Succulents can live without sunlight.
Desert plants that require intense heat and bright sun are what we usually think of when thinking of cacti and Succulent.Contrary to belief, most Succulents do not thrive under full sun exposure and extremely hot temperatures.
Semi-desert environments are places that have similar characteristics to real deserts but receive more water or precipitation.
Succulents grow in low lying areas where they are shaded by taller plants.They grow in crevices or on hilltops where they are protected from the sun.
Succulents need at least 3-6 hours of sun a day to be happy.Understanding the age, type and size of the succulent you have is important.To keep them alive, be sure to slowly acclimate them to the sun.
It's important to understand what to and what not to do to make sure you don't kill it by giving it too much sunlight.
Succulents need 3-6 hours of sunlight a day to be happy.They like being in bright and sunny places.Succulents that don't get enough sunlight will have problems such as etiolation, where the plants stretch to seek more light.Weak stems and poor growth are produced by this process.Succulents that don't get enough light will lose their vibrant color and become pale or dull.Plants that get adequate sunlight show their true beauty by showcasing their full range of vibrant colors.
Succulents need protection from direct sunlight or intense heat, but they do better with a lot of sun exposure.Plants can be damaged by too much sunlight.Plants can literally fry to death if they are left outside in full sun without protection.It is better to slowly condition to the more intense sunlight prior to full sun exposure.You can acclimatize it to the sun and heat by giving it partial shade in the beginning and then gradually exposing it more and more.You can start with the morning sun, which is less intense, and work your way up to the more intense afternoon sun.When you first expose the plant to the sun, place it under a shade or taller plant.Sun exposure should be increased gradually to protect the plant and foliage.
Plants with shade are more vulnerable to sun damage.Plants with red, gray, blue or densely covered with spines fare better under direct sunlight.Sun-hardy species that have been accustomed to growing indoors are susceptible to sunburn or sun damage when first moved outdoors so it is better to do so slowly to get the plant used to the more intense heat.Baby plants will not do well in the sun.You have to wait for them to become more mature before you can leave them protected.
Different parts of your outdoor space get hit by the sun at different times of the day.It may take some trial and error to figure out which location is best for your plants.Some like the morning sun better than others, while others prefer the afternoon heat.
Sun damage can be caused by too much sun.During a heat wave or a particularly hot day, sunburn can happen in less than an hour.Sunburn can be gradual.The first signs of sunburn are brown spots on the leaves.Sun stress in the early stages can be easily fixed to avoid further damage to the plants.If you notice the plant getting sunburned, you can move it to a more shady location or place it next to taller plants.Depending on the type of plant you have, some will fry to a crisp when left unattended in the heat, while others will toughen up and survive.Provide sun protection for your plants if you don't want to take any chances.Sun protection recommendations can be found on my resource page.
Climate change seems to be making weather extremes more of a norm.If you have never experienced a heat wave, you must live in one of the most cold places in the world.A heat wave is a period of high temperatures that last for days or weeks.Plants that love humidity are more vulnerable to heat waves in the summer.Plants can be damaged by extreme heat if left unattended.Plants can bounce back from damage and stress.During a heat wave, what can you do to help your plants?
Prepare ahead of time because it's the best thing you can do during a heat wave.If you know there is a heat wave coming, you should find shelter for your smaller, more fragile plants.You can move them if possible.Plants that can be moved temporarily to a less sunny location will do better.I like to use taller plants to shade my plants.Plants that are mature and acclimatized to the outdoor heat can do just fine, but keep an eye on them.If you have planted your plants in ground or in beds that are impossible to move, covering them with shade cloth or muslin from the afternoon heat will help.
Under extreme heat conditions, it is important to check for adequate water on your plants.Not watering your plants for long periods of time during a heat wave can be detrimental to them.Smaller and more fragile plants will not survive if left unattended.It is a good idea to check your soil for water.If you haven't watered your plants in a week, touch the soil and go a few inches down.Under extreme heat, the soil is likely to be bone dry.It's time to water until the water comes out from the bottom of the pot.During a heat wave, I like to water outdoor Succulent about every 6-7 days.
During a heat wave, do not do anything drastic to your plants.Adding more stress to the plants is not the best way to care for them.
Re repotting during a heat wave is not the best idea if you want to have time to repot your plant.When repotting any plant, even a mature established one, it adds stress to the plant.Wait until after the heat wave to repot your plant.
It's not the best time for propagation during a heat wave.During a milder, less hostile season, you want to propagation your plants.Selecting a healthy plant is the first thing you want to do when propagating from an existing plant.A stressed out plant that is focused on surviving these harsh conditions may not give you the optimal result you are looking for.Pruning and cutting your plant for propagation can cause more stress to the plant as it needs to focus on healing and regrowing.
Fertilizing your plants can help them grow.You need to find the right season and time to fertilize.Feed or fertilize your plants when they are growing.During a heat wave, the plant's main focus is to survive.It is not growing and may cause more damage than good.
During an intense heatwave, I recommend sun protection to help prevent sun damage to your plants.
Due to their hardy nature, they can live indefinitely without sunlight or light.They will not thrive under these conditions and will soon show signs that they are in trouble, such as stretching for more light or elongating.Succulent plants will suffer from root rot if they are given too much water and light.The plant will rot from the root if not corrected immediately.It is very difficult to save a plant when root rot sets in.My post on "How To Save an Overwatered Succulent" can be found here.
