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Caring for Outdoor Succulents

Want to know how to care for succulents outdoors? I’m sharing some tips for keeping these beautiful plants healthy and vibrant-looking all season long!

While I was at a local garden centre back in May, I was drawn to the section of tiny succulent plants and couldn’t leave without picking up a bunch. At first I shoved all nine in a wooden crate for my outdoor brunch tablescape, but it didn’t take long for the plants to outgrow their temporary living quarters. Eventually, I was able to find the perfect pot to transfer them into, and I’m happy to report they’re thriving in their new home located on our front porch.

Succulents Planted in Grey Concrete Planter

How to Take Care of Succulents Outdoors

I find succulents to be one of the easiest plants to grow indoors, but there are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to ensure they stay happy and healthy outside as well. I’m definitely no expert when it comes to succulents (or any plant for that matter), but so far I must be doing something right since these cutie-patootie plants are alive and well.

Variety of Succulents in Grey Concrete Planter

Succulents don’t require a lot of water.

I find it’s best to keep these plants out of the rain if possible so the amount of water they receive every week is controlled. The most common problem with succulents is rot.

How often should you water succulents? Depending on the outdoor temperature, I give mine a good watering once a week throughout the summer allowing the soil to dry out in between. As fall approaches, I plan on extending the amount of time in between.

Succulents don’t like their roots sitting in water for long periods of time.

A good succulent potting soil with vermiculite allows for adequate drainage, as does rocks or pebbles at the bottom of a pot.

If you plan on planting succulents in a bed instead of a container, mix a good amount of sand in the soil for proper drainage. As well, ensure the soil slopes away from the plant, as you don’t want it sitting in a hole.

Keep succulents out of direct intense sunlight.

Succulents require a lot of light, but extreme sun may burn the leaves turning them brown or spotted. A perfect spot outdoors is an area that receives a good amount of sunlight (6-8 hours) and bit of shade during the intense heat of a summer day.

A sign that your plants aren’t getting enough sunlight is if they start to stretch out with a lot of space between their leaves.

Outdoor Succulents in Grey Pot
Succulents in Grey Concrete Pot on Yellow Bench

Have any other tips for caring for outdoor succulents? What has worked well or not so well? I’d love to know.

Outdoor Succulent Table Centerpiece

Pin these succulent care tips for later!

Various Succulents Planted in Grey Concrete Planter

More Succulent Ideas

Learn how to create these cute mini succulent pots, plus get more potting tips!

Mini Potted Succulents in Aged Terracotta Pots

Add some life to your table with potted succulents. I brought these plants inside for the winter months.

Eclectic Tablescape Decorated in Green, Gold and White Decor with Potted Succulents

And, finally, learn how to make a log and succulent centerpiece for your outdoor table in this tutorial!

Log and Succulent Centerpiece on Outdoor Table

One other thing before you head off… If you’re looking for more useful and pretty ideas in your life, make sure you’re on the email list! You can subscribe here.

Happy growing!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

17 Comments

  1. Great tips, Shauna! I created a succulent terrarium this year, and somehow… two of my succulents have decided to give up on trying. I am totally aghast at their lack of effort, but perhaps it’s because I haven’t been caring for them properly!

    1. I have two indoor succulent plants that have been going strong for quite a while. One is called a money tree so I definitely don’t want that one to die! I had a terrarium that did really well all fall and winter and started to go downhill in the summer. I think it got too warm (I had a fern inside). Good luck with the rest of them!

  2. I love succulents but mine have not worked out lately. Yours look gorgeous, so obviously you have the right touch!

    1. Probably too much water. Before I repotted mine some were going down hill because they were in the rain too much. Put them under my covered front porch and they’re looking lovely (so far!).

  3. Thanks for the tips Shauna! I didn’t know that they don’t like the hot sun, I’ll have to remember that… I’ve got it Pinned though so I won’t forget! Thanks again and your succulents look great in that container!!

  4. Succulents are my favorite indoor plants! I just can’t seem to keep anything alive. Love this post. Gives me hope that I could actually do it. 

  5. These look gorgeous.  Every year I think I should try succulents, but I haven’t got around to it yet…  It just dawned on me that they would be perfect for the balcony at the condo because they don’t need regular watering!  

    1. That would be perfect, plus they’d suit the look of your condo. I plan on bringing mine inside once fall hits. Hope they last all summer long!

  6. Oh, I love how succulents look, but I literally kill everything I touch… I heard that they are pretty low maintenance though, so I might give them a try. Thanks for the tips!

  7. Great post Shauna!  I have my succulents sitting in direct sun and was wondering why there were turning brown/purple, lol!  I’ll be moving them ASAP!  ;)

    1. I think direct sun is good when it’s not so hot outside. Move them for July and August and see about later on. Do you bring them inside for the winter?

  8. So pretty! I love succulents! Mine have grown well when they have lots of drainage. I didn’t know too much sun might be bad for then though; thanks for the tip!  Where did you pick up the pot? It’s lovely too 

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