Can Succulents Grow in Shade?

Do succulents need a lot of sun to survive?

What happens if you choose the wrong type of succulent for dry shade areas?

Can succulents grow in shade at all?

Succulents need plenty of sun to survive and thrive, and most need either full sunlight or only partial shade. However, there are some succulents that can be grown in shady conditions as well, especially if you keep up with their soil and water needs.

In this article, we will show you several options for shade-friendly succulents. Read through this information to find out more about the succulents you might choose to grow in and around your home.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe has long, thin leaves with small spines along the edges. It grows gray-green to deep green.

Soil: Cactus potting soil with perlite

Water: Deeply but very infrequently

2. Bear Paws

These small succulents have gray-green paddle leaves and brown spines.

Soil: Sandy soil with good drainage

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

3. Burro’s Tail

This elegant succulent drapes over the sides of hanging pots and features long bunches of triangular leaves in a rich green.

Soil: Equal parts potting mix and sand

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

4. Christmas Cactus

Christmas cactus has large paddle leaves that hang down over the sides of its pot and grow red flowers on the ends in time.

Soil: Lightweight soil with lots of drainage

Water: Water when the top 3 inches of soil feel dry

5. Crown of Thorns

Deep, rich green leaves grow in clusters with red stems and pink flowers on this elegant plant.

Soil: Equal parts potting mix and sand

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

6. Devil’s Backbone

This plant features a thick stalk stem with leaves that branch off of either side, giving it the appearance of a spine.

Soil: Moist sand and perlite

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

7. Easter Cactus

This cactus has long, hanging leaves with paddle sections and grows bright pink flowers.

Soil: Coco coir and peat moss

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

8. Elephant Foot

This odd plant grows out of a root ball that resembles the foot of an elephant—hence its common name.

Soil: Very well-draining soil

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

9. Euphorbia

These plants grow long stalks with rosette clusters on the ends.

Soil: Sandy soil with an acidic pH

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

10. Flaming Katy

This kalanchoe grows paddle leaves with bright red flowers in the center.

Soil: Well-drained soil

Water: Very light watering

11. Foxtail Agave

This agave features wide, sharp leaves and a rich green color.

Soil: Acidic sandy or gravelly soil

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

12. Gasteria

This cute little houseplant has tall, triangular leaves that are variegated with deep and pale green shades.

Soil: Sandy and well-drained

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

13. Jade Plant

This plant has a woody stem and waxy rich green paddle leaves.

Soil: Peat moss and perlite; no actual soil

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

14. Hoya

Hoya plants have paddle leaves and can be variegated in shades of green or can be richly solid green.

Soil: Well-draining and gravelly

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

15. Panda Plant

This unique kalanchoe features pale green fuzzy leaves that have black spots around the edges.

Soil: Cactus mix with sand included for drainage

Water: Very rarely; dry is better

16. Ponytail Palm

This palm grows out of a large central root bulb and has thin fronds that hang over the bulb.

Soil: Cactus potting mix

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

17. Rhipsalis

These spindly little plants grow long branches with small, thin, tubular leaves in a rich green color.

Soil: Well-draining soil without too much peat

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

18. Rosary Vine

This succulent grows long, thin strings that hang down over the sides of its container and feature small, round leaves.

Soil: One part sand to two parts potting soil

Water: Completely dry between watering

19. Snake Plant

This tall houseplant features large triangular leaves and is usually variegated in shades of green.

Soil: Soilless mixture of peat and perlite

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage; do not allow to stand in water

20. String of Bananas

This succulent grows long, thin tendrils that feature yellow-green leaves in the shape of bananas.

Soil: Porous soil with plenty of drainage

Water: Dry completely between watering

21. String of Pearls

This plant grows tendrils that have round ball-like leaves along each tendril and look a little bit like a pearl necklace.

Soil: Sandy with lots of drainage and slight acidity

Water: Dry completely between watering

22. Thanksgiving Cactus

The Thanksgiving cactus has wide paddle-like leaves in rich green with spines and grows deep red flowers.

Soil: Two parts potting soil to one part perlite; or you can go a little heavier on the perlite with no trouble

Water: Dry completely between watering

23. Wax Plant

This plant hangs over the sides of its container with rippling, curled leaves that have a waxy finish.

Soil: Cactus potting soil with perlite and orchid soil included

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

24. Woodland Stonecrop

This plant features round leaves and grows small, delicate white flowers.

Soil: Rocky soil that holds slight moisture

Water: Do not allow soil to dry completely, but do not overwater

25. Zebra Cactus

This plant grows tall, rich green leaves with small spines and white spots.

Soil: Equal parts cactus potting soil, sand, and perlite

Water: Light watering with plenty of drainage

Conclusion

Here are a few tips to help you learn more about planting succulents in shade:

  • Planting in the ground vs. in a pot: Planting in a pot makes it easier to control where you place your plant. Planting in the ground leaves your plant more susceptible to variations in weather conditions and sunlight outdoors.
  • Choosing the ideal pot size: Pick a pot that is not too small for your plant but isn’t so big that it won’t be able to reach its water.
  • Pruning branches: Prune branches as needed, but don’t over-prune. Too much pruning can leave a plant susceptible to disease.
  • Mulching or no mulching: It’s usually strongly recommended to avoid mulching succulents, as mulch can cause nutrient burns and overload.
  • Insect problems: Mealy bugs are the most common insect pests for succulents. You can remove them from your plants with alcohol and cotton balls, and avoid the use of chemical insecticides.
  • Fertilizing or no fertilizing: If you choose to fertilize your succulents, do so only once or twice per year. You can also skip this step if you prefer.

How can you tell if your succulent is getting enough sun or not enough? If your succulent is getting enough sunlight, it will grow rich, deep colors and will look tall and healthy. If not, it will droop, sag, or look “watery” in appearance.

By keeping this information in mind, you can make the best possible choices for your succulents and ensure you choose the right type of succulent for your partial sunlight or high-shade conditions. Pick from this list and you’ll be sure to enjoy the results when you bring home your new plants!