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Welcome to the wonderful and weird world of succulents! These ornamental plants come in some very surprising shapes that make them look like something from a fantasy illustrator’s dreams. Bored Panda’s green thumb employees have delicately grown and cultivated this list about some of the most awesome succulents you’ll ever see. So scroll down, upvote your faves, and share this post with your plant-loving pals.

If you keep any succulent-buddies at home or at work, we’d love to see photos of them in the comment section below, dear Pandas. We’d also appreciate it if you could share any tips for growing them. You know, for those of us who give our succulents a bit too much love, attention, and water.

Succulents are excellent at surviving in dry climates and nearly all cacti are succulents but not all succulents are cacti. Succulents are very popular plants. Odds are that if you stroll through any office, you’ll spot at least one of them. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to take care of their succulents—I can tell you from firsthand experience that it’s a lot harder than it should be!

#1

Clear Succulent Plant

Clear Succulent Plant

littleleafgarden , chonkysuccs Report

Dynein
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a few plants that have these kind of "widnows" on top of their leaves (google "leaf window"). They are adapted to very harsh, hot climates. The windows allow them to remain mostly buried in the soil and keep the photosynthesizing part of the leaf protected from the harsh conditions while still being able to collect light.

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    #2

    Rose Succulents

    Rose Succulents

    Weibo Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again, looking very much like their namesake.

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    #3

    Bunny Succulents

    Bunny Succulents

    seedscactus Report

    Troux
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this how they harvest hops?

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    Some of the fantastically strange plants like the mermaid tail or the opal-like clear succulents look like they’re from another planet and something that aliens keep on their alien desks in their alien offices.

    If you want to get one of these peculiar succulents for yourself or for your loved ones as a gift, the mermaid one is called a crested Senecio Vitalis while the clear one is the Haworthia Cooperi plant.

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    Haworthia succulents are popular because of their “leaf windows” which let in a lot of light for the plant. The “windows” also minimize water loss from evaporation because the rest of the plant is buried underground. Haworthia plants also have accordion-like roots that pull them deeper into the ground so that they can thrive.

    #4

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

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    Troux
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bonsai Tree's final form.

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    #5

    Trachyandra

    Trachyandra

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    According to Reddit, Haworthia plants are easy to take care of and are great succulents for beginners: just pop them on the windowsill and they’ll be happy. Especially if you plop it into some gritty soil.

    In general, succulents need plenty of light and you need to rotate them occasionally so all parts of it can enjoy the sun and to help it grow straight.

    Overwatering is a big no-no, so check the soil regularly: if it’s dry, get your watering can ready. Also, keep in mind that succulents need more water during Spring and Summer and barely need any in Fall and Winter when they’re ‘resting.’ Finally, wipe the dust off your succulents to help them grow and become your picture-perfect plant-pals.

    #7

    Lithops

    Lithops

    special_plants_world Report

    Troux
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look like brains but also like candy and now I feel a little like a zombie...

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    #10

    Succulent

    Succulent

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    #11

    Euphorbia

    Euphorbia

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    Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I honestly thought this was a beaded pincushion upon first glance. I had to Google it, and supposedly it is called "euphorbia obesa" and it does indeed look like the photo above. Pretty amazing!

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    #13

    Kalanchoe

    Kalanchoe

    special_plants_world Report

    Daria B
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now those are some huge potato crisps/chips

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    #14

    Stapelia

    Stapelia

    special_plants_world Report

    Barbara
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like a flower.;.A very hairy one, though!

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    #15

    Dolphin Succulents

    Dolphin Succulents

    kao77neko Report

    Troux
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fun fact: A group of dolphins is called a pod. Now I know why!

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    #16

    Boophone Haemanthoides

    Boophone Haemanthoides

    special_plants_world Report

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    #17

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

    yoart2 Report

    Kate Tora
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just wanted to mention that the top part is a planter and the bottom is the plant itself. Still cool tho, since they grow upside-down.

