17 Incredible Succulents With Red Flowers

We all know red is a ravishing and powerful color. In the Western World, it represents power, desire, and love while in many Far East cultures it represents prosperity, luck, and happiness.

Succulents with red flowers are an eye-catching addition to any garden. Even if you don’t have many indoor plants, a single red flowering succulent on your side table will brighten up the room!

Whether you plan on getting one for yourself or as a gift for a friend, here are some beautiful succulent varieties with bright red flowers.

List of Succulent Varieties With Bright Red Flowers

Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

The Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a popular succulent that originates from Madagascar. It’s named for its flowers, which bloom in shades of orange, red, and yellow. It is also called Florist’s Kalanchoe for its gorgeous flowers.

This plant has a clustering growth habit and can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy, with scalloped edges. They’re a deep green color with reddish-brown spots.

The flowers of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana are what makes this plant so special. They emerge in clusters at the tips of the stems and last for several weeks. The blooms are brightly colored and very showy. When discussing succulents with red flowers, Flaming Katy is the first that comes to mind. In addition, getting the plant to flower is very easy. Providing it with the minimum amount of care is more than enough for the plant to bloom.

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Regularly, on dry soil

Rose Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Zeilmanniana)

Rose Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria Zeilmanniana) is a small cactus that originates from Mexico. It’s a popular plant due to its pretty flowers and easy care requirements. Offsets emerge from the base of the plant quite frequently. To propagate, simply twist one off and replant it in a new pot.

This cactus grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and remains small for the entirety of its lifetime. The stems are covered in spines that vary in color from white to brown. The flowers appear at the tips of the body and are bright pink or red in color. They appear randomly throughout the year.

• Light: full sun
• Watering: Infrequently, drought-tolerant

Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis)

Rat Tail Cactus (Aporocactus flagelliformis) is a vining cactus that’s native to Mexico. It gets its name (Rat Tail) from the shape of its stems, which are long and thin like a rat’s tail. These plants look gorgeous when planted in a hanging basket as the trailing stems coupled with the red flowers make for an eye-catching display.

This cactus is a fast grower and can quickly become leggy if not pruned regularly. The stems are covered in spines that vary in color from white to brown. The flowers appear at the tips of the stems and are bright pink or red in color. They bloom for several weeks and are followed by small, round fruits.

Care-wise, this plant wants sunny conditions; both full sun and dappled sunlight can work. If you plant this cactus outside, make sure it gets some natural shade from the afternoon sun.

• Light: Full to partial shade
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)

The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is a popular holiday plant that blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. It’s native to the rainforests of Brazil, where it grows on trees or rocks. It is a cross between Schlumbergera truncata and Schlumbergera russelliana. 

This succulent has a trailing growth habit and can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm) long. The leaves are narrow and fleshy, with scalloped edges and the stem segments resemble teardrops.

The flowers of the Christmas Cactus appear in clusters at the tips of the stems. They’re brightly colored and very showy. It blooms between November and January: Christmas time. And what could be more Christmas-y than a succulent with red flowers.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Consistently moist

Pig’s Ear (Cotyledon orbiculata)

Pig’s Ear Plant is a succulent that originates from South Africa. It gets its common name from the shape of its leaves, which are rounded and ear-like. Clusters of leaves are clumped together; they look like a collection of Pig’s ears on display more than anything. This plant has a rosette growth habit and can reach up to 4 feet tall.

The flowers of Cotyledon orbiculata appear in clusters on top of tall, thin stalks that emerge from the central rosette. If the plant has been allowed to cluster, different rosettes will flower at the same time, making for an impressive display. They’re red in color and bloom for several weeks. If you’re looking for a succulent with red flowers that make a statement when it flowers, Cotyledon orbiculata is a prime contender.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Infrequently, avoid splashing the leaves

Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus)

The Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus) is a small, finger-sized cactus that resembles a collection of peanuts when in cultivation. It’s native to Bolivia and Argentina, where it grows in the wild at high altitudes.

This cactus gets its common name from its shape. It’s small and plump, with a green body and white spines. The spines are soft to the touch, making handing easy. The flowers are red or orange, and they bloom in the late spring to summer. Keep the plant in cooler conditions in winter to encourage lush flowers in the warmer months. You want your succulent with red flowers to have as much rest as possible before the flowering season for the best results.

The Echinopsis chamaecereus is a popular houseplant because it’s easy to care for, and it doesn’t grow too large. It’s also relatively slow-growing, so it can stay in the same pot for years.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Infrequently, drought-tolerant

Euphorbia Milii (Crown of Thorns)

Euphorbia milii, more commonly known as the Crown of Thorns, is a succulent native to Madagascar. It gets its common name from the thorny stems that resemble a crown.

