Full Sunlight Succulents That Thrive Even on Direct Sunlight

There are different kinds of succulents. There are premium rare succulents that require unique conditions to grow. Some flowering succulents can bloom at night. While some thrive under the shade, under grow their best when exposed to full sunlight. Some varieties usually develop under the sun’s scorching heat but expose their full, rich, and authentic color in frigid climates. No matter how many succulent types are there, one of the essential considerations for growers is to pick the right succulent that will thrive in the area they intend to grow them.  

Allowing your succulents to grow in the best and most appropriate environment keeps them from etiolating or suffer from stunted growth. And since they grow into their best form, you can also enjoy more of its benefits. You see, they offer more than aesthetics to your home. They can clean the air while also adding a hint of nature into any living space. 

One of the many varieties of these well-loved succulent plants is those that enjoy full sunlight. Hanging succulents love lots of sunlight. As the term suggests, they prefer to be exposed to full sunlight. However, they still need air, enough water, and soil with adequate drainage capacity to grow their best.

What Are Full Sunlight Succulents

These are succulents that can tolerate exposure to full sunlight. Most of the succulents that fall under this category are heat and drought-resistant. Because of the stored water in their bodies, they can live longer, even in harsh environmental conditions. The good thing about these plants is even if they’re exposed to direct heat unprotected, they don’t get damaged. 

Benefits of Full Sunlight Succulents

Less Maintenance

One of the best benefits of growing succulents that can thrive under full sunlight is less maintenance. The fact that they remain unscathed even in extreme heat proves their resilient nature. Meaning, even if you don’t water them as often as you should, they’ll stay in bloom. This is ideal for people who live in regions with long hot and dry seasons. 

Less Care and Minimum Nurturing

Since these plants are resilient, they also require less care and nurturing from its owner. Even if you’re busy, you can still keep your garden or living space well-decorated because the plant you used to upgrade remains in its best form despite minimal attention and nurturing.

Purify the Air

In general, succulents are also known for their capacity to breathe in toxic particles in the air and breathe out oxygen. This feature made them ideal for enclosed indoor spaces. 

Add More Value to Your Home

Aside from these, succulents are also known to add more value to any indoor or outdoor space. For example, stressing your succulents to make them change colors is a practice to force the plant’s rich colors; hence, allowing you to have vibrant colored succulents beautifying your space. You can also try the world’s best rose succulents to add a more feminine touch to your living room. All these make succulents great additions to any home. 

How Do Full Sun Succulents Work

Full sunlight succulents are different from other succulent types because they are more resilient to sunlight. A vast majority of succulent varieties are sun-loving plants, but not all of them can remain in their best form with exposed to full sunlight for a long time. Some like sunlight but prefer to be under a bit of shade. Some grow best in frigid climates. The nature of full sunlight succulents is what separates them from other succulent varieties. 

Pros and Cons of Full Sunlight Succulents

Pros

Resilient

As mentioned above, one of the many advantages of growing full sunlight succulents is the fact that it’s resilient. Some plants are very sensitive and challenging to grow. If you couldn’t provide one of the conditions to its survival, they’ll suffer from stunted growth or die altogether. This is not the case with full sunlight succulents. They are the more resilient types that remain in tip-top shape even if exposed to the sun for more extended periods. You can leave them unattended and still expect to see them thrive. Why? Because that’s their nature. Even if you’re busy, your plants will stay in full bloom. 

You Can Place Them Everywhere

Another advantage of owning and planting full sunlight succulents is you don’t have to be too picky with where you should place them. You can leave them in your garden unprotective, next to your window, or under the skyline, and they’ll be soon at their best. Even if you don’t water them enough, they won’t suffer any form of damage. Because of its laid-back nature, this plant is best for people who are new to succulents and gardening. 

Cons

They Can’t Survive in Dark Places

When it comes to disadvantages, what comes to mind is the fact that if you live in frigid areas, or if you intend to take these succulents indoor and leave them in rooms devoid of sunlight, they might suffer damages like etiolation or stunted growth. You won’t see them achieve their full growth potential in that case. 

Types of Full Sunlight Succulents

Agave

This full sunlight succulent variety is also known as Agave Americana. Like other succulents, this has fleshy stems and leaves. It’s one of the crowd’s favorites because of its gorgeous-looking rosette-like, huge leaves and tiny spines on its edges. This plant grows bell-shaped white or yellow flowers that grow through a flower stalk from its stem’s center when in full bloom. 