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    #18

    Mermaid Tail Succulent

    Mermaid Tail Succulent

    special_plants_world Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The fronds look like they're waving about in the air.

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    #19

    Pageae

    Pageae

    special_plants_world Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These two succulents have gotten more lip action than I have in months.

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    #20

    Orbea Variegata (Starfish Plant)

    Orbea Variegata (Starfish Plant)

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    Dynein
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ooh, I have this one too! Cool plant, awesome flowers which are made to resemble rotten flesh from the color and surface structure (Yes, you read that right. It's called a carrion flower). Striking and beautiful, needs a lot of hear and sun. But it's best put in a more airy place where you wont stay long enough to be bothered by the occasional waft of air blowing the smell into your direction... the flowers smell like rotting flesh, too, after a day or two. Thankfully not that strong, you hardly notice from about a meter away, but you definitely don't want to have it close to your couch.

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    #21

    Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Succulent

    Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Succulent

    welcomet0nature Report

    Troux
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like a beautiful sculpture!

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    #22

    Gentiana Urnula

    Gentiana Urnula

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    Chancey
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These look like they should be in a Lichtenstein painting.

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    #23

    Stringofpearls

    Stringofpearls

    special_plants_world Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had these in my house before. They hated me. :(

    arjelio mas
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you give a plant the light, temperature, and food it needs, it will always love you. The trick to a green thumb is understanding the customers in your pots.

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    NQ L
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love these and tried to grow them many times. My issue is that I kept thinking I needed to water them. I kill all plants

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have an urge to pop them to see what happens.

    Cherié Terblanche
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I had these I'd try popping them. I'm a horrible person.

    Vicki Perizzolo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    mine love me....lol! I've had mine for years and years.

    Rj
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look kind of like those soft peppermints.

    Rajeev H.R
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely looks like Mini Water Melons

    kimberly buffarini
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Have both the variegated and all green versions

    Myxomatosis
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also called baby's tears in some places

    Susan Mercurio
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are the variegated ones. I had a huge plant of the regular kind in San Francisco.

    Heather Reynolds Atwood
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These look like the "brains" that were in the AI guy from Alien!

    Malgorzata Margo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All my plants thrive except this pearls. They are tricky.

    Dorothy Cloud
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom always had these. Not that interesting.

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    #24

    Crassula Umbella

    Crassula Umbella

    ajjicactus Report

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    #25

    Lithops

    Lithops

    special_plants_world Report

    Troux
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one would be improved with some googly eyes!

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    #27

    Klubrostok

    Klubrostok

    special_plants_world Report

    Seabeast
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Don't you stick your tongue out at me, young lady!"

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    #28

    Bowiea Volubulis

    Bowiea Volubulis

    elizabethsheaperry Report

    Nicole Perlowsky
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did look at the entire photo before 100% concluding... anything Bowie is gonna be cool! I didn't really doubt it tho' :) #should2did

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    #29

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

    bloomingoodsucculents Report

    Troux
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll name this plant the Aloe Vulva.

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    #30

    Stapelia

    Stapelia

    special_plants_world Report

    Dynein
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another carrion flower.... do beware of the smell. They are pollinated by carrion flies.

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    #31

    Crassula Pyramidalis

    Crassula Pyramidalis

    Jean-Pierre Perroud Report

    DC
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen one of these in a store, but as I was there with the Motorbike, I didn't wanna buy it that day ... came back a few days after, it was sold - and no one knew what it was. Ok, now I know ... now I'll get one of these!

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    #32

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

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    A Lazy Spider
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Apparently it's known as Crassula 'Morgan's Beauty'. It is a beauty, though.

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    #33

    Echeveria

    Echeveria

    special_plants_world Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, looks like something you will find in a coral reef.

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    #34

    Lophophora

    Lophophora

    special_plants_world Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are funky pincushions. Or fuzzy green tomatoes.

