Succulents have become incredibly popular for their ethereal beauty, striking forms, and eye-catching colors. These resilient plants can endure conditions that other plants cannot, but they do have one peculiar need: the perfect balance of shade and sunlight to thrive. So, if you’ve recently acquired a succulent or are considering bringing one into your home, it’s important to understand how to care for them and ensure they receive enough light. In this article, we’ll explore the light requirements for succulents and provide some tips on how to keep them happy and thriving.
Can Succulents Live Inside Without Sunlight?
While succulents love sun exposure and typically need 4-6 hours of daily indirect sunlight to thrive, there are situations where they may need to be kept in the dark. For example, when sending succulents in the mail, decorating a house or office for special events, storing wedding favors, or protecting them from lousy weather. However, in general, succulents cannot survive in the long term without bright indirect light. While they can survive for a short time without direct sunlight, how long they live will depend on the species. Most succulents can last for 10-14 days in a place with little or no light, while shade-tolerant succulents may live longer. To help your indoor succulents last longer without sunlight, consider the following tips:
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The Best Ways to Make Succulents Last Longer Without Light
- Avoid keeping succulents in the dark for more than ten days to prevent overstressing them.
- Keep succulents dry, as it is not advisable to water them in the dark. This includes misting, which is ineffective even under normal conditions.
- Ensure that the potting soil is not wet or soggy, as this can lead to fungus diseases and rot, which can be accelerated by the lack of light.
- If succulents are kept in low or no light, create some space between them to reduce moisture in the air around the plants.
- Invest in plant-growing lights if you need to keep succulents in low or no light for more than 14 days. Cool daylight LED lights with 1000-2000 lumens are ideal for this purpose.
How Much Sunlight Do Succulents Need?
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Succulent plants have varying light requirements based on their native habitats. Some succulent varieties grow in low-lying areas shaded by taller plants or crevices shielded from direct sunlight. These low light succulents can tolerate and grow well in low light conditions. Examples include Aloe, Beaucarnea, Gasteria, Haworthia, Epiphyllum, Rhipsalis, Sansevieria, Schlumbergera, and Snake Plants. On the other hand, there are succulents that love full sun and thrive under direct sunlight. Examples of sun-loving succulents include Agave Plants, Aloe Carmine, Blue Chalksticks, Cactuses, Copper Pinwheel, Coppertone Stonecrop, Fred Ives, Golden Barrel Cactus, Crinkle Leaf Plant, Lipstick Echeveria, Paddle Plant, Pink Ice Plant, Prickly Pear Cactus, Silver Dollar Jade, Sticks on Fire, and Tree Anemone. However, even succulents that thrive outdoors can suffer from sunburn if exposed to too much sun. Soft succulents, in particular, can wither and die quickly if left in extreme heat, developing brown spots on their leaves.
What Happens If Succulents Don’t Get Sun?
Succulents that don’t receive enough sunlight undergo noticeable changes in appearance. Some of the signs include elongated stems and sparse leaves, flattening of rosettes, fading of color, and arching of lower leaves. Etiolation is one of the most obvious signs, where succulents appear disproportionately taller than their original compact form, with more space between leaves on the stem. These changes in appearance are an indication that your succulents need more sunlight. Placing them in a location where they receive enough light can help restore their vibrant colors and healthy growth.
Do Succulents Need Sun and Water?
While succulents require very little water, overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to dry up and fall off. Adequate sunlight is necessary for water absorption and photosynthesis in succulents. It is crucial to find the right balance between sunlight and water to ensure your succulents remain healthy. Monitoring the leaves of your succulents can provide clues about whether they are receiving too much or too little water.
Do Succulents Need Sun in Winter?
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Succulents have different temperature needs, and most will not tolerate prolonged freezing temperatures. Soft succulents, such as Aloe, need to be kept indoors or in an area where the temperature does not drop below freezing. Hardy succulents, on the other hand, can handle frost and freezing temperatures. To protect your succulents during winter, consider removing dead leaves, moving them to warmer areas, ensuring efficient drainage, surrounding their roots with gravel, and using horticultural fleece for outdoor protection.
In conclusion, succulents do need sun to thrive, but it’s crucial to provide them with the right amount of light and ensure they are not exposed to too much or too little sunlight. By understanding their light requirements and monitoring their appearance, you can create the ideal conditions for your succulents to flourish. Remember to strike a balance between sunlight and water to keep your succulents healthy and vibrant year-round.
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Category: Succulent
