Top Cacti And Succulents for Full Sun
Last Updated on July 8, 2023
Cacti and succulents are two of the most popular types of plants, largely because they are so easy to care for. Both thrive in full sun, so if you’re looking for a plant that can tolerate a lot of heat and bright light, one of these is probably a good choice. Here are some of the best cacti and succulents for full sun:
*Note: All plant descriptions are based on average size unless otherwise noted.
Top 10 Outdoor full sun heat tolerant succulent plants
If you’re looking for a plant to add some life to your space, cacti and succulents are a great option! These hardy plants can thrive in full sun, making them perfect for sunny windowsills or outdoor spaces. Here are some of our favorite cacti and succulents that will do well in full sun:
1. Aloe vera – This popular succulent is known for its healing properties, but it’s also a beautiful addition to any space. Aloe vera thrives in full sun and is relatively easy to care for.
2. Echeveria – Echeveria is a type of succulent that comes in many different colors and shapes.
They’re all low-maintenance plants that do well in full sun.
3. Sedum – Sedum is another type of succulent with variegated leaves that come in shades of green, red, purple, and more. Like other succulents, they don’t need much water and can tolerate bright light.
4. Cactus – There are so many different types of cacti out there, from the small and spiky to the tall and tree-like. No matter what type you choose, cacti are easy to care for and make great houseplants or outdoor additions.
Best Succulents for Full Hot Sun
Are you looking for a succulent that can handle full, hot sun? If so, here are some of the best options to consider.
1. Crassula ovata (Jade Plant) – This tough succulent is perfect for full sun conditions.
It can tolerate extended periods of drought and heat, making it ideal for hot, sunny climates.
2. Aeonium haworthii (Haworth’s Aeonium) – Another great option for full sun, this succulent is native to the Canary Islands where it grows in very sunny, dry conditions.
3. Sedum morganianum (Burro’s Tail) – This trailing sedum is perfect for hanging baskets or other containers where it can spill over the edge.
It tolerates very bright light and high temperatures, making it an ideal plant for hot, sunny areas.
4. Echeveria pulvinata (Chenille Plant) – This beautiful echeveria produces long “chenille”-like leaves that are covered in colorful hairs. It does best in bright light and can tolerate extended periods of drought and heat.
5. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora (Flapjack Plant) – This unusual succulent has thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern.
Heat Tolerant Succulents
When most people think of succulents, they think of cacti and other plants that thrive in hot, dry climates. But there are actually a wide variety of succulents that can tolerate high temperatures. Here are some of the most heat tolerant succulents:
1. Aeoniums – Aeoniums are native to the Canary Islands and Africa, so they’re used to hot climates. They come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, pink, and red. Aeoniums prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
2. Euphorbias – Euphorbias are another type of succulent that’s native to hot climates. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from small groundcover plants to large trees. Most euphorbias prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.
3 . Sedums – Sedums are one of the most popular types of succulents because they’re so easy to care for. They’re native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa (so they’re also used to hot climates).
Sedums come in many different colors and forms, from low-growing groundcovers to tall shrubs. They prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.
4 .
Sempervivums – Sempervivums are commonly known as houseleeks or hens-and-chicks. They’re native to Europe and North Africa (so again, they’re used to hot weather). Sempervivums come in a variety of colors and forms; some have leaves that are green with red tips while others are entirely red or purple.
Hanging Succulents That Like Full Sun
If you’re looking for a succulent that can take the heat, look no further than these varieties that thrive in full sun. From well-known favorites like aloe vera to lesser known types like kalanchoe, there’s sure to be a plant on this list that catches your eye.
Aloe Vera: One of the most popular succulents, aloe vera is also one of the easiest to care for.Native to Africa, this plant is used in many commercial skin products due to its soothing and healing properties.
Aloe vera likes bright light and needs very little water – just make sure not to overwater it!
Kalanchoe: A member of the Crassulaceae family, Kalanchoe is native to Madagascar. This succulent is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves which store water well.
Kalanchoes come in a variety of colors including green, red, purple, and even yellow! These plants do best in bright light and with infrequent watering.
Echeveria: Another member of the Crassulaceae family, Echeveria originates from Mexico and parts of Central America.
There are hundreds of different species and cultivars available, so there’s sure to be one that catches your eye! These rosette-forming succulents range in color from pale green to deep purple and need bright light and infrequent watering to thrive.
Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum): Hens & chicks are low-growing succulents that form clusters of offsets (or “chicks”) around the main plant (“hen”).
These plants are native to Europe but have been introduced all over the world as ornamental plants. Sempervivums are cold hardy and can even tolerate some snowfall! They prefer full sun but will also do well in partial shade – just make sure they don’t get too much moisture or they may rot.
Full Sun Succulents Zone 10
If you live in Zone 10, you’re in luck when it comes to growing succulents! Many succulents can tolerate full sun, and even prefer it. Here are a few of our favorite full sun succulents for Zone 10 gardens:
Echeveria ‘Perle Von Nurnberg’: This beautiful echeveria has pink-tinged leaves with a powdery coating. It’s heat and drought tolerant, and does best in full sun.
Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’: This dramatic aeonium has deep purple leaves that almost look black.
