How much sun do succulents need?

Figuring out how much light succulents need is tricky. "Full sun" can actually be damaging to succulents in some climates. Find out what "bright shade is in this video and how it can benefit your succulents.
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[@g8torali]

Am glad you talked about the terms being 'ambiguous' depending on location, where one person's 'full sun' perfect for succulents could be another's 'baking hot, bitumen popping' climate where no-one in their right mind goes out ... let alone succulents! Thanks again for the videos!

[@Chuck3392]

I appreciate the visual example of light levels. Definitely helped.

[@cherylhamel2018]

Bright shade vs. dark shade - makes sense!

[@CrystalWedel]

Ooooh, that very last comment "full sun in the morning and shaded in the afternoon when it's cooler"! Why didn't I think of that? Thank you! :)

[@patriciainman1985]

Who knew that there were so many types of sun and shade. Good info to keep in mind.

[@rogerboostrom3894]

Anything related to proper natural lighting is useful to me

[@koryl8477]

Great idea with man-made shade. Experimenting is the key

[@marietitus3007]

Another great video. More to learn and put into practice. Loving Earth "Week" 😉

[@donnastephens1737]

I live in Salem, OR and you are correct. Full sun and shade are very different terms here. I'm not even sure we have "bright" shade. 😁

[@janetgreen4991]

Thank you! I am also in AZ and "full sun" here in the Summer is about1 million lumens from the Mother of all bulbs, the Sun!! lol I have burned so many plants, but now know I need to add 50% shade cloth so I don't continue to have crispy plants. Thank you so much for the excellent advice for our unforgiving AZ sunshine!!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome 🙂

[@yunzers]

Excellent thank you so very much. Wish I lived in a warmer climate since I must bring my succulents indoors during winter!

[@jennifercarr2558]

I never thought about the different levels of shade before. Thank you!!

[@aartidhopawkar4611]

Thanks for clearing the doubts! :)

[@fjanusz81]

I love all your arrangements!! So pretty!

[@were2baby134]

I have a brightly shaded porch that is very warm in the summer. Succulents are just about the only thing that grow there.

[@brittaglasoe3074]

Great information! Good to hear, and see, the distinctions.

[@joycelaubach2645]

I sure wish the industry would standardize using the standards you use. It is frustrating enough to determine how much light to use, and the mixed terminology (bright, high, full, etc.) makes it more challenging.

[@jannajewett9672]

Love the shade cloths idea!

[@Jennabullis]

explaining about factoring the the temperature was super helpful, thank you!

[@carolgardon5692]

Thank you, it makes sense now about the differences in light!

[@momwastestime]

This is just what I needed, as I am trying to figure out my shade cloths and plant locations before summer! Thanks again!

[@kristyhettinga9326]

Great video on sun and shade!

[@artzyBLUEeyes]

THANK YOU! this question has baffled me for years

[@ckzamzow]

Thank you for the explanation on different kinds of shade. Very good info!

[@ILikeBassツ]

So much good information! I’m still trying to learn what light is going to be right for my plants. This was very helpful!!

[@kisore20gp]

Thanks for the clarification about types of shade..

[@lindavanderstelt2499]

Great and helpful information! Looking forward to checking it out this summer!

[@tarahovis8743]

Thanks, lots to think about for my yard!

[@soniacallahan3235]

Good information to utilize in my garden of pots. Thanks

[@johanefortin4780]

Great and simple definition of bright shade. Very useful to know.

[@potsoflovebyrita2079]

Thank you so much for this video. I now understand (I think) what bright shade is!

[@GrowUrLife]

Well, this explains why I can grow stuff on my porch. I thought it was too shaded, but it's actually bright shade!

[@susanmahaffey2356]

It helps me understand more about the terms . I still not completely sure about summer. Thank you.

[@sharleneeusebio7244]

Thanks for sharing the difference between dark shade and bright shade. I too will be rearranging my placement of my succulents now....

[@foreverartist5454]

I'm really excited to start putting succulents outside! Thank you for all you knowledge that way I'm more prepared for when I have these plants outside.

[@reesemarie9572]

The "edge of the light" thing makes so much sense, I hadn't thought of using that as a marker for determining the "brightness" of my shade

[@christyarmstrong8909]

Very good explanation on this, it makes sense. Living in Chicago area, most of my succulents are indoors unfortunately

[@rebeccavarela6943]

I’m going to watch mine a little closer this next week when it finally warms up! I will be able to see and make sure nothing is getting scorched! Thank you again!!

