How Much Light Do Succulents Need? All Questions Answered

Succulents are popular plants that are easy to care for and come in many distinctive shapes and colors, thanks to their diverse habitats. Different species can adapt to various light levels. While some succulents love bright sunlight, others thrive in lower light conditions. So, if you’re wondering how much light succulents need, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ll explain how much and what kind of light they should get each day, where to place them, and how to tell if they’re happy or sad. Keep reading for helpful tips to keep your succulents healthy and strong!

About Succulents

Succulents are incredibly diverse plants of different species, which are drought-resistant and hardy. Many originate from the harsh, desert-like regions of the world, including Africa, Central America, South America, parts of Asia, and some areas of Europe. Their vibrant hues and unique shapes make them look like living artworks, adding a beautiful and natural aesthetic to any home or office space. 

There are over 10,000 varieties of succulents of stunning shapes, different sizes, growth habits, and colors, however, they all share some common traits. Their distinctively thick, fleshy leaves and stems store 90-95% of water to help them stay alive during droughts and hot weather. 

Many plant lovers choose to grow succulents at home, as they are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Echeveria, for example, is a gorgeous, pet-safe succulent, perfect for small spaces. But be careful, because some, like the Jade Plant, can be toxic to pets and should be kept out of their reach.

Succulent plants are easy to grow because they need infrequent watering only when the topsoil is dry. They also prefer warm temperatures ranging from 60°F to 90°F and can handle different humidity levels, depending on their variety. But how much sunlight do succulents need?

Keep reading to find out!

How Much Sun Do Succulents Need?

Succulents' light requirements depend on the type. Varieties like Echeveria and Sedum do best with about 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight every day. They thrive in sunny spots, near an East- or South-facing window, where they can soak up the light to stay healthy and colorful. If they don’t get enough sun, this can lead to leggy or stunted growth. 

Other succulents, such as the Hoya Heart, prefer softer, bright but indirect light because too much sun can burn their leaves. So, it’s important to know your succulents and ensure your plants receive the right type and amount of sunlight!  

What Kind of Light Do Succulents Need? 

Do succulents like full sun or shade? Many succulents can tolerate full sun and shade. Generally, you can’t go seriously wrong if you place yours in medium indirect light. While various cacti or flowering succulents, like Calandiva, need brighter light conditions to thrive, others, like Sansevieria, can flourish in dimly lit bedrooms and offices. Furthermore, seasonal changes affect succulents’ light needs when growing these low-water plants indoors. Most can tolerate full sun in winter since the light intensity is generally lower during cooler months. On the other hand, it’s advised to protect succulents from the scorching sun rays in the summer. 

Low-Light Succulents

Are there any succulents that don't need sunlight? All plants photosynthesize and need sunlight to thrive. But many varieties, including some succulents, can survive without or with very little sunlight, especially if you supplement their needs with artificial grow light. Some examples include Sansevieria, Gasteria, Mistletoe Cactus, and the ZZ Plant ( a semi-succulent), which are considered low-light succulents. 

What Succulents Need the Least Amount of Light?

Sansevieria Fernwood, Sansevieria Moonshine, or Sansevieria Futura Superba are some of the best succulents for low light. They need infrequent watering and can tolerate some neglect. Therefore, these snake plant varieties are ideal for novice gardeners and busy people who prefer plants that need minimal attention. 

What Happens If a Succulent Doesn't Get Enough Sunlight?

If a succulent that needs a few hours of bright light daily doesn't get enough sunlight, it will show the following symptoms:

• Elongation in the direction of sunlight

• Low leaf density 

• Flat, pale leaves

• Leggy stems

• Yellow leaves

• Weaker and less vibrant appearance

• Stunted growth

• Loss of variegation, if applicable

It’s fairly easy to fix your succulent if it's deprived of light. Introduce it gradually to bright light by moving it to a sunnier location for a few hours per day. This will allow it to adapt to the new light conditions without stressing it. Use a grow light if natural light is scarce. Make sure to rotate your succulent regularly for even sun distribution to the whole plant. 

