Can Succulents Live Outdoors or Not?
Be Smart And Beautify Your Garden

Do you love succulents but are you unsure if you can plant them outside? Well if this is the case, you will know more by the end of this article.

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Kelly Adams

April 25, 2021


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Introduction

Succulents are beautiful plants. Some of them have big leaves and flowers that store water. Succulents have gained a lot of popularity across the world in recent years due to their beauty and low maintenance.

People often plant succulents indoors as they require little attention. Moreover, they enhance the aesthetics of the room in which they are grown. These reasons make succulents trendy indoor plants.

Some succulents can live outdoors without much ado. They are usually bigger than indoor succulents in size and require more sunlight and space. Some common outdoor succulents include the Hen and Chicks, Whale’s Tongue Agave, Stone Crop, and Ball Cactus.

Qualities of Outdoor Succulents

Did you Know?

In some cultures, a few succulents are considered as lucky charms for their planters.

There is no doubt that some succulents can live outside. Some qualities and needs make certain plants more suitable to be grown outdoors. These include:

Bigger Size

First of all, outdoor succulents are big. They can range between 4-10 feet in size. This big size makes it impossible to plant big succulents indoors. Outdoor spaces ensure these relatively bigger plants get all the space they require.

Need More Sunlight

Apart from extra space, outdoor succulents need more light. Light is vital for plants as without it they can’t produce energy through a process called photosynthesis.

Outdoor succulents need direct exposure to sunlight for proper growth. Therefore, such succulents cannot be placed inside as they will die in the absence of direct sunlight.

Outdoor succulents can have more direct sunlight

Have the Capacity To Take In More Water

Generally, succulents need little water. This is because they store water in their leaves and stems. Indoor succulents can shed their leaves in the presence of extra water and can die. Need to know more about succulents shedding leaves? Check this out:

Are Leaves Falling off Your Succulent? Here are 5 Possible Reasons!

It's never a pleasant sight when plants shed their leaves. I will tell you 5 reasons which cause falling leaves and how you can prevent them.

However, outdoor succulents can take more water. This is why they thrive in outdoor conditions as rain does little harm and more good to them.

Outdoor succulents can take more water

Better Resistance to Harsher Conditions

Another essential quality of outdoor succulents is their ability to resist harsh conditions. Outdoor succulents can manage extreme weather conditions easily. They can withstand low and high temperatures, mild storms, and snowfalls.

Common Outdoor Succulents

Not every succulent has the qualities that make it best for outdoor plantations. Out of many succulent types that are out there, only a handful possess these qualities.

60 different plant species having over 10,000 varieties can be categorized as succulents.

Some of the most common outdoor succulents are:

  • Hen and Chicks (survives extreme cold weather)

Hen and chicks succulent

Hens & Chicks - 3 Different Plants in 2 Inch Pots

I highly recommend this hen and chicks plant as it is both healthy and beautiful!

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  • Whale’s Tongue Agave (thrives under full sunlight)

A whale's tongue agave

  • Stone Crop (can be exposed to higher water levels)

Stone crop

  • Ball Cactus (offers resistance to harsher conditions)

Ball cactus

Fat Plants San Diego Living Indoor Cactus

I highly recommend this amazing ball cactus plant!

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If you want to know more about these outdoor succulents, check this post out:

The 8 Most Popular Succulents That Can Beautify Any Space!

Succulents are proven mood-boosters. Are you wondering which one to get for your home? Read ahead to learn about the most popular ones.

How to Take Care of Outdoor Succulents

Just as indoor succulents require care and attention, outdoor succulents also need care. Following are a few things you can do to make sure your outdoor plant thrives.

Proper Watering

Although outdoor succulents can take more water than indoor plants, this does not mean you water them more often. This only means outdoor plants, if exposed to higher water levels, are more likely to withstand it than indoor plants.

Outdoor succulents also store water in their leaves and stem. This means it best to wait for the soil to dry before you water it again. If you need to know more about how to water your succulents, check out this post. I recommend it and believe you will love it:

How often to water succulents? The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Plants!

If you are a beginner and don't know how often to water succulents, read ahead to learn how often you need to hydrate your plant.

Good Soil

Another essential care element for outdoor succulents is the soil they are growing in. Succulents like their soil dry. They also thrive in soils that have better drainage capabilities. So, you may want to plant outdoor succulents at a higher spot in your garden. This will not allow water to accumulate around your plant.

If you want to make soil for your outdoor succulents at home, here is where you can find cheap homemade recipes:

3 Super Easy Homemade Succulent Soil Recipes That Will Nurture Your Plant!

When it comes to plants, good soil is vital. So here are some homemade soil recipes for your beloved succulents

Organic Feed

Last but not least, your plant might not want exposure to chemicals. To avoid this, you have to give it organic feed. Natural manure teabags and coffee grounds will serve as replacements for chemical fertilizers. And trust me, your plant will love them!

Sustane Compost Tea Bags

I highly recommend these compost tea bags for your outdoor succulents!

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Conclusion

Succulents are of many types. They can live in different environments. Some of them are well-suited for indoor conditions. Some succulents, on the other hand, thrive in outdoor conditions. Outdoor succulents are generally larger and hence require more space.

Moreover, outdoor succulents also require more sunlight. They also show more resistance to harsher conditions. The most common outdoor succulents are Hen and Chicks, Whale’s Tongue Agave, Ball Cactus, and Stone Crop.

If you need to know more about these plants, check this post. out:

The 8 Most Popular Succulents That Can Beautify Any Space!

Succulents are proven mood-boosters. Are you wondering which one to get for your home? Read ahead to learn about the most popular ones.

Kelly Adams Picture

By Kelly Adams

Easy Succulents Founder

My name is Kelly and I'm the the founder of Easy Succulents! I'm fascinated by this wonderful plants and I want to share with the world everything I know about them!

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Kelly Adams Picture

Kelly Adams

Easy Succulents Founder

My name is Kelly and I'm the the founder of Easy Succulents! I'm fascinated by this wonderful plants and I want to share with the world everything I know about them!

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