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.
How are succulents maintained outside?
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.
Which is best for succulents, inside or out?
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 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.
Can succulents be placed outdoors?
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.
Is it okay to place my succulents in the sun?
1. Ensure that your succulents receive adequate light. Depending on the type, succulents need six hours of sunlight each day because they are light-loving plants. You might need to gradually expose newly planted succulents to full sun exposure or give shade with a translucent screen because they can burn in direct sunshine.
Can succulents endure direct sunlight?
Due to their drought tolerance and water-storing properties, which enable them to tolerate high heat and very harsh sun exposure, succulents have become well-known. This is true for the majority of succulent plants, however some cannot survive direct sunlight without protection, and if exposed to excessive heat, they may suffer sun damage.  
The best 10 succulents and cacti that will thrive in full sun are listed below. Some of these plants can withstand full sun exposure better than others.
 
Succulents can survive outside for how long?
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.
How frequently do I need to water my succulents?
During the months that are not winter, when the temperature is above 40 degrees, you should water your succulents every other week. You should only water your succulent once a month in the winter (when the temperature falls below 40 degrees), as it goes dormant at this period.
A few situations constitute an exception to this rule. Because their tiny leaves can’t hold as much water as other varieties with larger leaves, some varieties of succulents need to be watered more frequently. In the non-winter months, feel free to give these small leaf succulents a water if they appear to be thirsty. When they are thirsty, succulents generally exhibit a wrinkled appearance. But always keep in mind that being underwater is preferable to being overwater.
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.
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.
Succulents—can I leave them outside in 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.
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.
Dudleya
Dudleya’s popular name, “Liveforever,” tells volumes about this succulent genus that survives on neglect and is one of its common names. According to legend, certain species can live for fifty to one hundred years.
There are two different varieties of dudleyas: branching and unbranching. Both kinds are perfect for rock and succulent gardening. Unbranched species only create a single rosette, while branching species generate many rosettes that group together to form low, tufted colonies. The single rosettes make great container specimens and focal points in beds, but the colony formers are valuable groundcovers at the front of a border.
When cultivated inland or in a sunny location close to the ocean, these soft succulents need afternoon shade. The dudleya plant prefers a cool environment but is sensitive to frost. Stretching and mushy leaves are quickly signs of inadequate lighting.
Dudleya is hardy in zones 9 to 12 according to the USDA. As with other succulents, Dudleya succulent care should involve planting in a fast-draining, gritty planting media. It thrives best in temperatures above the low 40F (4C).
Mealybugs, aphids, snails, slugs, and fungi like powdery mildew and Alternaria are just a few of the diseases and pests that affect dudleyas. To prevent the majority of infections, avoid overwatering and give plants plenty of air circulation.
Dudleyas should be planted at a small slope to let water drain away more quickly because they are particularly prone to above-ground rot if moisture builds up in the rosette.