23 Most Expensive
(and Rare) Succulents in the world

Introduction

Who doesn’t like succulents? These water retaining plants are popular amongst plant lovers from all over the world. Since they come in a range of different variety, it makes all the more sense that rare species are out there too. Keep reading to find out more about the most expensive and rare succulents.

23 most expensive succulents and rare succulents are Peyote, Pachyphytum Compactum, Conophytum Subglobosum, Ariocarpus Trigonus, Tephrocactus Articulatus, Baseball plant, Adromischus Maculatus, Echeveria X Imbricata, Mexican Hens and Chicks, Plover Eggs, Crinkle Leaf Plant, Pebbled Tiger Jaws, Graptoveria, Aloe Haworthioides, Haworthia Cuspidata Variegata, Haworthia Truncate v. Maughanii, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Astrophytum asterias, Pelotilla de Chinamada, Vahondranda, Estevesia alex, Parodia rechensis and Discocactus subterraneo-proliferans.

Name of succulent	Scientific name
Peyote	Lophophora williamsii
Little Jewels	Pachyphytum compactum
Living Pebbles	Conophytum subglobosum
Seven Star cactus	Ariocarpus trigonus
Paper Spine cactus	Tephrocactus Articulatus
Baseball plant	Euphorbia obesa
Calico hearts	Adromischus Maculatus
Blue Rose echeveria	Echeveria X Imbricata
Mexican Hens and Chicks	Echeveria elegans
Plover eggs	Adromischus cooperi
Crinkle Leaf Plant	Adromishus cristatus
Pebbled Tiger Jaws	Faucaria tuberculosa
Graptoveria	Graptoveria “Fred Ives”
	forma cristata
Haworthia-leaved Aloe	Aloe Haworthioides
Star Window plant	Haworthia cuspidata variegata
Horse’s Teeth Haworthia	Haworthia Truncate v. Maughanii
Moon cacti	Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
Sand dollar cactus	Astrophytum asterias
Pelotilla de Chinamada	Monanthes wildpretii
Vahondranda	Aloe helenae
Estevesia	Estevesia alex-bragae
Parodia	Parodia rechensis
Discocactus	Discocactus
	subterraneo-proliferans

Which succulents are the most expensive and rare?

Rare and expensive succulents are Peyote, Pachyphytum Compactum, Conophytum Subglobosum, Ariocarpus Trigonus, Tephrocactus Articulatus, Baseball plant, Adromischus Maculatus, Echeveria X Imbricata, Mexican Hens and Chicks, Plover Eggs, Crinkle Leaf Plant, Pebbled Tiger Jaws, Graptoveria, Aloe Hawthoroides, Haworthia Cuspidata Variegata, Haworthia Truncate v. Maughanii, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Astrophytum asterias, Pelotilla de Chinamada, Vahondranda, Estevesia alex, Parodia rechensis and Discocactus subterraneo-proliferans.

1. Peyote

Peyote turns into a hallucinogen when crushed

• Scientific name: Lophophora Williamsii
• Native to: Mexico
• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Lophophora
• Plant Type: cactus, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 6.5-7.2
• Hardiness: 15°F-20°F and USDA zone 8b

Peyote is an endangered succulent native to Mexico and Texas. This succulent is most popular for its hallucinogenic properties. It has been classified as illegal to consume and is only legal for those who attend the Native American Church. Peyote typically costs between USD$400-$500. This succulent is hard to come by because of its decreasing population.

This type of succulent enjoys longer durations of sunlight than most. These small cacti grow up to only 7 centimetres. White and pink flowers sprout from the stem. The soil has to be kept warm to encourage growth.

2. Pachyphytum Compactum

Pachyphytum Compactum is one of the rarest succulents to come by

• Scientific name: Pachyphytum compactum f. variegata
• Native to: Mexico
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Genus: Pachyphytum
• Plant Type: succulent, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 5.7-6.3
• Hardiness: 20°F-50°F and USDA zones 9a to 11b

Pachyphytum Compactum, commonly known as Little Jewels, is one of many small cacti species. It is relatively easy to identify because of its distinct patterns. This type of succulent grows actively during the winter. It can only be found in countries like Peru.

Although relatively less expensive than most rare succulents, Pachyphytum is still hard to find.

3. Conophytum Subglobosum

Conophytum Subglobosum are also known as obligate rock dwellers

• Scientific name: Conophytum truncatum
• Native to: South Africa
• Family: Aizoaceae
• Genus: Conophytum
• Plant Type: succulent, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 5.6-6.0
• Hardiness: to -2°C

The Conophytum Subglobosum succulent is a small cactus which grows in groups with mosses. It requires a lot of exposure to the sun. It can easily survive without water for long durations of time. The seeds of this succulent are hard to find. Prices can vary depending on the size of the succulent.

