact page to send it. Much easier to identify with a picture!


Lost the tags!

by Kim
(UK)

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We purchased several succulents last year, but the tags seem to have vanished! In the picture with the one that has the red flowers, I also need help identifying the ones behind and in front of it (though the one in front is kind of hard to see.)

Forgive the condition of my rock bed, we’d just started cleaning up!

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Never apologize for the state of your garden – it’s always a work in progress!

The plant with the pink/red flowers looks like Saxifrage arendsii – you can see a picture of one called Purple Robe (which is actually pink) on the groundcovers for xeriscapin page. Does this seem to be the same?

The other little guy with pink stems and pale blue rosettes on the top is some type of Sedum spathufolium. There are several that are pinkish, very silvery white ones, and some that turn dark purple once cold weather arrives.

Hope this helps get you back on track!

Jacki

Comments for Lost the tags!

Apr 10, 2011

Thank you!
by: Anonymous

Yes, that is what they are and thank you!


Apr 27, 2011

Sedum ID
by: Surroundx

It might be Sedum spathufolium ‘Cape Blanco’ or ‘Cappa Blanco’ as it is sometimes known.


Apr 28, 2011

Deadheading
by: Kim

Any advice on deadheading the Saxifrage arendsii? The flowers are fading, so I don’t know if I should just let them die off or snip them.


Apr 28, 2011

To Trim, or Not To Trim
by: Jacki

…that is the question.

Depending on how neat and tidy you like your garden, a few senescing flower heads are not a detraction in my eyes. They illustrate the full spectrum of how plants grow, bloom, make seed and die, all in turn.

However, if neatness is important to you, by all means trim off the dead blooms.

Or, wait until they form seed, and collect the seed heads, dry them in a paper bag, and make more plants.


May 06, 2011

grey plant behind red flowers
by: jacquie

sedum sediforme


May 07, 2011

Kim
by: Anonymous

Thank you Jacquie!

I did do some trimming on the Saxifrage a couple weeks ago, and today we decided to move them (have one on either side of the garden) to a bigger space so they can spread a bit better. We also got a couple of the White Pixie variety that I put in the same area, which is at the base of a lilac bush. All things being well, it should look very attractive once all is said and done!


Looks like a Jade Plant, but has fuzzy leaves

by Debra
(Charlottesville, VA)

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This doesn’t appear to be any kind of parasite, but rather the natural texture of the leaves. It has the same shaped leaves and general characteristics of a Jade Plant, only the leaves are fuzzy.

I am not sure of the proper care of the plant (I was told it likes the outdoors and fresh air during the summer), and don’t want to kill it out of ignorance. My smooth leafed Jade seems quite happy with ‘benign neglect’, that is watering it lightly about once a week or 10 days, and has more than tripled in size – baby plants appear underneath on a regular basis. Do I care for the fuzzy leafed one the same way? Or is it not a Jade Plant at all? If not, what is it?

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Debra, this looks like some type of Echeveria or other succulent plant (sorry, nothing’s leaping out at me for identification), which requires the same kind of care as your Crassula (Jade Plant).

The hairy appearance is typical of some succulents as it is a common drought smart strategy.

Have a look at how to grow Echeveria and succulent care pages.

From the pictures, I wonder if it’s getting enough light – the stems seem rather long as though they’re stretching to get more light. This is a very important requirement for succulents of all kinds, so a bright window (east or south is best) and as you’ve already heard, outside in a bright place for the summer.

You should have good success with propagating this succulent, with the added benefit that it will cause more bushier growth to start from below where you cut off pieces to root as cuttings.

Jacki


Wanting to learn more about Succulent Plant Propagation?

Comments for Looks like a Jade Plant, but has fuzzy leaves

May 22, 2012

Fuzzy Jade Plant
by: Dhahabu

Very Interesting. While traveling in Italy, I came upon this jade like plant with fuzzy leaves.
It had been potted very nicely. Never seen one before. I have asked a friend who owns a garden shop about this plant, if she has any in her shop.
I’ll post whatever information I get; care, nurishment, etc.
Stay tuned.


Dec 30, 2012

i have the same plant
by: Anonymous

I’d love more information about this plant if anyone has any. My plant is super healthy, but when I shake it lightly, many of the fuzzy leaves fall off. I’m not sure if this is normal for the plant but it’s a little disturbing since it seems so healthy. Please advise!


Dec 30, 2012

Update on Fuzzy leafed Jade Plant
by: Debra

I managed to get the longer stems down to the soil and rooted – I then cut away the leggy stems. It stayed on my deck all summer, back up against the house – lots of light, but not direct sun. The plant appears to be thriving. Believe it or not, this and the regular Jade plant seem to LIKE frequent watering during the summertime. Both grew a LOT, and are thick, strong and healthy.

