Do Succulent Plants Need Full Sunlight?

Indoor Sunlight

• Indoor-grown succulents require several hours of bright light every day and benefit from a bright window, such as a window with a western or southern exposure. While natural light is best, low light levels can be supplemented by placing the succulent under a fluorescent light. Allow only 6 to 10 inches of space between the light and the top of the plant, then leave the light on for 14 to 16 hours every day.

Outdoor Sunlight

• Outdoor succulents need sunlight for a minimum of six to eight hours every day. However, move your plants into full sunlight gradually if your succulents are indoor-outdoor plants that spend winters indoors because the plants may sunburn if placed in direct light too quickly. Begin by placing the plant in low light or partial shade, then move the plant gradually into bright light.

Soil

• Well-drained soil is critical for succulents, whether the plants are grown inside or outside. Indoor plants need a well-drained potting mix such as a commercial mix formulated for cactus and succulents. A regular commercial potting soil is suitable, but a handful of sand or perlite improves drainage. A thin layer of gravel on top of the potting soil enhances drainage and keeps the leaves dry. Outdoors, succulents require well-drained soil to avoid fungal disease and root rot. Many succulents thrive in poor, arid, gravelly soil.

Watering Indoor Succulents

• Watering indoor-grown succulents is very different from watering most indoor plants. Don't water succulents on a set schedule. Instead, check your succulents regularly and watch the plant for signs that it needs water, including slight droopiness or wilting, or leaves that appear slightly shrunken. Water sparingly so the soil is barely moist. Most succulents require very little or no water during the winter months when light is low and days are short.

Watering Outdoor Succulents

• Newly planted outdoor succulents such as sedum or aloe benefit from slightly moist soil. Once the plant is established, very little water is required. Look for signs of wilt, then water sparingly. Always let the soil dry between each watering and never overwater because soggy soil often causes root rot.