Why don’t my succulents flower?
Good question! Most succulents are capable of flowering, but they can be a little shy. That’s because it takes a lot of energy for them to produce flowers. If your plant isn’t getting the care or environment it needs, it’ll focus on survival rather than flowering.
Here’s what most flowering succulents want:
- Plenty of sunlight: Many succulents need full sun (at least 6 hours a day) to flower. Indoors, place them near a bright window or under a grow light.
- Well-draining soil: Avoid soggy roots by using gritty, fast-draining potting mixes. A cactus or succulent mix with added sand or perlite works well.
- Temperature fluctuations: Some succulents need a seasonal signal to flower. Cooler nights (especially in autumn or winter) can help trigger buds.
- Mature age: Many succulents need to reach a certain level of maturity before flowering. If yours is still a baby, give it time!
- Stress (the good kind): A touch of neglect (less frequent watering, cooler temps) can encourage flowering as the plant “thinks” it’s time to reproduce.
Succulents that flower – and how to help them bloom
Aloe (Aloe spp.)
Easy-going and hard as nails, the aloe is a sun-seeker that will happily reward you with a tall flower spike—usually in oranges, reds, or yellows. Just give it plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and protect it from frost. A sunny spot outdoors or on a windowsill is perfect.
Echeveria
These rosette-shaped beauties thrive on sunlight. Indoors, getting them to flower can be tricky due to lower light, but outdoors or on a sunny sill you could be rewarded by their delicate, bell-shaped blooms on long arching stems. They especially love spring and summer light.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Adorable and dramatic in hanging pots, this trailing succulent can bloom with small, white, scented flowers. But it’s picky: it needs bright, indirect light, scant watering, and a well-draining mix. Keep it on the drier side to avoid rot and encourage flowering.
Lithops (Living Stones)
They may look like rocks, but these quirky succulents come alive in autumn or spring with daisy-like blooms. They’re dormant in summer and winter (they are ‘resting’, so don’t water them then). Let them sit in bright light and be patient.
Easter Lily Cactus (Echinopsis spp.)
These round cacti burst into huge, trumpet-shaped flowers that open one after another. They need lots of bright light and benefit from occasional feeding in spring with a low-nitrogen fertiliser to help fuel the blooming process.
Night Blooming Cereus (Epiphyllum spp.)
These dramatic bloomers open their sweet-scented flowers at night—but some only last a single evening. Give them sun by day, minimal water, and great drainage; you could even consider a grow light indoors to mimic longer daylight hours.
Powder Puff Cactus (Mammillaria spp.)
This fuzzy little cactus grows tiny, crown-like flowers in spring. It loves full sun and won’t tolerate soggy roots, so a well-draining cactus mix is a must. Cut back watering in winter to mimic its natural rest cycle.
Zygocactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
Also known as the Christmas cactus, this one prefers dappled light and a little more moisture than desert cacti. For the best blooms, ensure it has uninterrupted darkness for 12–14 hours a night during its budding period.
Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri)
This beauty shines in hanging pots, prefers indirect light, a bit more humidity, and evenly moist (but not wet) soil. Cool night temperatures in late autumn can help trigger flowering.
Australian Pigface (Carpobrotus rossii)
A coastal native that thrives in sandy, salty soils. It flowers in spring and summer with vivid blooms. Just give it sunshine and well-drained soil, and it’ll light up your garden with colour and charm.
Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant)
More vine than succulent, but a definite favourite for indoor gardeners. Its fragrant, waxy flowers appear in clusters—sometimes year-round if conditions are right. Keep it in bright, indirect light, don’t overwater, and avoid moving it once the buds form.
Tips to trigger blooms
Some succulents are seasonal bloomers, so do some research on your plant’s cycle and adjust its care accordingly.
Cut back watering in winter – many varieties go dormant during the cooler months, so let them rest.
Fertilise sparingly – a diluted, balanced fertiliser in spring can give your plant a blooming boost. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes (those are for leaves, not flowers).
Give it time – some succulents won’t bloom until they’re 2, 3, or even 5 years old. Hang in there!
Are cacti succulents?
They are! All cacti belong to the Cactaceae family, which are succulents. However, not all succulents are cacti.
The main difference between cacti and other succulents is that cacti tend to have prickles or spines, whereas succulents have smoother leaves.