Still don’t know WHAT the plant is, but it is turning out to be rather pretty!


Aug 08, 2013

We have the same plant
by: Jenny

We have the same plant in our office and have no idea of how much to water it. Is it once a week? Once every other week?


Aug 08, 2013

Original Poster
by: Debra

I can’t figure out how to get back ‘in’ and post additional photos – moderator??

The plant is going great guns! I posted that last summer it stayed outside and was watered frequently. It might be a succulent, but it likes water. I don’t think it would like ‘wet feet’, but as long as your soil drains well, it would most likely get along well with frequent waterings. I have a lot of vegetables on my deck (the deer, you know) and water them daily. I generally water everything on the deck at the same time. So even my succulents are getting daily waterings. They are growing like crazy. The fuzzy jade plant is growing low to the soil, but is lush and full. I don’t know if it will grow ‘tall’ again as long as it gets plenty of water, but am pretty happy with the way it looks. Wish I could post a picture as it is now. It hardly looks like the same plant!

Hi Debra, thanks for the update! You can just add a new submission with an updated photo, and I’ll merge them into one page, to keep them together.

Jacki


Jul 08, 2016

I know this one
by: Peter

This is a panda bear plant, kalanchoe tomentosa. I have one, it gets to looking like that too sometimes. They like full sun. They should grow tighter than that. (I’m not judging, like I said, mine get that way too!)


I have no clue what this is or how to care for it.

by Robert
(Minnesota)

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The plant measures 13 cm wide and 10cm high, the spines are soft and fine.

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Robert, what an odd looking little creature you have.

When you see the flattened type of growth on this plant, it’s caused by cells that are mutating, due to a genetic anomaly or some type of damage early on in the growth cycle.

As you can see, some of this type of growth is not really stable, meaning it can revert back to normal growth at any time, or normal seeming growth can have new ‘fasciated’ shoots coming off it.

Care of these is the same as for any normal cacti or succulent, with extra care not to get water on the top growth due to the convoluted folds.

If too much moisture gets into the crevices, it can cause rot.

See the page on succulent care for more detailed growing instructions.

Good luck with your oddity!
Jacki

Fuzzy Succulent

by Winnie
(San Bruno, California)

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It’s fuzzy! Please identify.

Comments for Fuzzy Succulent

Jul 15, 2010

It certainly is fuzzy
by: Jacki

What a great texture – this fuzzy succulent plant looks similar to Echeveria ‘Green Velvet’ except somewhat stretched out.

Is it in bright light, or just regular room brightness?


Jul 15, 2010

Fuzzy succulent
by: Anonymous

It looks like the chocolate soldier.


Jul 15, 2010

Don’t eat it!
by: Jacki

Do you know what the botanical name is? I’m not familiar with this common name – time to do some more research!


Jul 16, 2010

No do not eat it
by: Anonymous

Its family is called Crassulaceae the genus is Kalanchoe. The only reason why I don’t think it’s the chocolate soldier is because its missing the brown on the edges.


Jul 16, 2010

No News is not good News
by: Jacki

Hi Winnie,
It looks like we’re all stumped, but you have a few clues to go on, and please let us know if you figure out what your fuzzy guy is.


Sep 03, 2010

Think I found it
by: Mary Ellen

Winnie, I think it’s Kalanchoe tomentosa. Tomentosa means fuzzy, appropriately enough. The “Chocolate Soldier” variety does have delicate brown edges or dots on the leaf edges. I found a good article on Kalanchoes here – take a look! I was googling for info on how to propagate the little leafy branch ends that fell off an old one I’ve had for several years.


May 06, 2011

echeveria
by: jacquie

There are a number of stemmed echeveria similar to these, and the growth pattern is correct.I think it is pubescens, but look also at pulvinata frosty, harmsii and set-oliver,


May 19, 2019

Echeveria harmsii
by: Carrie

Hello,
I have a plant that looks very similar, except it has a light red border or the tips.
I think mine is Echeveria harmsii. Hopefully that helps lead you on the right track.


Jan 29, 2021

I have a plant just like this!
by: Sophia

Wow, I have finally found a plant just like mine! I think it is some variation of a plant, because mine has leaves like a Kalanchoe plant but grows naturally tall even in full sun. Will update if I find any relevant news.


Sep 23, 2021

Jade plant?
by: No

It could be a jade plant. I have a plant that looks like that except my leaves are heart shaped and not so pointed at the end. It also grew leaves in a non patternistic way but i still think yours is a jade plant varient


Unknown Wavy Tipped Succulent

I recently bought a small succulent, potted in a roughly 4″ by 3″ wide pot. The pot contains two small plants that sprout trumpet shaped leaves, flatten, fat, and ending in 5 wavy “toes.” It’s green and very soft, and the leaves will droop slightly when it hasn’t been watered for a week, and they perk up when watered. the stalks have very fine reddish/brown hairs. When one of the leaves is broken open, it looks more like aloe. there also appears to be a small stalk growing that looks like it will flower – the small bud at the tip is finer than a pencil lead and looks orange/yellow.
Any help identifying this would be helpful!

