Tall Thin Succulents – everything you would like to know
Succulents are plants with thick, fleshy leaves that store water. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and can be found all over the world.
Most succulents are native to arid or semi-arid regions, where they have evolved to survive in conditions of high heat and low moisture. This means that they are very tolerant of drought, and can even survive periods of complete drought (although they will not thrive in these conditions).
Succulents are often used as ornamental plants, due to their striking appearance. They are also popular houseplants, as they are relatively easy to care for.
If you are thinking of adding a succulent to your home, there are a few things to consider. First, choose a location that receives plenty of bright, indirect light. Succulents need light to photosynthesize, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
Also, make sure you choose a pot with drainage holes. Succulents will rot if they sit in wet soil for too long.
Finally, don’t forget to water your succulent! They may be tolerant of drought, but they still need some water to survive. Water your plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
With a little care, succulents can make beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplants.
Types of Tall and Thin Succulents
Some of the most popular tall succulents include echeveria, aeonium, agave, and aloe. These plants are known for their dramatic height and striking appearance.
Tall succulents make a dramatic statement in any setting. Whether planted in the ground or in containers, they are sure to turn heads. While they may require more care than shorter succulents, their unique form and beauty make them well worth the effort.
Following are some of the types of tall succulents.
- African Milk Tree
The Euphorbia Trigona, also known as the African Milk Tree, is a succulent native to Africa. It’s a popular houseplant known for its easy care and unique appearance. The African Milk Tree grows best in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. KeepAfrican Milk Tree Euphorbia Trigona out of reach of children and pets, as the sap is poisonous if ingested Euphorbia Trigona is a fast-growing succulent that can reach up to 6 feet tall. The stems are upright and slender, with sharp thorns along the edges. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, growing in clusters along the stems.
- Phoenix Dactylifera
The phoenix dactylifera, also known as the date palm, is a species of flowering plant in the palm family Arecaceae. The phoenix dactylifera is native to the Middle East and North Africa.
The phoenix dactylifera is a tall, slender palm tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a single trunk with a crown of large, feather-like leaves. The phoenix dactylifera is dioeciously, meaning that there are separate male and female trees. The flowers are small and yellow, and the fruit is a large, reddish-brown drupe. - Carnegiea gigantea
Carnegiea gigantea is a large cactus that grows in the Sonoran Desert of the south-western United States and northern Mexico.
The saguaro grows to be tall, with a typical height of 12–15 m (40–50 ft). It lives for around 150–200 years, although some specimens have been found that are over 250 years old. The plant has a stout trunk with reddish-brown or grey bark. The trunk is covered with spines, which protect the plant from predators. - Fox Tail Agave
The fox tail agave (Agave attenuata) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to the state of Jalisco in central Mexico. It is a slow-growing succulent plant, reaching up to 1.5 metres (5 ft) tall with a rosette of around 6 leaves. The leaves are blue-green in colour with white stripes, and the plant produces yellow flowers. The fox tail agave is a popular ornamental plant, and is widely cultivated in gardens. It is also used in traditional Mexican medicine, and the leaves are sometimes used as animal feed. - Soaptree Yucca
The Soaptree Yucca (Yucca elata) is a yucca native to the south-western United States (southeast Arizona, southwest New Mexico, and northwest Mexico (Sonora)), where it grows in desert regions at elevations from 1,300–2,000 metres (4,300–6,600 ft).It is a palm-like tree growing to 6 metres (20 ft) tall, with a stout trunk up to 60 cm (2.0 ft) in diameter bearing large terminal clusters of white flowers. - Ocotillo
The ocotillo is a tall succulent that is native to deserts in the south-western United States and Mexico. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and has long, thin leaves that are arranged in spirals along its stems. The ocotillo is an important plant in the desert ecosystem and is used for food, shelter, and medicine by many desert animals.The ocotillo has a deep root system that helps it to survive in the desert. The roots can reach up to 30 feet underground! The ocotillo is an important plant in the desert ecosystem. It provides food and shelter for many animals. The ocotillo is also used as a medicine by some Native American tribes. - Organ Pipe Cactus
Organ pipe cactus is a tall, columnar cactus that grows in arid regions of Mexico and the south-western United States. It is one of the most recognizable cacti, with its long, thin stems topped with spines. The cactus gets its name from its resemblance to a row of organ pipes.Organ pipe cactus is a member of the cactus family, which includes more than 1,500 species. The cactus is adapted to living in dry conditions. It has fleshy stems that can store water, and it has sharp spines that protect it from predators and help it to conserve water. - Snake Plant
Commonly known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, Sansevieria trifasciata is a succulent with long, stiff leaves that are often variegated with green and white stripes. Native to Africa, this hardy plant can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. Sansevieria is an ideal plant for those who are new to gardening, as it is very easy to care for. With proper care, snake plants can live for many years, even becoming heirloom plants that are passed down from generation to generation.The snake plant gets its common name from the way its leaves are often arranged in a rosette, resembling a snake coiled up and ready to strike. - Fishhook Barrel
The Fishhook barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) is a tall, barrel-shaped cactus that grows in the deserts of the south-western United States and Mexico. It is one of the most common cacti in these regions, and is also popular as a houseplant or garden plant. The fishhook barrel cactus gets its name from its large, curved spines, which resemble fishhooks. These spines help the cactus to protect itself from predators and to collect water in the desert environment.
