Succulents are generally known for their ability to thrive in sunny, dry climates, so it may surprise some to learn that there are a variety of succulents that can also survive in shade. These shade-tolerant succulents typically have thicker, fleshier leaves than their sun-loving cousins, helping them to absorb and store more moisture, and giving them an edge in dimmer areas.
Some of the best succulents for shadier areas include Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks), Aloe, Echeveria, Aeonium, sedum, and Crassula. These low-light succulents provide a range of shapes and colors, bringing life to any corner of the landscape.
While most succulents require little water and fertilizer, shade-tolerant succulents should typically be watered more often than those in sunny spots, to provide enough moisture and nutrients. With a bit of extra care, these hardy plants will provide plenty of color, texture, and beauty to otherwise dim spots in the landscape.
Do succulents prefer full sun or shade?
Succulents generally prefer full sun, although some will tolerate some shade. Succulents are generally sun-loving plants and need a minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight per day to stay healthy.
Varieties that are native to more tropical areas may need slightly less sun exposure, while desert-dwelling succulents often thrive with full, all-day sun. It is important to note that succulents that receive too much direct sunlight can become sunburned, so shade may be necessary for those varieties in the hottest, sunniest areas.
For the most part, a full sun position will give your succulents the energy they need to stay healthy and vibrant.
What happens if succulents don’t get sun?
If succulents don’t get enough sun, the plant may become weak, etiolated and leggy—leaves may reach for the light, causing a stretch that is uncharacteristic of succulents. Although some indoor succulents can tolerate lower light conditions, they usually need at least four hours of bright, direct light each day (outdoors or indoors) to thrive.
Without adequate sunlight, the plant won’t be able to photosynthesize—the process in which light energy is converted into chemical energy—which is necessary for healthy success. Without this energy, succulents may not bloom, and their attractive shapes will become distorted, with weak growth and unhealthy-looking leaves.
In extreme cases, the plant may become dormant or even die.
How often should succulents be watered?
Succulents should be watered on a weekly basis during the growing season, which is typically during the warm Spring and Summer months. Depending on the type of succulent, watering frequency may vary, so it is important to do some research on the specific species when you purchase one.
To water, slowly pour water all over the soil until it saturates it. Then allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. During the winter months, you may need to water every month or every 2-3 months depending on the temperatures, humidity, sunlight, and soil type.
It is also important to note that overwatering is a common problem for succulents, so be sure to check the soil for moisture before watering. Additionally, some succulents, such as those native to tropical climates, may need to be misted once a week or so.
Do succulents like heat and sun?
Yes, succulents generally prefer heat and sun. Although they vary in terms of their individual needs, most succulents thrive in bright and sunny conditions and prefer temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius).
If the temperatures get too low, the succulents may suffer from frost damage which can lead to their death. As most succulents are adapted to desert environments, they also require full sun exposure and can’t tolerate too much shade.
Furthermore, they need good ventilation to prevent them from becoming overly humid. Overall, succulents need a location that receives a full 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight and is relatively warm. If possible, place the succulents in a location near a window where it will get plenty of sun.
When growing succulents in containers indoors, make sure to give them at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day from a nearby window.
Do succulents need direct or indirect sunlight?
Succulents require bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth. Direct sunlight can be too intense for succulents, especially during the hottest part of the day. The best way to give your succulents the sunlight they need is to place them on a windowsill that gets bright light without direct, intense rays from the sun.
For optimal growth make sure to rotate your succulents every few days to ensure they are getting an even amount of light on all sides. Additionally, you can supplement natural sunlight with a grow light to meet your succulents needs in cases where the available light is insufficient.
What temperature is too hot for succulents?
Generally, succulents are quite tolerant and can handle temperatures ranging from lows in the 50s (10-15°C) to above 100°F (38°C). However, when temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C), it can be too hot for them.
Prolonged exposure to these high temperatures can weaken and stress out succulents, reducing their chances of survival.
When temperatures become extreme, succulents often don’t have enough energy to replace lost moisture and this can cause dehydration and death. It’s important to protect your succulents from direct exposure to the sun and hot temperatures, especially during the summer.