Drought Smart Plants reply:

From your description this could be a Kalanchoe, which there are many different ones. Is it possible that it’s the panda plant, which has soft hairy leaves, with darker edges?

Please send a picture if possible – your description is great, but a picture will jog my memory better.

If it is a Kalanchoe or similar, water thoroughly then allow to dry between waterings. Bright light is a must, and never allow them to sit in a saucer of water, and also make sure the pot has a drainage hole. Well drained soil, and a pebble mulch will help keep your succulent plant happy.

Happy Succulent Growing!
Jacki

Comments for Unknown Wavy Tipped Succulent

Jul 02, 2010

I think I found it!
by: Christine

I do think I found the plant – I found a much larger version called a ‘Crinkle-Leaf’ Plant that grows in South Africa. Mine is a lighter green and seems to be a dwarf version, but they look just alike. I still could not find a good way to care for it, so any information on caring for it indoors would be appreciated!
Environment: indirect sunlight, office desk

Andromiscus cristatus – Crinkle-Leaf Plant – Crassulaceae


Jul 02, 2010

Care of Andromiscus
by: Jacki

Hi Christine – so glad you could identify your plant. All of the Andromiscus species require bright light – see if you can get a small fluorescent fixture specifically for specimen plants in low light conditions.

They also need good drainage, so make sure the potting soil that your plant came in has enough small gravel / large sand (no dust) and holes in the bottom of the pot.

Don’t over water and don’t allow it to sit in any water that drains out of the pot. Water thoroughly, than allow to dry out.

Fertilize once a year with a small amount of worm castings, or use a water soluble fertilizer. Err on the side of too little fertilizer, rather than too much as all succulent plants prefer a lean soil.

Good luck with your cute little guy, and please post a picture if it blooms!


Small, light green & fuzzy

by Rachel
(Santa Monica, CA)

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My succulent is about 3.75″ tall on one stalk with 3 short branches. On some of the branches, there are small, roundish fuzzy nubs. The leaves have a ripply edge and are no more than a half inch long. There are about a cluster of 8 leaves on each flower-like cluster of leaves. The plant was given to me by a friend and he said it was lamb’s year, but when I googled it online, none of the photos of lambs ear look like it.

Comments for Small, light green & fuzzy

Dec 31, 2010

Another Kalanchoe
by: Jacki

This looks to me a lot like some of Kalanchoe tribe with the rippled edges and thick fuzzy leaves.

Daves Garden plant guides show several that have similar leaves, so that’s a place to start your search.


Dec 08, 2015

Vick’s Plant
by: Mark

Vick’s Plant, Plectranthus tomentosa.


Please identify my spaghetti head succulent

by Linda
(Weeki Wachee, FL)

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I have this plant as a houseplant. It is green with spaghetti-like foliage.

Comments for Please identify my spaghetti head succulent

Jan 11, 2011

Aporocactus
by: Jacki

Hi Linda, is it possible that your plant could be some kind of Aporocactus, the rat tail cactus?

This is the only one I’ve found in my research that has similar growth, although the most common form of Aporocactus, the species flagelliformis, tends to be quite a bit larger, both in the leaves themselves, and the ultimate size of the plant.

However, there are many hybrids of the various species commonly grown, and this could be one of them. Sorry I can’t help more than that, as my specialty is more the succulents than cacti. This may give you a place to start; if you do happen to find out more, please post back.


Jan 11, 2011

My Spaghetti head succulent
by: Linda from Weeki Wachee

Thanks so much for your input. At least you have given me a place to start looking. I’ll let you know if I find it.
Thanks for your site. It’s nice to know one can get advise from people in the know and who have similar interests.

Eight years ago I retired to Fl and people here said “no one” has house plants around here…too much trouble..you will just end up getting rid of them once you live here a while. Obviously, “they” don’t have a love for plants….how could ANYONE live without plants????


Jan 28, 2012

A Few More Options
by: Jacki

There are few more plants that this resembles, if you haven’t found it yet:

Crassula pseudolycopoides looks similar in texture.

Crassula mucosa also looks similar, and then there are always some of the Euphorbia, or Medusa Head.

This is a link to Euphorbia flanaganii on Daves Garden.


Nov 10, 2012

Rhipsalis
by: Carol

I started looking online to identify my plant, that looks similar to yours, just not as big. I found a picture of a Rhipsalis that looked like mine. I found it at this website.

