Succulents are drought-tolerant plants because they can retain water in their large, irregularly shaped leaves. Succulents have a broad variety of eye-catching shapes and textures, which provide any landscape aesthetic interest. Can succulents live outside? is an often asked question. The quick response is “yes”! Growing succulents outdoors is an excellent alternative because they do well there and can withstand some neglect. They also do well in sunny areas with warm, dry weather.
Succulents can be grown in the ground, in pots, or hidden in unexpected planting locations. Take the uncertainty out of caring for these wonderful conversation pieces with stunning foliage by reading our suggestions for growing succulents outside.
Do succulents favor the indoors or outdoors?
Succulents, however, are hardy plants that may thrive in a variety of conditions, including neglect, little access to water, fast-draining soil, and a steady source of sunshine.
It’s excellent if you live somewhere where the weather is just right for them to thrive outside.
But if you don’t, you’ll need to make some alterations and adjustments.
These bizarre plants have evolved to survive in the worst conditions, including the wettest climates, little to no soil, and the steepest slopes.
A variety of surprises, including vibrant edges, tips, or complete shifts in foliage color, can be found in the sunlight or the chilly outdoors.
When succulents are grown outside, the weather will determine and set off when the plants are dormant or active, depending on the species. On the other hand, when it warms up, that can cause new births, color changes, or blooming.
Succulents can be left outside all year.
The fact that many succulents can survive outside year-round, even in snowy climes, surprises a lot of people. We divide succulents into two categories—”hardy” and “soft”—to make it easier for you to choose the best one for your area.
- Hardy succulents: Tolerate frost and can endure temperatures below zero outside. They are perfect for outdoor gardening all year long. Hardy succulents actually thrive outside more than they do inside.
- Not frost-tolerant are soft types. Before temperatures drop below freezing at night, these types must be brought inside. On the other hand, when the warm, sunny weather returns, they are glad to go outside once more.
the USDA Grow Zone finder (based on minimum winter temperature). You may find a plant’s “Cold Hardiness” on the description of each one in our online catalog. If your zone number is equal to or higher than the plant’s, that variety can endure the entire year outdoors in your environment. The plant will need to be brought indoors before the fall temperatures start to drop if you live in a zone with a lower number than the Cold Hardiness of the plant.
Most of our plants are also sent with name tags that state the lowest temperature they can withstand for easy reference.
Zones 4 and higher are suitable for Sempervivum heuffelii’s growth, however zones 3 and lower are not.
Can cacti be left outside during the summer?
Before anything else, when is it too early to plant new succulents outside?
In general, waiting until after the last frost and when the nights don’t get below 40F is advised. Even while you could grow certain succulents outside before then, planting is most successful in warmer climates.
However, avoid waiting until the summer because the heat can be just as problematic as the cold. When planting your succulents outside, look for temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can succulents grown outside endure the winter?
Yes, it is the answer. Although certain succulents can withstand frost, they are frequently thought of as drought-tolerant plants. They flourish in chilly, snowy conditions, and the extreme cold even brings out their magnificent, vivid colors. They are referred to as “Hard Succulents.” Sempervivum, Sedum, and Euphorbias genera contain some of the most hardy succulents. You may plant such succulents outside all year round because the majority of them can withstand temperatures as low as -20F (Hardiness Zone 5).
“Soft Succulents” are another group of succulents that are more susceptible to frost. When the weather drops below freezing, they must be winterized inside.
Succulents should go where outside, right?
Various pots are ideal for succulent growth. If the water level is carefully controlled, those who live entirely indoors can occupy nearly any form of receptacle, from teapots to terrariums. But in the open air, strong rains can soak succulents. Use of containers with drainage holes is essential because to this. The best containers are made of terra cotta because they naturally wick moisture from the soil. In order to ensure the best drainage, succulents should be potted in a light succulent soil mixture.
Succulents in pots that are kept outside won’t require nearly as much watering as those planted in the ground. However, check in with your plants if the weather is extremely hot or dry. The leaves seem shriveled. Does the ground seem to be dusty? If so, a drink is probably in order. While it’s true that most succulents benefit from lots of sunshine, others thrive in shadow or partial exposure. Make sure the succulents in your planter need a similar amount of light, then place them where they will thrive in your yard.
What place do I put my succulent?
