The Best Succulents to Grow in Zone 9
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I’ve discovered some of the best succulents for Zone 9 that you can start growing today! Easy to take care of and beautiful to arrange in the garden or as a houseplant.
Gardening in Zone 9 offers a unique opportunity to grow a wide variety of plants, thanks to its mild winters and hot summers.
I’ve lived in Zone 9 now for 20 years and cannot tell you how the Deep South really teaches you garden patience. But, when it comes to succulents. Life is easier. The results are almost guaranteed success.
Succulents thrive in this climate, bringing their unique charm and resilience to your garden and indoors. If you’re looking to add some hardy and visually stunning succulents to your garden, here are some of the best options for Zone 9 that I have loved growing in my yard or in our community’s garden.
I grow my succulents on my north porch. They get full sun until about noon and then they are in the shade after that. I also let nature take care of the watering unless it’s been really dry. I will then water them well and let them dry completely again before I water them again. Succulents can live without much water.
I will also give a few tips below to help you grow the best succulents in Zone 9.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is not only a beautiful succulent but also a useful one. Known for its medicinal properties, this plant thrives in Zone 9, preferring well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, making it incredibly drought-tolerant. Have a burn? Just snap off a piece and rub your burn with the jelly.
Propagation is simply done by splitting the plant into smaller ones to repot.
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
Echeverias are rosette-forming succulents that come in a variety of colors and shapes. I love these! They are perfect for adding a splash of color to your succulent garden or dish bowl. These plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They are also quite tolerant of heat, which makes them ideal for Zone 9.
These make really nice groupings in a flat-style dish pot for display on a table. They stay low and all the different colors in one pot are just lovely.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant is a popular choice for many succulent enthusiasts. It features thick, woody stems and shiny, plump leaves. This plant is very easy to care for and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can also tolerate drought conditions, making it perfect for Zone 9.
I just got one of these not too long ago and found out quickly that it loves its sun. The more sun in the morning it gets, the more the leaf tips will turn a pretty reddish color. Lovely plant. Don’t overwater this one or it will drop its leaves fast.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, are a diverse group of succulents that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They are incredibly hardy and can tolerate both heat and drought. Sedums are perfect for ground cover, rock gardens, and container gardens in Zone 9. They also have lovely little flowers.
I had a pot of yellow moss sedum for years that sat outside in the heat and sun. A gardening friend gave me a little piece of it and it took off. I rarely watered it and after many, many years, it gave out and died this past year. That plant survived a lot of cold nights.
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.)
Kalanchoes are known for their vibrant flowers and interesting foliage. They thrive in well-draining soil and need bright, indirect sunlight. These succulents are very low-maintenance and can tolerate the warm conditions of Zone 9 quite well.
If you love flowering plants, this is the one you should get. The flowers come in many colors. Very compact and are perfect for pots. They make beautiful pots to sit around for flowers all summer long.
Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.)
Hens and Chicks are rosette-forming succulents that produce offsets, or “chicks,” around the main plant, or “hen.” They are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including the heat of Zone 9. They are perfect for rock gardens, containers, and as ground cover.
I don’t have one of these but my neighbor does and it grows in one of the strawberry terra cotta pots. It’s just lovely and she just lets it go. No maintenance at all.
String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
This trailing succulent is known for its small, bead-like leaves that resemble a string of pearls. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. String of Pearls is perfect for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in containers, adding a unique element to your succulent collection in Zone 9.
Confession time. I almost killed mine because I just couldn’t stop watering it for some reason. When I stopped watering it, the plant thrived.
I have several different types of “string plants” – String of Dolphins, String of Hearts, and String of Turtles. And yes, the String of Dolphins really does look like dolphins. It is the most thriving plant of all of the string plants I have.
Rainbow Bush (Portulacaria afra f. variegata)
Portulacaria afra is a perfect addition to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden. They come in several sizes and can grow incredibly large if they have the right conditions. It loves partial to full sun, but mine seems to enjoy sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. It can also be used in hanging baskets to add a spiller effect to your pot.
I have not taken this variety outside because it doesn’t like any kind of cold. So it lives in the enclosed lanai and if the temps get cold, I will bring it in the house. Don’t over water, or the little leaves will start falling off.
Jelly Bean (Sedum rubrotinctum)
The Jelly Bean sedum is a cute-looking succulent with colorful chubby, little red-tipped leaves, giving it a jelly bean-like appearance. In addition to that, this plant offers an interesting shape and color that will not only make a wonderful addition to a dish garden but will also look perfect in hanging baskets as it tends to trail over the side of the pot as it grows.
This is another succulent that if you let it get stressed, you will see the red start to show. The plant loves a lot of sun, so most of the day in direct sun will make it happy.
Another confession time. I almost killed the jelly bean plant I had. Again, I watered it too much. But, I took it outside to grow and it’s thriving again. Jelly Bean is one of the easier succulents to propagate through cuttings. Cut off part of a stem, and let dry for a couple of days. Place the stem in succulent soil and water a bit. These are so cute in little pots.
Flapjack Succulent (Kalanchoe luciae)
Such a fun plant to have and grow. Also known as paddle plants, have flat, round leaves that form in rosette clusters. This low-maintenance plant thrives in warm, dry climates, requiring full sunlight and fast-draining soil that doesn’t retain moisture. They can be grown indoors as long as they are given enough light and perfect for zone 9.