This type of succulent generally falls in the moderately expensive category. Even if the seeds are inexpensive, shipping costs will without a doubt, increase the price.

4. Ariocarpus Trigonus

The Ariocarpus Trigonus sprouts yellow and white flowers

• Scientific name: Ariocarpus retusus subsp. trigonus
• Native to: Mexico
• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Ariocarpus
• Plant Type: succulent, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 7.0-8.0
• Hardiness: 25°F-50°F and USDA zones 9b to 11b

Ariocarpus Trigonus, commonly known as the Seven Star cactus, is one of many small cacti found in the deserts of Mexico. This type of succulent requires a lot of sun exposure. It is an endangered cacti species and costs between USD $48-$120.

This type of succulent makes a good indoor plant since it prefers room temperature. It can survive almost a year without water.

5. Tephrocactus Articulatus

Tephrocactus Articulatus has paper thin spines sprouting from the stems

• Scientific name: Tephrocactus articulatus
• Native to: Argentina
• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Tephrocactus
• Plant Type: cactus, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 6.1-7.8
• Hardiness: minimum temperature of 30°F and USDA zones 8b to 10b

Tephrocactus Articulatus, commonly known as the Paper Spine cactus, is a small cactus. They usually require direct and complete exposure to the sun. White, yellow or pink flowers sprout from the stem. It is one of the most expensive succulents out there. This type of cactus typically costs around USD $645.

The Paper Spine cactus is usually rare in the wild. The black spined type is perhaps the rarest to find. It often does not require a lot of water.

6. Baseball plant

Euphorbia obesa has become a rare succulent species due to poaching

• Scientific name: Euphorbia obesa
• Native to: South Africa
• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Genus: Euphorbia
• Plant Type: succulent, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
• Hardiness: USDA 10-11

The Baseball plant makes a great indoor plant due to its massive appeal. It has a small round bulbous stem. The thick stems of this succulent prevent disease. It requires direct sunlight and sprouts small flowers when all of its needs are met.

The Baseball plant belongs to an endangered species. It is increasingly becoming rare in the wild. This succulent typically costs around $50. Although, prices can vary depending on the region.

7. Adromischus Maculatus

The Andromischus Maculatus has an unusual appearance with flat purple leaves

• Scientific name: Adromischus Maculatus
• Native to: South Africa
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Genus: Adromischus
• Plant Type: succulent, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 5.0-7.0
• Hardiness: 25°F-50°F and USDA zones 9b to 11b

Adromischus Maculatus, commonly known as Calico Hearts, is easily identifiable by its spotted thick stems. It requires bright sunlight and high temperatures to survive. These plants can grow up to 35 centimetres(cm) tall. Pink and white flowers sprout from its branches.

Calico Hearts are very hard to find out there and cost around $45 on average.

8. Echeveria X Imbricata

The Echeveria X Imbricata enjoys full exposure to the sun

• Scientific name: Echeveria X Imbricata
• Native to: Mexico
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Genus: Echeveria
• Plant Type: succulent, flowering plant
• Soil pH: slightly acidic
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9-12

Echeveria X Imbricata is a hybrid species of Echeveria glauca and Echeveria metallica. It can grow up to 20 cm. This type of succulent makes a great additon to home decor. It thrives in shade and requires only a few hours of bright sunlight.

It typically costs around USD$60 but is hard to find. Plant lovers from all over the world seem to be fascinated by the rose shaped petals of this succulent.

9. Mexican Hens and Chicks

The Echeveria elegans thrives indoors

• Scientific name: Echeveria elegans
• Native to: Mexico
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Genus: Echeveria
• Plant Type: cactus, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 6.0
• Hardiness: 20°F-50°F and USDA zones 9a to 11b

The Echeveria elegans, commonly known as Mexican Hens and Chicks, has distinct thick fleshy leaves. It requires a low amount of water and grows up to 20 cm. This succulent requires a few hours of bright sunlight to grow. This plant is very hard to find despite of a very high demand in the market.

The Echeveria elegans typically costs around $40. Prices can increase depending on the region.

10. Plover Eggs

The Plover Egg plant has odd leaf patterns which make it easily identifiable

• Scientific name: Adromischus cooperi
• Native to: South Africa
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Genus: Adromischus
• Plant Type: succulent
• Soil pH: 6.0
• Hardiness: 25°F-50°F and USDA zones 9a to 11b

The Plover Egg plant is one of many small, slow-growing succulents. It grows up to a height of 10 cm. It comes in a variety of different colors. Flowers begin to sprout when the plant reaches maturity. It is one of many rare succulent species out there.

The Plover Egg plant does not typically cost a lot but is very rare to find.

