Succulents have a unique way of performing photosynthesis that helps them thrive in arid conditions. Many succulents use Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, an adaptation that allows them to minimize water loss.
Unlike most plants, which open their stomata during the day, CAM plants open their stomata at night to absorb carbon dioxide, storing it as an organic acid for use during the day for photosynthesis. This remarkable adaptation helps them conserve water and survive in extremely dry environments.
Intrigued by these fascinating plants? Here are 15 succulents that not only have unique survival strategies but can also transform your garden into a dynamic display of changing colors.
1. Afterglow (Echeveria ‘Afterglow’)
Echeveria ‘Afterglow’ is a stunning succulent known for its vibrant color changes. Under ideal sunlight, its rosette leaves shift from a pastel blue to a vivid pink and purple, creating a mesmerizing ombré effect. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it a perfect addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.
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What makes ‘Afterglow’ even more appealing is its ease of care. This resilient plant can handle periods of drought, needing only occasional watering. Its color intensifies with more sunlight, making it a living barometer for your garden’s lighting conditions.
Place it in a sunny spot, and watch as it transforms into a colorful masterpiece.
2. Jelly Bean Plant (Sedum rubrotinctum)
The Jelly Bean Plant is a delightful succulent that brings a playful vibe to any space. Its small, bean-like leaves start off green but turn a rich red when exposed to full sunlight. This color transition is not only eye-catching but also indicates the plant’s overall health and happiness.
Caring for the Jelly Bean Plant is a breeze. It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate direct sunlight for part of the day. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant, also known as the Money Plant, is famous for its thick, glossy leaves that can change color under the right conditions. When exposed to full sun, the edges of its leaves develop a striking red hue, contrasting beautifully with the deep green centers.
This color change results from the plant’s natural response to sunlight and stress. The Jade Plant is incredibly resilient and can thrive with minimal care. It prefers bright light and infrequent watering, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
4. Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
The Ghost Plant is a captivating succulent with a unique ability to change colors. Its fleshy, rosette leaves range from pale blue to pink, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. In full sun, the leaves can develop a beautiful pinkish hue, adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
This hardy plant requires minimal care and is perfect for beginners. It thrives in well-draining soil and enjoys bright, indirect light. The Ghost Plant’s color-changing ability makes it a standout addition to any succulent arrangement, offering a subtle yet stunning display.
5. Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe luciae)
The Paddle Plant is a striking succulent known for its large, flat leaves that resemble paddles. These leaves can change from pale green to vibrant red when exposed to direct sunlight. The plant’s compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for container gardens.
Caring for the Paddle Plant is straightforward. It prefers bright light and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The color change is most pronounced in winter, adding a seasonal touch to your garden.
6. Kiwi (Aeonium ‘Kiwi’)
Aeonium ‘Kiwi’ is a colorful succulent that adds a tropical flair to any garden. Its rosette leaves are green with yellow and pink edges, and the colors become more vibrant with increased sunlight.
This Aeonium prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. It’s relatively low maintenance, and it only needs occasional watering. You’ll notice the colors intensifying as it grows, especially during the summer months.
7. Sticks on Fire (Euphorbia tirucalli)
The Sticks on Fire plant is a striking succulent that lives up to its name. Its thin, coral-like branches turn bright red and orange when exposed to full sunlight, creating a fiery display.
Despite its dramatic appearance, the Sticks on Fire plant is easy to care for. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering. This plant’s color change is most pronounced in cooler temperatures.
Be sure to handle it carefully, as sap can irritate the skin.
8. Perle von Nürnberg (Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’)
Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ is a beloved succulent known for its stunning color palette. The rosette leaves are a blend of lavender, pink, and blue, and they become more vibrant with increased sunlight.
Perle von Nürnberg prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. As the plant matures, its colors will intensify.
9. Coppertone Sedum (Sedum nussbaumerianum)
Sedum nussbaumerianum, also known as Coppertone Sedum, is a vibrant succulent with a unique color-changing ability. Its leaves start off green but turn a bright orange or copper color when exposed to full sunlight.
Caring for Coppertone Sedum is simple. It prefers well-draining soil and bright light and can tolerate direct sunlight for part of the day. Watering should be infrequent, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
10. Lola (Echeveria ‘Lola’)
Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a delicate succulent with a charming color palette. Its rosette leaves are a soft lavender-blue, developing pink edges when exposed to bright sunlight.
‘Lola’ thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners. The colors will become more pronounced as they grow, adding a touch of whimsy to your succulent collection.
11. California Sunset (Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’)
The ‘California Sunset’ is a hybrid succulent known for its stunning color changes. Its rosette leaves transition from green to shades of orange, pink, and red when exposed to full sunlight.
Caring for ‘California Sunset’ is straightforward. It prefers bright light and well-draining soil, and it can handle periods of drought. Watering should be infrequent, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The plant’s color intensifies with increased sunlight.
12. Campfire (Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’)
The ‘Campfire’ succulent lives up to its name with its fiery red and orange leaves. This plant’s leaves start off green but turn a brilliant red when exposed to full sunlight. The color change is most pronounced in cooler temperatures.
Caring for ‘Campfire’ is easy. It prefers bright light and well-draining soil and can tolerate direct sunlight for part of the day. Watering should be infrequent, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
13. Crosby’s Prolific (Aloe ‘Crosby’s Prolific’)
Aloe ‘Crosby’s Prolific’ is a striking succulent known for its vibrant color changes. When exposed to full sunlight, its green leaves develop red or orange tips, creating a dramatic and eye-catching display.
‘Crosby’s Prolific’ prefers bright light and well-draining soil. It requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners. As the plant matures, its colors will become more pronounced, adding a touch of drama to your succulent collection.
14. Rainbow (Echeveria ‘Rainbow’)
Echeveria ‘Rainbow’ is a colorful succulent that lives up to its name. Its rosette leaves blend green, pink, and yellow, becoming more vibrant with increased sunlight.
Rainbow prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. As the plant grows, its colors will intensify.
15. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra)
The Elephant Bush is a versatile succulent known for its ability to change colors. Its small, rounded leaves start off green but turn a deep red or purple when exposed to full sunlight. This color change is most pronounced in cooler temperatures, making it a standout addition to your winter garden.
Caring for the Elephant Bush is simple. It prefers bright light and well-draining soil, and it can tolerate periods of drought. Watering should be infrequent, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Incorporating color-changing succulents into your garden or home can bring a dynamic and ever-evolving beauty to your space. These fascinating plants not only offer visual appeal but also provide a low-maintenance option for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Source:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.