Aloe Vera

This plant is one of the most favorite succulents to grow by homemakers because they grow and flourish under low light. They also need no care at all. You can leave them and expect to see them grow their best. When in full bloom, they have tall, chunky, and sword-like green leaves that store water. Once you cut their leaves, they can completely heal themselves by thoroughly drying out the cut surface. Since its leaves have lots of stored water, you don’t need to water them very often. 

Euphorbia Tiruacalli

This succulent is also known as the pencil tree plant and Firestick. It’s famous for looking like sea corals. It has pencil-thin stems that spread vertically all over. In winter, this plant turns orange-red. In summer, they turn golden yellow. Their leaves are tiny and fragile, which explains why they fall off very soon. They grow best when put under full sun and planted in soil with good-draining capacity. 

Aeoniums

They are more well-known as tree houseleek. They grow into tree-like structures completed with spoon-shaped leaves that form rosettes on the plant branches. When in full bloom, this plant grows yellow flowers that grow in clusters on its leaves. After the flower appears, the rosette dies. 

Senecio Mandraliscae

This full sunlight succulent variety is also known as blue chalk sticks. They also look like sea corals with their pencil-thin leaves that spread vertically. Its leaves are shaped like lotus flowers. 

Sedum (Stonecrops)

These are summer-loving succulents that thrive even with less water. In hot weather, they bloom and show their vibrant-colored white and pink flowers. There are many varieties of sedum — some are short, while others are tall. They also have leaves that are fleshy and thick, just like other succulents. When they are in their growing stage, this plant should be watered regularly. 

Sempervivum

This plant is also known as Hens and Chicks, and they are pretty-looking plants with rosette-forming leaves that have pointed tips. Like other succulent plants, they also have fleshy and thick green leaves. In summer, these plants need to be watered more often. In winter, you can rest easy as they don’t need that much water. They belong to the low-growing plants that can only grow as high as 3 to 4 inches. When in full bloom, they also grow blue, red, or white flowers.

Opuntia 

This full sunlight succulent variety is better known as Prickly Pear Cactus. They grow well in regions with full sunlight. They usually have very sharp spikes that grow on the plant’s colorful fruit. Though they don’t have leaves, they have nopales or green pads wherein the fruit grows. Their fruits are edible and usually have vibrant colors. This plant is high in antioxidants and rich in fiber, explaining why people eat its fruit and mix it in their juices, salads, and other dishes. 

Sedum Copperstone

This type of full sunlight succulent has golden-yellow leaves that are usually very fleshy and thick. It also has a brown stem that can help make the succulent go as high as 6 to 8 inches. When in full bloom, it has tiny star-shaped white flowers that have a delightful smell. This plant typically blooms during the midsummer and continues to thrive until mid-autumn. Though they can grow in cold regions, they achieve their perfect shade when grown under full sunlight. 

Night Blooming Cereus

This is the collective name for four plants that bloom at nighttime. Though short-lived, they grow gracefully. These plants include Selenicereus grandiflorus, Peniocereus greggii, Epiphyllum oxypetalum, and Hylocereus undatus. These are all dessert cacti, which means that they like full sunlight and warm weather.

Pachyphytum

If you’re looking for extremely slow-growing succulents, go for pachyphytum. It has orange bean-shaped leaves that form into a fleshy and thick rosette. In spring, you’ll get to see this plant’s white flower. They need more water when they’re still growing. However, you need to water them sparingly in winter. 

Moroccan Mound

This tubular-shaped succulent has pointed spines at its edges. When in full bloom, they grow tiny yellow flower form clusters invisible to the naked eye. They can grow as high as 1 to 2 feet and are usually heat and drought-resistant. 

Candelilla

This is another succulent variety that grows best under direct sunlight. Candelilla is a desert plant, which explains why it performs best in hot environments. It has tiny leaves that one can rarely see. It has green stems filled with wax. When in full bloom, you can see white and red flowers grow from its stem. 

Ocotillo

This is another desert-grown plant that can tolerate heat. As such, it thrives in full sunlight. They have tiny leaves that fall off easily. Its stem can grow up to 20 to 25 feet, with red flowers. 

Echeveria Macdougallii

This upstanding plant has a wood-like stem where pale green rosette-forming leaves with pretty purple edges grow. They grow more vibrant in winter, but they can also tolerate heat. They have thick and fleshy leaves, and they can rise as high as 11 to 12 inches. 

How to Grow Full Sunlight Succulents 

Step 1 – Remember to water them 

By now, you already know that these plants store more water and moisture on their thick and fleshy leaves. However, when you plant or expose them to full sunlight, you need to water them more often since they absorb the heat and dry faster. You’ll know when it’s time to water them if you touch the soil and feel it’s a bit dry. 

