Succulents are amazing plants with beautiful, thick leaves and unique shapes.
Those chubby plants can win anybody’s heart and if you give them a chance, will definitely make you happy.
People who get even one succulent plant typically get addicted to it and soon, this single chubby greenery turns into a whole collection.
If you want to design your balcony or your garden with beautiful succulents, then it is natural to wonder- can succulents grow outside? In this article below, we will discuss if succulents can be grown outside and how to care for them.
Can Succulents Grow Outside In Full Sun?
Considering enhancing your landscape with an eye-catching variety of succulents? Not only is the concept intriguing, but it is also quite simple to implement.
Growing succulents outdoors is not a tough idea and is absolutely possible.
Even if you are a novice or have a gray thumb, they can survive as long as you provide proper care and give them some attention.
However, cultivating succulents outside can occasionally be challenging. Temperature, moisture, and the quantity of sunshine are three important environmental parameters that we must take into account.
A lot relies on environmental circumstances as well as the plant type when it comes to cultivating succulents outside.
But if you’re a beginner, you should start with types that are simple to cultivate.
Your best option is a low-maintenance succulent like Sempervivum or Sedum that can thrive in even shaded locations.
So, now let’s look at what is needed for the successful growth of succulents outside.
| Michigan | Hardy Sedum, Sempervivum, Hardy Opuntia, and Jovibarba. |
| New York | Agave, Sedum (Stonecrop), Jovibarba |
| Pennsylvania | Aloe Vera, Hens & Chicks, Jade Plant, Burro’s Tail, Crown of Thorns |
Temperature
Although succulents often thrive in most environments, you must select one that can grow and flourish precisely in your location and temperature range.
To grow succulents outside, you must, however, reside in a hardiness zone that ranges from 3 to 9.
Many hardy succulents, such as the Cholla, Golden barrel cactus, and Graptopetalum can withstand brief periods of cold weather.
It may surprise you to learn that several species, including those of Yucca, Opuntia, Agave, Sempervivum, and Delosperma, may thrive outside in hardiness zones 4 or 5, where temperatures can drop as low as -30 Fahrenheit.
It is preferable to bring your plant indoors or provide some cover when the temperature drops since harsh weather still has a detrimental influence on your succulents.
As long as there is some shelter from severe weather and dramatic temperature drops, hardy succulent types can overwinter outdoors in both the container and on the ground too.
Succulent types that are more delicate are less resilient in chilly growing regions. So, as already mentioned above, it is always recommended to bring them indoors.
Light Requirements
While the majority of succulents need a lot of sunshine to develop well, some may prefer partial sunlight.
While it’s advised to give your succulent six hours of sunshine daily, giving them too much direct light can bring serious harm to its juicy foliage.
Compared to green species, succulent plants with colorful leaves have a higher possibility to bask in direct sunlight.
Sempervivum or agave are examples of large succulents that can tolerate full light well.
Succulents will stretch towards the light source when it is insufficient. This can result in spindly, pale, and imbalanced plants.
They may be placed indoors under grow lights to help with development during the harsh winter months.
Soil Needs
Succulents will grow healthier if they are planted in soil that has the right nutrients. Succulents demand well-draining soil and have short root systems.
For optimal results, it is recommended to put succulents in the loose, and airy soil that is full of nutrients.
If you plan to have them planted in the containers, it is essential to use a specific potting mix. There are many different variations of the soil mixes available on the market.
The perfect choice will be cacti and succulent potting mix. Also, do not forget to choose the pot that has drainage holes in the bottom.
Succulent plants might die off if their soil is too alkaline. Therefore, make sure that the soil is acidic and has a pH range of 6 to 6.5.
If you plan to have succulents in the ground, then here is what you can do. Test the soil to determine its condition: Fill a hole with water that is at least one foot deep.
The soil is adequately draining if the water disappears in less than 30 minutes. If not, add 3 inches of sand or another grit to the mixture to improve texture and drainage.
Perlite, Compost, and Sand are effective ingredients for enhancing drainage in heavy, compacted soil.
Watering And Hydration
Succulents are considered to be drought-resistant. However, they need enough water to thrive healthily, especially throughout their growing season. Overwatering is a serious threat to those plants and is often the reason for their death.
As a result, many growers prefer to only hydrate the succulents that are outdoors once a week.
The watering schedule is even more frequent in zones 9-12. Additionally, the watering frequency is decreased throughout the winter to assist succulents to withstand the cold and avoid having their roots rot.
Succulents outside may need additional protection, such as a cover to keep the rain off of them or relocation indoors. Once more, always make sure the soil is at least two inches dry before providing your succulents with any water.
Feeding Succulents Outdoors
Succulents don’t often require fertilizer. However, fertilizer wouldn’t hurt if you wanted to add a bit of lushness or urge it to blossom.
The three most popular types of food for succulents are balanced fertilizers, diluted fish elusion, and manure tea. For your succulent, you may use less of the all-purpose water-soluble 8-8-8 fertilizer.
Give your plant a monthly fertilizer application to maintain it healthy and plump. Do not give it any food in the winter.
It is important to note that not everyone prefers to give their green, chubby plants fertilizers. This is because their succulents don’t require it, and they still grow.
You do not need to give fertilizer if your plant seems just fine without it. If you notice that your plant’s development has slowed, monthly fertilizer applications will encourage faster growth.
What Is The Easiest Succulent To Grow Outside?
Sedums
Sedums are low-maintenance succulent plants that can be grown outdoors. They are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures. In winter, those little succulents go dormant.
One important thing about sedums is that they can reproduce and grow very fast.
Hens And Chicks
“Hens and Chicks” can endure some of the harshest winters since they are cold-resistant. They do not get afraid easily and thrive all year long.
Echeverias
Echeveria is simple to maintain outside and does particularly well in pots or cozy garden beds.
Those beauties can be pretty tough, however, can not do well in wet soil and low temperature.
Agave
Agave may be cultivated outside all year long, but if a cold snap is expected, it has to be protected from frost. Agave plants do well in both full sun and little shade.
Graptopetalum
Graptopetalum does best in direct sunlight with some light shade. They generate florets of hefty leaves and have a high tolerance for drought. These show-stoppers require soil that drains well.
Bottom Line
Succulent plants come in many different species and varieties. It can match any garden style and any environment.
Therefore, you can always incorporate them in your garden, patio, and balcony design.
Above in this article, we talked about the species that do especially well outdoors and also, explored some tips on how to keep your chubby plants happy.
Peride Beradze
Peride is an avid planter, Tour Manager and freelance writer. She is a plant collector who mainly focuses on succulents. She loves studying cultures, traveling and learning new languages.