Ideally, you should make sure your succulents are in a closed environment, such as a terrarium, with shades or curtains to protect them from the intense humidity and temperatures. If you live in an area with extreme heat, providing your succulents with air circulation is also a great idea.
Placing your plants in a room that has a fan is a great way to ensure they receive cool air and can easily be watered.
It’s important to note that succulents are more susceptible to extreme temperatures than other plants, so it’s important to keep an eye on your plants and provide them with the right amount of care and protection to ensure they stay alive.
Can succulents stay outside in rain?
Yes, succulents can generally stay outside in rain, as longas the rain is not extreme or the succulent is not exposed to heavy rains for a long duration of time. Succulents can get damaged due to over-saturation with water, so it is best to keep them in an area that is not overly exposed to rain.
Generally, succulents can handle an occasional light rain and in many cases can even benefit from it. However, heavy rains should be avoided because they can damage the tender foliage and cause mold and fungus problems.
If you do choose to keep succulents outdoors in rain, make sure that you provide adequate drainage and keep them in areas that are slightly shaded from direct rain. Additionally, after the rain, check for waterlogged soil, as succulents do not grow well in soggy, wet conditions.
What does Overwatered succulent look like?
When a succulent is overwatered, it will appear to be shriveled, mushy, and limp. The leaves of the succulent may either be discolored or drooping downwards. If a succulent is overly saturated with water, it is at risk of developing root rot.
The soil may become overly wet and dense, with a black or yellow layer of fungus at the top, and the leaves may turn brown or black. Overwatered succulents also tend to start to droop, with the trunk and leaves taking on a limp and soft texture.
If left unwatered, the succulent will eventually die.
How do you tell if your succulents are getting too much sun?
Succulents can be sensitive to too much sun, as they typically grow in dry and sunny parts of the world. If your succulents are getting too much sun, it can cause the leaves to become dry and shriveled, and the colors of the leaves may become faded.
You may also notice that the leaves become spindly and the succulent looks stretched out. Additionally, the leaves on the edges of the succulent may become sunburned and start to brown. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to move your succulent to a location where it will get less sun, such as in a more shaded area.
If you’re unsure if it’s getting too much sun, look for signs of new growth, as this usually indicates that the succulent is getting enough sunlight.
Can a succulent recover from sunburn?
Yes, succulents can recover from sunburn if they are not left in direct sunlight for too long. Sunburn on succulents usually appears as a yellow or white patch on the leaves and can cause the leaf to curl or shrink.
If the sunburn is mild, the plant should eventually recover by itself. You can help the process along by shielding the plant from direct sun or moving it to a spot with indirect or dappled light. Also, make sure to water the soil when it starts to dry out as this can help the succulent recover.
If the sunburn is severe, you can try to mist the leaves with water or use a top dressing of soil to protect the damaged areas. In some cases, however, the damage may be too severe to recover and it may be necessary to prune any affected leaves.
How long can succulents go without water?
Succulents, like other plants, require access to water in order to stay healthy and survive. However, succulents are able to store a lot of water in their leaves, stems, and roots, making them more resilient than other plants when it comes to periods of drought.
This means that succulents can generally go longer without water than other plants, making them ideal for those who don’t have enough time to water their plants regularly. Generally, most succulents can go 2-3 weeks without water, however this is dependent on the type of succulent and its environment.
Succulents that are located in hotter, more humid climates can go for shorter periods of time without water, while succulents that are located in cooler climates can sometimes go up to a month without water.
It is best to check the soil of your succulent frequently to determine when it is time to water. If the top inch of the soil feels dry, it is time to water your succulent.
How do I protect my succulents from extreme heat?
Firstly, it is important to select succulents that are adapted to your region so they can tolerate the climate they are in. For example, succulents native to desert regions can handle more extreme heat than more temperate plants.
When temperatures rise, you can provide shade for your succulents. Artificial shading such as an awning, shade sails, or even umbrellas, are good options to protect them from the midday sun. Other shading options, such as deciduous trees, can also provide good protection.
Be sure to keep your succulents well watered during periods of extreme heat. This will help keep them cool and reduce stress. Also, using mulches such as bark chips or straw can help lower the soil temperature and retain moisture.
