Maegan-Leigh JacobsWhen most people hear the word “succulent”, they imagine compact desert plants sitting in tiny pots on a sunny windowsill. But many familiar indoor favourites are part of this resilient group too.
These plants have a clever way of holding onto moisture inside their structure, which helps them cope with dry indoor conditions – perfect for any home, where busy routines and warm weather are part of everyday life.
Here are a few well-loved houseplants that secretly belong to the succulent family:
Snake plant
With its tall, upright leaves and bold pattern, the snake plant has become a staple in modern interiors. Its thick foliage allows it to handle missed watering without fuss, making it ideal for beginners.
It grows happily in most rooms, from bright lounges to dimmer bedrooms. Let the potting mix dry out before watering again, as too much attention can do more harm than good.
Why you’ll love it: Striking, architectural, and almost impossible to kill.
ZZ plant
The ZZ plant is known for its glossy, deep green leaves that instantly make a space feel fresh. Beneath the soil, it has specialised roots that hold reserve moisture, helping it stay healthy even if you forget about it for a while.
It’s especially useful for offices, flats, or shaded corners where other plants may struggle.
Why you’ll love it: Stylish, adaptable, and very forgiving.
Jade plant
This classic favourite actually originates from southern Africa, which explains why it thrives so well locally. Its plump leaves and tree-like shape bring character to shelves and side tables.
Place it near a bright window and water sparingly. With time, it can grow into an eye-catching feature.
Why you’ll love it: Symbolic, long-lasting, and proudly local.
Hoya
Often called the wax plant, hoya varieties are loved for their smooth, slightly shiny leaves and trailing growth. Some even produce delicate, fragrant blooms under the right conditions.
They enjoy bright spaces and prefer to dry out a bit between watering.
Why you’ll love it: Elegant, versatile, and rewarding to grow.
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String of hearts
This delicate trailing plant adds softness wherever it’s displayed. Its fine stems carry small heart-shaped leaves, creating a gentle waterfall effect from hanging pots or high shelves.
Despite its fragile look, it’s tougher than expected and doesn’t need frequent watering.
Why you’ll love it: Romantic, lightweight, and perfect for vertical styling.
Ponytail palm
Although it resembles a miniature palm, this plant is actually a succulent. Its swollen base acts as a natural reservoir, helping it cope with dry conditions indoors.
Its playful shape makes it a standout choice for contemporary homes.
Why you’ll love it: Sculptural, quirky, and conversation-starting.
Pencil plant
With its thin, upright branches, the pencil plant brings a modern, minimalist feel to interiors. Its clean lines pair beautifully with simple décor.
It prefers a bright position and only occasional watering.
Why you’ll love it: Bold, unusual, and easy to maintain.
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Why these plants work so well indoors
Succulent houseplants suit today’s lifestyle perfectly. They don’t demand constant care, they tolerate occasional neglect, and they add natural beauty to any room. Whether you live in a compact apartment or a spacious home, these plants offer a simple way to bring greenery inside without extra effort.
Sometimes, the easiest plants to grow are already sitting in plain sight – you just didn’t realise how resilient they really were.
ALSO SEE: HOUSEPLANTS THAT ARE SURPRISINGLY SENSITIVE TO HARD WATER
