- Liquid aloe.
- Jade Tree.
- Euphorbia.
- Hoya.
- Vacation Cacti (Easter, Christmas)
- Animal Foot.
- Agave foxtail.
- Forest Stonecrop
Which succulents prefer the shade?
Your aim is to provide as much sun as they can bear without burning because light improves the development, form, color, and blossoms of succulents (and other plants, for that matter).
Below in my gallery of outdoor shade succulents, I’ve ID’d each one along with how much shade it wants, abbreviated PS, BS or FS.
Adapt my three shade options to your specific region. Closer to the water and farther from the desert, succulents can withstand more solar exposure. These are primarily for Zone 9b (inland Southern California), where I have planted a variety of succulents for shade for the past 25 years.
Part shade (PS)
This is sometimes referred to as semi-shade and consists of bright shade for the majority of the day and full sun for a few hours in the early morning or late afternoon. “Dappled light” or “dappled sun” that glimmers through a canopy of leaves can also be considered part shade.
Bright shade (BS)
This is side-facing indirect light that reaches plants when they are placed beneath eaves, shelves, tables, or trees. Bright shade, often known as “filtered light,” is common in greenhouses, nurseries, lath houses, shade structures, as well as under patio umbrellas and sun sails.
Full shade (FS)
If any sunlight reaches plants in full darkness (also known as “deep shade”), it is weak and fleeting. Some succulents, like sansevierias, can survive in complete darkness, but for the most part, they require some sun to grow and look their best.
Do succulents favor direct sunlight or shade?
Succulents enjoy direct sunlight, but if yours is always in the same position, only one side is probably receiving enough of it. Langton and Ray advise often rotating the plant. Rotating succulents will help them stand up straight because they like to slant toward the sun. (Leaning might also indicate that they need to move to a more sunny area.)
Can succulents survive without sunshine in a room?
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.
Aloe may grow in the shade.
In cooler microclimates with frequent fog or gloomy skies, aloe vera thrives in full sun. Although most aloe vera plants can withstand some mild shade or filtered sun at midday, six to eight hours of direct sun each day is ideal. Aloe vera can be grown in the ground or in pots, and both require a somewhat sandy soil and a south or west-facing outdoor space. When you relocate indoor aloe vera plants to a bright, sunny spot outdoors, sunburn is a problem. Before planting or leaving the plant outside, gradually acclimatize it to outdoor circumstances by exposing it to sunlight for longer periods of time each day over the course of one to two weeks. Aloe will experience less stress as a result.
Which cacti thrive in the shade?
I frequently get asked what succulents grow nicely in the shade. Sadly, the majority don’t. Aloes will not blossom. Agaves decay. Cacti start to seem weak and ill. However, certain succulents may thrive in the shade. Some people, like the majority of Sansevieria species, even prefer it.
Here are a few of our favorite “shady characters”—beautiful succulent plants that can survive in either full or partial shade or with little to no sunlight.
- Elephant food is Portulacaria afra, a plant that grows upright and has reddish-brown stems and delicate green leaves. can be pruned to maintain practically any size. Tolerant of 25 degrees of cold.
- The largest Gasteria species is called giant Gasteria, which may reach heights of 2 feet and a spread of 2 feet. leaves with lovely white dots that are thick and dark green. Hummingbirds and bees are drawn to a three-foot-tall, red-orange, nectar-rich flower in the spring. Tolerant of 25 degrees of cold.
- Hearty jade with intriguing leaves that have suction cup-shaped tips is called Crassula ovata “Gollum.” named after a figure from J.R.R. Tolkien. has thick trunks as it ages. Excellent for growing bonsai. Tolerant of 25 degrees of cold.
- Aeonium urbicum, often known as the saucer plant, is a delicate succulent that thrives in both the sun and some shade. In late winter or early spring, pink blossoms bloom. Tolerant of 25 degrees of cold.