Full Sun Succulents: Do Succulents Need Direct Sunlight?

Do succulents like direct light? In their natural habitat, many succulent varieties are usually exposed to direct light for only part of the day. Hence, most plants from this group do well in bright, indirect light. This prevents sun-related issues, such as fading and sunburn. It’s true, however, that blooming succulents require several hours of full sun daily to produce healthy flowers.

Which Succulents Tolerate Full Sun?

Kalanchoe, Echeveria, and Ponytail Palm (not a true palm tree) are some of the full-sun succulents that need a few hours of bright light daily. The Variegated Hoya Heart also appreciates a few hours of direct light to maintain its beautiful variegation. If grown outdoors in warmer climates, ensure they are in partial shade to prevent sunburn. Indoors, you’ll need to keep these full-sun succulents near a South or East-facing window for maximum sun exposure, where they can receive around 6+ hours of bright sunlight per day on average. 

Can Succulents Get Too Much Sun?

Yes, succulents can get too much sun. They love light, but too much direct sunlight can harm them in many ways. When succulents get too much sun, they show signs of stress. This happens if they sit in hot, bright sun for too long, especially during the hottest parts of the day during the summer. Look out for these signs to know if your succulents are sun-stressed:

• Yellowing or browning of the leaves 

• Crisp edges

• Curling and soft  leaves

• Pale or white patches on the leaves

• Premature shedding of leaves

To revive your sun-stressed succulents, move them to a shadier spot with dappled light, like under a tree or near a window with a curtain. Give them less direct sun; expose them to 2-4 hours of morning light instead of all day. Hydrate your plants properly, but don’t soak them to avoid root rot. If leaves are badly burned, trim them off to speed up healing. Monitor your succulents for a week to see how they respond to these changes and adjust the lighting according to their recovery results.

Do Succulents Need Sun? FAQs

Q: Do succulents need to be in a window?

A: Succulents don’t always need to be on a windowsill. You can place full-sun succulents near an East-facing window in the summer to give them enough bright light. A window with indirect sun for 4-6 hours is great for varieties that do well in lower light conditions. If there’s no window, grow light for succulents will also work.

Q: Can succulents survive in low light?

A: Yes, some succulents, such as Snake Plants and Haworthia, to name a few, can survive in low light. These tough plants don’t grow fast and can adapt easily to low-light environments. Still, place them near artificial light to encourage growth and help them thrive. 

Q: Can I put succulents outside in direct sunlight?

A: Yes, but be careful. While flowering potted plants, like Kalanchoe and Echeveria, enjoy about 6 hours of direct sun and are ideal for a sunroom decor, too much light outdoors can burn their leaves, turning them brown. Put them outside to receive the gentle morning sun, but place them in partial shade for the rest of the day. 

Q: Where is the best place to put succulents?

A: The best place to put your succulents is near a bright window with indirect light, like a South- or East-facing one. They need 4-6 hours of light daily. Avoid completely dark corners or super hot spots. If indoors, nothing beats a sunny shelf or desk. Outside, a location with some shade is perfect. 

Q: Can succulents survive in an office without windows?

A: Some low-light succulents can survive in a windowless office with artificial light. Sansevieria, or the succulent-like Black Raven plant, will adapt to such conditions. 

Q: Which succulent is best for indoors?

A: Snake plants are some of the best succulents to grow indoors. They are tough, need little water, and grow well in both low and bright light. In addition, various mini succulents are perfect for compact interior spaces. Last but not least, the Jade Plant and String of Pearls are great options, too.

Conclusion

Succulents need the right amount of light to grow well. While low-light succulents love bright, indirect sunlight for 4 hours a day, at least 6 hours of morning direct sunlight is ideal for full-sun succulents daily. Ensure you balance things up as too much sun can burn their leaves, and too little makes them weak and unhappy-looking. Monitor your succulent plants for signs of distress, like changes in leaf color, stunted growth, or stretching. 

With little attention and a clear understanding of how much light your particular succulents need, you can keep them happy and healthy all year round.