[@RandiJoy1961]

Just this year I have been ‘experimenting’ and putting more of my succulents outside. It was nerve wracking, but thought I wold try it and see. This video will be very helpful. I cannot wait to put this info into action! Thank you yet again!! 😊🌵❤️

[@jerrycrump7126]

I’m going to have to apply these tips to my gardening areas and see which areas are bright shade!

[@cheryld960]

I live in the central valley of CA and get very hot sun too. Your video was very informative for me as I plan to add more succulents to my yard 👍😊

[@janeen3967]

Perfect timing for this info because we are planning to put up a small shade cloth area. We have the same sun/shade issues you do and similar temps living in Las Vegas. Thank you so much and I will pass this on to my husband, the shade builder 😊

[@kristinkennedy7949]

Thank you for explaining the difference between full, bright, dark shade

[@nitalotz2809]

Great video.. answering a lot of my questions.. I had I’m fixing to move my succulent from downstairs back upstairs.. you are on it this morning 🌞

[@tracymarick3683]

It is really nice to know that. I have thought about that a lot. Thank you.

[@tinya501]

Thank you for this clarification.

[@joelupo8155]

This will be my first summer with Succulents and I'm looking forward to moving some outside. This was an informative video.

[@kimmiev9110]

So much to learn from you! Thank you!

[@aliciabarbour6256]

I live in VA but the sun is pretty intense in yard. A lot.of plants that require direct sunlight get sunburned. Never knew about bright shade!I'm gonna design something like a pergola to see if bright shade makes a difference.

[@timdixon5368]

Thanks for the information, I am moving some of my succulents around and this really helps. Rhonda

[@debracarter8520]

This helped me a lot. I live in San Antonio, Texas so it gets really hot here also. I'm going to have to experiment where to put my succulents on my back porch. Thanks.

[@DavidMFChapman]

My circumstances are so different. I live in Maritime Canada and keep my succulents indoors, many in windows. But your teachings still make sense!

[@stacychowaniec4198]

Very informative! I can’t believe how much I’m learning from you!

[@RK-wc7pp]

Great job...will be putting succulents outside in June on the east side of the hse. I live in the Midwest so I will be watching them closely during the hot 🔥days of summer.

[@beverlyhardy4398]

Very interesting. I live in FL where the sun is hot in the summer and I always thought they would be ok but I usually keep on a shaded porch.

[@karmakauffman7445]

Good tips! Now I know where my plants should go on my balcony so they get morning light and afternoon shade.

[@allisonmcelwee7639]

This video was amazingly helpful!! I have been struggling with what is “bright shade” and now I know. I’m a visual-learner, so I really appreciate the videos and live, real-life examples.

[@tarabittle3594]

Really interesting info! I never even thought about this! I don't often out my plants outside because I'm afraid of bringing bugs back inside. But I may need to try with my succulents because I don't have a ton of grow lights inside

[@abbi2957]

Ahh this makes so much more sense!! I knew they didn't like shade but the would scorch them😒 This will help so much! Thank you these videos are so helpful! 😃

[@janetac1738]

Two videos from you this morning! I feel like I hit the jackpot LOL thank you so much for doing this video because this is my first summer bringing my succulents outside and I am severely stressed out. I did an experiment last week with a few different varieties and I kind of purposely burned one of my Martin's hybrid because I just wanted to see the power of the sun I mean it's the middle of April when I did this and it still burnt! It wasn't even 60°! I also wanted to see how long it took for the burns to actually show up and I did not ever realize they don't show up immediately it's just like human skin, it takes a few hours after being in the sun for you to realize that you're succulent burnt up. So I figure it's going to take about 3 weeks for all of my different succulents to get fully acclimated to the Sun. I have three different light areas set up basically like you said 50% with shade cloth covering I have almost a full shade area and a completely opened area but I'm thinking now I should actually put some shade cloth over the opened area as well or move the setup completely because after seeing that Martin's hybrid burn up the way it did and the sun is nowhere near as strong as it's going to be in the summertime kind of freaked me out. And I did acclimate it a little bit for about 7 days before I left it in the afternoon sun and it was only 4 hours! Thank you for doing this video very very helpful and informative!!!

