Did you know that succulents can be fragrant? It's not a well-kept secret. Many succulent gardeners have been pleasantly surprised by the delightful fragrance emanating from the fragrant succulents. You're surprised if you've yet to experience the delightful scents emanating from succulents.
In this blog post, we'll introduce you to 10 fragrant succulent varieties and share expert tips to help you make the most of their aromatic charm. Let's dive in and explore the fragrant world of succulents!
1. Cotyledon Pendens
Cotyledon Pendens, also known as Cliff Cotyledon, exudes a delicate fragrance reminiscent of lemon oil. When bathed in sunlight, its alluring fragrance becomes even more pronounced. This commonly found trailing succulent boasts elliptical leaves that often develop a charming reddish hue at their tips. With its distinctive lemon, Cotyledon Pendens is an excellent indoor hanging succulent choice.
2. String of Pearls
The String of Pearls, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, stands as one of the most beloved succulent varieties. With its reputation for low maintenance, this charming plant emits a subtle woody fragrance. During its flowering season, it releases a delightful hint of cinnamon, adding an extra layer of appeal. If you happen to have this succulent variety in your collection, take a moment to get close and you might fall in love with its gentle fragrance.
3. Sedum Clavatum
Sedum Clavatum, renowned as one of the most aromatic succulent plants, exudes a refreshing fruity fragrance. Its popularity stems not only from its delightful fragrance but also its propensity to easily develop branching, woody stems. This accessibility to its fragrant charm makes it a beloved choice, especially for those sensitive to fragrance.
4. Sedum 'Alice Evans'
Sedum 'Alice Evans', belongs to the Crassulaceae family, a sedum genus. It is a hybrid descendant of Sedum Clavatum, inheriting its parent's fruity fragrance. Sedum 'Alice Evans’ features elongated, lotus-like leaves ranging from green to yellow-green. Under the influence of light intensity and temperature fluctuations, the leaves develop a jelly-like transparency, adding an adorable touch to their overall appeal.
5. Echeveria Elegans Raspberry Ice
Have you ever encountered a succulent that exudes the delightful fragrance of vanilla ice cream? Echeveria elegans 'Raspberry Ice' boasts this very aroma. Coupled with its propensity for prolific growth, a sizable pot of 'Raspberry Ice' only enhances the intensity of its fragrance. It's an irresistible combination.
6. Mini Blue Chalk Sticks
Mini Blue Chalk Sticks, also named Curio repens, unlike many other succulents, Mini Blue Chalk Sticks surprises with its unique fragrance, reminiscent of the fresh fragrance of pine resin. Consider incorporating Mini Blue Chalk Sticks into your arrangement. When combined with other succulents, its unique fragrance can add a delightful olfactory dimension to your overall display.
7. Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus
Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus is a testament to the diverse and captivating world of botanical fragrances. The magic truly happens when you gently caress the leaves of this plant. A burst of apple-fragrant fragrance is released, creating a sensory experience that is both surprising and delightful.
8. Sedum Dasyphyllum 'Minor'
With a gentle, clean hint of mint, Sedum Dasyphyllum 'Minor' imparts a feeling akin to a summer breeze brushing against your face—leaving you feeling remarkably refreshed. However, compared to other succulents, this fragrance is more subtle, requiring a discerning nose to appreciate fully.
9. Graptopetalum pachyphyllum 'Bluebean'
For succulent enthusiasts with a penchant for fruity fragrances, Graptopetalum pachyphyllum 'Bluebean' is a must-have. This unique succulent shares a fragrance reminiscent of blueberries. However, unlike its fruity counterpart, the fragrance of 'Bluebean' is most prominent during the day, with minimal to no aroma detected at night.
10. Aeonium 'Lily Pad'
Aeonium 'Lily Pad', a distinct succulent variety within the Aeonium genus, offers a fragrance quite unlike its counterparts. Rather than the robust and pungent fragrance often associated with other Aeonium species, 'Lily Pad' exudes a subtle fruity aroma. Upon closer sniff, some even liken it to a delicate floral fragrance. It's been said to be a harmonious blend of both fruit and flower scents.
How to get the fragrance of succulents
The aromatic world of succulents is a delightful surprise for many plant enthusiasts. However, only some find it easy to detect their fragrance due to varying sensitivities and perceptions. Here are some tips to help you experience the fragrances of these unique plants:
Sunlight Exposure
Placing your succulents in bright, indirect sunlight can enhance the release of their fragrances. Sunlight triggers the oils and compounds responsible for the fragrance, making them more perceptible.
Warmth and Ventilation
Adequate warmth and air circulation can also amplify the aromatic experience. Proper ventilation ensures the fragrance can disperse freely, allowing you to enjoy them fully.
Gentle Touch
Engaging with your succulents can be a sensory experience. Gently brushing or touching their leaves can release their natural fragrances. However, be mindful of their delicate nature.
Time of Day
Some succulents release their fragrance more prominently during specific times of the day. Experiment with different times to find when your plants are most aromatic.
Freshly Unpacked
Opening the package can be a delightful moment when you receive new succulents. The fragrance may be concentrated from the packaging, offering a more immediate olfactory experience.
