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do succulents need a lot of light

Author

Jessica Young

Updated on June 29, 2026

No succulent will survive with a complete lack of light, though. So, if you live in a basement apartment, have only a north-facing window, or if your space has no windows at all, consider purchasing a small tabletop grow light for your succulent plants, even if they are varieties of succulents that grow in low light.

How much light do indoor succulents need?

All succulents need darkness each day to maintain a healthy growing cycle, but need at least six hours of sunlight a day to stay thriving. When using grow lights for my indoor succulents, I’ll leave them on for about 12-14 hours, mimicking the natural daylight plus a few hours.

Do succulents prefer sun or shade?

Provide some shade

While they appreciate a lot of light (and very few survive in full shade), most succulents need sun protection, especially if the temperature hits the 90-degree-mark, or if they’re small. Varieties that are solid green, pale, or variegated are most in danger of sun burn.

How do you keep succulents alive indoors?

While succulents may not require a lot of attention, they do need a few basics to keep them thriving:
Give enough sunlight. Succulents need enough light—at least six hours of full sun per day. Water properly. Use the right pot and soil mix. Don’t forget to fertilize. Inspect your plants.

Where do you put succulents indoors?

Most succulents prefer at least 6 hours of sun per day, so try to place them near a south- or east-facing window. You may notice your succulents becoming spindly or stretching toward the light if they don’t get enough sun. Allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings.

Can succulents survive in a windowless room?

Can succulents grow in a windowless room? There are some low-light friendly succulents that can survive well under windowless conditions provided they receive light energy in form of artificial grow lights. The drainage conditions and the watering practice also plays an important role in their better survival.

Do succulents like to be touched?

It is best to avoid touching your succulents unless you know they will react positively. The leaves of a succulent are very delicate, and scratches or other damage to succulent leaves are permanent. Not all succulents have this coating but if yours does, it is best to avoid touching the leaves.

Will any LED light work as a grow light?

Regular LED lights can’t be used as grow lights, even though they may emit some of the wavelengths necessary for plants. Regular LED lights don’t emit enough of the light that plants require. Plant growth primarily requires red & blue light, which LED grow lights are designed to maximize.

Why do my succulents keep dying?

The reason for a succulent dying is most often because of root rot due to overwatering and slow draining soils. Succulents are drought resistant plants that require the soil to dry out between watering. Brown, yellow or black mushy leaves indicate the succulent is dying because the soil is too damp.

How often should you water a succulent?

Indoor succulent plants should likely be watered approximately once a week. They need enough time to store the water in their leaves and for the soil to dry out between waterings. Follow these tips and techniques for watering indoor succulent plants. Use a watering with a small pour spout.

How do you know when a succulent needs water?

Signs Your Succulent is Thirsty

Wrinkled, shriveled leaves are a clear indication that your Succulent needs more water. As the cells release their stored moisture to the rest of the plant, they try to bring in more water to replace what they have lost.

How do you take care of a succulent for beginners?

Get into a regular watering schedule to help plants thrive. Water succulents when the top inch of soil feels dry by pour water into the pot until it flows through the drainage hole. Remove all excess water. Soak up the sun – Most succulents love light.

Should I mist succulents?

Full grown succulents don’t actually like to be misted. They thrive in arid climates, so when you mist them, you are changing the humidity around the plant. This can lead to rot as well. Use misting for propagation babes to lightly provide water to their delicate little roots.

Where do succulents grow best?

Succulents do best in a sunny spot in very well-drained soil. Their fleshy leaves are designed to store water, so they’re able to cope with periods of drought. Most prefer a very slightly acidic soil. Succulents will struggle to grow in poorly drained, heavy soils.

Do succulents grow better inside or outside?

There are a wide variety of succulents and some of them do well indoors and some do well outdoors. A lot can depend on where you live and what the climate is like. Remember that succulents do not want a lot of moisture and will likely not thrive as well in very humid areas as they will in dry, hot and arid climates.

Are succulents good for beginners?

With a nearly infinite number of varieties, succulent growing can keep even the most avid grower and collector interested. And with their low-maintenance needs and readiness to propagate, they’re easy to care for and forgiving of first-time gardeners still getting the hang of things.

How long can a succulent go without water?

They can go up to 1-3 months of no watering. Indoor succulents will have less exposure to the elements outdoors – wind and sunlight outdoors tend to dry out the soil faster than it does indoors. In cooler climates, generally fall and winter, the soil stays moist for longer periods of time.