How to identify different types of succulents at home

Introduction

Succulents store water in leaves, stems, or roots—yet they come in many shapes. At home, you can identify them by leaf geometry (rosette vs. columnar vs. trailing), surface texture (glossy, powdery, spined), and special structures like areoles in cacti.

1) Rosette succulents (flat, layered leaves)

Rosettes look like geometric flowers. Common indoor genera include Echeveria (e.g., Echeveria elegans) with smooth, often powdery leaves, and Haworthiopsis fasciata (often known as Haworthia) with upright, V-shaped leaves and white transverse bands (“zebra”).

2) Cactus or not? (areoles are the giveaway)

True cacti have areoles—tiny cushions where spines, glochids, or flowers emerge (e.g., Mammillaria spinosissima). Many Euphorbias (Euphorbia trigona) look cactus-like but lack areoles and exude milky sap when cut.

3) Trailing & string types

Trailing succulents drape from shelves and baskets. Examples include Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail) with beadlike leaves that detach easily, and Curio rowleyanus (String of Pearls; formerly Senecio rowleyanus) with spherical “pearls”.

4) Windowed & translucent leaves

Some species show translucent “windows” that let light deep into the leaf—classic in Haworthia cooperi. These are usually small, clumping plants that prefer bright-indirect light over harsh sun.

5) Quick photo checklist for ID

• Top and side view of the plant (capture overall form).
• Close-up of leaf tips/edges and any spines or bands.
• Stem details (ribs, segments) and presence/absence of areoles.