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Succulents and cacti come in all shapes and sizes, making them the perfect plants for any garden. However, certain project and space restrictions may have you searching for the most diminutive succulents. Whether you’re building a fairy garden, a living picture frame, or you just don’t have much room, you have plenty of choices when it comes to miniature succulents
While some succulents can be trimmed to size, others are just naturally petite. No matter how much space you have to spare, these nine miniature succulents are sure to impress.
Blossfeldia Liliputana
This tiny cactus is actually the smallest species of cacti in the world. At maturity, the plant measures about a half-inch in diameter. There are no ribs or spines on the cactus, just tufts of wool across the greyish-green stem. When in bloom, Blossfeldia can produce white or pink flowers that are often larger than the cactus itself.
Blossfeldia liliputana is a slow-growing cactus, so it’s often grafted to increase its growth rate. However, grafting can cause them to grow too quickly, causing them to lose their signature disk-like shape. Like most other cacti, this petite plant prefers well-draining soil and infrequent water. Water should be restricted even more during the winter dormancy.
Sempervivum ‘Little Bobo’
Little Bobo is a clustering succulent that will stay under three inches in both height and diameter when fully grown. Like most Sempervivum, the vibrant lime green leaves are arranged in a lovely rosette pattern. They make beautiful additions to fairy gardens and vertical succulent gardens.
Sempervivum will thrive in full sun but can survive with partial or filtered sunlight. Unlike many succulents, they can survive not only frost but an entire winter under a blanket of snow. However, they still need adequate drainage and must never be left in standing water to prevent root rot.
Echeveria Minima
This petite succulent is ideal for smaller projects or miniature gardens. Echeveria minima stays under three inches in height and under four inches in diameter at maturity. The blue-green leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and are tipped with pink. In the spring, the plant produces pink and yellow bell-shaped flowers atop a short stalk.
Echeveria minima is a low-maintenance succulent, requiring partial sun and deep but infrequent watering. It’s a pet-safe plant, so no need to worry about furry visitors to your garden. Propagation is simple, even for inexperienced gardeners, and can be accomplished with stem or leaf cuttings.
Sedum ‘Little Missy’
Little Missy is a creeping succulent with bright green and white variegated leaves. At maturity, the plant will stay under three inches in height, but its low-growing nature makes it ideal as ground cover. In the summer, Little Missy produces tiny pink flowers.
Little Missy is capable of tolerating more shade than other varieties of Sedum but will do best in partial sun. It’s a relatively fast-growing succulent that is perfect for outdoor gardens or containers if the climate allows. Well-draining soil and infrequent water are essential for proper growth. Little Missy is also considered to be non-toxic to pets, so it makes a great addition to pet-friendly gardens.
Haworthia fasciata ‘Zebra Plant’
The Zebra Plant is native to South Africa and gets its name from the stripes of white bumps on its triangular leaves. At maturity, this hardy succulent tends to stay under three inches in height and less than six inches in diameter.
Haworthia fasciata is a popular choice for indoor gardens or collections because of its tolerance of low-light environments. It prefers well-draining soil and partial sun at most. The Zebra Plant is a slow grower, but it is quite difficult to kill, so it’s a popular choice with inexperienced gardeners. Unlike many other types of succulents, the Zebra Plant grows throughout the winter and goes dormant during summer, so its watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly.
Lithops ‘Living Stones’
Native to southern Africa, Living Stones are fascinating little succulents that tend to grow in clumps or mounds. They get their name from their round, stone-like appearance. Lithops come in a variety of colors that can help camouflage them in their natural surroundings. In the fall, Lithops produce beautiful white or yellow flowers. After blooming, the plant begins to split and new leaves grow to replace the old pair.
Living Stones can be somewhat difficult to care for, but it’s important that they are planted in well-draining soil with as much sun exposure as possible. They should be watered only sparingly, and not at all during the summer and winter. Our Complete Care Guide will teach you everything you need to know about growing Lithops.
Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’
The Flower Dust Plant is considered to be a dwarf succulent shrub, typically staying under eight inches in height at maturity. Its leaves are flat, broad, and silvery-white in color. Between late winter and early spring, this Kalanchoe produces clusters of petite pink flowers.
Kalanchoe pumila is relatively easy to care for. It requires adequate drainage, infrequent water, and as much sun as possible. This is not a frost-hardy plant, so it must be protected or brought inside during frigid weather. The Flower Dust Plant is perfect for hanging containers or as ground cover if the climate allows.
Crassula ovata ‘Baby Jade’
Another delicate succulent shrub, Baby Jade typically stays under 24 inches in height, but it can also be trimmed, similar to a bonsai tree, to maintain a smaller stature. Baby Jade is native to southern Africa. Its bright green leaves can turn red around the leaf margins if exposed to enough sun. When blooming, Baby Jade produces clusters of white, star-shaped flowers.
Crassula ovata is a versatile succulent, thriving both indoors and outdoors. It’s easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for inexperienced gardeners. It requires well-draining soil, partial sun, and infrequent water. Although it must be protected from hard frost, it grows well outdoors with minimal care.
Gasteria ‘Little Warty’
This gorgeous little succulent is best known for its interesting foliage. Little Warty’s long, tongue-shaped leaves vary in shades of green. The leaves are covered in white speckles and feature a pinkish-bronze hue along the leaf margins. When blooming, this Gasteria produces a stalk covered in slender pink flowers.
Little Warty a popular choice for indoor gardens or succulent collections because of its ability to thrive in low-light environments. Proper drainage and infrequent water are essential in preventing root rot. Not only is Little Warty easy to care for, but it’s also non-toxic to pets. This Gasteria produces numerous offsets, from which it can be propagated.
Miniature succulents and cacti look great in a variety of settings, from fairy gardens to centerpieces. They can add a splash of color or a touch of class to any decor. No matter how much space you have, these nine petite plants are sure to fit. It’s the perfect excuse for buying more succulents!
Mini Succulents FAQ
Now it is time to get stuck into some mini succulents frequently asked questions. The wonderful world of succulents can be a complicated place. Although these plants are easy to maintain and require very little tender loving care, we often make the job more complicated than necessary.
The following questions and answers should help you understand mini succulents a little more. Enjoy!
Do Mini Succulents Grow?
Yes, they grow, but they do not grow very quickly. Not all mini succulents stay small for long, and some of them even outgrow their containers after just a few months.
What Kind of Succulents Stay Small?
There are a lot of succulent species that stay small if they are kept in the right conditions. Here are a few for you to look at:
- Zebra Cactus (Haworthia)
- Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum)
- Air Plants (Tillandsia sp.)
- “Living Stone” Plant (Lithops)
- Kalanchoe pumila ‘Flower Dust Plant’
- Crassula ovata ‘Baby Jade’
How Do You Take Care of Mini Succulents?
Mini succulents are very easy to care for. Remember these important factors when caring for your succulent plants:
- Water them when the soil is dry
- Rotate succulents frequently
- Keep them clean
- Choose a well-drained container
- Remove bugs and treat diseases as soon as you notice them
- Use the right soil
How Often Do You Water Mini Succulents?
Mini succulents are just like regular succulent plants. They should only be watered when their soil is completely dry.
Can I Give Mini Succulents as Wedding Favors or as Party Favors?
Yes, mini succulents can be given as wedding and party favors. Gifting your guests with mini succulents is a very unique and thoughtful gift idea.
Do Mini Succulents Need to Stay in Small Pots?
Succulents are living things that are constantly growing and changing. Mini succulents will eventually outgrow their pots, which means you will need to re-pot them in a larger pot to accommodate their growing roots.
Can Every Succulent Type Grow as a Mini Succulent?
No, unfortunately, not every succulent can be kept as a mini succulent. Some succulent types are very fast growers and will not be classed as mini succulents within just a few weeks of growing!
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