Decorating your garden with cacti, agave, and whatnot in a hot and humid climate is fun. But of course, not every succulent plant can grow outdoors. So, here are the best succulents for full hot sun to help you achieve a backyard that is the envy of your neighbors. Let’s get to it!
Best Succulents For Full Hot Sun
1. Aeonium
Caring for aeoniums is remarkably easy. But in winter, frost can damage this plant badly. It is imperative you do not remove the parts that look lifeless because if you don’t, the plant will come back alive. Otherwise, it will die.
Light exposure is not a problem for aeoniums, making it one of the best succulents for full hot sun. But if you grew some in pots, you should let the plant acclimate before taking them outside to prevent sunburns. If you see white marks, take the plant inside for more acclimatization.
2. Agave
Agaves belong to the family Asparagaceae—the same family to which asparagus and yucca belong, too— and produce sweet nectar. They get big and thrive in hot areas where other plants usually die.
These plants are the best full sunlight succulents because they need direct light and heat. Sadly, they cannot stand the cold and may perish if the temperature drops below 23F (-5C).
Agaves have sharp spines and leaf tips. So, plant/keep them away from children and playground areas.
3. Aloe
If you are looking for the best succulents for full hot sun, you might want to shop before buying an aloe plant. Most aloe hybrids have different features that make them stand out. For example, colorful teeth on the leaf margins, different types of farina, and thickness.
In general, these plants need to stay outside. Otherwise, they will produce long, thin, and slender leaves. The gel inside the fleshy leaves makes them too handy for anyone to leave them out of any backyard.
4. Echeveria Colorata
Also known as Mexican Giant and lindsayana, this plant is drought tolerant. But the leaves can display the most vibrant colors that give it its name only with regular waterings.
This plant is one of the best succulents for full hot sun. And most beautiful, too. In reality, though, the Mexican Giant is a variety that has a dusty finish on its leaves. It is also the largest compared to other specimens inside the same genus. But you would have to look at them side by side to spot all the minute differences.
5. Graptopetalum Paraguayense
Most people call it the ghost plant. Known for its greyish hue, the Graptopetalum paraguayense changes its color depending on the weather. Also, the more sun it gets, the shorter the leaves.
This cold-hardy plant can survive in most conditions and pot types. So, this is one of the best succulents for full hot sun for people who are starting out as succulent growers or have little time for gardening.
6. Graptosedum Varieties
Here are the best succulents for full hot sun for succulent addicts who want to hang pink flower-like stems around their patios and gardens.
The Graptosedum Vera Higgins gets all pink and reddish with direct sunlight. Instead, the Graptosedum Paddy Peat reveals a bright bronze color.
7. Kalanchoe Pinnata
This plant goes by many names: cathedral bells, miracle leaf, and plant of life. If you bring one from a nursery, give it five to six weeks before taking it outside. Every week, bring it closer to the brightest area or sunniest windows.
This plant likes to dry out in the winter and requires sporadic watering every two to five weeks. Also, it does not like extra humidity. It is a native subtropical/tropical plant, after all.
8. Opuntia
These cacti come in several variegations. Some have yellow streaks, while others have stylish marble-like white patterns. Of course, they all have spines, and loose leaves root up on their own.
The prickly pear thrives on neglect. You do not really need to care for this succulent. It is highly resilient and will withstand sunlight and cold, no problem. And lastly, it produces a beautiful flower.
9. Orostachys Boehmeri
This indestructible succulent has hypnotic leaf formations. In fact, the stems and leaves look like inverted ice cream cones. Despite its appearance, it is a challenging plant to grow. But it is one of the best succulents for full hot sun. Why? Because direct light helps maintain its cute, compact shape.
You can experiment with several cuttings during the adaptation phase. In short, pop a cutting into moist soil and try out several spots. It will not grow everywhere, especially if it does not receive water every three days.
10. Portulaca Molokiniensis
Most Portulaca varieties have a white, green, and pink color. Above all, their leaves are round and fleshy. But the Portulaca Molokiniensis grows upright while the other types like to creep around.
This plant is on the list of Endangered and Threatened Plants From the Islands of Maui and Kahoolawe, but you can find it in most online and local stores.
Pro tip: If you opt for other varieties, prune the Portulaca plant regularly to keep the variegated foliage fresh.
11. Sedeveria Green Rose
The Sedeveria comes in several types, and the Green Rose and Letizia are some of the best succulents for full hot sun. Especially to complete the look of other succulents by creating a suggestive frame.
All Sedeveria variants are hybrids of Echeveria Setosa and Sedum Caspidatum. For clarity, they usually grow about 8 inches tall and develop a few rosettes, which make them adorable. Their typical leaf color is apple green but turns red when exposed to direct sunlight.
If you want to keep them green, get a sunshade cloth. A 50% UV shade cloth can give your Sedeveria plants a little bit of protection from the frost in winter and harsh summer sun.
12. Senecio Mandraliscae
This plant’s commercial name is “blue chalk sticks.” And the name says it all. But if you want to add a bluish tone to your backyard or orchard, make sure to buy Senecio Mandraliscae only. The other varieties have different colors.
As long as the blue chalk sticks can absorb moisture from the air, they are one of the best succulents for full hot sun. They need well-drained soil with only traces of organic matter. But they can get dehydrated if no raindrops fall every 15 days.
Related articles: 9 Best Succulents with Yellow Flowers