Want to know how to care for succulents outdoors? I’m sharing some tips for keeping these beautiful plants healthy and vibrant-looking all season long!
While I was at a local garden centre back in May, I was drawn to the section of tiny succulent plants and couldn’t leave without picking up a bunch. At first I shoved all nine in a wooden crate for my outdoor brunch tablescape, but it didn’t take long for the plants to outgrow their temporary living quarters. Eventually, I was able to find the perfect pot to transfer them into, and I’m happy to report they’re thriving in their new home located on our front porch.
Succulents are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor landscaping and gardening. With their unique shapes, textures, and colors, succulents can add visual interest and uniqueness to any outdoor space Though generally low-maintenance, succulents do require some specialized care, especially when grown outdoors This complete guide covers everything you need to know about successfully growing succulent plants outdoors.
Choosing the Right Succulents for Outdoors
Not all succulents are well-suited for outdoor growth. When choosing succulents for the outdoors opt for varieties that are hardy and specifically recommended for your planting zone. Some excellent outdoor succulent varieties include
- Sedums
- Sempervivums
- Aeoniums
- Echeverias
- Hens and chicks
- Certain cacti and agaves
Avoid more delicate succulents like string of pearls and burro’s tail which are not cold hardy. Check plant tags and descriptions to ensure the succulents you select will thrive outdoors in your climate.
Providing the Right Outdoor Growing Conditions
While adaptable, succulents prefer consistent warmth and sun exposure when grown outdoors. There are a few key considerations regarding outdoor growing conditions
Sunlight
Most succulents require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is ideal as afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Providing a little afternoon shade is recommended.
Soil
Succulents need fast-draining soil to prevent rot. Amend garden beds with sand or small gravel. Use cactus/succulent soil mixes for potting.
Water
Take care not to overwater outdoor succulents. Wait until soil is completely dry before watering again. Less frequent deep watering is better than frequent light watering.
Temperature and Climate
Succulents thrive in warm conditions between 70-90°F. Temperatures below 30°F can damage and kill succulents.
Drainage and Airflow
Ensure outdoor succulent plantings have excellent drainage and airflow. Stagnant moisture leads to rot. Add drainage holes to pots and slope garden beds.
Planting Succulents Outdoors
Succulents can be planted directly in garden beds or grown in containers outdoors. Here are some tips for planting:
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For in-ground planting, create raised mounds or slopes to improve drainage.
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Amend soil with sand or gravel to prevent compacting and increase drainage.
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Allow 12-18 inches between most succulents for growth. Offset tight rosettes like echeverias 6-8 inches apart.
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For container planting, always use containers with drainage holes. Add rocks, pebbles, or sand to the bottom of pots to improve drainage.
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Use a commercially prepared cactus/succulent soil mix. Or amend regular potting mix with sand or perlite.
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Take care not to plant succulents too deeply. The top of the root ball should be level with the top of the soil.
Outdoor Succulent Care Tips
Caring for outdoor succulents is relatively simple. Follow these general care guidelines:
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Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry. The top 1-2 inches should feel dry before rewatering.
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To promote healthy growth, fertilize occasionally with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
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Watch for pests like mealybugs and aphids which can spread quickly outdoors. Remove bugs by hand or use insecticidal soap.
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Prune damaged leaves and stems. Prune leggy growth to reshape plants. Most succulents can be propagated from cuttings.
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In temperate climates, prepare for winter dormancy by limiting water in fall. Mulch the root zone for insulation.
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Move containerized succulents to a protected area outdoors or indoors in winter. Even cold-hardy varieties can’t survive freezing temps.
Troubleshooting Common Outdoor Succulent Problems
Though relatively hassle-free, succulents may encounter a few issues when grown outdoors:
Rotting
Overwatering and poor drainage often cause rotting stems and leaves. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Improve drainage in garden beds and containers. Discard rotten plants and propagate healthy leaves/cuttings.
Sunburn
Leaves turning red, brown, or black are signs of sunburn. Move plants to a partially shaded area out of intense afternoon sun. Damaged leaves won’t recover but new growth will emerge healthy.
Frost Damage
Freezing temperatures can blacken and damage tender succulent varieties. Cover or move containers indoors if frost is expected. Damaged parts of hardy succulents will regrow in spring.
Leggy Growth
When grown in too much shade, succulent stems stretch out and leaves space apart. Move plants to a sunnier location to prevent leggy growth. Prune leggy stems to reshape plants.
Pests
Mealybugs, aphids and spider mites commonly affect outdoor succulents. Check undersides of leaves and stem joints for bugs. Wipe away with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol or use insecticidal soap sprays.
Overwintering Outdoor Succulents
In cold climates, outdoor succulents will need winter protection. There are a few overwintering techniques:
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Move containers to an unheated garage or enclosed porch. Limit watering and let plants go dormant.
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Bury in-ground plantings under a deep layer of bark mulch, leaves, or pine needles. Cover with fabric row cover or plastic.
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Take cuttings in late summer. Propagate new plants indoors to replace those that die over winter.
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Treat cold-hardy varieties like sedums and sempervivums as annuals. Allow them to die back in winter and regrow in spring.
With the right variety selections, planting techniques, and care regimen, succulents can add striking visual appeal to outdoor spaces. Just be sure to choose appropriate cold-hardy varieties and provide suitable growing conditions for your climate. Follow this complete outdoor succulent care guide and you’ll be enjoying vivid, low-maintenance succulents all season long.
How to Take Care of Succulents Outdoors
I find succulents to be one of the easiest plants to grow indoors, but there are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to ensure they stay happy and healthy outside as well. I’m definitely no expert when it comes to succulents (or any plant for that matter), but so far I must be doing something right since these cutie-patootie plants are alive and well.
Succulents don’t require a lot of water.
I find it’s best to keep these plants out of the rain if possible so the amount of water they receive every week is controlled. The most common problem with succulents is rot.
How often should you water succulents? Depending on the outdoor temperature, I give mine a good watering once a week throughout the summer allowing the soil to dry out in between. As fall approaches, I plan on extending the amount of time in between.
5 Easy Outdoor Succulents (& How to Care for Them!)
FAQ
How do you take care of succulents outside?
To properly care for succulents outdoors, ensure well-draining soil, provide adequate sunlight (6+ hours daily), and water sparingly, especially in cooler months. Succulents are drought-tolerant and overwatering is a common mistake.
Do succulents like full sun or shade?
Most succulents do best in bright direct light and need at least 6 hours of natural light per day. But if you only have a shady corner in your home, choose plants like mother-in-law tongue that do well in low light and place them near a south or east-facing window.
How often should you water succulents outdoors?
Outdoor succulents generally need watering once a week in the summer and less frequently in cooler months, but the exact frequency depends on several factors.