[@frandemaline8604]

I live in Surprise, also use shade cloth on patio. I just hope they all take summer heat.

[@maryameyer6798]

Your explanation of the ambiguous full sun helps me know why I lose some plants including succulents in the summer.

[@facsedu]

This was very helpful. We live in Tucson where it is not as hot as Phoenix, but hot enough.

[@mariagodoy8766]

This is super helpful!!!! Thank you so much!!

[@carolynfernandez586]

Aha bright shade, got it! 🌵☀️ Always thought I would eventually need to move my succulent shelf under the sun but it’s no wonder they are thriving in my back patio with partial awning. OK I will definitely be more mindful of the light changes during the rest of the year 👍🏻

[@CactusCaffeine]

I live in Las Vegas so I experience full sun + extremely hot temperature as well. Even many desert cacti can’t handle them unless they are under a shade cloth. Great video! 😀👍🏼

[@slprm812]

This is exactly what I came to look for! I’m in zone 7a and my yard gets full sun but intense heat mid morning to late afternoon so will be trying some type of shade, before this video I would’ve never thought to put any succulents outside, will try this, baby steps no need to rush, thanks for taking the extra time to make this video!

[@barbaraaddon6418]

You explain everything with such ease of understanding. Thank you!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thanks! Happy to hear it is easy to understand and follow

[@lgbass57]

Love thinking of the light's edge as my Succulent Laser Saber. :) Thanks for another great video!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Haha so fun! You are very welcome🙂

[@missann0906]

I have been trying to figure out the sun situation where my plants are growing and if they are getting full the full sun,your video has been very helpful,Thank you.🪴

[@sharonjames6674]

Thanks for this informative video!

[@paulinelohia9464]

Thank you for the very helpful video. I live outside Brisbane, Queensland and our temps easily pass 40 in summer. Sometimes a tag on a plant will say full sun, then I get told my plants are getting sunburnt, which they probably are. Now I feel more comfortable putting them in a bright shaded area. This has been so helpful.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad it's been helpful for you!

[@lorit5074]

Great info. I need to decide where I am going to put my rock garden in Missouri.

[@jandeaton4234]

I have to bring my succulents indoors over the winter and am looking forward to nicer weather so the can go out for the summer. I keep them on the deck which is bright shade and they thrive!

[@jules_DF]

Great explanation and visual regarding the various shades. Your videos always help me better understand what is needed or should be considered when growing succulents.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad they have been helpful for you!

[@hayleyprintz1802]

Neat! I had never considered this before. I love the pergola and your set up is beautiful 😍

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you!!

[@lizbeth9222]

This video put my mind at ease. We are also in the Phoenix, AZ area. I have an atrium that is on the west side of the house. So many of my succulents have fried there. I had my husband put up a 50% shade cloth recently. I was worried that maybe they wouldn't get enough sun this year. Now I know they will. Thanks so much for your informative videos!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@marcapatit0]

Thank you so much for the advice for extreme hot climates! I live in Mexicali, Baja and l'm a beginner with succulents, and this video help me so much. 🤗💜

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome! Glad it was helpful

[@heathermolsbee5751]

Great info! It’s hard to find places for me to put plants outdoors.

[@cathyroberts2890]

How fun, I am going to check out my yard now, this afternoon and again tomorrow morning, because I want my succulents all over the place !

[@happytang1802]

I did my first trimming and cleaning just this morning and I'm glad I found this video! I'm residing in South East Asia where it's sunny all the time. I put my succulents beside the window where they can get full sunlight in the morning and shades for the rest of the day. They're still very stretched out. Now I'm thinking of getting grow lights for them, which will be hard to find around here I guess. Thanks for your wisdom.

[@dyrcosis]

Someone is being prolific the last few days! Shade cloth is a good idea. I've considered it for my backyard succulents since there is very little shade. I have definitely seen damage from the intense summer sun and heat in the past. The hard part is how to implement it without the shade cloth and what it's attached to getting blown away on windy days.

[@humayrahpatel2855]

As someone who lives in London (where we have extremely cold winters and extremely hot and humid summers) this was really helpful!