It’s a tough plant that can handle full sun and heat, making it perfect for Zone 10 gardens.
Senecio mandraliscae: Also known as blue chalksticks, this senecio is easily recognizable by its powdery blue foliage. It’s heat tolerant and does best in full sun to partial shade.
These are just a few of the many wonderful succulents that will thrive in your Zone 10 garden. So get out there and start planting!
Full Sun Succulents Southern California
If you’re lucky enough to live in Southern California, you can enjoy an abundance of full sun succulents all year long! These beautiful plants are perfect for adding a touch of the desert to your landscape. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Aloe vera is a classic succulent that thrives in full sun. It’s perfect for using as a topical remedy for minor burns and cuts.
2. Echeveria ‘Perle Von Nurnberg’ is a gorgeous rosette-forming succulent with pinkish-purple leaves.
It does best in bright light, but can tolerate some shade.
3. Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ is an attractive groundcover with deep red foliage. It grows well in hot, sunny locations and requires very little water once established.
4. Aeonium ‘Zwartkopf’ is a striking black-leaved succulent that looks great in rock gardens or as an accent plant in the landscape. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
5. Kalanchoe thyrsiflora is a unique succulent with tubular yellow flowers that bloom in wintertime (hence its common name, “Flowers of the Year”).
Credit: succulentsbox.com
Can Cactus And Succulents Be in Full Sun?
When it comes to cacti and succulents, there is a lot of debate about how much sun they should get. Some people believe that these plants do best in full sun, while others believe that they should be kept in partial shade. So, what is the truth?
Here’s what you need to know about cacti and succulents in full sun:
Cacti and succulents are native to some of the hottest, driest regions on earth. This means that they are used to harsh conditions and can tolerate a lot of sun.
In fact, many types of cacti and succulents actually require full sun in order to thrive. If these plants are not getting enough sunlight, they will start to stretch out and become leggy. They may also produce fewer flowers.
However, it’s important to remember that too much sun can be damaging to these plants. If they are exposed to direct sunlight for hours on end, their leaves can start to scorch and turn brown. It’s important to provide some protection from the midday sun, especially during the summer months.
One way to do this is by planting them under a tree or shrub that provides some dappled shade. Another option is to use an outdoor umbrella or canopy.
In general, cacti and succulents do best in bright light but not direct sunlight.
By giving them the right amount of light, you’ll help them stay healthy and looking their best.
What Succulents Thrive in Direct Sunlight?
If you’re like most succulent lovers, you probably can’t get enough of these sun-loving plants. But what succulents thrive in direct sunlight? Here’s a list of our favorite heat-loving succulents that will brighten up any sunny spot in your home or garden.
1. Aeoniums: Aeoniums are a type of succulent that comes in a wide range of colors, from bright yellow to deep purple. They’re native to the Canary Islands, so they’re used to hot, sunny conditions. Aeoniums prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine.
If they don’t get enough light, their leaves will start to stretch out and lose their color.
2. Echeverias: Echeverias are one of the most popular types of succulents, and for good reason! These rosette-forming succulents come in a wide range of colors and shapes, and they’re very easy to care for.
Echeverias need bright light to maintain their compact shape and vibrant colors. They can tolerate some direct sun, but too much direct sun can scorch their leaves.
3 .
Sedum: Sedums are another type of succulent that does well in full sun. These hardy plants are native to dry, rocky areas like deserts and mountainsides. They’re drought tolerant and can handle long periods without water better than most other succulents.
However, sedums do need some water during the hotter months to keep their leaves from burning.
4 . Sempervivums: Sempervivums (also known as “hens and chicks”) are low-growing succulents that form dense mats of rosettes on the ground.
These tough plants are native to Europe and Asia, where they grow in harsh mountain climates with little rainfall or protection from the elements.
What Cactus Can Survive Extreme Heat?
There are many cacti that can survive extreme heat. The most common ones are the prickly pear, the saguaro, and the barrel cactus. All of these varieties have thick skin that helps protect them from the sun’s rays.
They also store water in their bodies, which helps them stay hydrated during long periods of drought.
Can Succulents Grow Outside in Full Sun?
Yes, succulents can grow outside in full sun. While they are typically desert plants that enjoy hot, dry conditions, some varieties of succulents can tolerate full sun and partial shade. When grown in full sun, succulents will often change color to a deeper green or purple hue.
If you live in an area with very hot Summers, it’s best to provide some afternoon shade for your succulents. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and turn brown.
Can Low-Light Succulents and Cacti Thrive in Full Sun?
Low-light succulents and cacti are not suited for full sun conditions. These plants are adapted to thrive in shady and low-light environments, making them sensitive to intense sunlight. Exposing them to direct sun can lead to sunburn, wilting, and damage to their leaves and stems. To ensure the health and vitality of these plants, it is vital to provide them with the appropriate lighting conditions.
Conclusion
There are a variety of cacti and succulents that can tolerate full sun. Some of the best varieties for full sun include:
-Echeveria
-Hylocereus undatus
-Pachycereus pringlei
-Rhipsalis baccifera
-Sedum morganianum
These plants are all heat and drought tolerant, and can thrive in sunny conditions with little water.