Outdoor Tall Succulents
- Firesticks
The firestick plant is a type of succulent that is native to Africa. It is also known as the African milk bush, and it is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. The firestick plant has long, slender leaves that are green in color with red or yellow stripes running down the centre. The flowers of the firestick plant are small and white, and they bloom in the summer. The fruit of the firestick plant is a small, red berry that is poisonous to humans. - Mexican Grass Tree
Mexican grass tree is a popular succulent plant that originates from Mexico. It is also known by the names of ponytail palm, elephant foot tree, and bottle palm. Mexican grass tree has a thick, fibrous trunk with long, strap-like leaves that grow from its top. The plant can reach up to 20 feet in height and has a spread of up to 10 feet. Mexican grass tree is an evergreen plant that blooms yellow flowers in the springtime. The plant is tolerant of drought and light frost, but it cannot tolerate heavy frost or extended periods of cold weather. Mexican grass tree is a popular landscape plant in warm climates and is often used as a houseplant in cooler climates. - Foxtail Agave
Foxtail Agave The Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuata) is a species of agave that is native to the state of Jalisco in Mexico. It is a fast-growing succulent that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height and 12 feet (3.7 meters) in width. The plant has a rosette-shaped growth habit and its leaves are green with white stripes. The Foxtail Agave is a popular landscaping plant and is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and homes.The Foxtail Agave is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much water or care. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand extended periods of drought. The plant is also resistant to pests and diseases.
- Beavertail Cactus The Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is a succulent plant that is native to the south-western United States and north-western Mexico. The plant gets its name from its shape, which resembles a beaver’s tail. The cactus is also known as the prickly pear cactus, due to the edible fruits that it produces.The Beavertail Cactus is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet. The stems of the cactus are green and fleshy, and they are covered with sharp spines. The flowers of the cactus are large and showy, ranging in color from white to yellow to pink. The fruits of the cactus are edible, and they have a sweet, juicy flavour.
- Totem Pole Cactus
Totem Pole Cactus (Lophophora williamsii) is a type of cactus that is native to Mexico and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The plant has been used for millennia by indigenous people in Mexico for its psychoactive properties. The cactus contains a number of alkaloids, including mescaline, which is a hallucinogen. The plant has a long history of religious and ceremonial use.The totem pole cactus is easy to grow and can be propagated from cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The plant is slow-growing but can reach heights of up to 20 feet. It is important to protect the cactus from frost, as the plant is not cold-hardy. - Jumping Cholla
The Jumping Cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida) is a type of cactus that is native to the south-western United States and northern Mexico. The plant gets its name from its habit of “jumping” onto unsuspecting passers-by, thanks to its barbed spines. The Jumping Cholla is a small to medium-sized cactus that typically grows to about 6 feet tall. The plant has flattened, green stems (called “joints”) that are covered with sharp, barbed spines. Each stem segment can grow up to 12 inches long and 4 inches wide. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring. The fruits of the Jumping Cholla are green, fleshy ” berries” that turn red or purple when they are ripe. - Old man Cactus
The old man cactus is a type of succulent that is native to Mexico. It gets its name from its long, thin, and hairy leaves, which resemble the hair of an old man. The old man cactus is a popular plant for gardens and homes because it is easy to care for and does not require much water. This succulent is also known as the “Hedgehog Cactus” because of its spiky leaves. The old man cactus can grow to be up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It blooms in the spring and summer, and its flowers are white or pink. If you are looking for a succulent that is easy to care for and does not require much water, the old man cactus is a great choice! - Silver Torch Cactus
Silver Torch cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) is a species of cactus that is native to South America. The silver torch cactus gets its name from its silvery-green colour and the shape of its stems, which resemble torches. This cactus is a popular choice for gardens and homes because of its unique appearance and easy care.
How to Trim Tall Thin Succulents
Tall succulents can be trimmed for a number of reasons. Perhaps you want to create a more compact and tidy appearance, or encourage the plant to produce more leaves or flowers. Whatever your reason for trimming, it’s important to do so carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Here are some tips for trimming tall succulents:
- Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. This will help prevent infection and bruising of the plant tissue.
- Make sure the cutting tool is sterilized before each use. You can do this by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach solution.
- Cut at an angle, making sure that the cut surface is slightly larger than the area where the new growth will emerge.
- Be careful not to cut too deeply into the plant, as this could damage the vascular system and lead to rot.
- Immediately after cutting, apply a fungicide or diluted bleach solution to the wound to help prevent infection.
- Allow the plant to callous over (seal itself off) before watering or fertilizing, as this can further promote infection.
- When trimming tall succulents, it’s best to remove only a small amount at a time. This will help minimize stress on the plant and encourage healthy new growth.