These succulents look like dolphins, bunnies and other whimsical creatures
- April 6, 2017 |Last updated on 06/02/2020
Over the past few years, a few different varieties of succulent plants have gone viral.
First, there was the bunny-eared version of the plant, properly known as monilaria moniliformis. Although the shoots grow tall and develop flowers, the pair of newly formed sprouts on each plant at first looks like adorable rabbit ears:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4alzg1l_Wx/
The Senecio peregrinus was the next trending succulent. The hybrid plant has shoots that look just like those dainty jumping dolphins you see on necklaces, wind chimes and ankle tattoos.
There are hundreds of types of succulents and, with plant hybridization, botanists are constantly creating new varieties. Some are thick and round while others are tall and strange, but they are all eye-catching.
Certain succulents even look like other things, such as the bunnies and dolphins above. Read on to discover some others that resemble things found in nature.
Stones
Often called “living stones,” lithops succulents have no stem to speak of and typically grow no more than an inch above the soil. The smooth, rounded plants have bumpy, veiny tops that often make them look like pebbles.
Brains
As lithops can have different textures, grow in a variety of colors and exhibit variegation, they may look a little less rock-like and more closely resemble a cluster of small brains.
Octopus
These large succulents with sleek, arched, twisted leaves are called agave vilmoriniana, but they are commonly known as octopus agave. Seeing one of these oversize plants in the shadows could cause one’s imagination to run wild.
Hearts
Sometimes called “Lucky Heart,” “Sweetheart Plant” or “Sweetheart Hoya” because of its thick, heart-shaped leaves, the Hoya kerrii is a popular Valentine’s Day gift in Europe and other parts of the world.
In general, succulents store water in their thick, fleshy greenery, allowing them to thrive in hot and dry climates or sandy soil conditions. Which makes them a popular choice for those who might not otherwise have much of a green thumb.
[h/t: Martha Stewart]