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    #35

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

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    Sara Rodrigues
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think these are cactus, not succulents, since they have spines on the surface and flowers on the top

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    #36

    Bulbine Mesembryanthemoides

    Bulbine Mesembryanthemoides

    _kalahari_ Report

    Wendy Thombs
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are they being sold like can we buy these plants

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    #37

    Euphorbia

    Euphorbia

    special_plants_world Report

    #38

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

    Report

    #39

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

    green_design9 Report

    Dynein
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uh, not a succulent. This is another tilandsia, one that still develops significantly more roots than many of its relatives and would like to be put into a proper pot.

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    #40

    Stapelia

    Stapelia

    special_plants_world Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I appreciate the bell-like flowers on this one.

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    #41

    Haworthia

    Haworthia

    special_plants_world Report

    FurryPotatoCat
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this plant looks like an alien spaceship

    #42

    Kalanchoe

    Kalanchoe

    special_plants_world Report

    Mishte Tine
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one should be called “burned bear paw.”

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    #43

    Astrophytum Myriostigma

    Astrophytum Myriostigma

    lanadelplant Report

    Daria B
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one looks like it can open in a camera lenses style.

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    #44

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

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    DogMatic
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Think this is somewhere else on the list, but not in flower.

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    #45

    Monanthes Polyphylla Succulent

    Monanthes Polyphylla Succulent

    kellogggarden Report

    #46

    Sedum Globosum

    Sedum Globosum

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    #47

    Corkscrew Grass

    Corkscrew Grass

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    #48

    Pies From Heaven

    Pies From Heaven

    worldofsucculents Report

    Artemis Thorne
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pies From Heaven is the actual name for the succulent. It got its name because the leaves are roughly triangular with 2 sharp edges and the outside rim curved and crenelated, similar to pinched edges of a pie crust. Typing this is making me hungry.

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    #49

    Crawling Octopus

    Crawling Octopus

    my_yard_is_fire Report

    #50

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

    pamperplants Report

    #51

    Mammillaria

    Mammillaria

    special_plants_world Report

    #52

    Jatropha

    Jatropha

    special_plants_world Report

    Kevin Donegan
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks like my kale plants when they go to seed.

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    #53

    Pseudolithos

    Pseudolithos

    plantdaddypodcast Report

    #54

    Euphorbia Obesa Ssp. Symmetrica

    Euphorbia Obesa Ssp. Symmetrica

    lanadelplant Report

    Dynein
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also called "baseball plant", related to the euphorbia further to the top.

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    #55

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

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    DC
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone know the name of these?

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    #56

    Mesemb, Titanopsis

    Mesemb, Titanopsis

    davesgarden Report

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    #57

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

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    #58

    Platycerium

    Platycerium

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    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where I live, we call it a staghorn fern.

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    #59

    Conophytum

    Conophytum

    special_plants_world Report

    #60

    Greenovia Aurea

    Greenovia Aurea

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    #61

    Lophocereus Schotti

    Lophocereus Schotti

    lanadelplant Report

    Devyn Nagy
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have these growing wild in Arizona.

    #62

    Succulent

    Succulent

    plantas.facilisimo Report

    #63

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

    millenium_balkon Report

    regi stra
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i have this one, mine it's just dark green with white dot, i think its a reflection, btw its really common

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    #64

    Stapelia

    Stapelia

    special_plants_world Report

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    #65

    Euphorbia

    Euphorbia

    special_plants_world Report

    Jody Brown
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how they grow lasagna.

    #66

    Euphorbia Flanaganii

    Euphorbia Flanaganii

    fernfarmplants Report

    Artemis Thorne
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of Alaskan king crab legs.

    #67

    Astrophytum Myriostigma

    Astrophytum Myriostigma

    lanadelplant Report

    #68

    Unusual Succulent

    Unusual Succulent

    cactiii_love Report

    Raine Soo
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one looks like a moss toad. I think there was a BP thread on it the other day.

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    #69

    Chamaecereus Silvestrii Cristata

    Chamaecereus Silvestrii Cristata

    cypruscactus Report