Spiky Succulents to Make Every Space Stand Out Instantly

What Are Spiky Succulents

Spiky succulents, as the name suggests, refer to those succulent species with unique spike growth. Like the unique shape of jelly bean succulents, the spiky options are also distinctive, thanks to their spiky leaves that are common choices in decorating home interiors and gardens. You can arrange the leaves in a spiral, rosette, or fan structure. You may also notice their leaves growing similarly to grass, including the shape.

Benefits of Spiky Succulents

When you are searching for premium blue succulents or any other succulent species for that matter, you may have weighed in what benefits you can get from them. You should also consider such benefits when determining whether spiky succulents are indeed good for you:

Ideal for Beginners

If you are starting a succulent nursery in your home, then spiky succulents are among your best choices. They are perfect for beginners because they are easy to grow and maintain. You will discover that they somehow resemble bunny ear species since bunny ear succulents are easy to grow, too.

Can be Made Into Beautiful Decorations

Spiky succulents also make incredible household decorations. You also have plenty of choices regarding their arrangements, which is also the same charm of the zebra succulent. You can arrange the spiky succulents in a rosette, spiral, or any other unique structure.

Makes Group Plantings Even More Enticing

You can use these spiky succulents when planning to plant in groups and add drama and height to the final result. These succulents are also effective in making a foil or accent for plants with low or round leaves. Just mix and match them in a way that you can produce the most impressive succulent group arrangements. Growing succulents in terrariums are even possible if you have these spiky plants.

How Do Spiky Succulents Work

Spiky succulents work by making your garden or home as enticing as possible. They can add a more distinctive flair to your home. Having a collection of these succulents provides an opportunity for you to have a unique accent for your home.

Pros and Cons of Spiky Succulents

Pros

• Unique and distinctive, allowing you to add more flair to your garden or home
• Easy to arrange for more beautiful decorations and arrangements
• Ideal for beginners
• Easy to grow and maintain
• Comes in a wide range of incredible sizes and shapes

Cons

• Some species are too pointy or spiky that you may hurt yourself if you get pricked by them.

Types of Spiky Succulents

There are many different types and species of spiky succulents. Among the most popular ones are the following:

Agave

This spiky succulent comes in various forms – most of which are ideal for growing indoors. It often features gray or green leaves covered in small spikes surrounding the edges. Upon flowering, the agave will likely die. Despite that, it has baby plants that are useful for propagation.

Aloe Vera

Another spiky succulent is Aloe. It works well indoors. Aloe Vera is actually well-loved because it has medicinal and healing properties. It has long spiky leaves with gel that you can use to treat burns and cuts. The gel is even a good ingredient for smoothies.

Bromeliads

This succulent species boasts of its spectacular stiff and striped leaves. You can use them in forming a tank, cistern, or vase. The leaves can retain water, which is the reason behind the plant’s ability to survive drought. This succulent is also famous for its gorgeous flowers that you can hang in drops.

Queens Tears

The Queens Tears is another of the most popular spiky succulent species. It features spiky and narrow leaves that are also flat, sharp, and green. The flowers it produces may be weird-looking, though, that is in a good and unique way.

Cryptanthus

One thing you will immediately notice in this plant is its striped and rose-colored leaves. It has wavy edges with short spikes, too. It looks flat along with its leaves that tend to grow sideways instead of upright.

Haworthia

There are many distinguishing marks of a Haworthia plant, apart from its spiky and tightly packed leaves. For one, it is small in size, only growing around three to five inches. This makes it ideal for windowsills and desks. This plant is also capable of withstanding both indirect light and direct sunlight.

Gasteria

This plant has pouch-like flowers that slightly resemble a stomach. You will notice its blooms dangling from a curving spray. These blooms also come in peach or pale pink shades. As for its foliage, you will notice that it is shaped like a fan composed of thick leaves.

Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

This is a succulent that features upright spiky leaves. It can withstand low-light conditions and bright lights, which is why you can easily put it in any part of your home. Note that this plant has roots prone to rotting, so make sure that you are aware of the first signs of overwatering when you plan to grow this species.

