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.
Which succulent plant can survive in settings of extreme low light?
Aloe vera is a widespread and well-liked low-light succulent that thrives and spreads quickly in a regular indoor environment or a protected outdoor setting in a warm region.
While some varieties have creamy, horizontal striped variegation, others are pure shades of green.
Aloe variegata (Partridge Breasted Aloe)
An example of a variety of the aloe vera plant is the partridge-breasted aloe or aloe variegata.
This South African dwarf aloe species has attractive coral-colored flowers that can bloom late in the winter or early in the spring.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
The snake plant, often called mother-in-tongue, law’s is an easy plant to cultivate both inside and outdoors. It can grow in zones 9 to 11. This low-maintenance plant grows well in dim environments and doesn’t require a lot of direct sunshine. It does well in mostly dry, well-drained soil and can tolerate temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has flat leaves that can be up to three feet long and as wide as one to two inches. Snake plants prefer regular fertilizer in the form of pellets or liquid that releases nutrients gradually. This plant is simple to cultivate under artificial lighting and does well in any room of the house.
Aloe (Aloe Barbadensis)
This plant is probably already familiar to you because to its frequent usage in skincare products and treatment of a number of illnesses. This spider-legged plant can survive in complete darkness. You won’t need to water the plant frequently because of its thick, fleshy leaves’ ability to hold a lot of water.
Growing zones 8–11 and lower temperatures between 50 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit are preferred by it. In order to prevent problems like root rot, aloe vera plants demand well-drained soil. On this plant, you can use the majority of liquid and granular succulent fertilizers; it’s better to treat them when the plant is actively growing in the summer.
Zebra Plant (Haworthia Fasciata)
Another cactus plant that can live without much sunlight is this one. Given the right environmental circumstances, this striped plant, known for its bumpy, white tubercles, can grow rosettes in just a few weeks. Low lighting conditions and chilly temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees are ideal for the zebra plant’s growth. It can be put everywhere in the house, even in the bathrooms and bedrooms.
Zebra plants thrive in soil-based potting mixtures that are loose and well-draining in growth zones 11 and 12. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering the zebra plant because it is susceptible to fungus problems and root rot. Although it is a relatively low-maintenance cactus type, you can apply granular or soil-based fertilizer on this plant.
Green Ice Hybrid (Gasteraloe)
Another succulent type that may endure without much sunlight is this one. It won’t require much water, but when you do, make sure to soak it completely. Given that it will grow less over the winter, it is recommended to water it less frequently. When its thick, prickly leaves start to resemble a fan or a lamp, or when their usual green color starts to turn yellow or brown, you’ll know it’s overwatered.
Growing in zones 6 to 8, the green ice succulent prefers well-drained loam or sand for its potting soil. Even a 1:1 blend of both is OK. This tiny plant is the ideal desktop or tabletop plant and can help give drab shelves, balconies, and patios an unusual appeal.
How can you maintain succulents in low light?
Yes. Cacti and succulents can flourish in dimly lit spaces like offices. However, cultivating succulents at the workplace or under dim light has unique difficulties. The top three considerations for growing succulents in low light are as follows:
- Keep succulents somewhat dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Give the plants a very well-draining potting soil.
- Provide sufficient illumination (either natural or artificial light).
Your succulents and cacti will have a far better chance of surviving low light circumstances indoors if you keep these three tips in mind.
While these top 3 considerations are the most crucial when cultivating succulents in low light, there are additional factors to take into account to guarantee the life of your succulents.
Succulents thrive in the shade, right?
Succulents like burro’s tail or string of pearls hanging in planters beneath a covered patio or porch are unusual to observe. Even though these types typically only receive filtered light, they will nevertheless thrive. Succulents that can tolerate shade do occur, albeit they are uncommon. There are a few species that are larger, but the majority of them are smaller.
Building a bridge between two worlds is necessary to create a succulent shade garden. Most of our common succulents require all day sun to avoid becoming leggy and not blooming. Ideally, plants in shade should receive at least six hours a day of dappled light. The benefit of low light is that plants that cannot withstand intense sunshine can rest during the warmest portion of the day. In addition to protecting the plant’s color, this will assist avoid scald.
