What is the difference between Echeveria and Sempervivum?

Echeveria has thicker, more spoon-shaped leaves in looser rosettes and is not frost-hardy. Sempervivum (hens and chicks) has thinner, more pointed leaves in tighter rosettes, is frost-hardy to -30°F, and produces offsets connected by stolons. Echeveria is an indoor succulent in most climates; Sempervivum thrives outdoors year-round.

Succulent Identification Guide: How to Tell Succulents Apart

Q: How do I identify what type of succulent I have?

Look at the leaf shape, rosette pattern, color, and texture. Echeverias have smooth rosettes with spoon-shaped leaves. Sempervivums have pointed, tightly packed rosettes. Haworthias are small with translucent 'windows' on leaves. Sedums have plump, bean-shaped leaves. For instant ID, snap a photo with a plant identification app.

Q: Are succulents safe for pets?

Some succulents are pet-safe (Haworthia, Echeveria, Sempervivum) while others are toxic (Jade Plant, Aloe Vera, Kalanchoe, Euphorbia). Always identify your specific succulent species and check toxicity before placing it where pets can reach it.

Published February 2026 · 7 min read

You bought a cute succulent at the store — but what is it? Succulents come in an incredible variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, and most are sold without proper labels. Knowing your succulent's identity is essential for giving it the right care. Here's how to tell the most popular types apart.

The Most Common Succulent Genera

🌱 Echeveria

The quintessential succulent rosette. Echeverias are probably what you picture when someone says "succulent."

Leaf shape: Thick, spoon-shaped leaves forming a symmetrical rosette
Texture: Often covered in a powdery coating (farina) that gives them a pastel appearance
Colors: Blue-green, pink, purple, gray, lavender — some of the most colorful succulents
Size: 2 inches to 12+ inches in diameter
Key feature: Smooth, plump leaves; rosettes sit on short stems
Hardiness: Not frost-hardy — indoor plants in most climates

Popular species: E. elegans (Mexican Snowball), E. 'Lola', E. 'Perle von Nürnberg' (purple), E. agavoides (Lipstick Echeveria).

🌱 Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)

Often confused with Echeveria, but Sempervivums are cold-hardy outdoor succulents.

Leaf shape: Thinner, more pointed leaves in very tight rosettes
Offsets: Produces "chicks" (baby rosettes) connected by stolons — little runners from the mother plant
Colors: Green, red, purple, bronze — often with colored tips
Key feature: Extremely cold-hardy (survives -30°F). Fine hairs or "cobwebs" on some varieties
Hardiness: Frost-hardy — great for outdoor rock gardens

Echeveria vs. Sempervivum: Echeveria has thicker, smoother leaves and isn't frost-hardy. Sempervivum has thinner, pointier leaves, produces offsets on stolons, and survives extreme cold.

🌱 Haworthia

Small, compact succulents perfect for windowsills and desks.

Leaf shape: Thick, pointed leaves often with translucent "windows" at the tips
Texture: Many species have white raised bumps (tubercles) giving a striped or spotted appearance
Size: Mostly small — 2-5 inches across
Key feature: The translucent leaf tips and white bands/bumps are distinctive
Pet safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Popular species: H. fasciata (Zebra Plant), H. cooperi (transparent tips), H. retusa.

🌱 Sedum (Stonecrop)

A huge genus with species ranging from tiny ground covers to tall upright plants.

Leaf shape: Small, plump, often bean-shaped or cylindrical leaves
Growth habit: Trailing, creeping, or upright depending on species
Key feature: Leaves are often more rounded/cylindrical than flat. Many trail beautifully in hanging baskets
Hardiness: Varies widely — some are cold-hardy, others tropical

Popular species: S. morganianum (Burro's Tail), S. rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant), S. adolphii (Golden Sedum).

🌱 Crassula

A diverse genus best known for the Jade Plant.

Leaf shape: Varies hugely — oval (Jade), stacked (String of Buttons), pointed (Crassula perforata)
Key feature: Often has opposite leaf pairs stacking along the stem
Size: From tiny ground covers to tree-like Jade Plants
Pet safety: Jade Plants are toxic to cats and dogs

Popular species: C. ovata (Jade Plant), C. perforata (String of Buttons), C. 'Buddha's Temple'.

🌱 Aloe

Leaf shape: Long, pointed, lance-shaped leaves often with soft teeth along the edges
Texture: Fleshy leaves filled with gel
Key feature: Toothed leaf margins, clear gel inside, rosette growth from center
Pet safety: Toxic to cats and dogs

🌱 Graptoveria and Other Hybrids

Many popular succulents are hybrids between genera: Graptoveria (Graptopetalum × Echeveria), Pachyveria (Pachyphytum × Echeveria), and Graptosedum (Graptopetalum × Sedum). These can be the hardest to identify precisely because they blend features of both parents.

🌱 Can't tell what succulent you have?
Snap a photo and get an instant AI identification with care tips.

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Quick Identification Tips

Check the leaf texture: Powdery coating = likely Echeveria. White bumps/stripes = likely Haworthia. Gel inside = Aloe.
Look at the growth pattern: Tight rosette = Echeveria or Sempervivum. Trailing = Sedum or String of Pearls. Stacked pairs = Crassula.
Test cold hardiness: If it survives outdoor winters, it's probably Sempervivum or a hardy Sedum, not Echeveria.
Check for offsets: Baby plants on stolons (runners) = Sempervivum. Offsets growing at the base = Echeveria or Haworthia.
Leaf thickness: Very thick and spoon-like = Echeveria or Pachyphytum. Thin and pointed = Sempervivum or Agave.

Caring for Your Succulents

Once you've identified your succulent, care is generally similar across most species:

Light: Bright, indirect to direct sunlight (6+ hours daily)
Water: Soak and dry method — water thoroughly, then let soil dry completely before watering again
Soil: Well-draining cactus/succulent mix, or regular soil amended with perlite
Pots: Always use pots with drainage holes
Temperature: Most prefer 60-80°F. Sempervivums can handle freezing; Echeverias cannot

For more detailed plant care, see our beginner's houseplant care guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I identify what type of succulent I have?

Examine the leaf shape, rosette pattern, color, and texture. The fastest method is to snap a photo with our plant identifier for an instant AI-powered identification.

What's the difference between Echeveria and Sempervivum?

Echeveria has thicker, smoother leaves and isn't frost-hardy. Sempervivum has thinner, pointed leaves, produces offsets on stolons, and survives extreme cold (-30°F).

Are succulents safe for pets?

Some are safe (Haworthia, Echeveria, Sempervivum) while others are toxic (Jade Plant, Aloe, Kalanchoe). Always identify your species and check. See our guides on plants safe for cats and dogs.