Carol


What kind of plant is this?

by Debra
(New York, NY)

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I have had this plant for 4 years and have had to move it several times because I often switched offices. Unfortunately the light was very different in each office and I think the plant was affected by this. Can someone tell me what plant this is and if there is anything I can do to help it out? It just keeps growing taller and taller and I am needing to put a stake in it now.

(the pic does not show the bottom section of the plant which has very few leaves)

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Debra, boy that thing really went to town. It’s hard to say for sure, but I think this is some type of Aloe, which require really bright light to stay compact. If it has little thorns on the edges of the leaves, then this most likely is some type of Aloe.

The best solution to your issue of needing to stake it is to simply untwist the top rosette and replant it as a new plant. It’s not difficult – pretend it’s a light bulb, and twist in one direction until the top comes off. It will most likely have some little white bumps on the side of the stem where it detaches, and these are known as ‘adventitious roots’; they’re just waiting for their chance to grow.

For more information, see the page on Succulent Plant Propagation, or buy the Succulent Plant Propagation E-Book.

For more on Aloe for comparison see the Old Curving Aloe Plant, and Identify Me.

Best of luck with your plant,
Jacki

Unknown Succulent cutting

by Zoe L
(Oxfordshire, UK)

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This little guy came from a large full plant of which I took a cutting out of interest as all it said was ‘Succulent’.

He grows from a stem which is red/brown and smooth which produces large, round, smooth leaves and then has extra stems of which form the ‘rosettes’.

The rosettes have very small red pigments in the leaves on the youngest ones. The grow almost lop sided, with more larger leaves growing out of one side.

The larger plant grew almost flat as though it was a ground covering plant.

Small roots are growing out from the nodes.

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Zoe, it’s difficult to completely 100% identify some succulent plants until they start growing in some characteristic way, so I’m very tentative about the identity of this great little plant. It looks rather like some of the Aeonium tribe, and based on your description could possibly be Aeonium tabulaeforme or something similar. Without seeing the plant you took the cutting from, and seeing its growth habit, I really can’t be certain.

Alternatively, it also reminds me a bit of some of the Peperomia, with the thick fleshy leaves.

These options will give you a place to start, and if you check on Dave’s Garden plant files, you may find out more:

Aeonium tabulaeforme

Peperomia obtusifolia

Comments for Unknown Succulent cutting

May 09, 2011

Hmm.. not so sure
by: Zoe L

Thank you for the reply but I don’t think this plant is either of the ones you mentioned.

The parent plant was exactley the same as this cutting, even the size of leaves, there was just much more of it


May 09, 2011

So Sorry!
by: Jacki

Hi Zoe,
I’m sorry I couldn’t id your plant – it’s got me puzzled so I’ll keep looking. There are other visitors that seem to have much more experience with some plants, so maybe they’ll be able to help.


Apr 29, 2017

I have this plant too!
by: CajunSucculent

I do not know the name either. It was bought at a flower gallery in Morro Bay, Ca. I saw it growing on the streets by the farmers market. They look like tight waxy rosette with little rosettes. I’m having trouble after a year to keep it going here I’m humid southern Louisiana.


Tall, thin, palm-like, prehistoric looking succulent to ID please

by Eric Gregoire
(Cincinnati, Ohio)

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Front view of the plant


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I bought this plant and it was only a few inches tall. I didn’t really know what I was doing it when I planted it in my terrarium. It has grown wildly this year in particular. I want to learn more about the plant because it is too large for the terrarium and it should be repotted – I also want to learn about if it is normal for it to lean the way that it has. Should it be propped up, is it possible to propagate the plant into others? I haven’t been able to find this plant online or at any other stores since then…
Thanks!

Comments for Tall, thin, palm-like, prehistoric looking succulent to ID please

Aug 17, 2010

I’m stumped
by: Jacki

Hi Eric,
I’m hoping someone else will recognize your plant – the stem texture is pretty memorable, so with luck you will get an answer soon.


Aug 18, 2010

WoW!!!
by: Countrymouse

WAY cool! I don’t know what it is either, but it’s really neat looking.
It’s probably leaning because the weight of the top growth is pulling it in that direction. Are you turning the pot/terrarium 1/4 turn daily to ensure the plant isn’t “leaning” toward it’s light source?
You might try “staking” it like a tomato but I’d suggest doing so gently and using a “tie” that is soft and won’t damage the stem of the plant.
Sometimes too, when you repot them you can sort or rearrange the rootball in the pot to eliminate the lean.
Great plant, hope we all learn what it is.


May 06, 2011

euphorbia
by: jacquie

unfortunately can’t give you it’s second name, but if you look at the very succulent euphorbias of southern africa like wooddii or caput-medusae you will see the stem pattern. To check prick your stem and see if the milky latex comes out,but then wash your hands!It is a severe irritant to eyes and skin causing urticaria and temporary blindness. Your plant needs a lot more sun!