The plant can grow up to 3-6 ft. (1 m) tall, with arching stems that are covered in sharp thorns. The leaves are oval-shaped with a glossy surface.

The flowers of Euphorbia milii are small but numerous. They bloom in clusters, emerging from the tips of the stems. They are typically bright red, although they can also be pink, orange, or white.

The Crown of Thorns is a popular succulent with red flowers because of its ease of care and tolerance of a wide variety of conditions. It is also an excellent plant for beginners because it is very forgiving if you forget to water it.

• Light: Bright, direct light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

The Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) is a succulent native to Mexico. The plant gets its name (Burro’s Tail, Donkey’s Tail) from its long, trailing stems that resemble a donkey’s tail. It produces small red or pink flowers in the spring and summer.

This is one of the most popular succulents because it’s so easy to care for. And it looks great in any type of container, hanging basket, or even as a groundcover.

The Burro’s Tail is not cold-hardy, so it needs to be brought indoors during the winter months. But it’s otherwise an incredibly low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Orchid Cactus (Disocactus ackermannii)

The Orchid Cactus (Disocactus ackermannii) is a popular succulent that is native to Mexico (Veracruz and Oaxaca). It gets its common name from its flowers, which resemble orchids. The blooms are large and showy, and they come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple.

This plant is low-maintenance and able to tolerate a wide range of conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light, but some direct sun wouldn’t go amiss either. In its natural habitat, it is protected from direct sunlight by the shade of the trees it grows on. Water when you’re certain the soil is dry, and be sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.

If you’re looking for a succulent with red flowers that will bloom often, the Orchid Cactus is a good choice. It blooms multiple times throughout the year, and each bloom lasts for several weeks.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: constantly moist, not soggy

Propeller Plant (Crassula perfoliata var. minor)

The Propeller Plant (Crassula falcata, or Crassula perfoliata var. minor) is a succulent native to South Africa. It gets its common name from the propeller-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The Crassula falcata is a popular houseplant because of its low maintenance nature and unique shape. It also doesn’t hurt that the plant is easy to flower as well.

Clusters of small, red flowers appear on the top of the main stem, making for an interesting contrast to the grey-green leaves.

This plant prefers bright, indirect light but has the ability to tolerate some direct sun. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to give your plant some afternoon shade to prevent scorching. Water only when you ascertain that the soil surface is completely dry; too much water can cause root rot, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. This plant is not frost-tolerant, so bring it indoors or provide some other form of protection if you live in a cold climate.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Crassula Morgan’s Beauty

The Crassula Morgan’s Beauty is a cross between Crassula perfoliata var. minor and Crassula mesembrianthemopsis. It’s a member of the stonecrop family and is closely related to the jade plant.

It gets its common name from its beautiful, clustering flowers that appear on top of the stem. The flowers are deep pink, leaning towards red, and appear in winter, making them a welcome addition during the colder months. If you’re looking for succulents with red flowers that have a unique appearance, look no further.

The Crassula Morgan’s Beauty is a low-growing plant that only reaches about 4 inches in height. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are triangular to disk-like in shape. The leaves are bunched together and layered so closely that the stem underneath is never visible.

This plant is quite low-maintenance and an excellent choice for beginners. It’s also well suited for growing in containers, making it ideal for small spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Echeveria Black Prince

The Echeveria Black Prince is a type of succulent that’s prized for its dark, almost black leaves. It’s a relatively small plant that only grows to about 3 inches tall and wide, forming rosettes typical of the Echeveria family.

Bright, red flowers appear on top of fleshy stalks in the colder months. The interesting contrast in color is best enjoyed when the plant is front and center, being displayed individually on a stark white background. If you’re looking for a succulent with red flowers that will retain interest for the rest of the year as well, the Echeveria Black Prince is a great choice.

The Echeveria Black Prince is native to Mexico and can be found in the country’s mountainous regions. It’s a popular choice for gardens and as a houseplant because of its strikingly black leaves and flashy appearance. In addition, the plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods without water.

It’s best to grow the Echeveria Black Prince in bright, indirect light. But it also tolerates low light conditions and some shade. The plant will grow slower in low light, but it will still thrive. Water the Echeveria Black Prince when the soil is dry. You want the soil to be completely dry before watering. These plants are susceptible to root rot, so it’s important not to overwater them.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Typical to other succulents

Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens)

The Candelabra Aloe (Aloe arborescens) is a tall, tree-like succulent that is native to South Africa. It gets its common name from the growth patterns of its leaves that look like a blown-up candelabra if you squint your eyes just right.

