Succulents are loved worldwide for their low maintenance and stunning shapes, but giant ones? They’re showstoppers. Whether it’s a grand Echeveria in your living room or a towering Aloe in your garden, bigger plants bring dramatic flair. The good news? With the right care, you can make them grow faster and larger than you thought possible.
When I started gardening in Vancouver, I had a small jade plant that barely grew for years. Once I learned a few simple tricks, it transformed into a lush, oversized beauty that became the centrepiece of my collection.
1. Start with Optimal Lighting
Without optimal lighting, watering, fertilizing, and potting, your succulents will struggle to thrive. Most large succulents, like Aloe Vera and Agave, need at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. In Canada’s colder months, consider using grow lights to keep growth consistent.
2. Choose the Right Soil
Succulents grow bigger and faster in an ideal cactus potting mix. These mixes offer excellent drainage while retaining just enough moisture to nourish the roots. Poor soil can stunt growth, so invest in a high-quality blend.
3. Give Them the Root Space They Need
If you want monster-sized plants, give them the root space bigger the pot. A cramped container restricts root expansion, which limits overall growth. Larger pots allow roots to spread, encouraging taller, fuller plants.
4. Repot Them Regularly
Don’t let your succulents stay in the same pot for years. Repot them regularly — ideally once every 1–2 years — to refresh the soil and encourage root development. This is especially crucial for fast-growing species like Snake Plants and Echeveria.
5. Water Smartly
Many people underwater large succulents out of fear of root rot. Instead, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between sessions. This method encourages deep root systems, making plants more resilient.
Also Read: Garden Smarter: Why Nasturtiums Belong in Every Raised Bed You Plant
6. Fertilise for Growth
During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plants every 4–6 weeks with a balanced, diluted succulent fertiliser. This extra boost can turn a modest rosette into a spectacular display.
7. Prune for Shape and Size
Remove dead or damaged leaves to channel energy into healthy growth. For rosette succulents, gently peeling off older leaves at the base can promote new offsets.
8. Protect from Extreme Temperatures
While succulents can handle heat, cold snaps can slow growth or cause damage. In colder climates like Canada, bring them indoors or use frost covers during winter.
9. Rotate for Even Growth
Plants naturally grow toward the light source. Rotate your pots every few weeks to ensure balanced, symmetrical growth — especially important for display plants.
10. Watch for Pests
Even hardy succulents can suffer from mealybugs or spider mites. Regularly inspect leaves and act quickly with insecticidal soap if needed.
Top Giant Succulent Picks for Canada, USA, and Worldwide
| Succulent Variety | Average Size | Growth Speed | Best Tip for Size |
| Aloe Vera | Up to 3 feet tall | Fast | Large pot + full sun |
| Agave Americana | 6–10 feet wide | Moderate | Well-draining soil + space |
| Echeveria Gigantea | 1–2 feet wide | Fast | Fertilise in spring/summer |
| Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata) | 3–6 feet tall | Slow to moderate | Prune to encourage bushiness |
Also Read: Build a Pollinator Paradise: 10 Nectar-Rich Plants That Bring Gardens to Life
My Personal Growth Success Story
In 2019, I brought home a tiny Aloe Vera in a 4-inch pot. I followed these steps — upgraded to a bigger container, ensured optimal lighting, watering, fertilizing, and potting, and repotted regularly. Within two years, it reached nearly 3 feet tall and became the plant friends always asked about.
Growing giant big succulents faster isn’t about luck — it’s about creating the right conditions. Remember:
- Succulents grow bigger and faster in an ideal cactus potting mix
- Give them the root space bigger the pot
- Repot them regularly for fresh nutrients
- Balance optimal lighting, watering, fertilizing, and potting
With patience and consistency, your small succulent can become the star of your plant collection — no matter where you live.