They love the sun and the edges of the leaves will turn red with a little stress. But beware, these are toxic to humans and pets. So keep in an area away from pets and small children.
Although these plants are monocarpic (they only flower once, and then die), they’re easy to propagate with stem cuttings. Cut a stem, remove the lower leaves, let dry for a couple of days, and add to succulent soil. Water and wait. It’s a good idea to wear gloves while doing this process since the sap is irritating to the skin.
Donkey’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
The donkey tail succulent has its unique, trailing stems adorned with plump, blue-green leaves, this plant brings a touch of whimsy and elegance to indoor and outdoor spaces. Each stem is densely packed with fleshy, teardrop-shaped leaves that give the plant its signature look.
Low maintenance that lives in bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate direct sunlight, too much exposure can cause the leaves to burn. Mine sit in about 6 hours of sun with no issues and will tolerate zone 9 heat and humidity. You can tell if it’s not getting enough sun because the leaves will start to fall off and get leggy.
Little Missy (Crassula Sedum)
The Little Missy succulent is a charming and petite plant that adds a touch of delicate beauty to any succulent collection. Known for its trailing habit and dainty, variegated leaves, this succulent is perfect for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
Little Missy is a mat-forming succulent with tiny, oval-shaped leaves that are green with creamy white edges. The leaves often develop a pink tinge when exposed to bright light, adding a subtle splash of color. I love that. These make beautiful cascading hanging baskets for outdoors in zone 9.
Even though, this is one of my favorite plants. I’ve killed a few because I over-watered it but was able to save the last one. You would think I would learn. I could go a very long time without watering Little Missy and she would love it.
Little Missy succulents are easy to propagate, making them an ideal plant to share with friends or expand your own collection. Simply take stem cuttings, this helps with the plant to bush out more, allow them to dry for a day or two, then plant them in well-draining soil. With proper care, the cuttings will root and grow into new plants.
Zebra Plant (Haworthiopsis fasciata)
The Zebra plant is distinguished by its striking striped leaves and rosette shape. It adds an eye-catching, sculptural element to any indoor space. Its resilience and low maintenance needs make it an excellent houseplant, thriving in indirect light and requiring minimal watering, ideal for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Out of all the plants I listed today, if you want to start out with something that’s basically a sure thing, get a zebra plant. They are by far the easiest to grow. They look great in a small pot.
Just a few hours of sunlight is all it needs. Mine sit in the morning sun and then shade the rest of the day. Propagation comes from the little babies that pop up from the side of the plant. Just pull one out and place it in another pot.
Grow plants. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Plants will live. Plants will die. Growing plants are a natural part of all of our lives. Plants soothe us. We need to teach our children and others about the miracle of growing plants. Get yer hands dirty!
Tips for Growing Succulents in Zone 9
- Soil: Ensure your succulents are planted in well-draining soil. A cactus or succulent mix works best.
- Watering: Water your succulents thoroughly but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Light: Most succulents prefer full sun to partial shade. Be mindful of the intense afternoon sun in Zone 9, which can scorch some succulents.
- Fertilizing: Feed your succulents with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
- Protection: While Zone 9 has mild winters, occasional frost can occur. Protect your succulents by covering them or bringing them indoors if frost is expected.
By choosing the right succulents and following these care tips, you can create a stunning and resilient garden that thrives in the unique climate of Zone 9b. Happy gardening!
These plant suggestions are just a few succulents that do well in zone 9. There are so many more since there are so many varieties of the same plant. Check out your local plant stores to see what’s available there and read the label carefully.
frequently asked questions
Succulentas are very easy to care for once their climate, sun, and water needs are met. Maintain those conditions, and your plant can live for many years.
The succulent plant is a slow-growing plant and makes for a great plant in an area where there isn’t much room.
Indoor succulents should last for about ten years, but some delicate species might only last a few months. Some succulents die after they bloom but are easy to propagate for new plants.
Yes!! Those who live in much colder zones will have to bring the plants indoors during winter. Even in zone 9, we have a few nights that may get to freezing temps, but I just wrap the pots with an old sheet and they do fine.
When this process happens, it means that the plant isn’t getting enough sun. Move the plant either outdoors or to an area where there is more sun for a longer period of time. You will also see leaves fall off when there isn’t enough sun or too much water.
I like to give them a good dose in the spring when the growing season starts and that’s it. Succulents hold water and fertilizer in their leaves. So, no need to fertilize as you would do with other plants.
Succulents can symbolize enduring and timeless love, similar to how a person’s love for someone else can grow over time.
shop & sources
- Succulent Soil
- Succulent Fertilizer
- Succulent small pots
- Strawberry Jar for chicks and hens
- Terra Cotta Strawberry Jar
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I love succulents and find them so cute and beautiful. Amazing guide, thank you so much, very helpful.
I have a house full of succulents, so I love this. They’re so easy to grow, and I think they’re absolutely beautiful.
I’ve just been given a succulent and I’ve never had one before. I don’t exactly have a green thumb so I appreciate this little read. Thank you for sharing!
I am thinking to use some of your Succulent recommendations as houseplant. Thanks a lot for sharing your ideas and tips!
Thanks for this helpful guide! I’m in Zone 9 and have been looking for low-maintenance succulents that can thrive in our climate.
Succulents feel like they are much easier to care for. Thank you for these suggestions on what to grow in Zone 9!
I’m especially excited to try out the Echeverias—they sound perfect for brightening up our porch. Appreciate all the helpful info!