This aloe can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall, although it is more commonly seen at around 6 feet (2 meters). The leaves are thick and fleshy, with spines along the edges. They’re a beautiful blue-green color with white spots. The flowers are borne on stalks that can be up to 3 feet (1 meter) long. They’re red or orange in color.

Before you’re dazzled by the beauty of this aloe, understand that space is a commodity this particular needs a lot of. It needs quite a bit of space to grow; it wants to be grown outside in a garden with plenty of sunlight. If you’re unable to provide the plant with these care conditions, it’s better to choose another succulent with red flowers for your home.

But if you do have the necessary conditions, the Candelabra Aloe is quite easy to care for. It does best in bright, indirect light but also tolerates some direct sun. Water it deeply, but then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Deeply but infrequently

Delosperma dyeri (Red Mountain)

The Delosperma dyeri (Red Mountain) is a low-growing mat-forming succulent that originates from South Africa. It’s one of the more popular red succulents due to its ease of care and ability to thrive in dry conditions.

The flowers are a deep red, and they appear in clusters. They bloom throughout the summer and fall months. They are shaped like traditional daisies and form a carpet of red flowers when allowed to grow as a groundcover. This plant is perfect for xeriscaping on the borders of gardens where the light conditions aren’t the best.

This plant is very easy to grow. It is quite tolerant when it comes to lighting, not caring whether there’s enough light or not. It’s also drought-tolerant and can withstand long periods without water.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Moderate

Echeveria setosa (Mexican Firecracker)

The Echeveria setosa, or Mexican Firecracker, is a succulent native to Mexico. Its flowers resemble firecrackers, hence the name. They’re a vibrant red and orange color; red from the bottom and orange at the top. They are borne of fleshy stalks that emerge from the central rosette.

This plant is relatively small, reaching only about 6 inches in height at maturity. But it offsets readily and can form large colonies over time. In addition, the leaves are a light green color with a coating of thin, white hairs. Every inch of the rosette is covered with this layer of white fuzz, giving this plant a unique appearance.

Echeveria setosa is a drought-tolerant plant that will thrive in just about any type of well-draining soil. It’s not particular about lighting conditions, but it does prefer bright light.

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Moderately, when the soil is dry

Huernia Zebrina (Lifesaver Plant)

Huernia zebrina, also known as the Lifesaver Plant or lifebuoy plant, is a species of succulent plant widely popular for its unique shape. It is native to southern Africa, where it occurs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania.

The flowers are what set this plant apart from all other succulents with red flowers on this list. They are yellow-colored and star-shaped with five petals, patterned with brown zebra stripes. However, the most striking part of their flowers is the bright, red donut shape in the middle of the flower. In fact, the plant is so named because of the resemblance of this central donut to a lifebuoy.

Huernia zebrina is a popular ornamental plant and is grown for its attractive flowers. It is not difficult to care for, making it a great choice for those new to growing succulents. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Watering should be done sparingly, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Propagation is typically done by stem cuttings.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Watering: Moderate

Baby Sun Rose (Aptenia Cordifolia)

Aptenia cordifolia, commonly known as Baby Sun Rose, is a fast-growing succulent that can quickly fill in an empty space in your garden. It’s a member of the Aizoaceae family and is native to South Africa.

The plant forms dense mats of foliage that stay relatively low to the ground. The leaves are fleshy and green with a white edge. They’re oval-shaped and slightly cupped, giving them a unique look. And the flowers are small and bright red, providing much-needed contrast to the light green leaves. Although they are not particularly showy, they still stand out over the light background.

This succulent with red flowers is particularly suited to be grown in containers or rock gardens. However, do note that good drainage is needed for long-term health so prepare good quality, fast-draining soil before planting.

• Light: Full sun
• Water: highly drought-tolerant

Conclusion

These are just a few of the incredible succulents with red flowers that you can find. With so many different types to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your garden. So get out there and start exploring!

17 Incredible Succulents With Red Flowers (Video)

References

1. “Crassula ‘Morgan’s Beauty’” by MeganEHansen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
2. “Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ エケベリア・古紫” by salchuiwt is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
3. “Delosperma dyeri” by M. Martin Vicente is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
4. “File:Huernia zebrina flower.jpg” by Skolnik Collection is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
5. “Aptenia cordifolia” by quinn.anya is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.