Succulents thrive in hot, arid conditions and don’t mind a little neglect due to their unique capacity to store water. They are therefore ideally suited to growing indoors and are the perfect choice for anyone looking for low-maintenance houseplants. Follow these instructions for successful plant care if you’re choosing succulents for the first time.
Select a succulent that will thrive in your indoor environment.
The majority of succulents need direct sunshine, however if your home only has a shady area, choose low light-tolerant plants like mother-in-tongue. law’s A trailing variety, like string of bananas, is an excellent option if you intend to grow your succulent in a hanging planter. To learn about your succulents’ requirements for sunlight, size, and spread, always read the plant labels.
Give the plants a good draining potting material.
You should repot your succulent as soon as you get it home since nurseries always plant their succulents in soil that is overly rich and holds too much moisture. A coarse potting mix with sufficient drainage and aeration is a good place to start. You can use an African violet mix or unique cactus and succulent mixtures that you can purchase at the nursery. Add perlite or pumice to the cactus or African violet mix (up to 50% of the total potting mix, depending on your particular succulent’s moisture requirements) to further increase drainage and prevent compaction. To make sure the mixture is moist throughout, always moisten it before using.
Decide on a container.
When repotting, use a container that is at least 1 to 2 inches bigger than the nursery container and has a drainage hole. Avoid using glass containers (such mason jars or terrariums) for long-term potting since they prevent roots from breathing and over time may result in root rot. Place your plant inside the container and backfill with extra pre-moistened potting mix after filling the bottom one-third of the container with pre-moistened potting mix.
Put the succulent plant in a pot somewhere sunny.
Try to arrange your succulents close to a south or east-facing window because most succulents need at least six hours of sun each day. Insufficient sunlight may cause your succulents to become spindly or to extend toward the light.
Between waterings, allow the potting mix to dry out.
Overwatering succulents is the most common error people make with them. Watering more deeply but less frequently is preferable. Before the next watering, completely saturate the potting mix (while making sure the water drains out of the drainage hole properly). The plant can finally perish if the potting soil is left moist every day.
Succulents should be fertilized at least once a year.
Fertilizer works best for plants in the spring (when the days lengthen and new growth starts) and again in the late summer. Use a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer (such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) that has been diluted to half the strength indicated on the container. Since succulents are semi-dormant in the winter, there is no need to nourish them. Because they are not actively growing, they do not require the nutrient boost.
I have succulents, when should I bring them inside?
Again, a lot of this depends on where you reside and what you’re growing. You should generally bring your succulents inside before the first frost. In the US, this occurs during the end of September for many people.
Naturally, if you are raising cold-tolerant succulents, they can spend the entire winter outside.
Knowing your local growth zone is crucial. You should at the very least be aware of your region’s typical low temperature. For instance, we were in Zone 5 when I lived in Utah. The majority of my succulents at the time were Zone 9 plants.
All succulents with a Zone rating higher than 5 must spend the winter indoors since they cannot withstand the cold.
Since I currently reside in a Zone 9 region near Phoenix, most of my succulent plants perform well year-round outside. Only a few succulents classified as Zone 10 or 11 will require spending the winter indoors.
Therefore, begin by classifying your succulents. Afterward, ascertain which growth zone you are in. Look how how the two contrast! Plants that are rated higher than where you reside should be brought inside.
You can use this video to decide whether you should bring your succulents indoors for the winter.
Succulents can they survive indoors without sunlight?
The most light is reflected from south-facing windows throughout the day in the northern hemisphere. The sun shines through windows facing east in the morning and west in the afternoon and evening. The least quantity of sunlight enters windows that face north.
A south-facing window is the best choice for the majority of sun-loving succulent plants in the northern hemisphere. However, all of the low-light succulents covered in this article happily flourish in windows that face west or east. Even in a dark, north-facing window, some of them will make it, but I don’t advise it because even there, they won’t thrive.
However, no succulent can live in a completely dark environment. Therefore, even if your succulent plants are varieties that thrive in low light, think about buying a tiny desktop grow light if you live in a basement flat, have only a north-facing window, or if your space has no windows at all. When a modest grow lamp is placed over low light succulents for 6 to 8 hours a day, you’ll be astounded at how well they grow. You won’t need to remember to turn the lights on and off every day if you have a reliable timer.
