Looking at the empty flower pots in the yard, you suddenly wonder: Could you move the indoor succulents outdoors to let them soak up more sunlight and fresh air? Your neighbor's cactus is thriving in their yard, but your own jade plant wilted after just a few days on the balcony — can succulents really grow outdoors? Actually, just as different people adapt to different living environments, some succulents thrive outdoors, while others can only survive indoors. Today, we’ll break down the “compatibility” between succulents and outdoor environments, so you can clearly understand which succulents are suitable for outdoor growth and how to care for them to ensure they thrive outdoors.

Succulents and Outdoor Environments: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist  

Outdoor environments offer succulents the advantages of ample sunlight and good air circulation, but they also face challenges such as extreme temperatures, heavy rain, and strong winds. Whether succulents can thrive outdoors depends on their ability to adapt to these natural conditions. Succulents native to open environments like deserts and mountains generally thrive outdoors, while those accustomed to milder environments like forests and shaded areas require more protection outdoors. Therefore, to determine if a succulent can grow outdoors, it is essential to first understand its “origin.” 

These succulents are “suitable for outdoor growth” and thrive in open-air environments. 

Desert-type succulents: The outdoors is their “ideal home.”

• Representative species: Cacti, cactus balls, Lunar Moon, Winter Beauty, etc., native to arid, rain-scarce, and sun-drenched deserts or Gobi deserts, have long adapted to the natural outdoor environment. 
  
• Outdoor advantages: Abundant sunlight helps them develop thick stems and compact leaves, and they grow vigorously during seasons with little rainfall (such as spring and autumn); well-ventilated environments reduce the risk of root rot.
  
• Care tips: Plant them directly in the ground or in outdoor pots in your yard, choosing a location that is elevated and does not retain water; No shade is needed in summer (short-term shade may be provided during extreme heat exceeding 40°C), and they can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C in winter (below this temperature, they should be moved indoors). The One Bloom's “Outdoor Desert Succulent Set” includes these varieties, paired with specialized soil containing 70% coarse particles, making it ideal for outdoor planting. 

Robust old-stemmed succulents: more resilient outdoors

• Representative varieties: Black Wizard, Copper Pot Wizard, Jade Tree, etc. After growing for many years, their stems become woody, forming old stems with strong adaptability that can withstand outdoor weather conditions. 
  
• Outdoor advantages: The temperature fluctuations and changes in light exposure outdoors can enhance the color intensity of old stems, thicken their stems, and create a more layered plant structure; old stems that have been kept indoors for a long time will show significant improvement when moved outdoors. 
  
• Care recommendations: Place in a partially shaded location (e.g., under a roof overhang or near tree shade), and avoid prolonged exposure to heavy rain (though old stems are robust, prolonged waterlogging in the potting soil can cause root rot); when winter temperatures drop below 0°C, wrap the pot in plastic film for insulation or move it to a sheltered location such as a garage.  

These succulents are “not suitable for outdoor growth” and are safer indoors.  
Haworthia is Prone to “damage” outdoors.

• Representative varieties: Jade Dew, Haworthia maughanii, Haworthia truncata, etc., native to the shrublands of Africa, accustomed to mild diffused light and stable temperatures, and unable to withstand the wind and sun outdoors. 
  
• Outdoor risks: Direct strong sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing the “window-like” appearance to lose its transparency; heavy rain can lead to waterlogged soil and root rot; low temperatures can freeze the leaves, resulting in a translucent, watery appearance. 
  
• Care recommendations: These plants should only be placed indoors or on a sheltered balcony (such as a closed balcony). If moved outdoors, they must be placed in a shaded area with dense foliage and protected from rain. They can only be placed outdoors briefly during spring and autumn (when temperatures are between 10-25°C) and must be moved back indoors during summer and winter. 

Delicate-leaved succulents: Outdoor environments are a “challenge”

• Representative varieties: Cotyledon Tomentosa, Graptopetalum amethystinum (Rose)Walther, Buddha's Beads, etc. These plants have plump, juicy leaves with a delicate texture that cannot withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions.
  
• Outdoor risks: Heavy rain can damage leaves, intense sunlight can scorch leaf tips, strong winds can break branches, and low temperatures can freeze leaves. 
  
• Care recommendations: Place them only on enclosed balconies or covered porches with glass protection, where they can enjoy outdoor diffused light while avoiding rain and wind; if placed in completely open areas, a rain shelter must be constructed, and they should only be placed outdoors on sunny days with suitable temperatures. 

Protective Measures for Growing Succulents Outdoors  

Preparing for Extreme Weather Conditions 

• Heavy Rain: Outdoor succulent pots must have drainage holes and be elevated (using bricks at the bottom) to prevent rainwater from flooding the soil. Before heavy rain arrives, move succulents that are sensitive to water (such as varieties with fuzzy leaves) to a sheltered area. 
  
• Hot Weather: When temperatures exceed 35°C, provide shade for succulents with delicate leaves (even those suitable for outdoor use) by installing a shade net. Water them once in the morning and once in the evening (avoid midday), keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. 
  
