ABCs of Succulents: Learning the Alphabet with Our Favorite Drought-Tolerant Plants

A - Aloe vera: This is a popular succulent known for its medicinal properties and fleshy, pointed leaves. It's easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors.

B - Burro's tail: This plant is characterized by long, trailing stems covered in small, bead-like leaves. It's a good option for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in a larger arrangement.

C - Conophytum: This is a genus of small, compact succulents that are native to southern Africa. They have a unique appearance, with thick, paired leaves that form a conical shape. They come in a variety of colors, from green to brown to red, and they produce small, daisy-like flowers in the fall. They are popular among succulent enthusiasts and collectors for their unusual appearance and easy care.

D - Dinteranthus: This is a genus of small, low-growing succulents that are native to southern Africa. They have thick, fleshy leaves that form a rosette and produce small, daisy-like flowers in the summer. They are known for their ability to blend in with their surroundings, as their leaves are often colored to match the soil or rocks in their natural habitat. They are a great addition to rock gardens or as a low-growing ground cover.

E - Echeveria: These rosette-shaped succulents come in a variety of colors and textures and are popular for their symmetrical beauty. They can be grown in pots or in the ground.

F - Fishbone cactus: This plant is named for its long, thin, zig-zagging stems that resemble the bones of a fish. It produces small, pink flowers and is easy to care for.

G - Graptopetalum: These succulents have rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves that come in shades of green, pink, and purple. They're easy to care for and can be grown in pots or in the ground.

H - Haworthia: These small, rosette-shaped succulents have thick, fleshy leaves and are known for their striking geometric patterns. They're easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors.

I - Ice plant: This succulent gets its name from its glistening, icy-looking leaves. It produces bright pink or purple flowers in the summer and is drought-tolerant.

J - Jade plant: This popular houseplant has thick, shiny leaves that resemble the shape of a jade stone. It's easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors.

K - Kalanchoe: These succulents produce clusters of brightly colored flowers on top of fleshy stems and leaves. They're easy to care for and can be grown in pots or in the ground.

L - Lithops: Also known as "living stones," these succulents have a unique appearance that resembles small rocks or pebbles. They're easy to care for and can be grown in pots or in the ground.

M - Mammillaria: This is a large genus of cacti that are native to the Americas. They are known for their small, cylindrical or spherical shape and their distinctive clusters of spines. They come in a variety of colors and produce small, colorful flowers in the spring and summer. They are popular among collectors and enthusiasts for their unique appearance and low-maintenance care.

N - Nananthus: This is a small genus of succulents that are native to South Africa. They have thick, fleshy leaves that are often covered in fine hairs, and they produce small, tubular flowers in shades of pink or purple in the summer. They are typically low-growing and make a great addition to rock gardens or as a ground cover. They are drought-tolerant and prefer well-draining soil.

O - Old man cactus: This cactus gets its name from its long, white, hair-like spines that resemble the beard of an old man. It's easy to care for and can be grown outdoors in a warm climate.

P - Pachyphytum: This is a genus of succulents that are native to Mexico. They have thick, fleshy leaves that come in a variety of shapes and colors, from blue-gray to green to pink. They produce small, star-shaped flowers in the summer. They are popular among succulent enthusiasts for their unique appearance and easy care. They prefer well-draining soil and can be propagated from leaves or stem cuttings.

Q - Queen Victoria agave: This large succulent has rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves that can grow up to 6 feet in diameter. It's a dramatic focal point for any garden and is drought-tolerant.

R - Rhipsalis: This is a genus of epiphytic cacti that are native to Central and South America. They have long, trailing stems and produce small, white or yellow flowers. They are known for their unique appearance, with fine, hair-like stems and a delicate, wispy texture. They make a great addition to hanging baskets or as a trailing accent in a succulent arrangement. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

S - Sedum: This is a large genus of succulents that are native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from low-growing ground covers to tall, upright plants. They have fleshy leaves and produce small, star-shaped flowers in the summer. They are known for their easy care and are a popular choice for succulent beginners. They prefer well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. Seeds available

T - Tephrocactus: This is a genus of cacti that are native to South America. They are known for their cylindrical or spherical shape and their clusters of spines. Some species have woolly or hairy areoles, which gives them a unique appearance. They produce small, colorful flowers in the summer. They are drought-tolerant and prefer well-draining soil. They are a great addition to a cactus or succulent collection.

U - Uncarina: This is a genus of succulents that are native to Madagascar. They have thick, fleshy leaves and produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of yellow or orange. They are known for their distinctive seed pods, which resemble a small, spiny starfish. They prefer well-draining soil and can be grown as a houseplant or in a warm, sunny outdoor location. They are a unique and exotic addition to any succulent collection.

V - Velvet leaf: This plant is named for its soft, velvety leaves that come in shades of green, red, and purple. It's a good option for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in a larger arrangement.

W - Woolly senecio: This unique succulent has silver-white, woolly leaves that grow in a rosette formation. It's a low-growing plant that looks great in rock gardens or as a ground cover. It's drought-tolerant and can tolerate a range of temperatures, making it a versatile plant for any garden.

X - Xerosicyos danguyi: This plant is also known as the silver dollar vine and has round, flat leaves that resemble silver dollars. It's a good option for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in a larger arrangement.

Y - Yucca: Yuccas are iconic succulent plants known for their sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes. They come in a variety of species, from small indoor plants to large, outdoor specimens. They're drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them a great choice for any garden.

Z - Zebra Haworthia: This small succulent has triangular-shaped leaves with white stripes that resemble a zebra's stripes, hence its name. It's a low-growing plant that can be kept indoors in a pot or planted outdoors in a rock garden. It's easy to care for and can tolerate a range of light conditions.