When placed in bright but partially shaded locations, most Succulents fare well.These areas receive a lot of light but are protected from the heat in the afternoon.When placed in shaded areas, most Succulent do not do very well.There are a few plants that can grow in dim or shaded areas, but most do not.There are plants that can do well in low light or shade.This post about growing Succulents in the shade is helpful.
It helps to know which planting zone your area falls under to figure out whether the plants you are planning to have are suitable for your climate.You can find out which plants will grow well in your area by looking up your planting zone.You can use the USDA hardiness zone finder to find out where your area falls under.The plant you buy from a local nursery often has information about its zone.Your local garden center will usually have plants that are suitable for your climate.
It is important that you take into account the amount of rain and humidity in your area when growing your plants outdoors.Too much rain and humidity can pose a problem for Succulents.If you don't get enough sunlight in your area, your Succulents will not be happy for long.It is important to provide a fast, well-draining soil under these circumstances and to also provide some shade or protection from the year-round rain.If you want to provide a more controlled environment for your plants, you may consider growing them indoors.
What are the best plants for full sun?Some species of Succulent thrive in the full sun.
Aeonium arboreums have leaves that grow out of their stems.Stems can be long or short.The way aeoniums grow is unique.They form offsets from a single flowerhead.New offsets emerge from a single flowerhead and die.There are a number of types of aeoniums.They grow best in the shade.Aeoniums can be found in hot and dry weather.The leaves will fall to prevent excessive water loss.Their true growth period is during the winter or spring.Aeoniums don't like being overwatered.They can be grown in ground or containers.They are fast growing plants that are easy to grow from seeds.
Opuntia or prickly pear cactus are great plants for basking in the sun's rays.They can be identified from other cacti by their pads.The pads grow in segments or columns.They are an ideal choice for your garden or landscape because of their unique shape and large showy flowers.These plants have been cultivated in Mexico as a food source for a long time.The plants need to be handled with care.They can be grown in containers to help control their growth.
The leaves of Euphorbia Tiruacalli have small and slender branches.Their color varies from green to orange-red in the winter.Full sun helps to give these plants their distinct coloring.These plants require very little care once established.They don't like long periods of hot weather and need to be checked for humidity.They are not picky about the type of soil used and can be cultivated in ground or containers.
The Agave is a large group of plants.They thrive in sunny areas with light shade and full sun.Some Agave species are small and can grow up to 10 feet tall.They can be cultivated in the ground.They can be grown in pots or containers.Some plants are more resistant to cold than others.Agave plants are very hardy and will tolerate intense sun and heat.
These are small, evergreen plants that branch and spread from the base, making them ideal for a landscape shrub.They are an attractive choice for your garden or as container plants.They have thin and finger-like leaves.They can be used as trailing plants in containers.These plants like the shade.They enjoy spending the summer in the sun if they grow indoors.White and yellow flowers may be produced by them.They need a draining soil.
Succulent plants can be grown outdoors.Depending on the lighting, humidity, and temperature in your home, Succulent almost always fare better when left outside or given some outdoor time even for short periods of time.There are advantages to growing them outdoors.
Plants receive more sunlight when they are outdoors.Depending on the lighting situation inside your home, some environments may not be enough to provide adequate sunlight for your plants.Succulents need at least 3-6 hours of sunlight a day.Plants will get the sunlight they need in a day if you expose them to the sun's rays all day.
You will notice that your plants look better after a good rain.Rainwater has beneficial effects on plants.They help your plants get rid of harmful build-up from the tap water.Rainwater helps clean the leaves of the plants by washing away dust and other particles that may prevent photosynthesis from taking place.I like to move my plants to a place where rain can get to them and they will get a good soaking.They can get the benefits of rain.It's a good idea to collect the rain and reserve it for watering your plants later on.
The effect of rain on my plant was one of the biggest surprises.I was worried about the cactus plant last year because I didn't know if it would survive the rainy season.The plant doubled in size after the rains.You can see where it stretched and grew.I moved the cactus plant to its own pot.It's easier to move and transport when done that way.
Plants need fresh air.Oxygen is needed for photosynthesis and to breathe.Oxygen helps the plant grow.Toxic air can build up when plants are left indoors for long periods of time.Plants indoors can accumulate dusts on their leaves, preventing them from breathing properly, and blocking the sunlight from touching the surface of the leaves.Plants will grow better if the leaves are clean and free of dirt.Plants that are critical to their survival in the wild are exposed to bees and birds.
Pets and kids can be kept away from your plants if you keep them outdoors.Pets and kids are curious and can harm your plants by jumping on them, trampling them and plucking their leaves.My daughter was plucking the leaves from my plants.She dropped the habit after learning it was a big no-no.
Some plants are harmful to pets and humans.There are substances that are harmful to pets and humans.If you keep your plants outdoors, you won't have to worry about your pets being harmed from playing with them.Visit my post on "9 Succulent Plants Toxic To Cats, Dogs or Pets" to learn more about the plants that are harmful to pets.
Is growing Succulent outdoors right for everyone?It is good to know that you are introducing pests and diseases to your plants when you leave them outdoors.
I personally grow my plants indoors and out.My local climate and lighting conditions make my Succulent do better outside.Due to their amazing qualities and resilience, they can grow and thrive in different environments which is part of their appeal and why we love them so much.
You have come to the right place if you are aSucculent lover like me.This website is a collection of knowledge I have learned over the years.I am not an expert on cacti or Succulents, but through love and persistence, as well as trials and errors along the way, loads of useful information have been compiled, and this website was born.