Senecio

Many of the variations of this plant feature pointed and slender succulent leaves. They also come with plenty of white waxy bloom, which serves as their protective sunscreen. Other variations of Senecio appear as small vines that feature banana-shaped foliage or small green peas.

Yucca

This plant is a favorite of many succulent lovers, particularly homeowners and landscapers who prefer plants that can survive even when facing drought. Each leaf features a rigid barb. You will also notice its roots that tend to grow in a group beneath the plant’s crown. Yucca also has flowers that are pink or waxy white in color. You can see them growing on a tall stalk.

How to Grow Spiky Succulents

Step 1 – Choose the right container 

For instance, if you plan to plant the spiky succulent agave, pick a shallow container as it does not require a lot of soil. It helps to use a container capable of anchoring your chosen plant’s weight.

Step 2 – Add a potting mix

Note that you need the world’s best succulent soil for your spiky succulents. The potting mix also needs to drain well. This can prevent the plants from retaining too much moisture or water.

Step 3 – Water the plant in the container appropriately

In most cases, the general rule is watering it once a week during summer and once a month during winter. Just make sure to wait for the soil’s surface to dry completely before watering. Ground cover succulents prevent water loss and soil erosion, too, making it a point to do this for the plant.

Step 4 – Repot

Do this repotting routine every two years or so. It is also an important process if the pot is already filled with roots that make the area overcrowded.

 

How to Care for Spiky Succulents

Step 1 – Give them sufficient light

Whether the spiky succulents are indoors or outdoors, they need enough sunlight. The general rule is to supply the plants with around six hours of sunlight daily. It should not be too much and too direct, though; otherwise, the plants will be at risk of burning or scorching.

Step 2 – Supply enough water

They need more water throughout summer, so water them generously during this season. However, let the potting mix dry out between each watering. Lessen the number of times you water the plant during winter (once per month would suffice, in that case).

Step 3 – Ensure the right temperature and humidity

Ensure that they are in an environment with the right temperature and humidity. Most of these spiky succulents can thrive well in daytime temperatures of around 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the best temperature for them is around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. As for humidity, the ideal level is slightly below or above 80 percent.

Step 4 – Nourish them with fertilizers

The best time to fertilize your spiky succulents is during the summer. Do not fertilize the plants once winter comes.

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

What’s great about spiky succulents is that they do not cost too much. You can already find high-quality variations and species at low prices. You can also arrange them beautifully, thanks to their unique shapes and features. This also makes them worthwhile to invest in.

Do’s and Don’ts With Spiky Succulents

Do’s

• Pot the succulents in a quick-draining mixture. This mixture should be specifically made for spiky succulents and cacti. You may also want to modify a typical potting mix using perlite or any other inorganic agent. This can help increase drainage and aeration.
• Keep the plants away from pets and kids. Remember that the spikes in these plants are sharp, so ensure that you put them in a place that pets and kids can’t reach them easily. It could be on a windowsill or high shelf.
• Water only when the soil is fully dry. Overwatering can put the plants at risk, so be one hundred percent sure that the soil is dry before you water it.

Don’ts

• Do not forget to wear a pair of thick gloves when handling the plants. Remember the sharp spikes of the succulents. You can prevent yourself from getting injured from the spikes by wearing gloves, especially when repotting them.
• Do not ignore pests and diseases. Monitor your spiky succulents now and then. Make sure to treat them right away in case there are signs of diseases or pest infestation.

FAQ About Spiky Succulents

What are spiky succulents called?

The spiky things you can see in spiky succulents are usually called spines. Apart from having a great and unique look, these spikes are also functional because they are the ones that help store water, providing enough for the plant’s growth. Some also call the spiky succulents pointy and fleshy.

Why are my succulents growing spikes?

A lot of succulents grow spikes naturally. These spikes are part of their features. In most cases, these features help retain most of the things the succulents need to survive – among which are water, air, and sunlight.

Conclusion

Succulents indeed come in different forms. You can find those that have spiky leaves that are in different shapes and sizes. What’s great about these spiky succulents is that they look so good and unique that they can add a truly beautiful impact to your home or garden. 

Photos from: NAPA74 / depositphotos.com, Satakorn.s / depositphotos.com and alicerodnova.gmail.com / depositphotos.com.