Apr 19, 2012

monadenium
by: ronaele

Could be an etoilated Monadenium.


Apr 20, 2012

ritchiei
by: jacquie

Yes, this is monadenium ritchiei, also described as euphorbia ritchiei by bruyns(2006)
Not enough sunlight so scraggly.
see Cactus Art’s page.


Jun 15, 2012

I have that plant!
by: Catfish

I have the exact same plant!! 😀
Only mine is much shorter, thicker in the stem, and the formation is slightly different, but that’s the same plant.

I picked up my plant from an Art Festival from one of the vendors selling various succulents, but none had names attached. I picked out my plant among others, it was the only one of its kind, and it was weird looking, so I decided to buy it.

After trying really hard to search for a picture of this plant, I finally found it today with some of those other peoples help. It is indeed a Monadenium, but is specifically a Monadenium guentheri! Found it on here:
Monadenium guentheri, it’s the 28th plant picture from the top! 🙂

It’s not a common plant, so we got lucky! Hope I was able to help! 😀


Jul 18, 2015

cactus
by: hippy

a master gardener gave me this same cactus and he said he got it in panama, and called it a snake cactus.

i looked up snake cactus and never found it either. it does look good in a hanging basket, as it has a drooping growth habit. as it grows, it loses its lower leaves and grows new ones.

it also has cute little babies that you can pull off and lay on top of the soil to grow separately.


It has a thick stem, leaves that are not thick, leaves are a bit fuzzy….

by Sara Rivka Dahan
(Galil Israel)

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My unknown succulent

Would love to know what this is, can’t seem to find a photo of it anywhere, thanks so very much! It has rosette like growth seen in other types of succulents, but has thin leaves.

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Sara; This one has me puzzled, I’ll admit. The powdery coating and the shape are very much like an Echeveria, but as you say the foliage is thin.

It will probably be one of those that as soon as it blooms you’ll say, oh, of course! I would be interested to see what the flowers are like, as I have no idea what it is.

Jacki

Comments for It has a thick stem, leaves that are not thick, leaves are a bit fuzzy….

Aug 07, 2011

plant ID?
by: Labour of Love

Growth habit is like some of the Euphorbias.


Aug 07, 2011

Thin leaves
by: Marsha

Look up Calendrinia on the web. The flowers of this plant are very distinctive.


Aug 08, 2011

mystery succulent
by: Sara Dahan

Thanks so much Marsha, will do!


Jun 30, 2016

possible ID
by: K

(a few years too late, but) this looks an awful lot like Senecio cephalophorus. has real tell-tale red pompom blooms on stalks.


String beans on thin draping stem

by Becky
(Media, PA)

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thumb_string-beans-on-thin-draping-stem-21521341.

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Hi, I found this plant on the shelf of bathtowels at Kmart and it was in severe need of some water and a decent home. Because it was in such bad shape the store let me buy it for 2.99

I repotted it at home and it looked gorgeous and happy for about a month and then it started to look sad and die off. I would like it to be happy again, but can’t figure out what it needs because I don’t know what it is. Can you help?

Thanks

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Wow, Becky – I can see why you wanted to rescue this plant! It is really cool.

A couple of things to check: When you repotted it, what kind of soil was it in, and what did you use for new soil? Also, did you remove soil from the roots? Sometimes if you use the wrong kind of soil (too much fertilizer, or too much lime in the soil) this will affect the plant. If the new soil holds too much water, and the plant needs good drainage, it could be rotting the roots.

Does the pot have a drainage hole? This is very important for all plants, and particularly for succulents.

I’m sorry I can’t tell you what your plant is, I’ve never seen this one before.

Jacki

Comments for String beans on thin draping stem

Jun 18, 2011

Sometimes called string of beans but called String of Bananas
by: Emma

It’s called the String of Bananas (asteraceae Senecio radicans). It is related to the String of Pearls and Necklace plant (or tear drop plant). It’s hardy to zones 10 and 11 and needs light shade. It’s poisonous just like the spring of pearls. It will bloom in late winter and early spring a near white or white flower which they say smells like cinnammon. They like moist soil but don’t over water it or it will drown. Fertilize it every once in a while (once a month or once every two weeks depending on how your plants prefers best). I would say put it in a window facing north so it gets plenty of light but not direct sun, or a west facing window. If it’s touching the window it might be getting frost burn. I don’t know if it’s still cold where you are. Anything you would like to add Jacki?


Jun 18, 2011

Thanks, Emma!
by: Jacki

Wow, glad you could find out so much information – this is similar to Senecio rowleyanus which is at the bottom of the page on Succulent Plants Miscellaneous.


Apr 08, 2012

Senecio radicans
by: Lorraine

In South Africa we call this plant baboon toes! It grows best in full sun, with very little water and in well drained sandy soil. With the correct growing conditions it makes a tight, fast growing ground cover and grows well in a hanging basket as long as it does not get too much water.


