Best Sun Loving Succulents-15 Succulents for Full Sun

 

Succulents have become increasingly popular as houseplants over the past decade and they are now selling like hotcakes. Luckily, it is very easy to grow succulents due to their highly forgiving nature. Even people with a black thumb can grow and maintain succulents very well. They offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that are extremely captivating. 

Succulents are usually referred to as ‘Desert Plants’. Therefore, it is obvious to assume that they can thrive in bright sun and extreme heat. This is true to most succulents however some succulents require shade and can be severely sun-scorched under bright direct sunlight.

I have made a list of a few amazing succulents that love to grow in full sun.

1. Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)

Sempervivum, well known as Hens and Chicks is an amazing succulent. The leaves are green, thick, and fleshy with pointed tips that are arranged in the form of a rosette. They thrive well in full sun. These succulents do not grow too tall and usually reach up to 3 to 4 inches. Sempervivum sometimes produces white, red, and blue colored flowers through flower stalks. They need regular watering during the summer season and should be watered less often during the winter season.

Hardiness zone: They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8.

2. Aloe

It is a huge group of small dwarf and large tree-like species that can grow up to 30 ft. One of the most common and popular species is Aloe vera that has a great medicinal value. These succulents have thick, fleshy, green to bluish grey-green leaves. Some Aloe species have white flecks on their stems. They thrive well in partial to full sun. The dwarf Aloe species are mostly grown as houseplants.

Hardiness zone: Aloe is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9, 10, and 11.

3. Old Man Cactus

Old Man Cactus is one of those succulents that will bring both beauty and character to your home gardens. The distinctive grayish-white, long wooly hairs of old man cactus make it a unique succulent that stands out in any arrangement. The interesting thing about this succulent is that it is very hardy and super easy to grow. It prefers to grow in bright to full sunlight.

Hardiness Zone: Old man cactus is grown as a hardy succulent in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10.

4. Aeoniums (Tree Houseleek)

Aeonium grows in a tree-like manner bearing spoon-shaped leaves that are arranged in the form of rosettes on the branches. Flowers of Aeonium are yellow colored and star-shaped. The flowers appear in a cluster on the rosette and the rosette dies soon after flowering.

Aeonium requires very low maintenance and thrives well with little care and effort. The succulent loves to grow in full sunlight. Aeonium is drought resistant and needs well-drained soil for its good growth. Being a drought-resistant succulent Aeonium do not appreciate over watering at all.

Hardiness zone: Aeoniums are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

5. Senecio Blue Chalkstick

Senecio blue chalk stick is a beautiful succulent that looks amazing on any display. It is super easy to grow and maintain. The lovely powdery blue color of this succulent looks extremely attractive and adds a spark to any arrangement. The succulent also looks amazing when displayed with other succulents of silver, purple or blue colors. It loves to grow in full to partial sunlight and should be provided sunlight for 6 hours a day.

Hardiness Zone: The succulent is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

6. Agave

Agave or Agave americana is a slow-growing succulent. Just like any other succulent, it bears fleshy thick leaves. Interestingly it has large leaves with spiky margins and the leaves are arranged in rosettes. The succulent produces bell-shaped long-lasting flowers. The flowers are yellow, green, or pink colored. Agave is an amazing low-maintenance succulent that grows well in the ground or containers. Agave succulents thrive best in full sun but during intensely hot weather they may need partial shade. 

Hardiness Zones: The succulent is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 11.

7. Echeveria

Echeveria is an amazing genus of unique succulents. These are some of the most popular succulents that are widely grown as houseplants. They are easy to grow and require very low maintenance. Echeveria has plump leaves that are arranged in a rosette. They appear in a variety of colors that give them a great decorative value. Echeveria succulents thrive best in full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness zones: Echeveria succulents are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

8. Paddle plant

Paddle Plant is an amazing succulent that belongs to the genus Kalanchoe. This succulent is very popular for its fantastic form and intense color that develops in the winter season. It bears flat jade green leaves with red-wine edges that appear in the form of an odd rosette typically resembling clamshells. It gives an amazing display in containers where it is used to create beautiful floral arrangements. Paddle plant grows well in full sun to light shade.

Hardiness Zones: The succulent is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.

9. Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)

Prickly Pear Cactus is also known as Nopal Cactus or Paddle cactus. It has very sharp spines that grow on vibrant pink-colored fruit of the succulent. Prickly pear cactus does not have leaves it has green-colored pads that bear fruit. Interestingly the fruit of this succulent is edible. The succulent is rich in fiber and antioxidants therefore it has several health benefits. The fruit of this cactus is often used in salads, juices, and other dishes. The succulent grows well in full sunlight regions.

Hardiness zones: Prickly pear cactus is grown as a hardy succulent in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

10. Donkey’s Tail

Donkey’s tail is a lovely succulent and is often grown in hanging baskets where it can drape and dangle freely. It has luxurious stems that look amazing while hanging in baskets. The succulent becomes very thick over time. The trailing stems of this succulent display plump leaves that appear in a braided pattern. The succulent grows up to 4 inches in height and looks amazing if displayed on a balcony, shelves, or a wall. Donkey’s Tail loves to grow in bright to indirect sunlight.

Hardiness Zone: The succulent is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

11. Pachphytum

Pachphytum is a slow-growing succulent. It has bean-shaped fleshy and green leaves that are arranged in a rosette. It blooms merrily in the spring season by producing white-colored flowers. The succulent is adapted to grow in diverse conditions. It needs more water in the active growing season but it must be allowed to dry before applying the next water. Pachphytum requires minimal maintenance and can grow well in full sunlight. Interestingly, the succulent can even tolerate frost to some extent however keeping it under frost for a long period should be avoided.

Hardiness zones: The succulent is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

12. Moroccan Mound

Moroccan mound is a tubular-shaped succulent that has pointed spines on the margins. The succulent produces very tiny yellow-colored bloom clusters that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. They are easy to grow and maintain because they can tolerate drought and heat fairly well. Interestingly the succulent has a unique stem that eventually grabs attention because it does not bear leaves instead it only has a four-sided long tubular stem. The succulent thrives well in full sunlight regions.

Hardiness zones:  Moroccan Mound is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

13. Golden Barrel

Golden Barrel is a unique and attractive succulent. It forms a pale green barrel-shaped stem with bright golden spines. The succulent is cylindrical shaped and transforms into an oblong shape over time and often leans in such a way so that the spines may provide better protection to its body. Golden barrel flourishes well in full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness Zones: The succulent is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

14. Candelilla

Candelilla is a dessert succulent and thrives well in hot weather. The succulent has very small leaves and tiny red and white-colored flowers that grow on the top of the stem. The stem is green containing wax inside. Being a dessert plant the succulent is drought resistant and grows 1 to 3 feet in height. Candelilla thrives well in direct sunlight.

Hardiness Zones: The succulent is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.

15. Ocotillo

Ocotillo is another famous dessert succulent that tolerates plenty of heat and flourishes well under full sunlight. The succulent produces tiny leaves that fall off very soon. The succulent produces red-colored blooms and can grow up to 25 feet in height. It is a drought-tolerant succulent therefore it doesn’t need water very often.

Hardiness zones: Ocotillo grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article for any queries or information about your favorite plants feel free to write to us.