11. Crinkle Leaf Plant

The Crinkle Leaf plant is relatively easy to grow

• Scientific name: Adromischus cristatus
• Native to: South Africa
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Genus: Adromischus
• Plant Type: succulent
• Soil pH: 6.1-6.5
• Hardiness: 25°F-35°F and USDA zones 9b to 10b

The Crinkle Leaf plant is a small low-maintenance succulent. It can reach the height of 45 cm. It requires 6 hours of bright light a day. It can be propagated by leaf cuttings. It needs to be watered on a daily basis.

This type of succulent can cost up to $30. It is gradually disappearing from the market and is very rare to come by.

12. Pebbled Tiger Jaws

The Pebbled Tiger Jaws plant has animal teeth like leaves

• Scientific name: Faucaria tuberculosa
• Native to: South Africa
• Family: Aizoaceae
• Genus: Faucaria
• Plant Type: succulent
• Soil pH: 6.6-8.4
• Hardiness: 25°F-50°F and USDA zones 9b to 11b

Faucaria Tuberculosa, commonly known as Pebbled Tiger Jaws, has distinct animal teeth like leaves. This type of succulent requires a moderate amount of water. It can tolerate extreme heat. It grows actively during seasons such as spring and fall.

The Pebbled Tiger Jaws plant can cost up to USD $60. It is one of the rare succulent species.

13. Graptoveria

Graptoveria is a hybrid between Echeveria and Graptopetalum

• Scientific name: Graptoveria “Fred Ives” forma cristata
• Native to: Mexico
• Family: Echeveria
• Genus: Graptopetalum
• Plant Type: cactus, succulent
• Soil pH: 6.5-6.8
• Hardiness: USDA zones 9 to 11

Graptoveria is a hybrid species between Echeveria gibbiflora and Graptopetalum paraguayense. It can grow up to 60 cm. It does not require much water and prefers acidic soil. It grows actively in both full and partial direct sunlight. It makes a wonderful indoor plant.

Graptoveria is a rare hybrid species but is relatively less expensive than most.

14. Aloe Haworthioides

One of the most expensive succulent species

• Scientific name: Aloe Haworthioides
• Native to: Madagascar
• Family: Asphodelaceae
• Genus: Aloe
• Plant Type: cactus, flowering plant
• Soil pH: 6.1-6.5
• Hardiness: 25°F and USDA zone 9b

Aloe Haworthioides, commonly known as Haworthia-leaved Aloe, is one of many small succulents. It prefers long durations of exposure to the sun. This type of succulent can be kept both outdoors and indoors. It has distinct spines and can adapt to different light conditions.

Since it is an exotic cactus, it typically costs around $1199. It is one of the most rare succulent species.

15. Haworthia Cuspidata Variegata

The Star Window plant can adapt to any lighting

• Scientific name: Haworthia Cuspidata Variegata
• Native to: South Africa
• Family: Asphodelaceae
• Genus: Haworthia
• Plant Type: cactus
• Soil pH: 5.0-7.0
• Hardiness: 30°F-50°F and USDA zones 10a to 11b

Haworthia Cuspidata variegata, commonly known as Star Window plant, has thick fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette. It can be kept in containers indoors. These plants prefer partial exposure to the sun. They can adapt to artificial lighting quickly.

The Star Window plant can cost up to USD $92. It falls under the rare succulent category.

16. Haworthia Truncate v. Maughanii

The Horse's Teeth Haworthia comes in a variety of different patterns

• Scientific name: Haworthia Truncate v. Maughanii
• Native to: South Africa
• Family: Asphodelaceae
• Genus: Haworthia
• Plant Type: cactus
• Soil pH: 6.1-6.5
• Hardiness: 30°F and USDA zones 10 to 11

Haworthia Truncate v. Maughanii, commonly known as Horse’s Teeth Haworthia, is a small succulent with thick fleshy leaves. It requires to be watered on a regular basis. This plant enjoys the shade and continues to grow without the sun. Insects such as scale insects and spider mites can cause an infestation.

The Horse’s Teeth Haworthia costs around USD $4200. Prices depend on the variety of patterns.

17. Gymnocalycium mihanovichii

The Moon cactus is a rare low maintenance succulent

• Scientific name: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii
• Native to: South America
• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Gymnocalycium
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Soil pH: 5.1-5.5
• Hardiness: 50°F and USDA zones 11 to 12

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, commonly known as Moon cactus, is a rare South American cactus. It requires short durations of bright sunlight and thrives in the shade. High temperatures aren’t necessary to encourage growth. These succulents tend to thrive in moderate temperatures.

The Moon cactus typically costs around USD $995 and is one of the rarest succulent species out there.

