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The Daily Horizon

Where do succulents grow best?

Author

Andrew Mccoy

Updated on January 07, 2026

Most succulents prefer at least 6 hours of sun per day, so try to place them near a south- or east-facing window. You may notice your succulents becoming spindly or stretching toward the light if they don't get enough sun. Allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings.

Is it better to grow succulents indoors or outdoors?

You should bring them indoors when the weather outdoors will not provide them with their ideal climate. If sunlight, temperature, or hardiness zones do not match up with the plants - best to bring these beauties inside.

What are the best growing conditions for succulents?

They make great houseplants and grow best in bright indirect light. They require soil that drains well and need to be watered about once a week. Outdoors, they like to be grown in a sunny location but avoid intense afternoon sun in hot climates. Move indoors before the first frost in the fall.

Do succulents need full sun?

Succulents love light and need about six hours of sun per day, depending on the type of succulent. Newly planted succulents can scorch in direct sunlight, so you may need to gradually introduce them to full sun exposure or provide shade with a sheer curtain.

How often should I water succulents?

You should water your succulents every other week during non-winter months when temperatures are above 40 degrees. During the winter time (when temperatures are below 40 degrees) you should only water your succulent once a month because it is dormant during this time. There are a few exceptions to this rule.

Succulent Tips for Beginners // Garden Answer

Can succulents go outside?

The short answer is yes! They thrive in sunny locations with warm, dry climates and can tolerate some neglect, so growing succulents outdoors is a great option. Grow succulents in-ground, in pots, or tuck them away in unexpected planting spots.

Should I put rocks in my succulents?

While succulents are gorgeous on their own, they look even better when surrounded or paired with natural stone. Especially in outdoor gardens, stone can visually complement plants or provide a protective groundcover around them. Rocks and succulents are a match made in heaven.

Can succulents live indoors?

Strong, distinct leaf shapes give succulents striking textures that transform them into living sculptures for interior rooms. They make great indoor plants because they are adapted to survive dry conditions. In winter especially, homes offer dry interior air to houseplants, which is why many do not survive.

Do succulents need sun in winter?

Another note for caring for succulent in winter is providing enough sunlight. It is ideal to place your succulents near the brightest windows, so they can get indirect yet bright natural light all day. Winter days are shorter, therefore the plants will need at least 6-hour exposure to the indirect sunlight.

How do you keep succulents alive outside?

While succulents may not require a lot of attention, they do need a few basics to keep them thriving:

  1. Give enough sunlight. Succulents need enough light—at least six hours of full sun per day. ...
  2. Water properly. ...
  3. Use the right pot and soil mix. ...
  4. Don't forget to fertilize. ...
  5. Inspect your plants.

How do you know when a succulent needs water?

Signs Your Succulent is Thirsty

Wrinkled, shriveled leaves are a clear indication that your Succulent needs more water. As the cells release their stored moisture to the rest of the plant, they try to bring in more water to replace what they have lost.

Can succulents survive in shade?

Most succulents prefer bright but indirect sunlight. Succulents are highly adaptable and some can still thrive even in the shade. If you are growing succulents and your lighting conditions are less than ideal, there are succulents that can tolerate low light.

How do you take care of a succulent for beginners?

Get into a regular watering schedule to help plants thrive. Water succulents when the top inch of soil feels dry by pour water into the pot until it flows through the drainage hole. Remove all excess water. Soak up the sun – Most succulents love light.

When should succulents be repotted?

A general rule of thumb is to repot succulents every two-years, at least as a way to provide fresh fertile soil. The best time to repot is at the beginning of a succulent's growing season - this gives the plant the highest chance of survival.

How do I know if my succulent needs more light?

When succulents are getting the right amount of sun they'll often “blush” or change colors. This is such a beautiful transformation to see! If they start to get too much sun however the leaves will actually burn. You may begin to notice white or pale patches on the succulent leaves.

What do you put at the bottom of a succulent?

Soil: Succulents and cacti thrive in well draining, porous soils. Gravel or expanded shale can be added to the bottom of the container to help increase drainage. A basic, sandy potting soil mixed with vermiculite makes a great succulent mix!

Can I plant succulents in potting soil?

Because succulents are drought-tolerant plants that do not require consistent moisture, their potting soil should be porous and well-draining and have a lower percentage of organic matter than traditional indoor soil mixes. A loose, grainy soil mixture with plenty of sand and perlite or pumice is ideal.

What type of container is best for succulents?

The best pots for succulents are made from terracotta or ceramic. Both of these materials are breathable, which encourages proper water drainage and air circulation. Just remember that both terracotta and ceramic are heavy, especially once you add soil and plants.

Should I leave my succulents out in the rain?

Can Rain Kill Succulents? A little rain won't actually harm your succulents. In fact, it will help wash away all the dirt and chemicals from the plant's soil, and at the same time, give the required nitrogen to the succulents.

Do you water succulents from the top or bottom?

Do: Water from above, until it comes out of the pot's drainage hole: This is the standard watering technique for most houseplants, and it works well for succulents too. Fill a watering can or cup and run a slow and steady stream of room temperature water all over the top layer of your succulent's soil.

Can succulents survive in bathroom?

However, most succulents (not all) are naturally hardy, they can thrive in typical bathroom conditions. These succulent plants prefer partial to full shade and high humidity, and so are the best plants for bathrooms with indirect light, filtered light, or low light conditions.

Do succulents attract bugs?

Succulents are hardy plants that are mostly resistant to bugs and thrive easily, but that doesn't mean they're entirely immune to pests. Typical household insects are not a problem for the most part, but some smaller bugs are attracted to succulents for their large water quantities.

Is there a plant that doesn't need sunlight?

2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Chinese evergreen plants are easy to grow and are among the many indoor plants that don't need sunlight. Many people say it's a great plant to start with if you're new to caring for houseplants.

Can you use ice cubes to water succulents?

To help not to over water and let the water disperse itself as needed, use two ice cubes for small plants, and as much as a cup for large plants. I usually make a pitcher of ice cubes and take it around the house adding a couple to each planter. Viola! Easy and mess free.