Dec 27, 2021

Name
by: Sarah

Fish hook succulent


large wavy fleshy leaves

by mackenzie
(mass)

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I am assuming this is a succulent. It’s leaves are thick and fleshy. Long thin stalks have grown from the one leaf I was give (2ft tall)I’m assuming these will strengthen and tiny leaves have started to form. No sign of flowers. I was told it could be an orchid, upon some research I disagree, but I am no botanist

I was given this plant as one leaf, he told me if I put it in dirt it would grow, and it has. I have named him Stick until I get an official confirmation of species.

Drought Smart Plants reply:
I’ve revisited this one, and I think what this could be is Cereus, the Queen of the Night. That would be where the suggestion that it’s an Orchid came from, as these quite often are called Orchid Cactus.

This particular one will bloom very rarely, and only at night, so if you see a bud starting, you’ll have to check it during the night to actually see it bloom. The scent is supposed to be spectacular too, so this will certainly be an event to remember.

For some other closely related plants, see Epiphyllum here.

Jacki

Comments for large wavy fleshy leaves

May 22, 2011

Zygo relative?
by: Anonymous

Those leaves reminded me of Zygo cactus (Christmas cactus) with the notches along the edges. Can’t find anything on them here. I’ll have to share this with my pal who is in Australia to see if she knows.


May 22, 2011

my plant
by: mackenzie

Yes the leaves do look like Christmas cactus, but just one huge segment of, there are no spikes, or indications the leaf shape will fragment, just large wavy long leaves.

Those large stalks have started to grow small leaves less than a centimeter.

After searching the net for the last couple hours
I think I have foud a real name for stick!
he’s a night blooming Cereus! This is what he looks like, now I know what to expect for flowers etc. So cool!

Epiphyllum

You Tube video


May 28, 2011

Orchid Cactus
by: Anonymous

I believe it is an Orchid Cactus. A friend of mine in Australia mentioned she thought it was and I looked at photos and sure enough, that’s it. Here’s the Wikipedia link that has images and info.

Epiphyllum

Happy Gardening!


Jun 30, 2011

Wax plant?
by: Anonymous

I have no idea what the name is, but, my daughter gave me a start of the plant and it has bloomed. Mine had small white flowers that look like they are made of wax. The flowers are thick and last a long time.


please help identify my succulent

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my girlfriend and i just bought this plant at our local nursery, and nobody working that day knew the name any way you could help? thanks!

Drought Smart Plants reply:

You have found one of the cutest little plants. Andromischus cristata, sometimes called Baby Toes (you can see why) is an easy to grow, slow growing and low maintenance addition to your succulent addiction (ahem, I mean, collection). Care is really easy, follow the guidelines on the succulent care page.

To propagate, simply remove a bit of stem with several of the ‘toes’ attached, and it will root easily after callousing. See the succulent plant propagation page for more details.

Congratulations on your new addition!

Jacki


Wanting to learn more about Succulent Plant Propagation?


Comments for please help identify my succulent

Apr 10, 2017

Common Name
by: Taylor

The common name for this guy is ‘Key Lime Pie’ i dont know the genus name. Sorry but i know for sure it is not baby toes.


indoors…outside houseplant

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This succulent plant has about 1 inch cylindrical parts branching off each other with tiny hairs. It’s now hanging down out of the pot and it has gotten rounder at ends with increasing white hairs at the ends as well. A few weeks ago it appeared to grow leaves in middle of pot that are green and furry feeling and that part is about to flower a purplish looking flower. I don’t see how another plant could have gotten in the pot. I feel it’s because it has never been outside. I live in Tennessee and it has been HOT! Any help identifying would be greatly appreciated!

Drought Smart Plants reply;

This is two different plants in the same pot – the new one probably was dormant as a seed in the potting soil, and the conditions are just now right for it to grow. From what I can see, this looks like a Petunia! You’ll be able to tell when it opens, as the bloom is like a trumpet shape.

As for the other little succulent, I can’t tell from the picture what it is – it’s similar to some of the Christmas Cactus based on your description.

See this page for more on Schlumbergera.

Good luck with your strange companions!
Jacki

Comments for indoors…outside houseplant

Jul 23, 2011

ID
by: Kate Butler

I think it could be one of the Rhipsalis – really difficult to tell from the photo.


Small Yellow Flowers with 4 Petals…

by Cheyenne
(Michigan)

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My mother bought me a plant for my birthday that bloomed heartily in February-April in lower Michigan when it got full sun and lots of water.

The leaves are large and about 3 millimeters thick, and very waxy. They are medium green and don’t grow in any certain pattern. The leaves tend to be a teardrop shape with wavy edges (sort of like if you cut them with craft scissors). The leaves have been able to grow larger than my fist.

