Forget Regular Succulents: Statement Succulents Will Create More Texture And Interest

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Succulents have become a familiar sight in many homes over recent years. This may be because of how well their angular shapes fit with modern home design — which tends to feature clean lines, neutral colors, and practical materials — or it may be because their care requirements are relatively straightforward, making them the perfect houseplants for the busyness of modern life. However, in spite of the surge in their popularity, it can sometimes be tempting to think that these small, white-green plants, which sit tidily in little pots, may not be the right fit for your design aesthetic. However, there are actually a variety of incredible statement succulents that add drama, fascinating texture, and striking visual interest to a space, no matter the design style.

And the best part? These plants are incredibly hardy, meaning they can be placed in a variety of different locations throughout the home while remaining happy and healthy. For example, if you feel that your living room shelves need a slightly more unique element beyond the usual books and picture frames, a succulent can grow perfectly well on them, even if you don't always remember to water it. Alternatively, if your smaller spaces, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mudrooms, are looking a little plain and lifeless, succulents can work great as decor on countertops, side tables, and dressers. And you don't need to fret if those rooms don't have much direct sunlight, either. There are plenty of low-light statement succulents that still bring plenty of drama without needing to sit in the sun all day. 

It can be easy to think about succulents only in the classic, pale green shade for which they have become known. However, there are many beautifully colorful succulents that will thrive indoors. Take the paddle plant, known by its scientific name Kalanchoe thyrsiflora 'Flapjacks,' for example. This succulent bears broad, flat leaves that turn a striking red shade in sunlight. It can even grow yellow flowers in the spring for an extra colorful sense of drama, which would be perfect for a luxurious interior design featuring jewel tones and rich materials like velvet. Or, if your design preferences lean more towards a gentle, whimsical feel, why not try Echeveria 'Chroma'? This charming plant comes in pink, green, purple, and orange shades, making it the perfect colors for a cottagecore aesthetic. 

But what if you've already got a home bursting with color? Statement succulents can still be a great way to add depth and living color to a space, grounding it and making it feel more nature-inspired as a whole. For example, if you have a room filled with lots of bright colors, then a rich, fascinating succulent like the Kalanchoe tomentosa 'Chocolate Soldier' — also known as panda plant — can provide a sense of drama with its dark brown leaves. Alternatively, the jade plant (Crassula ovata) bears large, deep green leaves that can grow to 3 feet wide and 6 feet tall, making it a solid statement for any room that needs a little more of an earthy feel. But color isn't the only thing that makes these statement succulents so appealing. They also come in incredible textures, too.

Succulents have largely become known for their round leaf shapes and relatively compact build, which makes them perfect for a minimalist home decor style but which may not work for industrial designs or more quirky and eccentric tastes. However, succulents actually come in almost any shape you can imagine, from spiky and pointed to soft and fuzzy. This means that they can easily be chosen to add much-needed texture to a room that is lacking a little oomph. 

For example, if you've got a mid-century modern home design and want something that adds a little spice to your clean, rounded lines, then you could always grab the Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick,' which adds both a hint of color and eye-catching triangular stems that make for a perfect contrast. Or, if you're finding that your Japandi style's pared-back aesthetic needs a little movement and shape, try getting yourself a trailing ruby necklace plant (Othonna capensis) to spill off a bookshelf. If you want your succulent to have maximum impact, try placing it in an interesting plant pot — such as these DeeCoo Ceramic Plant Pots — which will add its own visual interest. 

Remember that many colorful or unusual succulents need certain growing conditions in order to thrive and develop their stunning look. So, make sure to emulate their natural desert environment as much as possible by giving them plenty of sunlight, keeping them in well-draining soil, and avoiding placing them in cold or draughty areas. This will give them a chance to focus all their energy on that fascinating foliage, which will add so much texture and interest to your space.