Succulents that grow in the shadow outside will use less water, making them ideal xeriscape plants.
Can succulents live without windows?
Yes, it is possible to grow cacti and succulents in low light. You’ll need to pay closer attention to some elements, like plant species, soil type, and watering requirements.
You will fare much better with your indoor plant family if you keep those things in mind.
Succulent species that can handle low light
Not every species is made equally. More than others, certain succulents can thrive in reduced light levels. You will end up with a lengthy, stretched-out mess even with the finest indoor care if you try to keep a Graptopetalum, Sempervium, or Echeveria in any light other than strong light.
Succulents with bright colors and rosette shapes should generally be avoided as they demand bright light to preserve their beauty.
Aloe and Haworthia are two examples of plants that are naturally green and are significantly more tolerant of darker circumstances.
Checking the light conditions that your particular plant type needs is crucial. Looking for suggestions for an excellent office plant? Take a look at the list below.
Maximize the sunlight you can get
Look around your workspace or area. Exists any available natural light that you could use? Start by placing your succulent on any available windowsill. Make sure to rotate your succulent every few days to ensure that all of its surfaces receive an equal amount of sunlight. Rotate your plant to the opposite side if you see it leaning to one side; it will eventually straighten up.
Despite being close to a window, is your succulent still getting lanky and spread out? That implies that it does not receive enough light.
What if there are absolutely no windows nearby? It’s still possible to have a succulent; you simply need to be more inventive. You should place your succulent in artificial light. They will require roughly six hours of light each day. Under that fluorescent or LED light above your desk, your plants will be OK.
Consider purchasing a tiny grow lamp to keep next to your desk if you can. Fortunately, there are various reasonably priced options for grow lights, so you may select the one that best suits your requirements.
Succulents—can they survive indoors?
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.
How are succulents maintained indoors?
Succulents may not need much attention, but they do need a few essentials to survive:
- 1. Provide plenty sunlight. Succulents require adequate light—at least six hours each day of direct sunlight. Maintaining succulents outside can be quite simple. However, if you have a succulent indoors, you must keep it in direct sunlight near a window. A plant that is slanting toward the light is not receiving enough sunlight, yet a plant with burnt areas on its leaves is receiving too much direct sunshine.
- 2. Use proper water. Depending on the season, succulents might have different water needs. Succulents should be irrigated if their soil dries completely during the growing season, but excess water should be avoided. When a succulent’s roots have time to dry out in between waterings, its lifespan is increased. In the chilly winter months, succulent plants go dormant and require less water. Only water your succulent as often as necessary because overwatering the soil is one of the main reasons of most development problems.
- 3. Use the proper soil and pot combination. The appropriate container and potting soil can make all the difference, whether you’re growing your own succulents or purchasing one from a nursery. Your succulent planter needs to include a drainage hole if it is going to be an outdoor succulent. Proper drainage allows moisture to escape, allowing the soil and root systems to dry and prevent rot. Use well-draining soil instead of standard dirt if you have an indoor succulent. It is coarser than regular soil, enabling more air to pass through and encouraging evaporation rather than requiring to be drained. To increase aeration, perlite and pumice can be added to some potting mixtures.
- 4.Remember to fertilize. The periodic fertilizing is beneficial for even low maintenance desert plants. To give your succulents a boost, use a diluted, water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer a couple times a year. Although it’s not entirely required, if you notice that your soil needs some help, add a little fertilizer.
- 5. Examine your plant life. Pest hazards are more likely to affect a succulent indoors than outside. Make sure your plants are periodically checked for gnats or mealy pests. These insects are a sign that your plants are receiving too much water or fertilizer. Mealy bugs can lay hundreds of eggs and consume the plant juices that serve as their host, gradually harming your plant. Rubbish alcohol can be sprayed on your succulent’s leaves or soil to effectively kill mealy bugs and their eggs. Check the leaves and soil of the succulent before bringing it home from the nursery to make sure no bugs are present.