Succulents can survive in dry conditions because their thick, oddly shaped leaves store water. Succulents come in a wide array of interesting shapes and textures, which add visual interest to any landscape. People often ask if succulents can live outside. The short answer is yes! They do best in sunny, warm, dry places and can handle being ignored, so growing succulents outside is a great option.
Grow succulents in-ground, in pots, or tuck them away in unexpected planting spots. Take the guesswork out of taking care of these great conversation pieces with beautiful foliage by reading our tips on how to grow succulents outside. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background__as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner].
Summer is right around the corner, and for succulent lovers, that means it’s almost time to move our beloved plants outside. But can succulents actually survive – and thrive – spending the warm summer months outdoors? The short answer is yes, absolutely! With proper care and by choosing the right varieties, succulents can flourish outside during summer.
When to Move Succulents Outside in Summer
Naturally there will be more fluctuation in temperature outside, but ideally your succulents won’t be in temperatures below 40°F or above 80°F when you first move them out. For most areas with a 4 season climate, this will mean your succulents start transitioning outside in early to mid-May.
Aim to gradually acclimate your plants to spending time outdoors. Start by placing them outside for just an hour or two per day, bringing them back inside at night. Slowly increase the amount of time outside over 7-10 days. This prevents shock from sudden changes in sunlight, temperature, and humidity.
Choosing the Right Succulents for Outdoor Summer Conditions
While many succulents can handle being moved outside for the summer, some varieties will thrive better than others. Good choices include:
- Sedums
- Sempervivums
- Echeverias
- Aeoniums
- Senecio
- Graptopetalum
- Hardy cacti species like opuntia
Avoid more delicate succulents like lithops and haworthias, Their light and water needs make them better suited for indoor growing year-round,
When selecting plants, opt for established, mature succulents over tiny starter plants or recent cuttings The larger root system and energy stores of bigger plants help them deal with outdoor conditions better
Caring for Outdoor Succulents in Summer
To help your succulents look their best and avoid stress during their summer vacation outside keep these care tips in mind
Sun Exposure
Place succulents in a spot that receives plenty of bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. Morning sun is ideal. Provide shade from intense midday sun if possible.
Rotate pots periodically and watch for signs of sun stress like scorching, yellowing leaves or excessive redness. Adjust to a spot with more shade if needed.
Soil and Drainage
Succulents planted in the ground or beds need sandy, fast-draining soil amended with gravel or perlite.
For potted succulents, use a cactus/succulent soil mix and make sure pots have drainage holes. Elevate pots above ground level to prevent water accumulating in saucers.
Watering
Outdoor succulents will need more frequent watering to keep up with increased sun exposure, heat, and airflow. Aim to water about every 3-5 days depending on climate, avoiding wetting the leaves.
Let the soil dry out between waterings. Cut back on watering if rain is in the forecast.
Temperature and Humidity
Ideally, outdoor temps for succulents should stay between 60-80°F. Monitor local forecasts and be ready to move plants to a sheltered spot if extreme heat or cold snaps occur.
Lower nighttime temps are fine as succulents prefer a difference between day and night. Just prevent prolonged exposure below 40°F.
Higher humidity outside can encourage rot and pests. Improve airflow by spacing plants apart.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during summer for potted succulents. Dilute to 1/4 or 1/2 strength. Fertilize ground-planted succulents once in early summer.
Pests and Disease
Check frequently for common summer pests like mealybugs, aphids and spider mites. Remove bugs by hand or use insecticidal soap.
Prevent rot by allowing plants to dry out between waterings. Remove any rotted leaves or stems immediately.
Overwintering Succulents After Summer
Once autumn hits, your succulents will need to return indoors or to a sheltered area outdoors to avoid frost and freezing temps.
For potted plants, gradually transition them inside over 7-10 days just as you did when taking them outside in spring.
Cut back on watering as cooler weather means they won’t need as much. Stop fertilizing. Reduce sunlight exposure if placing near bright, sunny windows.
Ground-planted succulents can be overwintered in a cold frame or unheated garage/shed. Cover with frost cloth if hard freezes are expected. Stop watering and let go dormant.
With the right varieties and care, your succulents can thrive outside in summer’s heat. Just be sure to transition them safely back inside well before winter. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at growing succulents outdoors seasonally.
Conclusion
Summer doesn’t have to mean the end of enjoying your prized succulents. By following best practices for acclimating plants, providing optimum growing conditions outdoors, and overwintering properly, many succulents can spend the warm summer months thriving outside. With so many fantastic varieties to choose from, you can curate a collection of succulents that flourish in your local climate’s summer conditions. Just be diligent in monitoring plants and making adjustments as needed. Soon, you’ll find summer is your succulents’ time to truly shine.
The Best Soil for Planting Succulents Outside
Planting succulents in an optimal soil composition will boost the health of the plant. Succulents have shallow root systems and prefer soil that well-draining. Plant succulents in a loose, rocky soil that is nutrient-rich for best results.
For planting in pots, use potting mix made just for succulents and cacti and put the plant in a pot with holes in the bottom to let water drain.
They grow well in slightly acidic soil that hovers around 6. 0 to 6. 5 on the pH scale. Alkaline soil has the potential to cause the demise of succulent plants. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text].
Planting Succulents Outside: Container vs. In-Ground
Now that you know the answer to the “can succulents live outside?” question is yes. We look at the best way to plant succulents outside. Succulent plants can benefit from container planting. Planting in pots makes the leaves stand out and lets gardeners move the plants when the conditions aren’t right for growing. Succulent plants can’t handle too much heat or rain, so the portability of a container gives them much-needed protection from the weather.
If you live somewhere warm all year, though, you might want to plant your succulents right in your garden bed. When planting succulents in-ground, always provide them with well-draining soil to ward off root rot.
In-ground doesn’t always translate to in the garden bed. You’ll often find succulent plants uniquely tucked into cracks and crevices.
- Add them in unlikely spots like in stone walls
- Nestled between patio pavers
- Or as visual interest accents in rock gardens.
How to Bring SUCCULENTS Outside Correctly for Summer – Top 3 Tips
FAQ
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