5 Extremely Heat Tolerant Succulents

Succulent plants have got to be the most adorable living creatures ever. They have shapes that look like they belong on a coral reef off the Mediterranean coast to those with intimidating fangs. Others with spikes that defy nature, all the while adorned in exciting colors. Indeed, succulents are eye-catching, simple life forms that make a great addition to any home or office.

Also, succulents are amazing house guests in that they can fit in any nook or cranny. These resilient succulents do not need you to fuss over them, just a drink of water once a week and even less during the cold seasons. Succulents are not susceptible to diseases; their biggest threat is overwatering. They are the best plants for gardening newbies and are easy to propagate and spread around your residence.

For those who are looking for tolerant succulents that can endure a long period of extreme heat, we have a list of different succulents that would be perfect for any pot, balcony, or garden space.

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1. Blue Senecio (Senecio mandraliscoe)

When looking for a ground filler that can bring in sharp contrast to all the greenery around you, look no further than the Senecio mandraliscoe. Also known as Blue Senecio, this succulent, like the name suggests, has silvery blue, finger-like leaves that stand upright while its roots spread across the ground. These leaves have a waxy, white coat that helps protect it from hot, dry conditions.

Originally from South Africa, this succulent is fire resistant and tolerant to extreme heat. It’s also not affected by curious animals like deer and rabbit. Unlike other succulents, the Senecio mandraliscoe is dormant during the summer and grows during the winter. During the spring, this plant produces white, pretty flowers. It loves a sunny spot with little shade, and it looks dramatic as a border or in a pot with other plants.

2. Black Rose (Aeonium Arboreum Schwarzkopf)

How cool would it be to have a black tree in your backyard? Okay, so not necessarily a black tree, but a 3-foot-tall tree with large black flowers? Meet the Aeonium arboretum Schwarzkopf, or commonly known as Black Rose, Black Beauty, Desert Pinwheel Rose, and Black Tree Aeonium.

This stunning succulent has long, brownish-grey stems that branch off from the base of the plant to hold large rosettes that can grow to 8 inches (20 cm) wide. The leaves of this succulent are shaped like large spoons and range in color from deep burgundy to black. At the center of the rosette, the leaves are bright green, distinguishing the plant from other foliage.

When the plant is old enough, it produces vivid yellow cone-shaped flowers during the summertime. They require a spot in the garden with light where they can sunbathe, and they despise soggy soil. If planted in a pot, they should be left to drain completely after watering, and if planted in the soil, they prefer drip irrigation.

3. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus Grusonii)

The Echinocactus Grusonii is a whimsical plant used in the past as a compass by desert travelers, and today, it can bask on your kitchen windowsill. This exceptional cactus is colloquially known as the Golden Barrel Cactus, the Golden Ball Cactus, or Mother-in-law’s cushion.

Cylindrical in shape, the Golden Barrel Cactus has ribs around it that are covered with hooked yellow spines. Sometimes the spines tend to be slightly curved and may appear white. The plant has a wooly mat at the top that produces yellow, cup-shaped flowers. The plant starts to take more of an oblong shape as it ages. It leans to the south or southwest, which gives this succulent the notion of being a compass.

The cactus has a life span of 30 years and may reach a height of up to 1 meter. This succulent is tolerant of extreme heat and should be placed outdoors with total exposure to the sun’s light to produce flowers. It tends to rot away when in low-light environments suddenly.

Be sure to check out “How Long Do Succulents Live?” for a guide to learn about the lifespan of your succulents at home.

4. Whale’s Tongue Agave (Agave Ovatifolia)

Standing tall at heights between 2 and 5 ft tall, the Agave ovatifolia, or Whale’s Tongue Agave is an evergreen perennial that boasts naturally cupped, broad leaves that form a compact rosette. The thick leaves have small, sharp teeth along the margin and are usually grey to powdery blue. They also have a long, grey terminal spine that produces clusters of yellow-green flowers, but only once in its lifetime.

The origin of this succulent is Nuevo Leon in North-Eastern Mexico. It is a unique outdoor plant as it is famous for being both drought and cold resistant. Its main water requirements would be during the summer, and it blossoms in well-draining soil.

Place this plant away from foot traffic as its sharp teeth could be harmful to children and pets. 

Check out our piece on “What Is A Whale’s Tongue? Agave Ovatifolia” to see more on this amazing agave succulent.

5. Pachyphytum Fittkaui

Originally from Mexico and a relative to the Kalanchoe and Jade Plant, the Pachyphytum Fittkaui is a shy succulent with a name that’s quite a mouthful to say. This is because the genus name Pachyphytum is Greek for ‘thick leaves,’ and it refers to the plant’s chubby leaves. The leaves appear as a loose rosette. They begin their growth stage while green, and as they get older, they develop a pink, purple, or orange outline. The leaves are shaped like a grape and have a powdery coating on the surface.

During spring and summertime, the Pachyphytum develops small, bell-shaped flowers that grow on long inflorescences and appear to be deep red or greenish-white in color. This succulent enjoys long days under the sun, and it cannot cope with frost or temperatures that go below 7°C (45°F) for extended periods. This plant, however, does not like to be touched, especially the parts with the powdery coating on the leaves because oil from the skin can damage the leaves.

The Pachyphytum succulent is not too picky about the soil it grows on as long as it drains well. The outermost leaves of the plant will appear to wilt if the succulent is not getting enough water. Precaution should be taken when watering them because, like all other succulents, they are not good swimmers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to check out our ebook “The Correct Way to Water Succulents“! This is your chance for a full guide to watering all your succulents.

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While most succulents are tolerant of extreme heat over long periods, it’s still nice to give them some attention, shade, and a refreshing drizzle of water to cool them down and keep them alive. If you live in areas where the temperature fluctuates, it is advisable to plant your succulents in pots that can be taken to warmer regions during the winter and in the shade during the direct summer heat. Pruning off dead leaves will enhance the health of your plant while a little fertilizer now and then will not hurt. Yes, these plants are all sun worshipers, but they should not be ignored. Let’s appreciate their tolerance with a cold glass of water. Cheers.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you should check out related content like “Pachyphytum Oviferum – Moonstones Succulent” or “Mysterious Christmas Cactus – Schlumbergera Bridgesii” to grow your succulent garden.

You would also love our full in-depth ebooks! With so many of our succulent lovers asking for more, we listened and can’t wait to share it with you here! With our very detailed ebooks, you’ll get more information than these short articles, some ebooks are 30+ pages, perfect for a weekend read. 

Happy Planting!