I moved back to upper Michigan, and it isn’t getting as much light. I’m worried for my plant, but my mom doesn’t know what it is called, and it didn’t come with a stick to tell me what it needed.

Hi Cheyenne, that certainly is a pretty plant – I’m sorry I can’t identify it for you off the top of my head. As it’s succulent, from the look of the leaves I would assume that it probably needs similar care to most other succulent plants. Bright light is the most crucial aspect of caring for succulents. They don’t necessarily need full sun, but good curtain filtered light in a south or east window, or if that’s not possible, a grow light.

See the page on Succulent Care for more information.

Jacki

Comments for Small Yellow Flowers with 4 Petals…

Mar 31, 2019

Four petaled flower is a kalancho
by: Suzy

This four petaled flower is most likely a florist’s kalanchoe, more specifically the single Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. There are also rose-flowering florist’s kalanchoe.


Red to green leaves

It grows from the top only. The leaves begin red and turn green. I was suggested that I water it by putting water in the leaves. Is this a succulent?
I don’t have a picture.

(Drought Smart Plants reply:

A picture would be very helpful – from your description of the plant, I don’t know what this plant could be, but if someone told you to put water in the leaves, the only plant I know of that you do this to is the Bromeliad. These form a tube which should remain full of water, and it attracts small insects which fall in, and become the fertilizer for the plant. Another strange and unusual plant.

They are a long lived and well behaved plant as long as their tube stays filled with water. I suggest using warmed water as they are jungle plants.

Jacki

Hanging vine-like succulent

by Joseph
(San Francisco, CA,, USA)

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detail of vine

This is a hanging vine-like plant that I believe to be a succulent. The vines are about 4 feet long with small (1 inch) cigar shaped “leaves”.

Ever since I moved it to another room with less light it hasn’t been doing well, and I would like to know what type of plant it is so I can research how to best care for it.

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Joseph, your plant seems to be really similar to this String Beans on thin Draping Stem – could it be the same plant?

In any event, if it was happy in the first place you had it, maybe you can try and copy the conditions. Light levels are usually the most important factor, but you can have problems with dry air, cold air from an air conditioner, or the type of water you use to water it.

Hopefully, you can tell if it is the same plant, as there is a lot of information there from another visitor to the site.

Happy Gardening!
Jacki

Comments for Hanging vine-like succulent

Aug 21, 2011

Thanks
by: Joseph

I think that’s the plant! That really helps. My hunch is that it’s not getting enough sun. And I should probably give it a hair cut.

Thanks!


Oct 16, 2011

String of bananas
by: Anonymous

looks similar to the one i just bought. Mine was called string of bananas. hope this helps!


Apr 11, 2012

String of Bananas
by: Haley

That looks very much like a String of Bananas plant that I had a while back. I loved it. It almost exactly like a String of Pearls with the thin window on each leaf. It is toxic to animals so, if you have any, I would keep it out of their reach.


Sep 11, 2013

Fish hooks
by: Laurie

The string of bananas are small which I do have, your looks like the hanging “Fish hooks” which I also have.


small leaves, ground cover type plant

by doug gardner
(grand blanc, mi. usa)

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Not sure if it is a sedum variety or not. planted in full sun, about 10 inches in circumference and only seems to flower on the ends. very low to the ground with very little height. was planted at a cemetery so it is sold commercially.

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Doug, what you have is Portulaca, or the Sun Rose. What a perfect little easy care plant for cemeteries, as it happily endures drought and poor soil, and requires very little in the way of care.

See also these posts about a Basket of Unknown BeautyJade Like Vines with Bright Yellow and Pink Flowers and Two Succulents Flowering for more.

Jacki

Very tall jade

by Andrew S.
(Ithaca, NY, U.S.)

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When I first bought this jade, it had two tall pieces. As you can see from one of the pictures, I tried to trim (and propagate) the one stem, it was growing sideways (as is the only remaining one now). The piece that I tried to propagate just shriveled up and died. I’ve tried to use leaves and stem pieces, nothing.

I don’t know what type of jade this is, since it’s leaves are very different from my other jade.

I was just wondering what is a good way to try and trim this piece and propagate this type of jade?

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Andrew, I think part of the problem is that your plant is not really a ‘Jade’, or more correctly known as Crassula argentea, but is most likely Portulacaria, or Elephants Food. These are sometimes sold as ‘miniature Jade’ but they are in fact quite different.

Although succulent, the leaves are very much finer in texture than Crassula argentea, so this could be part of the problem with propagating it. It’s possible that the leaves are drying out before making roots. My tried and true method of propagating most succulents is to leave the cutting to callous at least overnight, sometimes longer, which encourages it to root, and not rot.

