Are you fascinated by the plump leaves of succulents? A common question among beginners: Do succulents need sunlight? The answer is yes, but different varieties have specific requirements. As someone with years of experience in growing succulents, I’ll share the most practical lighting guidelines to ensure your succulents don’t become leggy and maintain vibrant colours!

Why is sunlight an essential requirement for succulents?

Succulents originate from harsh environments like deserts and rocky cliffs, where they rely on photosynthesis to store energy. Lack of light can cause them to stretch (thin stems and sparse leaves), fade, stop growing, or even die. Put: sunlight is their “food,” though their “appetites” vary.

How much sunlight do different succulents need?

Desert-type (Echeveria): 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing balcony or full sun outdoors is ideal.
Tropical-type (Haworthia): Bright, indirect light is sufficient. An east/west-facing windowsill or a partially shaded area is safer, avoiding direct sunlight that can cause burns.
Note: In high-temperature regions, desert-type succulents need afternoon shade; in cooler areas, they can be exposed to more sunlight. Signs of insufficient light: Your succulents are “calling for help”!  

1. Stems become thinner and grow excessively tall (leggy growth) 
2.  Vibrant colours fade to dull green 
3.  Leaves become soft, droop, fall off, or no new leaves grow

Solution: Gradually move to a well-lit area, avoiding sudden exposure to direct sunlight (e.g., start with 1 hour per day and gradually increase). Indoor and outdoor care tips: Easily provide adequate light

Indoor care

1. Preferably place on south/west-facing windowsills; north-facing windowsills have weaker light and are only suitable for extremely shade-tolerant varieties.
   
2. Grow lights to the rescue: When light is insufficient, use LED grow lights for 10 hours per day, keeping them 10-15 cm away from the plants.
   
3. Rotate the pot weekly: This prevents the succulent from “leaning” and ensures even light exposure for a fuller appearance.
   

Outdoor care

• Transition gradually when changing environments: Moving from indoors to outdoors requires 1-2 weeks of adaptation. Start in a shaded area and gradually increase light exposure.
  
• Potted plants offer flexibility: They can be moved with the light. For ground planting, choose a well-drained location with appropriate light exposure.
  Protect against extreme weather: Move indoors during heavy rain, cover with shade.
• Cloth during high temperatures, and avoid exposing succulents to harsh conditions.
  

3 common misconceptions to avoid!

1. Succulents tolerate shade so that they can be placed in any corner. Tolerating shade does not mean they prefer shade! They require at least bright, indirect light (such as near a window but without direct sunlight).
   
2. All succulents require the same amount of sunlight. Crassulaceae plants love sunlight, while Aizoaceae plants fear it. Research the characteristics of each variety before planting and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. 
   
3.  Leaf spots mean insufficient light, so expose them to more sunlight. Spots may be caused by sunburn, overwatering, or insect bites. Check the soil moisture and leaf condition before adjusting care.
   

Lazy Gardener’s Care Tips

• Soil mix: Use a specialised succulent potting mix with good drainage and no waterlogging. In low-light conditions, use less peat moss and more coarse particles. 
  
• Watering: More sunlight means faster drying, so water more frequently; less sunlight means longer-lasting soil moisture, so water less regularly (follow the “water thoroughly when dry” principle).  
  
• Observation: Spend 2 minutes weekly checking their condition and adjusting their position promptly—this is more effective than “memorising rules”!
  

Succulents need sunlight, but the key to successful care is “understanding them.” Provide light according to the variety and adjust the environment flexibly, and your succulents will have vibrant colours and even produce offsets! Move your succulents into the sunlight and watch them grow more beautiful day by day!