Now that you are aware of how much sunlight low light succulents require, allow me to introduce you to some of the greatest low light succulents.
How cold should it be for succulents?
Whether a succulent is a soft or hard succulent determines what temperature it can withstand.
Anything warmer than 32 degrees F will be enjoyable for soft succulents. preferably over 40 degrees.
These plants cannot endure colder than freezing temperatures. Their hefty, thick leaves, which serve as water reservoirs, will freeze and destroy the plant.
Succulents that can withstand the cold can sustain -20 F. The best it can manage is a zone 4 to 5, and let me tell you, that is very impressive.
You must keep in mind that even if they can withstand temperatures below zero, they still like dry soil. That remains constant.
The majority of winters in the contiguous US will not only be dry but also wet and snowy.
Which succulents can be found outside?
Echeveria grows well in both warm garden beds and containers and is simple to maintain outside. Echeveria plants come in a wide range of colors and types, which provide beautiful textures and tones for mixed beds and containers.
The Echeverias, which are native to Mexico and central and southern America, prefer dry, arid environments, however they can tolerate brief bouts of precipitation as long as they are given time to dry out before receiving additional water. These plants, which typically grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 12, thrive on neglect and tolerate drought well.
Echeverias benefit from soil that drains well. Despite being called soft, they are actually quite tough. Plants should be transferred to a frost-free location throughout the winter because they can withstand cold but not damp and cold conditions.
At least four to five hours of bright, direct light each day should be provided for echeverias. Echeverias will grow long and lanky and frequently “stretch” for the nearest source of light if they don’t get enough light. This specific succulent would be the ideal addition to your garden if you enjoy outdoor living space concepts.
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
Sempervivum is a well-liked outdoor succulent because of its renown for withstanding chilly, windy, and dry environments. Zones 4 to 9 of the USDA’s hardiness scale apply to it.
Sand or gravelly soil is necessary for growing Sempervivum in the ground. To add the necessary drainage to clay soils, coarse sand, pumice, or lava rock can be used. To drain moisture away from the crown, you can use mulch with lava rock or other mineral materials.
As long as the pots have drainage holes, plants grown in containers don’t need to worry as much about drainage because moisture doesn’t keep in the pots as long as it does in the ground. Most Sempervivum varieties can withstand frost, but if you’d rather grow one that can’t, plant it in a pot and bring it inside throughout the winter.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a resilient, low-maintenance succulent that can be used in an outdoor garden. Sedum comes in a wide range of species and types, but they may be grouped into two main groups based on how they grow. both upright and crawling sedum.
The height of creeping sedum only increases by a few inches or so as it creeps across the ground. They are therefore perfect for use as ground cover along pathways, in rock gardens, or even between other succulent plants in planters.
Standing sedum frequently forms towering clumps with a compact mass of small blooms. They stand out as a choice for border gardens due to their height and lovely blossoms.
While some strong and creeping species can tolerate some shade, most sedums thrive in full sunlight. It’s important to put sedum in full sunlight to improve overwintering if you’re growing it in a region with lengthy, bitterly cold winters (Zone 5 and colder).
Like the majority of succulents, Sedum needs soil that drains effectively because excessive moisture can cause it to decay. Sedum is hardy in zones 9 to 11 according to the USDA.
Crassula (Pigmyweed)
One of the simplest succulents to grow in a yard or outdoor containers is the crassula. The Crassula ovata species, also known as the Jade Plant, Jade Tree, and Money Tree, is one that is widely available and can be found in most garden outlet stores and neighborhood nurseries. Zones 9 to 12 of the USDA’s hardiness scale apply to it.
Crassula grows well in average to poor soil that is dry, well-drained, rocky or sandy, and receives full sun or partial shade. In full sun, the leaf coloring is at its peak.
Additionally, Crassula can thrive with little to no irrigation and only moderate amounts of rainfall. Root and stem rot will result from excessive moisture, especially if the soil is slow to drain. This succulent can withstand drought.
The plant is therefore perfect for people who frequently forget to water their plants because of its low water requirement. But keep in mind that since the succulent still needs water to survive, you shouldn’t disregard it entirely. Additionally, be aware that Crassula can be easily propagated from cuttings. Given enough time, adding its leaf to potting soil will undoubtedly take root.
Also, keep in mind that even though these plants are beautiful to look at, your dogs and cats should not be exposed to them. Your pet could become really ill or die if they consume any part of the plant.
