The Primary Factor: Understanding Succulent LightRequirements

Light is the single most important factor in caring for any plant, especially succulents that are native to sunny, arid regions around the world. They produce energy from light to fuel their growth and metabolism, so when they are not receiving enough of it, their overall health will decline. A succulent that doesn’t have enough light is unlikely to appear as robust as a plant with enough light to meet its needs, exhibiting stretched stems, fewer leaves, and generally paler coloration. Conversely, when a succulent is in an ideal spot with adequate light, it will develop stockier growth and more vibrant color.

The Importance of Light for Photosynthesis

For most indoor succulents, the best way to describe their needs is “bright, indirect light.” In other words, find a place in your home or office that can provide the plant with as much quality light as possible, but is not subject to hours of direct, harsh sunlight during the day. Certain types of succulents are more tolerant of bright sun exposure than others, but in general, in door varieties should be protected from direct rays as much as possible without depriving them of good light.

How to Assess Light in Your Space

To give your succulents the best opportunity to thrive indoors, it is important to take note of the direction of the windows in your home or office. This information is essential in determining both the strength and duration of the light that a given location will receive each day.

• South-facing windows: The strongest and longest duration of light, making this the best position for most succulents.
• West-facing windows: The strongest and longest duration of light, making this the best position for most succulents.
• East-facing windows:  While not as strong, east-facing windows should not be discounted, especially for plants that do not require as much light.
• North-facing windows:  In the Northern Hemisphere, north - facing windows rarely receive enough light for succulents and should be avoided if possible

Signs of Inadequate or Excessive Light

Plants are fairly good at telling you when something is amiss with their care. It just takes a bit of observation to notice. We will take a closer look at light deprivation symptoms and excessive light below, but for now, here are some key things to look for.

• Etiolation (stretching): A succulent stretching toward a light source is a clear sign that it is not receiving enough illumination. The plant grows faster than usual and produces taller, weaker (“leggy”) stems in an effort to reach a more optimal location. Leaves on the stem may also be sparser and discolored.

• Sunburn (scorching): If your succulent is receiving too much light, especially direct sunlight in hot weather, you may start to see burn marks on the leaves. These may be brown or black, but they can also appear bleached white in some cases. Sunburn causes permanent damage that cannot be reversed.
  

Optimal Indoor Locations for Succulents

Now that you know how to find the right amount of light and how to tell if a position is right or wrong for your succulents, let’s look at some specific examples of good spots to put your succulents inside

Windowsills: The Premier Choice

An ideal windowsill is either south-facing or west-facing, and it should be the first spot you check for your succulents. Windowsills are often ideal because they provide maximum exposure to  natural light. In some locations, heat coming through glass can get intense, especially in summer or if the plant is right next to a window. Always monitor your succulents in summer if they sit close to a window, since that area can overheat them quickly.

Shelves and Tables Near Bright Windows

Shelves and tables a short distance from the window are still a great spot for succulents if the light from the window remains bright. Placing a plant a foot or two away from the window can provide bright, indirect light and protect it from temperature extremes right next to the glass.

Summer heat and winter cold may be less intense farther from the window, and sunlight may also be softened by reflection off walls and floors.

Utilizing Artificial Light (Grow Lights)

Succulents are adaptable to different light sources, and as long as a plant is getting enough light, it can grow well under artificial lighting. Full-spectrum grow lights are an ideal way to provide supplemental light to a succulent, as they mimic the sun as closely as possible. When using grow lights, there are some important placement considerations.

• Distance from light: Typically 6 to 12 inches above the plant is a good distance for a grow light.

• Distance of light: 12 to 14 hours of grow light per day is generally sufficient for a succulent’s needs.

Secondary Environmental Variables: Temperature and AirCirculation



Light, as we have discussed, is the most important environmental factor to consider when placing a succulent indoors. This isn’t to say other factors like temperature and air movement aren’t important; they should be considered as well.

Ideal Temperature Range

Succulents prefer the same temperatures most people find comfortable: 60 to 80°F (15 to 27°C). This is the range many people keep their homes, and it generally matches what succulents like in doors. However, succulents do not tolerate dramatic temperature shifts, so do not place them directly in front of drafty doors, radiators, AC units, or heaters.

The Need for Air Circulation

Airflow is another important consideration when placing a succulent in your home. Succulents benefit from air movement because it helps the soil dry out between waterings. Without adequate airflow, the risk of root rot, fungus gnats, and other issues is significantly higher. Avoid overcrowded shelves, small terrariums with limited openings, and cramped bookshelves.

Common Placement Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes made when deciding where to place succulents indoors. These typically happen when best practices aren’t followed, but they are still important to keep in mind.

Low-Light Areas

Dark bathrooms without a window, hallways with no light, or bookshelves at the back of a closet are not good places for succulents. These areas do not get any light, or nearly enough light, for the plant to survive indoors. It is unlikely that a succulent placed in one of these locations will survive for very long.

Proximity to Heat or Cold Sources

Radiators, heating or cooling vents, and air conditioners can create sudden temperature swings and rapid shifts in moisture that are harmful to succulents. Extreme temperatures and drafts in winter or summer can dehydrate and damage a plant quickly if it is too close to the source.

Neglecting to Rotate the Plant

Rotating a succulent once a week or so can help it grow upright and evenly as it naturally gravitates toward the light. While it is not required for light reasons alone, it is a good way to keep the plant balanced and visually appealing.