With their ethereal beauty, striking forms, and eye-catching colors, succulents have become popular additions to cocktail tables, desks, and windowsills. However, part of the satisfaction of growing succulent plants comes from their modest requirements.
But while succulents are resilient plants that can endure conditions other plants cannot, they have one peculiar need: the perfect balance of shade and sunlight to thrive. So whether you’ve been gifted a pebble plant or bought a gorgeous snake plant from the shop, you can’t just bring succulent plants into your home without learning how to care for them.
Keep reading to learn about succulent light requirements and how to ensure your favorite indoor succulents receive enough light to thrive.
Should Succulents Be in The Sun?
Succulents are incredibly popular houseplants that are known for their drought-tolerant nature and minimal care requirements. With their plump leaves and unique shapes, these plants add visual interest to both indoor and outdoor spaces. But when it comes to sunlight, there’s some confusion around how much light succulents need. So should succulents be in the sun?
The short answer is yes, succulents do need sun to thrive In their native habitats, most succulents grow in regions with high light intensity, like deserts They have adapted to survive in sunny, arid climates. However, the amount of sun exposure depends on the type of succulent.
While most succulents require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, some varieties can tolerate more sun than others. Too much harsh sunlight can actually damage tender leaves and cause sunburn. On the flip side, insufficient sunlight leads to weak growth and elongated stems as the plant stretches to reach the light. Finding the right sun-shade balance is key for healthy succulents.
Ideal Sun Exposure for Succulents
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Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun): Agave, aloe vera, echeveria, kalanchoe, sedum, sempervivum, senecio
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Partial sun (4-6 hours of sun): Aeonium, crassula, haworthia, Schlumbergera (Christmas cactus)
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Bright, indirect light (2-4 hours): Ceropegia, gasteria, hoya, peperomia
While most succulents enjoy full sun, smaller or variegated varieties are more sensitive and can get sunburned. Providing some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day, prevents damage.
Acclimatize Indoor Succulents to Direct Sunlight
If you decide to move an indoor succulent outdoors for the summer, acclimatize the plant slowly:
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Place in bright shade for 1-2 weeks, gradually increasing sunlight exposure.
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Introduce to early morning sun first before stronger afternoon sun.
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Watch for signs of sun stress like yellowing or brown crispy leaves.
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Shelter from intense midday sun using shade cloth or a covered porch area.
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Bring plants back indoors before nighttime temps drop below 55°F.
The key is to build up their tolerance gradually so the plant can adapt without going into shock. Well-acclimatized succulents will showcase their best colors and textures.
Signs of Too Much Sun
While most succulents appreciate direct sunlight, too much can damage the plant. Here are some signs your succulent is getting too much sun:
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Yellow or brown crispy patches on leaves
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Dry, shriveled leaves
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Wilting even when well-watered
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Fading of bright colors to pale green
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Leaf drop
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Stunted growth
If you notice any of these symptoms, move the plant to a shadier spot right away. Damaged leaves will not recover, but the plant can still thrive if protected from further sun exposure.
Maximizing Sunlight Indoors
When growing succulents indoors, it can be tricky getting them enough sunlight from windows. Here are some tips:
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South facing windows provide the most sun. East or west windows also work well.
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Move plants right up next to the glass to maximize sunlight absorption.
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Rotate plants periodically for even sun coverage.
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Supplement with a grow light during fall and winter months.
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Avoid placing succulents on windowsills behind blinds or sheer curtains that block sunlight.
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Trimming leggy growth encourages compact, bushy plants.
The amount of direct sun through a window depends on factors like geographic location, overhangs, and obstructions. If your succulent shows stretching or dull coloration, a supplemental grow light ensures adequate brightness.
Protecting Outdoor Succulents from Extreme Heat
Succulents may relish the sun, but extreme heat can threaten their health. Here are some ways to protect outdoor succulents during heat waves or intense summer sun:
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Create shade using shade cloth, awnings, or taller plants. Avoid sudden shade changes.
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Plant in locations protected from afternoon sun, like east facing.
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Use terra cotta pots which stay cooler than plastic ones.
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Move small pots to a sheltered area or partially shaded table.
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Maintain moisture in the soil and don’t let plants dry out completely.
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Wait until cooler months to repot or propagate succulents.
Avoid hot, dry winds which accelerate water loss. Dousing plants with water cools them but only provides temporary relief. Providing consistent shade keeps succulents comfortable even during heat spells.
