How to Grow Outdoor Succulents (Tips to Make Your Plants Thrive)

Co-authored by Chai Saechao and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that’s great for ground cover or containers, succulents are the species for you. While the term “succulents” can describe a wide range of plants, their basic needs are usually the same no matter what specific strain they are. Keep reading to see how you can upgrade your landscaping with tons of different colors, shapes, and flower types by planting succulents outdoors.

Question 1 of 9:

Do succulents grow well outside?

Yes, especially if you live in a temperate climate. Succulents thrive in warmer temperatures, but they’ll grow outdoors in any region at some point during the year. If you live in a colder climate where the temperature regularly dips below 40 °F (4 °C), plant your succulents in containers so you can move them inside during the harsher weather.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you live in a cold environment, go for Sedum, Stonecrop, Sempervivum, or Promethium succulents. They tolerate the cold much better so they won’t die off during a frost.

Question 2 of 9:

What kind of soil should I plant my succulents in?

Regular soil mixed with gravel to promote drainage. Succulents aren’t super picky about their soil type, especially when they’re outside. If you have soil that isn’t super well-draining, you can mix in gravel and small rocks to add air pockets and drainage to the area. If your soil is well-draining (you don’t notice any standing water after rainfall), don’t worry about adding gravel.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- The only soil type that succulents do not like is clay soil. It’s not well-draining, so their roots tend to get waterlogged.

Question 3 of 9:

Where should I plant my succulents?

1
Plant them in rock gardens or flower beds for ground cover. Succulents make amazing landscape additions, and they can add a bit of color to a rock garden or rock wall. They’re pretty resilient plants, so they don’t need perfect conditions to flourish.^{[3]
X
Research source}
2
Plant them in containers if you want to move them around. If you live in a colder climate or you plan on reorganizing your outdoor space, containers are probably a good option for you. Small containers can be lifted and taken inside easily, while large containers are eye-catching and beautiful.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Question 4 of 9:

How do you plant succulents in containers?

1
Fill a shallow container with potting mix and gravel. Purchase a large, shallow container with a drainage hole on the bottom. Pick up a bag of potting mix from your local gardening store and fill up your container about 3/4 of the way full with it. Top it off with some gravel and use your hands to mix it all together.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Add 5 to 6 succulents together in the container. Succulents grow best in a cluster. Gently take the succulents out of their nursery pots and bury the roots in the soil, leaving the base and the leaves exposed. Surround your largest succulent with the smaller ones until the soil is mostly covered.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Give the succulents a good watering. New plantings need to be watered quickly or else they won’t take to the soil. Grab a hose or a watering can and water your succulents until the soil is moist.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Question 5 of 9:

Do succulents like sun or shade?

They like at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Succulents are desert plants, meaning they’re used to the harsh sun. Try to set them in a sunny spot where they can soak up a lot of rays throughout the day.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Some succulent variants need a little less sun. If you notice black spots or a white hue on the leaves of your succulent, it might be getting sunburnt. You can pull it into the shade for the hottest part of the morning and then let it sun itself during the afternoon.
- Succulents that have waxy, glossy leaves usually need indirect sunlight, while the ones that are more textured usually prefer brighter light.^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Chai Saechao
  Plant Specialist
  Expert Interview. 20 February 2019.}

Question 6 of 9:

What temperature do succulents prefer?

They prefer temps between 40 and 90 °F (4 and 32 °C). Any colder than that, and you should probably take them inside. If your temperature is pushing 100 °F (38 °C) or above, your succulents could get sunburnt, so you should move them inside as well.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Succulents prefer nighttime temperatures of 45 to 50 °F (7 to 10 °C).

Question 7 of 9:

How often do succulents like to be watered?

Once every couple of weeks. Overwatering is a huge problem for succulents, and it’s one of the number one ways they get killed. When you head out to water your plants, touch the soil with your finger. If it’s still moist, wait a full day and then head out to check it again. If the soil is dry, you can give your plants some water.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Chai Saechao
Plant Specialist
Expert Interview. 20 February 2019.}^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Aim the water at the soil, not the leaves. When succulents get water on their leaves, it can promote rot.
- Always err on the side of underwatering your succulents, rather than overwatering them.^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Chai Saechao
  Plant Specialist
  Expert Interview. 20 February 2019.}
- Succulents need more water during the spring and summer when they’re growing than they do during the fall and winter when they’re dormant.

Question 8 of 9:

Do succulents need to be fertilized?

Yes, during the growing season. Usually, that’s between March and October (or during the spring and the summer). Pick up a bottle of standard houseplant fertilizer and spray it on the soil if it’s a liquid or mix it into the soil if it’s a granular product. You can do this once a month until the growing season is over.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Question 9 of 9:

What are some common problems that succulents have?

1
Overwatering. It’s the number one way that succulents die. If the leaves on your succulents get mushy or spongy, hold off on watering them for at least a week until they dry out again.^{[15]
X
Research source}
2
Lack of sunlight. If your plants aren’t getting enough sun, they’ll start to lose their color and their blooms. If you notice your succulent turn pale or light green, move it to a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.^{[16]
X
Research source}
3
Mold. This usually means that too much water is getting on the leaves of the succulent. If you notice black or white spots on the leaves of your plant, be sure you’re watering the soil, not the top of the succulents. Avoid using spray bottles to water them, and make sure the soil is completely dry before giving them more.^{[17]
X
Research source}