- One of the few agaves that can grow in shadow is Agave attenuata, sometimes known as the foxtail agave. Known for its delicate leaves, this plant is a fantastic choice for sidewalk landscaping. reaches a height of 5 feet and a spread of 6 to 8 feet. Tolerant of 35 degrees of cold.
- Torch plant or lace aloe, Aloe aristata, is a very hardy aloe that can endure cold, rainy winters. possesses subtle multicolored patterns. Early summer brings red blossoms. Tolerant of 5 degrees of cold.
- Echeveria derenbergii (painted lady): In the shade, the leaves’ pale green hue is retained; in the sun, the leaves’ borders turn crimson. In the spring, golden blooms with a reddish tip develop on stalks. Tolerant of 25 degrees of cold.
- Popular in rock gardens and containers is Sempervivum arachnoideum, sometimes known as houseleek or hens and chicks. In frigid climates, hairs that resemble cobwebs cling the snow. Tolerant of 10 degrees of cold.
Jade can it grow in the shade?
In the garden, sandy loam soil is perfect for growing jade. As they will be vulnerable to root and crown rot and other fungal issues in damp, slow-draining, compacted, or clay soils, quick-draining soil is essential.
Jade plants may thrive in both intense sunlight and deep shade. However, outside plants need 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day, and they benefit from some afternoon shade.
Jade plants are succulent and can withstand dryness, but when under stress from inadequate watering, their foliage might become red or wrinkle and shrivel. A deep watering once a week or twice a week will be beneficial for Jade in the garden. Additionally, they will profit from an annual spring fertilizer for succulents and cacti.
The appropriate circumstances can cause outdoor jade to develop transient white-pink flowers. To keep the plant looking fresh and green after their incredibly brief bloom period, these blossoms should be deadheaded. Mealybugs, scale, and spider mites should all be periodically checked for on jade plants because they are a common pest of jade plants.
Can succulents withstand some shade?
Most of us picture desert-adapted succulents that can withstand intense heat and burning sun when we think about succulents. While all succulents benefit from some light, some can tolerate some partial shade.
For the majority of kinds, growing succulents in the shade isn’t optimal, but a select few will actually thrive in low light conditions. The secret is to pick the perfect succulents for shade and to take good care of them.
Is it possible to grow a plant without sunlight?
Tropical plants called bromeliads can have striking flashes of color. They are a popular choice for houseplants because of their distinctive appearance and tropical atmosphere. Depending on the species, bromeliads look best on shelves, tabletops, or even the floor.
Instead of direct light, most bromeliad species prefer brilliant indirect sunshine. If the sun is not directly shining on the plant, it is receiving indirect light. An illustration of direct light would be if your plant were placed next to an open window with the sun shining directly on it, or if it were outside directly under the sun. A bromeliad’s leaves can become damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun. The ideal location is next to a window, but not exactly in front of one. If natural light is not available, bromeliads can also grow under fluorescent lights.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen plants are among the many indoor plants that don’t require sunshine and are simple to nurture. If you’re new to caring for houseplants, many people advise starting with this plant. Older Chinese evergreens have blossoms with a calla lily-like appearance that look best on the floor close to furniture and in the home’s empty spaces. A younger Chinese evergreen is small enough to decorate a desk, tabletop, or shelf. Chinese evergreen plants are both simple to care for and beneficial houseplants, as they were included on NASA’s list of air-filtering houseplants.
Depending on the hues of its leaves, the Chinese evergreen has particular solar requirements. Generally speaking, if your particular plant has darker leaves, it prefers low light. Pink and orange varieties, which have leaves with lighter colors, demand medium light. Chinese evergreens should not be planted in direct sunshine, like many other plants on this list, to prevent burnt foliage.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Due to its hardiness, the cast iron plant is also referred to as the iron plant. It can withstand a broad range of circumstances, making it a top choice for busy plant owners and people with bad green fingers. Its deep green leaves are ideal for accentuating any interior corners in need of a touch of nature.
