Succulents are the ultimate plant chameleons, boasting an irresistible combination of striking beauty and adaptability.
These water-storing wonders have quickly become a favorite among plant enthusiasts and beginners alike, thanks to their unique and captivating appearance.
But have you ever wondered how big these succulents can actually get?
In this article, we look into the fascinating world of succulent growth and explore the factors that influence their size.
Let’s get started!
How Big Do Succulents Get?
The average size of most succulents is between six inches and two feet, but some factors such as the type of species, the size of the pot, the watering schedule, the light, and the temperature can affect how big they get.
However there are taller succulent varieties too with height up to 40 ft.
Here is the table below with data about succulents and its average height.
| Name of Succulent plant | Average Height |
| Aloe Vera | 3 feet |
| Haworthia | 5 inches |
| Christmas Cactus | 12 inches |
| Agave | up to 30 ft |
| Jade Plant | up to 6 feet |
| African Milk Tree | up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) |
| Candelabra Spurge | 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 meters) |
| Desert Rose | 3 to 10 feet (0.9 to 3 meters) |
| Elephant Bush | 6 to 20 feet (1.8 to 6.1 meters) |
| Eve’s Needle | up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) |
| Joshua Tree | up to 40 feet (12.2 meters) |
| Mother of Millions | up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) |
| Snake Plant | up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) |
| Spineless Yucca | up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) |
| Tree Aloe | up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) |
The limited light exposure indoors can affect the growth of succulents, making them smaller than their outdoor counterparts.
However, with proper care and attention, indoor succulents can still thrive and grow to their full potential.
Outdoor succulents have more access to natural sunlight, which is essential for their growth and development. With adequate sunlight, succulents can undergo photosynthesis and produce energy, which promotes growth.
It is important to note that not all succulents grow tall, and some remain small and compact, making them ideal for indoor spaces or small gardens.
Ultimately, the size of a succulent depends on several factors, and proper care and attention can help them reach their full potential.
How Big Do Potted Succulents Get?
The size of potted succulents can vary widely based on several factors. It’s important to note that succulents are a diverse group of plants with numerous species and varieties, each with its growth habits.
Generally, potted succulents can range from a few inches in height to several feet, depending on the type and care they receive.
How to Manage Succulent Size Indoors?
To manage succulent size indoors, it is important to choose the right container size.
If the container is too large, the plant will look small and diminished, and the extra soil in the container can hold onto moisture in areas where the roots don’t reach, increasing the risk of root rot.
It is also important to provide the right amount of sunlight and water, as overwatering and inadequate sunlight can cause leggy growth.
Finally, repotting succulents in a coarse potting mix with good drainage and aeration can also help manage their size.
Factors That Affect How Big Succulents Get
With their captivating forms and ability to thrive in diverse environments, succulents have become a cherished addition to many households and gardens.
These unique plants, known for their water-storing capabilities and striking appearances, come in various sizes and shapes.
Have you ever wondered why some succulents remain compact while others grow tall and expansive?
The answer lies in a combination of crucial factors that collectively determine these remarkable plants’ size and growth patterns.
Here are some of the elements.
The Size of the Pot:
The size of the pot you choose for your succulent plays a crucial role in its growth. A larger pot allows more room for the roots to spread, potentially leading to a larger plant.
However, a pot that is too large relative to the size of the succulent can retain excess moisture, increasing the risk of overwatering and root rot.
Watering Schedule:
Proper watering is essential for succulent health and size management. Overwatering can lead to elongated and weak growth, while underwatering can stunt growth.
Adjust your watering frequency based on the specific needs of your succulent species and the prevailing environmental conditions.
Light:
Adequate light is vital for healthy succulent growth. Insufficient light can cause stretching as the plant reaches for more light, resulting in leggy and less compact growth.
Conversely, too much intense sunlight in hot climates might cause sunburn and stress, affecting the plant’s size and appearance.
Temperature:
Succulents thrive in moderate to warm temperatures. Drastic temperature fluctuations can stress the plant and impact its growth.
