Hey, fellow succulent enthusiasts! Do you also often wonder whether your succulent plants need a lot of sunlight? As someone who has been growing succulents for many years and whose balcony is almost filled with all kinds of cute succulents, I'd like to share my thoughts on this topic with you today.

The secret of succulents' love for light

First, we need to understand that most succulents originate from arid, sun-drenched regions, such as deserts and semi-deserts. In such environments, sunlight is abundant. Therefore, they have evolved the ability to thrive under intense sunlight, which is crucial for photosynthesis and nutrient production. Without sufficient light, succulents become listless, like children who haven't eaten enough.

Light Requirements for Different Succulents

Sun-Loving Types

Some succulents are true "sunlight enthusiasts," such as Echeveria Sunyan, Graptopetalum Snow White Variegated, and Echeveria chihuahuaensis. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. You can place them near a south-facing window or move them outdoors to soak up the sun. Under ample sunlight, their colours become exceptionally vibrant, and their leaves grow plumper. Like my cactus at home, placed on the south-facing balcony, it gets plenty of sunlight every day and grows vigorously.

Moderate sunlight type

Some succulents don't need as much direct sunlight, such as Haworthia Cooperi Ice Lantern, Haworthia truncata, and Haworthia maughanii. They prefer bright, diffused light, with 3–4 hours of sunlight per day being sufficient. If exposed to direct sunlight, their leaves are easily sunburned. I accidentally left Jade Fan in direct sunlight for too long, and the leaves became dry and brittle, which broke my heart. You can place them in a bright indoor location or draw a curtain to provide them with soft light.

Shade-tolerant type

Although most succulents prefer sunlight, there are some shade-tolerant varieties, such as Lithops, which have lower light requirements and can grow in indoor areas with poor lighting. However, they still need occasional exposure to sunlight; otherwise, they may become leggy and unattractive over time.

Signs of insufficient light

If your succulents are not getting enough light, they will give you signals. For example, the stems become thin and elongated, and the distance between the leaves increases, which are signs of elongation. Additionally, the leaves may lose their vibrant colour and become paler, which could also indicate insufficient light. Furthermore, slow growth or no growth at all may also be related to light exposure. If you notice these issues, adjust their position immediately to allow them to receive more sunlight.

Indoor and outdoor light management methods

Indoor care

Light is a significant issue when growing succulents indoors. However, don't worry—there are ways to address this. First, choosing the right window is crucial. South-facing windows provide the best light, followed by west-facing windows. If the window doesn't give enough light, you can purchase a grow light. There are many types of grow lights available on the market; choose one suitable for succulents. Place the grow light 10–15 centimetres above the succulents and keep it on for 8–10 hours daily to supplement natural light.

Outdoor Care

Moving succulents outdoors is a good option, but certain precautions must be taken to ensure their well-being. Initially, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight immediately; allow them to acclimate gradually. Start by placing them in a partially shaded area and progressively increase sunlight exposure over several days. Additionally, during the intense summer sun, provide shade for the succulents to prevent sunburn. You can use shade cloth or move them under a tree's shade.

Common misconceptions about light exposure

Misconception 1: All succulents require abundant sunlight. This is a common mistake among beginners. As mentioned earlier, different succulents have varying light requirements, so a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate. Adjust the light exposure according to the specific variety.
Misconception 2: The stronger the light, the better. While succulents do enjoy sunlight, stronger light isn't always better. During midday in summer, the sunlight is highly intense, and if not shaded, succulents can easily get sunburned.
Misconception 3: No need to expose them to sunlight on cloudy days. Even on overcast days, there is some diffused light, which is beneficial for succulents. Therefore, you can still place them near a window on cloudy days to allow them to receive some light.

Whether succulents need a lot of sunlight depends on the variety. We need to understand the characteristics of the succulents we are growing and provide them with appropriate light. This way, they can grow healthy and beautiful. I hope everyone can grow their succulents beautifully!