With their sculptural shapes and colors, succulents bring life to both outdoor and indoor spaces. Although they suit hot, dry environments, most varieties need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to stay healthy and compact. Sheltering from intense midday sun prevents leaf damage while still allowing these sun worshippers to thrive. When cared for properly, succulents will show their appreciation through vibrant colors and robust growth.
Do Succulents Need Sun in Winter?
The previous sections of this article have focused on answering the question, ‘do succulents need a lot of sun?’ At this point, we’ll look at how to care for succulents in the winter.
Fading of color
If the leaves of a plant are glossy and bright, even if they are just plain green, the plant is healthy and gets enough light and water. But succulents can sometimes look washed out and old, with dull leaves, and this is usually a sign that they could use some more sun.
Should Succulents Grow In Shade Or Sun
FAQ
Can a succulent get too much sun?
You can place them on bookshelves, well-lit bathrooms, and sunny window sills. But when you place your succulent in a location that is too bright, problems can arise. The leaves can become quickly damaged by the sun. Luckily, if sunburn is caught quickly, the succulent’s chances of survival are fairly high.
Where is the best place to put succulents?
Place your succulent plants on a north facing wall or in light shade where they get only a couple of hours of morning sun during the hotter months of the year. This will allow plants to thrive and develop good color without getting sunburned or dried out.
Are succulents better in sun or shade?
Succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day, depending on the type of succulent. Though most varieties of succulents will not survive with full shade, they also don’t need to be blasted with hot rays all day, so a sheer curtain can help ensure they get some shade too.
How often should you water a succulent?
- Key Principle: Succulents are adapted to dry environments, so it’s crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Watering Frequency:
- General Rule: Water when the soil is bone dry, allowing it to dry out completely between waterings.
- Variations:
- Small pots: May dry out faster and require more frequent watering.
- Larger pots: May retain moisture longer and require less frequent watering.
- Seasonal changes: During the active growing season (spring and summer), you might need to water more frequently. In winter, when many succulents are dormant, they need much less water.
- Environmental factors: Succulents in bright, sunny locations may need more water than those in shaded areas.
- Small pots: May dry out faster and require more frequent watering.
- General Rule: Water when the soil is bone dry, allowing it to dry out completely between waterings.
- How to Check Soil Moisture:
- Finger Test: Insert your finger into the soil a few inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Observe the Leaves: Wrinkled or shriveled leaves can indicate a need for water.
- Finger Test: Insert your finger into the soil a few inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Watering Technique:
- Bottom Watering: Water from the bottom of the pot, allowing the roots to absorb the water.
- Thorough Watering: When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out.
- Bottom Watering: Water from the bottom of the pot, allowing the roots to absorb the water.
- Signs of Overwatering:
- Yellowing or mushy leaves
- Stinky soil
- Fungal growth
- Yellowing or mushy leaves
- Signs of Underwatering:
- Wrinkled or shriveled leaves
- Dry, brittle leaves
- Slow growth
- Wrinkled or shriveled leaves
Do succulents need full sun?
Yes, succulents are perfectly suited to the full hot sun. These plants have evolved over thousands of years to survive in extreme conditions, like direct sunlight and arid climates. They can store water and nutrients in their leaves, stems, and roots to make it through long dry spells.
Do cacti & succulents need full sun?
When we think of cacti and succulents, we usually think of desert plants that require intense heat and bright sun. However, contrary to this belief, most succulents do not thrive very well under blasting full sun exposure and extremely hot temperatures.
Do succulents need shade?
However, part of the satisfaction of growing succulent plants comes from their modest requirements. But while succulents are resilient plants that can endure conditions other plants cannot, they have one peculiar need: the perfect balance of shade and sunlight to thrive.
How do you know if a succulent is ready for sunlight?
Progressively increment day by day daylight every week for instance if the first week it’s in quite a while full sun saves for 1 hour the following week. In the event you find becoming flushed colors come, this implies your succulent is ready for sunlight. How to avoid sunburned succulents?
Can succulents survive a sunburn?
Regardless of whether your succulent endures its sunburn will rely upon the seriousness of the consumption. In the event that your plant has just had a day or two of an excess of sun, it might be okay but keeping for more days will surely make the succulents horrid.
Are succulents a good choice for your garden?
Succulents are the perfect solution if you’re looking for a hardy and beautiful addition to your garden in the full hot sun. With their ability to tolerate intense heat, drought, and low maintenance requirements, these plants create striking landscapes that can bring life and character to any outdoor space.