For rock gardens, coastal gardens, or containers, crassula is ideal. Although it is essentially disease-free, keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, and vine weevil.
Agave
The agave plant is great for the garden and looks great in pots. In locations with little to no frost, it can be cultivated outdoors all year round.
Agave plants require a location with full sun to some shade. They can tolerate greater shade as the temperature rises. The majority of agave plants are not frost-resistant, however some, such as Agave parryi, are consistently perennial up to USDA Hardiness Zone 5. Most of them, however, are only resilient in USDA Zones 8 or 9 and above.
Although agave will grow in any well-draining soil, rocky or sandy soil is preferred. The pH of the soil makes no difference to them.
Agaves are common beside swimming pools and patios in warm areas. They maintain their beauty all year long and their leaves don’t frequently turn brown and drop. Around busy areas, a spineless type like the Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuata) is a good choice.
Agaves are rarely in trouble. The plant will eventually fall over as the agave snout weevil burrows into its center to lay its eggs. Sadly, you won’t likely realize this until it’s too late. To see if there are any grubs still present, remove the plant.
Haworthia
Haworthias are more tolerant of shade than many of the other succulents on this list, but they still require some sunlight for the production of their vibrant foliage. Make sure to keep a close check on them to prevent sunburn. Some animals can need to dwell in some shade since they can’t stand the full sun. They typically grow in their natural habitat behind bushes and rock overhangs.
Haworthia grows well on ordinary to poor soils that are dry, well-drained, rocky or sandy. Haworthia are little and develop relatively slowly, typically staying between 3 and 5 inches tall. Instead of being planted in the ground, they are frequently grown outside in compact clusters in large, shallow containers.
The USDA hardiness zone in which Haworthia is found is 11. Remember that growing these succulents is not difficult. Like other plants, they are at risk from receiving too much water because if they do, they would decay. You may put these tiny plants in adorable containers like teacups because of their size. However, you must make sure the trash can has enough drainage.
Let’s say it lacks one. To decrease dirt wicking on top, it is preferable to first remove the plant from the pot and then place some gravel beneath the container.
Aeonium
Aeonium loves soil that is well-drained, sunny, and between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature (4C to 38C). Light shade may be required in desert and hot summer climates. Aeonium is hardy in zones 9 to 11 according to the USDA.
Heat and dryness are not good for aeoniums. They may go dormant in the summer and don’t need water unless it’s extremely dry out. To reduce excessive water loss in the heat, their leaves will curl.
Remember that Aeonium have shallow root systems and cannot be let to totally dry out when caring for them outdoors. When growing aeoniums, only the top few inches of soil should be allowed to dry out. Since aeonium require some moisture, a sandy loam or normal potting soil is preferable to a mix made especially for succulents and cacti.
When grown in pots as opposed to the ground, aeonium needs more frequent watering. Aeonium in containers should be fertilized once a year in the spring when new growth starts. Fertilizer is rarely necessary for in-ground plants, however a thin layer of mulch placed directly around the plant’s base may be advantageous.
Aeoniums are rarely bothered by pests. Slugs can cause some harm, and occasionally a bird might get a bite.
Senecio
There are approximately 100 delicious Senecios. Though many are tiny, trailing plants or spreading ground coverings, there are some huge shrub forms.
Full sun is ideal for senecio plant growth. Senecio, like the majority of succulents, requires sandy, well-drained soil and is vulnerable to rot in wet environments.
Senecio can withstand heat. Only a few Senecio species can resist prolonged exposure to cold or moisture; they will become mushy. Senecio is hardy in zones 9 to 11 according to the USDA.
Senecios can be used as ground cover and rock garden plants in warmer areas. In containers, either together or separately, they thrive. Growing them in pots will enable you to bring them inside as houseplants throughout the winter in cooler locations.
Senecio plants require fertilizer replenishment because they thrive on sandy soil. Annual fertilization should be minimal. Overfertilization can result in excessive leggy growth.
Senecio plants are rarely bothered by pests, however scale and mealybugs can occasionally cause problems. If this occurs, try using neem oil or a soap solution containing antibacterial agents.
It should be noted that many Senecio species are poisonous, therefore plant them away from animals and young children. When working with senecio plants, wear gloves because the sap can seriously irritate the skin.