The Succulent House and Show House are on the site of the original greeenhouse, built in 1892, and were rebuilt in 1901. For many years horticulture classes were held here.

Today the Succulent House holds a collection of plants adapted to deserts and dry habitats —xerophytes. These plants have developed mechanisms for storing water (leaf succulents, stem succulents, caudiciforms) as well as spines and thorns to protect them from thirsty herbivores. Some plants only produce leaves and flowers when there is adequate moisture. Others have deep taproots that help them reach water. Although commonly referred to as the cactus house, the Succulent House is home to many other succulents in addition to members of the cactus family. There are succulents in many families, including the lily family, for example the aloe plant, Aloe barbadensis.

The display includes some of the major desert ranges on Earth arranged biogeographically. On the south side, (including the south half of the center bed) are plants from Europe, Africa, and Asia (Old World). Those on the north side on the left are from North, Central, and South America (New World). True cacti are native almost exclusively to the New World.

Kid's Audio Tour stops:
Succulent House Overview, Cactus - Stop 110
Living Stones - Stop 111
Ponytail Palm - Stop 113

Adult Audio Tour stops:
Succulent House Overview - Stop 310
Living Stones - Stop 311
Elephant's Foot - Stop 312
Cyphostemma juttae - Stop 313
Convergent Evolution - Stop 314