In many cases, simply cutting back the overgrown part of the plant will encourage it to break more buds from lower down, eventually making a much more uniform and stable plant. This is what I would try, and hopefully some of the pieces you cut off will root to form more plants.

Happy Propagating!
Jacki


Wanting to learn more about Succulent Plant Propagation?


Gasteria of some kind

by Mark
(Cleveland, OH)

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@ 3″ tall, dark green tall narrow fleshy leaves with pale green spots. Doesn’t seem to like full sun, or lots of water.

Comments for Gasteria of some kind

Jun 23, 2010

Not Sanseveria
by: Jacki

Hi Mark,
You have a Gasteria, I’m not sure of the exact one, but at least that’s a starting point for you.
For care, bright light, but not full sun, and thorough watering, but wait until it dries out between, and much less water if at all in winter. Good luck with it, it’s a beautiful plant!

This page has a picture of the one I have, which is slow growing, but is now about 7″ tall, and equally as wide. They seem to grow in a fan shape, not like a rosette.


Aug 08, 2010

It has similarities to Aloe variegata
by: Horsense

The shape of, & patterns on, the leaves remind me of:

Aloe variegata / Partridge Breast Aloe / Tiger Aloe.
Click here for more information.

I’ve never seen an entire Tiger Aloe plant shaped like that, though.


Apr 10, 2016

Plant id
by: Lavender lady

The lovely plant you have is a snake plant, also called mother-in-laws tongue. It has several names but it’s one of the best air purifier plants you can have. It will thrive in most indirect even poor lighting, and prefers to get a bit dry between waterings. It needs less water over winter, and it’s truly one of my favorite plants!


Succulent Plant Pictures Attached

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Just bought yesterday in Orange county, california. Looks like little green balls. 2 pink blooms. the pot is a 3 inch.

Drought Smart Plants reply:

Oh, that is the sweetest little succulent plant! And I have no idea what it is – when I first saw it I thought it resembled Senecio rowleyana, but that grows in a vine type growth. Your little succulent looks like it has thicker stems. And those flowers – very cute.

Sorry I can’t identify your little plant, maybe another visitor will recognize it.

Jacki

Comments for Succulent Plant Pictures Attached

Dec 11, 2013

Tylecodon schaeferianus
by: Leandra

I believe it’s Tylecodon schaeferianus- I have it in my yard 🙂

Leandra


Jul 09, 2018

I know your plant.
by: Amanda

Those are commonly referred to as “donkey tails.” Yours are still in their juvenile stage.

If you prune them, they’ll stay like this. If you don’t, they’ll grow long & thick (like a donkey tail) & form a flower at the end. I got some as clippings a few months ago, & they’re propagating rather nicely. Eventually, it would be a good idea to transplant to a hanging basket.

Donkey tails can end up being rather expensive in nurseries, so it’s awesome that you have this many – & each of those nubs will grow into a whole new donkey tail if you pluck them & transplant them. Enjoy!


The twenty cent succulent plant

by anja
(mn)

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I rescued this plant from where I work (a large box store) and gave it a new home.

The stem of this succulent plant is lime green with a bundle of stems at the base not a bulb.

The plant right now is about 4-5 inches tall and has leaves that curve inwards somewhat. The leaves are smooth not furry.

I have another one of this same succulent plant which had grown three large offshoots which I removed. Unfortunately, one died but the other two are doing well.

Comments for The twenty cent succulent plant

Nov 12, 2010

This is how it starts…
by: Jacki

Hi Anja,
You’re well on your way to being a collector. Starting a succulent plant collection is very addictive – pretty soon you’ll have lots of these lovely plants filling every window.

The biggest issue with growing succulents is that they need a lot of light, sometimes requiring a boost from a fluorescent light to get enough to stay healthy.

Noticing your plant has a tendency to droop is an indication that it lacks light, a common problem when they’ve been kept too long in low light conditions such as a box store, not the best situation.

I’m sorry I can’t accurately identify your plant as the picture is a little dark.


Jul 31, 2019

Your mystery plant
by: Marion

That’s a jade plant. They tolerate dry conditions to a point. If the petals start to wrinkl a bit , it needs H20. Does not tolerate frost, but does tolerate cold . I just cover mine as a precaution if a cold snap hits.
Great succulent. I have one from the 1920s! Do not cut off any branching otherwise it will be an ugly stub.
Grows about 2 ft tall in container.
Very seldom needs to be transplanted. Mine has been in same pot at least 10 years.
Grows tiny white flowers when it’s happy.
Easiest plant to propagate. Cut small branches if necessary. But best way is 1 individual petal at a time, just as they fall off or are easily pulled off.
Can be fragile, don’t put where it will be bumped into much.
Once you start to propagate you won’t want to stop. These make great gifts when planted in small 3-4 inch pots.