[@KhalisKhayn]

yes indeed ..:.thanks for the clarification ❤❤❤❤

[@deetee1968]

My succulents are all outdoors so I need to move them a few times a year. (About a 4 hour job) When the weather heats up they're all moved to a shady spot under a large tree. They get a couple of hours of morning sun so they don't go too green. After Summer has ended, about 3/4 of them go back to their table/shelf next to the house where they get afternoon sun.

[@karenrose9249]

My succulents are indoors, as I am in zone 6a (I think) in eastern PA. Also, our windows face east and west. So, in the summer, it is really bright and sunny but in winter it is not. So, grow lights are what we need.

[@Dana-gt7nf]

I’m exactly the same! But one state over!

[@judithlenzin7444]

Great information. Living in Switzerland I will never be confronted with your kind of direct sunshine, that’s for sure! I’m sticking with the succulents that do well indoors and will still be happy with places in sunny and semi sunny windows. Let heat it for Haworthias, Senecios and Gasteria little warty!

[@christiee.4204]

👋 😊 I am really appreciating all your videos and great info. I live in Las Vegas so very similar temperatures and this one was very helpful. This is my first year growing succulents and I worry about their light exposure all the time. Thanks so much.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You're very welcome!

[@kareng2803]

Great advice as always.

[@marjxowisno]

Thanks for showing us this ! Our porch is roofless so I’m scared to put my soft succulents there for now. Although, I have my hardy succulents at the porch and they are so happy! I can’t wait whenever we finish building the roof. So, the succulents will have more time to spend outside.

[@nikibarefield8812]

I love all of your videos. You have the most useful information, tips and tricks. This one is hands down the best explanation of full sun, bright shade, etc.! Thank you for the very thorough video and for talking at a pace that I can keep up with! Sharing with FB groups that I follow because this topic and watering questions are the most popular 🪴

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thank you so much! Glad the videos have been helpful 🙂

[@susanclem6430]

At 5500’ elevation in New Mexico, I’m learning almost all succulents need only bright shade, even on some late February days. I’ve burned more than one.😖. In fact, humans need only bright shade😉.

[@gillianhickton4717]

Scoping outside areas for the perfect spot now. I'm only a few months in to life with succulents and going in to a mild New Zealand autumn. It's fascinating watching them. I'm hoping to avoid a few pitfalls with all the wonderful help you are sharing. Thanks for not trying to baffle us with science. It's almost therapeutic watching your videos!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

So glad the videos have been helpful for you! Appreciate the feedback 🙂

[@eshelovesdogs]

Those terms are so ambiguous, thank you Cassidy! 😊

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You are very welcome!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

You're a winner! Please email us at [e-mail] to claim your free 6-month subscription to the Succulent Tracker App! 😊

[@margaretneilson3301]

Great advice Cassidy and well explained. I’m in Australia in the Central West NSW which gets extremely hot also. I have a gazebo set up to protect my succs from the blazing sun and also a fern house which is converted from my chook run from my chicken keeping days. I enjoy your videos... always full of great advice. Cheers and enjoy your spring as we slowly edge into winter beginning of June. 🪴🪴🪴😀😀😀🌷👍

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

That is wonderful! Sounds like your succulents are well protected 🙂

[@pamelamarean3798]

So helpful for my basic understanding of sun conditions. I love in Massachusetts, so the quality of my light here is very different. I think the best spots in my home offer only bright light to bright shade. It makes keeping healthy, attractive succulents very difficult.

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

We recommend using grow lights when it is hard to get the right amount of light naturally. You can find more about that here: www.succulentsandsunshine.com/yt-growlight

[@seaglass8940]

I had to smile seeing your shade setup... ...I have a full-on Southern exposure balcony garden here in Las Vegas that gets really hot too. Definitely needed shade cloths out there! I found some good-looking square and rectangle ones they call "sun shade sails" on eBay and Amazon that hang well with just screwed-in eye-hooks attached to the railing. (If you look hard you can find some with smaller sizes, but 8' x8' x 8' worked best for me.) Hope it's not too hot of a summer this year for us!

[@Succulentsandsunshine]

Thanks for your suggestion 🙂 Yes hopefully!

[@sheridavis8885]

Thanks for the great video.

[@shannonholby1147]

Well explained!

[@Desiraeh1]

Don't have any grow lights but have bright light. I am familiar with what bright light is. Thank you!