9 Blooming Succulent Plants That Will Amaze You With Their Flowers

1. Moss Rose

The moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is an annual succulent typically grown outdoors due to its trailing growth, making it ideal for ground cover. “These plants are a favorite among gardeners for filling empty spaces, especially in compact areas like vertical gardens, window boxes, or hanging baskets, thanks to their cascading vines adorned with vibrant blooms,” explains Melvin Cubian, a gardening specialist at PlantIn. 

Although not a true rose, it produces equally striking flowers alongside its succulent foliage. Cubian adds that many cultivars are bred to display multiple flower colors simultaneously, blooming throughout the warm season and continuing until the first frost of autumn. 

2. String of Pearls

In its natural habitat (Cape Province), the string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) spreads across the ground, creating a mat as it weaves through other vegetation. However, in cultivation, these stunning plants are often grown in hanging baskets, allowing their trailing foliage to spill over the edges. “Its unique, bead-like leaves are designed to store water, reduce water loss, and help the plant thrive in arid conditions,” says Lisa Root, owner of Root Houseplants. 

This plant flowers just once annually, usually producing a few blooms per plant that emit a warm, cinnamon-like fragrance. “The flowers are spherical, resembling pom poms, and feature white petals with yellow anthers and red stamens,” Root adds.

3. Queen of the Night

The queen of the night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) truly embodies its dramatic name, flowering just once annually on a single night, explains Evan Torchio, founder of Tree Menders. These cactus flowers are mesmerizing, with their large, fragrant white petals. “They are absolutely worth the anticipation,” Torchio notes. “To ensure the plant thrives, provide it with bright, indirect sunlight and consistent watering, allowing the soil to partially dry between sessions.”

4. Hindu Rope

For a tropical flowering succulent, consider the Hoya carnosa compacta, which blooms almost all year. “There are numerous varieties with distinct leaf shapes and color patterns,” says JP Varvarigos, a third-generation florist and owner of Wellington Florist. He particularly admires a rare variety called “Hindu Rope,” which is over two decades old. It features stunning pink flowers nestled among its coiled foliage. 

5. Baby Jade

This well-loved succulent (Crassula ovata) features thick, shiny jade-green leaves and a tree-like shape. It’s an excellent choice for indoor spaces, and many believe it brings good fortune and wealth. During winter, it blooms small, star-shaped flowers in pink or white, creating a striking contrast against its lush green foliage.

6. Old Lady Cactus

Despite its amusing name, the old lady cactus (Mammillaria hahniana) earns its title from the soft, white, fuzzy hairs covering its surface. “After enduring long dry spells or cooler seasons, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant magenta flowers, each with multiple petals, that crown the tips of mature stems,” Cubian explains. He also notes that the plant develops a clustered, “eggs in a basket” appearance, allowing you to repot each individual “egg.”

7. Widow's-thrill

The Kalanchoe is another stunning flowering succulent, boasting around 125 different species. “The widow's-thrill, or Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, stands out for its abundant blooms,” explains Varvarigos. “Commonly referred to as flaming Katy, Christmas Kalanchoe, or Madagascar widow's-thrill, this plant dazzles with a profusion of flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, and white, varying by species.”

8. Living Stones

Living Stones (Lithops), often likened to colorful, pebble-like formations, are fascinating even without their flowers. These plants feature two thick, fleshy leaves that grow opposite each other, staying close to the ground. In autumn, a dainty, daisy-like bloom appears from the gap between the leaves. Over time, the plant spreads by forming clusters of new growths, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

9. Zebra-Striped Lifesaver

This unique succulent features spiky, cone-shaped stems that grow in dense clusters, extending both upward and outward. From spring to summer, the Huernia zebrina blooms with whimsical, almost cartoonish flowers. “The rubbery petals are yellow, adorned with brown to purplish streaks, creating a zebra-like pattern, and feature a glossy brown ring at the center,” says Cubian. Unlike many succulents that crave direct sunlight, this species prefers shaded areas or indoor environments.