Avoid exposing succulents to cold drafts or extremely high temperatures, leading to undesirable growth patterns.
Fertilizer:
While succulents are relatively low-maintenance, they do benefit from occasional fertilization. A balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season can promote healthy growth.
However, excessive fertilization can lead to rapid expansion, potentially causing the succulent to outgrow its container.
Moisture:
Humidity levels can influence the growth of succulents.
Higher humidity might lead to larger leaves, but it’s essential to strike a balance to prevent mold and fungal issues. Proper ventilation can help maintain optimal moisture levels.
Soil:
Well-draining soil is crucial for succulent growth. Aeration of the roots prevents waterlogging and encourages healthy development.
Using a specialized succulent or cactus mix ensures that excess moisture doesn’t accumulate around the bases.
Genetic Makeup and Species Variation:
Just as in the animal kingdom, genetics plays a fundamental role in determining the characteristics of succulents.
Different succulent species inherently possess distinct growth patterns, sizes, and shapes.
Some species naturally tend to remain compact, while others are predisposed to more towering growth.
Understanding the genetic predisposition of your succulent can provide valuable insights into the potential size it might attain.
Growth Habit and Form:
The growth habit and form of succulents vary widely. Some succulents, like rosette-forming echeverias, tend to stay relatively compact, with leaves tightly clustered near the center.
Others, such as trailing varieties like Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail), cascade gracefully over the edges of pots, creating a visually striking display.
Understanding the inherent growth habit of your succulent can help you anticipate and manage its eventual size.
Pruning and Maintenance:
Just as with other plants, pruning and maintenance practices can significantly influence succulent growth.
Removing spent flowers, leggy stems, and damaged leaves promotes a tidy appearance and redirects the plant’s energy toward healthier growth.
Strategic pruning can encourage branching and denser foliage, ultimately impacting the overall size and fullness of the succulent.
Container and Plant Arrangement:
The choice of container and how you arrange multiple succulents together can impact their growth.
Crowded containers can lead to resource competition, potentially stunting individual plants’ development.
Conversely, carefully spacing succulents and selecting an appropriate container size allows each plant to receive nutrients and light for optimal growth.
Root Health and Development:
While the above-ground appearance of succulents is captivating, their root systems play a crucial, often underestimated role in determining size.
A healthy and well-developed root system can support more vigorous growth.
Adequate aeration and drainage in the soil are essential for preventing root rot and facilitating root expansion, both of which contribute to the overall size and vitality of the succulent.
Do Succulents Grow Bigger in Bigger Pots?
The relationship between pot size and succulent growth is more nuanced than simply assuming that a larger pot will always lead to bigger plants.
While a larger pot can provide more space for the roots to expand, choosing a pot proportionate to the plant’s current size is essential.
A considerable pot can retain too much moisture, leading to overwatering issues.
Select one slightly larger than the current pot when repotting into a larger pot. This allows for gradual growth and prevents the succulent from becoming overwhelmed by the increased soil capacity.
Remember that the overall health and care of the succulent also play a significant role in determining its size.
What Happens When Succulents Get Too Big?
When succulents outgrow their pots, they might exhibit signs of stress. The plant’s growth can become uneven, with elongated stems and sparse foliage.
An overcrowded pot can also lead to competition for resources among the succulents, affecting their overall health and appearance.
Should You Repot Succulents When They Get Too Big?
Repotting is often recommended when succulents have outgrown their containers.
This process involves carefully removing the plant from its current pot, inspecting the roots, and transferring it to a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil.
Repotting provides the succulent with more space to grow and allows for root inspection and potential correction of any issues.
Wrapping Up
Various factors, including pot size, watering, light, temperature, fertilizer, moisture, and soil, influence the size of succulents.
While succulents can range from small rosettes to larger, tree-like forms, managing their size requires attention to these critical elements.
By maintaining a balanced environment and providing appropriate care, you can ensure that your succulents thrive and remain visually appealing at a size that fits your preferences and indoor space.