Do Succulents Need Sunlight?

do succulents need sun

While succulents require a certain amount of light, they don’t necessarily require direct sunlight. If you grow them in terra cotta pots, indirect sunlight is better for them. If you have a small balcony or do not have an outdoor space, artificial lights are a good way to improve their lighting conditions. Artificial lights can supplement natural sunlight and even be used as the sole source of light for your plants. Depending on the type of plant, they can be used alone or in combination with other types of artificial lights.

Indirect sunlight is better for succulents

Succulents do well in indirect sunlight. They prefer to receive light at different times of the day but need six hours of sunlight a day. Plants that need this much light need to be placed close to a window or glass door that receives indirect sunlight. For the most successful growth, you should place your succulents near a window that receives indirect sunlight throughout the day. Direct sunlight will burn your succulents, so you need to find indirect sunlight where you can place your plants.

Direct sunlight hits the plant without filtering the light. While some succulent species can tolerate direct sunlight, too much sunlight will cause them to burn. If you notice brown spots on the leaves, this means they’ve been exposed to too much sunlight and need to be moved to a location with lower direct sunlight. However, if you’d prefer to keep them outdoors all year round, you can always plant them under a gazebo or tree to avoid too much direct sunlight.

Colored varieties are more susceptible to direct sunlight

Succulents are sun-loving plants that benefit from a lot of exposure. However, they still need protection from intense heat and direct sunlight. Excessive sun exposure can cause permanent scarring and plant deaths. The best way to avoid sun damage is to condition your plants gradually by placing them in partial shade, then moving them to full-sun locations over time. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent root rot.

In order to grow in a pot, you should place colored succulents outdoors in the sun. They need about four to six hours of direct sunlight a day. This is more than sufficient for most types of succulents. The only downside to colored succulents is their vulnerability to direct sunlight. If you have a sunny area in your yard, you can leave them in the sun all day long.

Plant them in terra cotta pots

You can plant succulents in plastic pots or terra cotta pots, but terracotta has a certain charm. They are more expensive than plastic pots, and they tend to dry out faster. However, you should always remember to give them adequate air circulation by watering them properly. It is also important to water the plants regularly, as terracotta has more open spaces than plastic.

When planting succulents in a terra cotta pot, choose a suitable size for the succulent root ball. If you are planting rosette succulents, select a pot with a diameter of about 3.5 to 4 inches. You can use any size of the pot if you prefer, but if you’re growing larger succulents, choose a smaller one. You may want to try to paint it if you’d like to add more design to the pot.

Rotate them regularly to avoid sunburn

For optimum growth of succulents, they should be moved to a brighter environment on a regular basis. Even if they are grown indoors, they need the proper water, air, and light conditions to flourish. In winter, indoor spaces get less sunlight, so it is vital to move your succulents to a sunny window. Rotate them regularly to avoid sunburn and stretching. Use grow lights to supplement the light in rooms with low light levels.

During the summer, succulents thrive best in direct sunlight and need a protected area in the fall. However, intense sunlight is potentially damaging to your plants, so you should make sure they receive a sufficient amount of indirect light during the cooler months of the year. Without adequate protection, your succulents could literally fry. To avoid sunburn, move your succulents to a new location gradually. Initially, it is best to keep your plants in partial shade until they acclimate to the new environment.

Protecting them from sunburn

The most obvious sign of succulent sunburn is a plant that is severely scorched. This condition is marked by mottled and brown leaves, a deformed appearance, and a distinct lack of water. Often, the entire rosette appears brown and crispy. It is best to move the plant into the shade until the leaves recover. However, if you leave it out in the sun, the damage will become more severe and the plant may die.

To protect succulents from sunburn, place them in a shady spot when possible. If they can’t be moved, place them under an awning or shade cloth. In case they are already sun-damaged, move them to a shady spot or orient them in a different way. To prevent burns from occurring again, water succulents regularly. If you find that your succulent is not responding well to proper watering, make sure to place them in a cool, shady spot until they heal.