Low-light plants known as cast irons can thrive practically anyplace in your house. Although they grow slowly, they are also quite difficult to kill. The sole requirement is to keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent scorching or browning of their leaves. Wipe off your cast iron plant’s leaves once a week with a moist cloth to keep the dust off if you want to give it some more attention. It may more readily absorb the sun’s energy and all of its nutrients when the leaves are clean.
Cacti may survive in the shade.
Can cacti thrive in the shade? While some cacti may survive in low light, most cacti require light to survive. A cactus should actually be kept indoors where it can receive at least 4 hours of light every day. Cacti require direct sunlight or very bright indirect light. The ideal indoor sites for cacti are typically on windowsills that face south or east.
Cacti need a lot of light because they are desert plants. However, each variety of cactus has different lighting requirements. It could be helpful to do some study on the particular type of cactus you have. We’ll make an effort to explain how much light your cactus needs in this article.
Do any succulents exist that don’t require a lot of light?
The thick, water-absorbing leaves of the donkey tail succulent are facing downward, giving it a droopy appearance. One of the greatest hanging succulent plants for dim surroundings is this one. It can endure chilly conditions down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The majority of this succulent’s types like moderate humidity to dry air, and this specific kind may grow in the majority of cacti and succulent soil potting mixtures. It can grow in zones 9 to 11. As this plant can get up to two to three feet long and its trailing stems can get pretty messy if they are accidently crushed, it is better to place it on an elevated area.
Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis Baccifera)
With its thin, lengthy, pod-shaped leaves, the mistletoe cactus plant looks like string beans. This succulent does not need a lot of artificial illumination to flourish. It flourishes on peat moss and sand for better aeration and enjoys acidic, well-drained soil. It thrives in zones 9 and 10.
This particular type enjoys temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels between 40 and 50 percent on average. It’s advised to just fertilize the plant once a month if you intend to do so because more frequent fertilizing could overwhelm the cactus and cause chemical burn among other problems.
Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
If you prefer succulents that don’t require a lot of light, here’s another fantastic alternative. Oval-shaped leaves are seen on strong, woody stems of jade plants. These tiny trees-like plants are beautiful indoor plants. Additionally, they have a very long lifespan and are adaptable to a variety of situations. It thrives in zones 10 and 11.
The ideal temperature range for jade plants is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and they should be given enough time to completely dry out in between waterings. Remember that these plants are highly prone to root rot and need soil that drains well to avoid other similar fungal problems. Low light circumstances are great for jade plants’ growth, and they are generally rather hardy.
Dwarf ox-tongue (Gasteria Bicolor Var.Liliputana)
This tiny plant has thick, dark-green leaves with high, white bumps on them. Although it grows quite slowly, once the offshoots start to grow, the plant may produce quite an appealing display. This little cactus can be grown in filtered or low light and only requires a four-inch container at first.
You don’t need sunlight from the sun. You only need to water the plant around two to four times per month, and it’s better to let it dry out between waterings. This plant is ideal for workplaces or bedrooms and thrives in well-drained soil with sand or rocks. It can grow in zones 9 to 11.
Panda Plant (Kalanchoe Tomentosa)
This lovely succulent has velvet-like leaves that are usually blue-gray with dark reddish-brown patterns on the tips. These plants are excellent for homes with few windows since they, surprisingly, grow longer in low-light conditions. It thrives in zones 11 and 12.
These plants enjoy cactus and succulent potting soil, although they can survive even if the soil dries up for a few weeks. A temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and an average relative humidity of between 40 and 50 percent are the ideal temperature conditions.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ succulent grows one to three feet tall inside and has flat, waxy oval leaves. It thrives in zones 9 and 10. This delicate and hardy plant prefers a rich, porous, well-draining, and dry soil. Temperatures of 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit are normal for desert regions where it flourishes.
Although they can live in natural sunshine, this succulent can grow well in filtered or dim light. However, it should never be in direct sunlight. They are ideal for large corners or entranceways and don’t need much upkeep other than a thorough watering every one to two weeks.