• Cold weather: When temperatures drop below 5°C, move cold-sensitive succulents (such as Haworthia and Echeveria) indoors; cold-tolerant succulents (such as cacti and Echeveria) can be wrapped in insulation material or covered with straw to help withstand the cold. leaves or branches, immediately remove them and disinfect the wounds.

Preventing and controlling outdoor pests and diseases: Strengthen monitoring

Outdoor insects and birds may eat succulent leaves, and soil-borne pathogens may also increase:

• Pest control: Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves for pests such as aphids and scale insects, and promptly spray with The One Bloom's outdoor succulent-specific insecticide (US$15–20); Sprinkle a ring of wood ash around the pot to deter some pests.
  
• Disease prevention: Avoid prolonged soil moisture. During the rainy season, apply a solution of fungicide (diluted at a ratio of 1:1000) once a month to prevent fungal diseases. If you notice rotting leaves or branches, immediately remove them and disinfect the wounds.

Key points for outdoor care in different seasons

Spring (growing season): Gradually adapt to the outdoors 
Succulents that have been kept indoors during winter should not be suddenly moved outdoors in spring. They should first be placed on the edge of a balcony (in a semi-shaded area) for 1-2 weeks to adapt, then gradually moved to a well-lit location to avoid sudden exposure to strong sunlight, which can cause leaf burn. At this time, you can apply fertilizer appropriately (using The One Bloom slow-release fertilizer) to help the succulents resume growth. 
Summer (high-temperature period): Differentiated care 

• Succulents suitable for outdoor placement: Provide shade during midday, ensure good ventilation, and control watering (water only after the potting soil has completely dried out). 
  
• Succulents unsuitable for outdoor placement: Keep them indoors at all times, away from direct sunlight, and enhance ventilation to cool the environment.

Autumn (Stable Period): Seize the “Growth Golden Period” 
Autumn has suitable temperatures (15-25°C) and mild light. All outdoor-suitable succulents can be placed outdoors all day without shade or insulation. This is an excellent time for succulents to accumulate nutrients. Apply fertilizer once a

month to make the plants stronger and prepare for winter. 

• Cold-tolerant succulents (cacti, Echeveria): Can remain outdoors when temperatures are above -5°C; move indoors or to a garage when temperatures drop below this threshold. 
  
• Cold-sensitive succulents: Move indoors when temperatures drop below 10°C, place on a south-facing windowsill to receive sunlight, reduce watering, and ensure safe overwintering. 

Transitioning Indoor Succulents to Outdoor Environments: “Transition Techniques” 

Gradual Approach: Provide Succulents with an “Acclimatization Period” 

• Days 1–3: Place in a partially shaded outdoor area (e.g., under tree shade) and expose to 1–2 hours of diffused light daily; 
  
• Days 4–7: Move to a location with minimal direct sunlight (e.g., morning sun), receiving 3–4 hours of sunlight daily;
  
• After Day 8: Based on the plant’s characteristics, move to an appropriate sunlight location (sun-loving plants to full sun, shade-loving plants to partial shade).

Observe Reactions: Adjust Promptly 
During the transition period, observe the condition of the succulent’s leaves daily: 

• If leaves develop scorch marks or become soft, this indicates excessive light or significant environmental changes; immediately move back to a partially shaded location, then restart the transition once recovered. 
  
• If leaves remain plump and vibrant in color, this indicates successful adaptation; continue increasing light exposure time. 

Choosing Containers and Soil for Outdoor Succulents 

Containers: Breathability and Drainage Are Key 
When selecting pots for outdoor succulents, choose materials with good breathability, such as red clay pots or cement pots, and avoid using sealed glass containers (which can trap water). The drainage holes at the bottom of the pot should be large, and additional holes can be drilled if necessary to enhance drainage. The One Bloom's “Outdoor Succulent-Specific Red Clay Pots” (diameter 15-20 cm) feature multiple drainage holes at the bottom, making them ideal for outdoor use. 
Soil: High Particle Content 
Outdoor environments receive more rainfall, so the soil must be loose and well-ventilated, with a higher particle content than indoor planting:

• Desert-type succulents: 70% particle content (e.g., 3 parts particles + 1 part peat moss); 
  
• Old-stemmed succulents: 60% coarse particles (e.g., 3 parts coarse particles + 2 parts peat moss); 
  
• Even for succulents placed in partially shaded outdoor areas, the coarse particle ratio must not be less than 50% to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Let succulents flourish outdoors with their unique charm.

 Succulents grown outdoors are often more robust and vibrant in color than those grown indoors, exuding a natural, wild charm. The One Bloom not only offers succulent varieties suitable for outdoor growth but also provides outdoor care tools such as shade nets and rain shelters to help you overcome the challenges of outdoor planting. With the right variety and proper protection, your yard or balcony can also become a paradise for succulents. Start with the hardy cacti or Echeveria and try outdoor planting to experience their vibrant growth in a natural environment!