Step 2 – Only use well-drained soil

Though some succulents can tolerate bad soil, most of them will rot if you use a water-absorbing mix. So, to keep your succulent and its roots happy and healthy, make sure to use the right potting mix — one with excellent water-draining capacity. In case of doubt, use a cactus mix. You can also create your own potting mix since most DIY succulent soil has excellent drainage. 

Step 3 – Rotate them when exposed to full sunlight

Though these succulents thrive and survive in full sun, some can die if they take too much heat. To keep them flourishing under full sun, rotate the pot often so that all sides of the plant get equal sunlight. Through this, you can be sure that it’s not absorbing excessive heat. 

 

How to Take Care of Full Sunlight Succulents 

Step 1 – Repot as soon as you bring them home

It’s good practice that you repot your newly-bought succulents as soon as you bring them home. These plants are usually grown in nursery bags or pots that are too small for their roots. Keeping them in these containers can stunt the roots, depriving your plant of its full growth potential. 

Step 2 – Understand the watering frequency

Some varieties need to be watered more frequently than others. However, you should take note that these plants are sensitive to overwatering. When you water them more than required, the roots will rot, or molds will pester on your plant. To keep this from happening, know when you should precisely water your chosen succulent variety. 

Step 3 – Repot them once every 12 to 18 months

Repotting allows you to check your plant’s root system. As times pass by, your succulent will also grow more prominent. And as they grow in size, you can expect their roots also to crawl wider. When this happens, you have to ensure that the pot or container you’re using can keep up with such growth. Otherwise, your plant will suffer from stunted growth. 

 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

This saying doesn’t hold water when it comes to growing succulents. Making succulents thrive and develop to their full potential requires knowledge of its variety and caring requirements, not money. Even the rarest and most expensive varieties can even be propagated in your garden if you know how. 

Do’s and Don’ts With Full Sunlight Succulents 

Do’s

• Do remember to follow the standard watering technique. 
• Do try the artificial version of succulent when you can’t meet the requirements to grow the live version. 
• Do appreciate the aesthetic value of black succulents and the versatility of minimal-light succulents. 
• Do understand that pink succulents need plenty of bright light.
• Do take note of trimming the top of your tall succulent. 

Don’t’s

• Don’t overwater your succulents.
• Don’t plant succulents without knowing and understanding the peculiarities of their variety. 
• Don’t fail to repot when newly-bought and after 12 to 18 months after first repotting.
• Don’t use regular soil. 
• Don’t fail to consider the size of the roots and plant when choosing pots and containers. 

FAQ About Full Sunlight Succulents

Can succulent get too much sun?

Yes, even if they belong to the full sunlight varieties, they can still get too much sun. This is precisely why you need to rotate its pots to disperse the heat. Though these succulents thrive and survive in full sun, some can die if they take too much heat. To keep them flourishing under full sun, rotate the pot often so that all sides of the plant get equal sunlight. Through this, you can be sure that it’s not absorbing excessive heat. 

Do succulents like direct or indirect sunlight?

It depends on the variety of the succulent. Some prefer direct sunlight, while others love to hide under the shade that serves as a filter of the sun’s direct rays. 

Is sunlight through a window direct sunlight?

According to experts, sunlight passing through a window is not similar to direct sunlight. As the rays pass through the window, it is reflected and diffused, thereby lessening its intensity when it hits the surface. 

Do all succulents like the full sun?

It depends on the variety of the succulent. Some prefer direct sunlight, while others love to hide under the shade that serves as a filter of the sun’s direct rays.

Which direction gets less sun?

It depends on which part of the globe you are located. If you live somewhere in the northern hemisphere, the north side gets lesser sun. If you live on a hill or in areas with hills facing east or west, you will also experience less sunlight. 

What direction window is best for succulents?

Most succulents, regardless of variety, like to have at least 6 hours of exposure to the sun per day. It’s best to place them near an east or south-facing window as these areas get the most sunlight. 

Do succulents prefer morning or afternoon sun?

Succulents prefer the morning sun since it’s not very hot. Though these plants crave sunlight, they can die if they are exposed to extreme heat. So, to give them what they need without sacrificing their survival, expose them to the morning sun. 

Conclusion

Growing succulents is fun and easy. However, as you grow them, you also need to make sure that what you’re giving them is precisely what they need. To do this, you need to be a responsible succulent parent. Learn the plant, understand their needs, and know the best practices in growing them. They may be drought and neglect-resistant, but it won’t hurt if you give them a little tender loving care. 

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