Are Succulents good for outdoors?

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Succulent Outdoor Plants
Sedum and sempervivum are easy to grow and adaptable to bright, sunny locations or even slightly dappled areas. Whatever types of plants you choose, succulents need well-drained soil. They can thrive in cracks and crevasses, rockeries and sandy or gritty soils.



Also asked, what succulents grow well outdoors?

Crassula arborescens undulatifolia and Aeonium zwartkop are two others I've found to need more water.

  • Portulacaria afra.
  • Aloe brevifolia.
  • Echeveria 'Lola' planted in Bonsai Jack Succulent Soil.

Beside above, how do you take care of succulents outside? Firm soil mix carefully as you plant, firming it as you go, and cover the area with coarse sand or gravel. Allow them to settle in for a day or two before watering, and fertilize lightly in the spring with a low-nitrogen garden fertilizer.

Just so, can I put my succulents outside?

If you opt for tender succulents (those that will not tolerate long periods of frost), you can plant them any time indoors and move them outdoors once the low temperatures are consistently above 40 degrees.

Can succulents live outside in summer?

Taking indoor succulents outside for the summer. You may have noticed that succulents growing outdoors often seem to be healthier and prettier than those grown indoors. The two biggest reasons for this are more sunlight (which prevents stretching) and better airflow (allowing the roots to dry out more quickly).

37 Related Question Answers Found

Do succulents get bigger?

Plants grown out of leaves, baby plants or cuttings tend to grow slower than already established plants. Some succulents also have a tendency to grow large, no matter where they are placed.

How large do succulents grow?

Some succulents can remain small for years while some species can grow taller than 50 feet. The largest succulent in the world, Adansonia digitata or the Baobab tree is so big that it can provide shelter, water, and food. Sometimes main stem of this tree can go up to up to 92 feet in girth.

How long do succulents live?

By understanding the basic core needs of succulent plants, you can expect to have them with you for many years. The lifespan will depend on the type of succulent you have. Some greenhouse succulents can live for decades, while others may enjoy a 6 or 8 year lifespan with proper care.

How do you start a succulent outdoors?

If you want your succulents to grow outside, you can plant them directly in the ground, in planters, or in a combination of both. When planting your succulents in the ground, ensure that you provide them with six to eight inches of succulent specific soil.

How do I prepare my soil for succulents?


Create a fast-draining, succulent-friendly soil by combining equal parts sharp builder's sand; a larger, coarse material, such as gravel or pumice, and either the existing garden soil or potting mix. Pour the materials into your garden space and mix with the shovel. Smooth out the surface, but don't pat down.

How often should I water my outdoor succulents?

They pull water out of the soil at a remarkable rate as they make new stems, leaves, roots and blooms. You may water them three times a week, depending on conditions like light and temperature. In the winter, succulents go dormant. Growing stops, so you'll only need to water them once or twice for the entire season.

How much sun do succulents need outside?

Most succulents need at least 3 hours of direct sun every day, either outdoors or in a window. Placing succulents in a position to receive sunlight in the morning is ideal, as afternoon sun is harsher and more likely to damage plants.

Can you plant succulents in just rocks?

Most succulents thrive in dry conditions because too much moisture can cause the plants to rot. You can grow them indoors in a dish filled with gravel, which provides adequate moisture drainage, although some soil is still necessary to provide nutrients and a medium for the succulent roots.

Can you leave succulents outside in the rain?

When rain is forecast, move your container-grown patio plants where rain can soak them. Succulents do best in regions where annual rainfall is less than 25 inches. Excessive amounts can cause roots to rot, especially if soil stays soggy.

Should I leave my succulents out in the rain?


A little rain won't harm healthy succulents and cacti. In fact, even a lot of rain can be beneficial to your garden. As a general rule, succulents prefer infrequent but deep water. A heavy rain might be just what your plants need to look perky and vibrant after a dry or hot spell.

Why are my succulents falling apart?

Giving succulents too much water too often will swell their leaves and, if they do not get a chance to dry out, cause them to drop off the plant. Wait until soil is almost completely dry and the leaves look a little limp before watering, then water thoroughly, until you see trickles coming out of the bottom of the pot.

Do succulents survive winter outdoors?

There are plenty of succulents that can survive outdoors through winter, even in very cold climates. These Hardy Succulents do well in cold, snowy winters. Then Indoor Succulents are for you! Top picks include Haworthia, Jade (Crassula), Gasteria, and Air Plants (Tillandsia) as they tolerate low-light conditions well.

Can I put my aloe plant outside?

As a rule, you cannot grow the Aloe vera plant outside of its recommended zones except in a container in summer, then move the plant indoors to a sunny location for the winter. Try growing aloe outdoors in a container that will also allow you to bring them indoors if a freeze threatens.

How cold is too cold for succulents?

In winter, keep cacti and succulents above freezing. Some plants prefer a nighttime temperature of 35-40ºF (some cacti and other succulents can endure temperatures well below freezing if kept absolutely dry.) More tropical succulents like adeniums, euphorbias, lithops, and stapeliads prefer a minimum of 50-60 degrees.

How do I protect my succulents in the winter?


Bring the succulents inside
When your succulents live indoors, stop watering them and let the soil dry out. During the winter time, water them sparingly, just enough to keep them from dehydration. Also make sure the temperature is always between 50 – 60 Fahrenheit degrees.

How long can succulents go without water?

Usually, small homegrown succulents can be watered once or twice a week (every 3 days). They can withstand dry condition upto 2 weeks without any apparent sign of stress. Between 2–4 weeks without watering, the plant might begin to shed unnecessary overgrowth like excess branches leaves, or thorns.

Do plants like to be touched?

A new study out of the La Trobe Institute for Agriculture and Food has found that most plants are extremely sensitive to touch, and even a light touch can significantly stunt their growth, reports Phys.org.