You can also move your succulents out of the direct sun during the hottest part of the day. Choose a cooler spot in the garden, or try moving them indoors, such as to a bright spot near a window.
Finally, don’t forget to monitor your succulents closely. Look out for wilting, discoloration, or other signs of distress which may indicate they are too hot. If you see any of these signs, take action as soon as possible.
What temperature can succulents tolerate?
Succulents can tolerate temperatures ranging from 40-95°F (4-35°C). In general, they prefer warmer climates since they are used to living in arid and semi-arid regions. They can, however, handle colder temperatures, as long as they have proper protection.
While they can tolerate temperatures down to freezing, sudden temperature drops are not ideal, so avoid placing them near drafts or cold windowsills. Provide plenty of light, but avoid direct sunlight in order to avoid sunburn.
Succulents prefer humidity levels between 40-50%. If humidity levels are too low for an extended period of time, the plant may start to look dried out or withered.
Are succulents happier inside or outside?
Succulents typically prefer to be grown indoors as they require bright, indirect sunlight and stable temperatures. However, they do require additional sunlight than what can be provided inside, so they should occasionally be taken outdoors and exposed to direct sunshine.
Plants grown outdoors should be acclimated to the sunlight gradually and monitored for signs of sunburn. In cooler climates below 40°F, succulents should not be grown outdoors as the cold temperatures can cause frost damage or death.
Succulents also tend to require less frequent watering when grown indoors. Therefore, when cared for properly, indoor-grown succulents can be very happy and healthy with proper amounts of sunlight, water, and temperature.
Where do succulents like to live?
Succulents generally prefer warm and dry climates, as they need full sun exposure, good air circulation and soil that drains quickly. Succulents prefer an average temperature between 65-75 °F during the day and a drop of 10-15 °F during the night, so a south-facing window and regular watering every two to four weeks is usually necessary for most succulents to thrive.
Ideally, succulents should live in slightly acidic soil that is able to quickly absorb and release moisture as needed. The type of soil you need to use depends on the succulent’s needs (some succulents prefer sandy or gritty soil while others prefer clay-rich soils).
With optimal light and moisture, succulents can be grown in containers, indoors or outdoors, in raised beds, ground-level beds, or rock gardens in full sun or partial shade. When it comes to container growing, succulents prefer pots with drainage holes and always choose ones that have a size that can accommodate your particular succulent’s growth needs.
Is it good to put succulents in bedroom?
Whether or not it is a good idea to put succulents in your bedroom will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Succulents are quite versatile and can survive in many different conditions, from low light to dry air, so they can be suitable for a bedroom.
However, there are a few things to consider before deciding whether or not to bring succulents into your bedroom.
First, succulents need light, so it is important to place them in an area with ample natural or artificial light. While succulents can survive in low light rooms, they won’t be able to thrive. Additionally, you will need to water them periodically and make sure that the area is not too humid.
On the plus side, succulents can help to bring a bit of greenery and color into the room, and they can also purify the air. Some common types of succulents, such as the popular Jade Plant, have been shown to filter toxins from the air.
Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you want to bring succulents into your bedroom. If you think that you can provide the right amount of light and keep the humidity level in check, then they can be a great addition to any space.
When should I bring my succulents inside?
When temperatures begin to drop in your area, it’s time to bring your succulents indoors. This is true for both potted and outdoor succulents. Most succulents are native to warm climates and cannot withstand temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
If left outdoors in cold temperatures, they may suffer from frost bite and die. Even the hardiest of succulents will struggle in temperatures that fall below freezing. It’s best to bring your succulents indoors when you start to see signs of freezing, such as wilting or discoloration of leaves.
When you bring them indoors, make sure to keep them away from hot and cold drafts, dry air, and other extreme temperatures. Place them in an area that’s between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C), and make sure to give them plenty of sun and water.
Place the potting soil on a tray and water it occasionally, but not too much. Don’t forget to provide humidity, especially if you’re in a dry climate, by misting the leaves with water, or grouping plants together.
In the winter, you’ll need to bring your succulents indoors before temperatures reach freezing. During the summer, you may want to keep them indoors if temperatures are too intense for your plants.