18. Astrophytum asterias

The Sand Dollar cactus is difficult to cultivate

• Scientific name: Astrophytum asterias
• Native to: Texas (USA) and Mexico
• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Astrophytum
• Plant Type: cactus
• Soil pH: 7.0-8.0
• Hardiness: USDA zones 8 to 9

Astrophytum asterias, commonly known as Sand Dollar cactus, is a sea-urchin shaped cactus. Patience is key when taking care of this plant since it grows very slowly. It requires full exposure to the sun. It can reach up to a height of 5 cm. Yellow flowers often sprout from the thick stem during the spring.

The Sand Dollar cactus can cost up to USD $60. It has been registered as a rare cactus in Texas, USA.

19. Pelotilla de Chinamada

One of the most rare cacti species

• Scientific name: Monanthes wildpretii
• Native to: Canary Islands, Tenerife
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Genus: Monanthes
• Plant Type: cactus
• Soil pH: 6.1-6.50
• Hardiness: 40°F-50°F and USDA zones 9 to 11

Monanthes wildpretii, commonly known as Pelotilla de Chinamada, belongs to a family of small succulents. These succulents only grow in Tenerife. Their population is gradullay decreasing due to isolation.

Since Pelotilla de Chinamada is so rare, there is a huge gap between prices in different regions. It could be extremely expensive in one state and inexpensive in another.

20. Vahondranda

Aloe helenae is a critically endangered succulent

• Scientific name: Aloe helenae
• Native to: Madagascar
• Family: Asphodelaceae
• Genus: Aloe
• Plant Type: cactus
• Soil pH: 7.0-8.5
• Hardiness: 30°F and USDA zone 10a

Aloe helenae, commonly known as Vahondranda, belongs to the Asphodelaceae family of succulents. It can grow up to a height of 12 feet. It prefers full exposure to the sun during the summer. The Aloe helenae is an endangered succulent species.

The Aloe helenae plant usually costs around USD $79.80. It has been classified as an endangered succulent species.

21. Estevesia

Estevesia is one of the most endangered cacti species

• Scientific name: Estevesia alex-bragae
• Native to: Brazil
• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Estevesia
• Plant Type: cactus
• Soil pH: 5.7-5.8

Estevesia alex-bragae is an extremely rare and endangered succulent. Not much is known about this succulent. The population of Estevesia currently present in Brazil stands at only 200.

Estevesia is estimated to be very expensive due to its current status.

22. Parodia

Parodia rechensis is one of the rarest succulent species out there

• Scientific name: Parodia rechensis
• Native to: Brazil
• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Parodia
• Plant Type: cactus
• Soil pH: Acidic
• Hardiness: USDA zones 10 to 12

Parodia rechensis, commonly known as Parodia, belongs to the Cactaceae family. It typically requires partial shade and needs to be watered regularly. This succulent species is extremely rare.

This succulent typically costs around USD $79.

23. Discocactus subterraneo-proliferans

Discocactus is a critically endangered species

• Scientific name: Discocactus subterraneo-proliferans
• Native to: Brazil
• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Discocactus
• Plant Type: cactus
• Soil pH: Acidic

Discocactus subterraneo-proliferans, commonly known as Discocactus, is one of the rarest exotic succulents. It prefers full exposure to sunlight. A moderate temperature encourages growth. It is typically a solitary plant.

The Discocactus has been classified as a critically endangered species. The cost of this plant can go up to USD $116.

Conclusion

We’ve looked at 23 of the most expensive and rare succulents in the world. They are Peyote, Pachyphytum Compactum, Conophytum Subglobosum, Ariocarpus Trigonus, Tephrocactus Articulatus, Baseball plant, Adromischus Maculatus, Echeveria X Imbricata, Mexican Hens and Chicks, Plover Eggs, Crinkle Leaf Plant, Pebbled Tiger Jaws, Graptoveria, Aloe Hawthoroides, Haworthia Cuspidata Variegata, Haworthia Truncate v. Maughanii, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Astrophytum asterias, Pelotilla de Chinamada, Vahondranda, Estevesia alex, Parodia rechensis and Discocactus subterraneo-proliferans.

If you loved reading about the Moon cactus, go ahead and visit our post about how to take care of a Moon cactus.

Photo Credits

Baseball plant - Calico hearts - Echeveria X Imbricata - Mexican Hens and Chicks - Plover eggs - Crinkle leaf plant - Pebbled Tiger jaws - Graptoveria - Aloe Haworthioides - Haworthia Cuspidata Variegata - Haworthia Truncate v. Maughanii - Gymnocalycium mihanovichii - Purple Moon Cactus - Astrophytum asterias - Monanthes wildpretii - Aloe helenae - Estevesia alex - bragae - Parodia rechensis - Discocactus

Posted in: Expensive Succulents Rare Succulents Indoor Succulents Outdoor Succulents