skip to main content

Cacti & Succulents

Sun! Direct/Indirect? Too much/Not enough?

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

As an inexperienced succulent owner, I'm insecure when it comes to knowing how much sun my plants need. They reside on my apartment balcony that faces west, so they only get afternoon sun while the temps lately have been hovering around 95F with very high humidity.

I made the mistake of leaving one too long in the sun, or maybe I introduced it too soon to full sun. I'm not sure, but the leaves sunburned. I'm afraid I've started to overcompensate with less sun.

I realize differing species have different requirements, but when care instructions say sun, how much is enough vs too much?

Also, is indirect sun workable? That's all I get in the mornings when the temps are cooler.

I'd appreciate any advice, tips and techniques you guys have to share.

Featured Answer

cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5

7 years ago

Renee, a maxim of this thing of ours is 'when in doubt, don't'. This is most appropriate for watering, but applies to other things, too. Yes, your plan sounds fine.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
7 years ago
It's all about the plants getting used to full sun, by and large, as you have learned. It depends on the genus / species, of course, but most can take full sun or a lot of sun after they're acclimatized to it. But once again, it depends on your environmental conditions and what you have. For example, if they're accustomed to it, Aloes by and large can take full sun, and Ariocarpus too. Haworthias and Gasterias, less so. New World Crassulaceae can generally grow fine in full sun.
Renee thanked cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
Jayvee Chun (Manila Philippines, Tropics)
7 years ago
Hi. It really depends but some pointers:

-Echeverias and Sempervivums: need a lot of sun. They can do with full morning sun and indirect at noon but can do all-day full AS LONG AS acclimated. They color up nice too.

-Aloes, Gasterias, Haworthias: They can do bright light. But full can still work but will need to acclimate them slowly. They may have brilliant colors when stressed with full sun.

-Kalanchoes, Graptoverias, Sedums: Also sun lovers. Full morning sun and indirect at noon. Most can do full sun as long as acclimated.

So in general, safest is morning sun and then indirect at noon. However, stressing the plant will produce lots of new color. (Stress is making conditions less favorable like less water, more sun, more heat or cold).
Renee thanked Jayvee Chun (Manila Philippines, Tropics)
Related Discussions
How much direct sun is enough? Spacing?
Q
Comments (4)
Not all daylilies thrive in Southern California conditions. It might be better for you at the coast, but inland there are very few that can take our full sun. I have moved all of mine to full shade so they will not burn. Take a look at Greenwood- they grow for the landscape trade in Southern California. Renee Here is a link that might be useful: Greenwood Daylilies
...See More
Repotting sad Money Tree after too much sun, mealybugs and soggy roots
Q
Comments (20)
Melissa, yes it's worth it to get your mix ready, even if this particular plant doesn't survive. You can always re-use the mix because the mix is very durable. Money Trees do root very readily, so definitely give it a try as Al suggested. I encourage you to get another plant, though, and you can apply everything you've learned, and enjoy a great experience from day one. Pick up a small, inexpensive Money Tree, plop it into your durable, free-draining mix, water and fertilize, and you will be amazed at how rewarding and easy these trees can be. On a side-note, I don't suggest you take the advice that Anthony is giving. Now is the best time of year to do heavy pruning and re-potting with your Money Trees. In fact, I just chopped my Pachira about a week ago. Notice how it is located in bright shade, just to the edge of where the full sun hits. For transitioning an indoor acclimated plant to the outdoors, this is an optimal location on my property.
...See More
What happened to my succulent? Too much direct sun? Rotting?
Q
Comments (4)
I don't think succulent rot usually presents itself in dried up leaves. In my experience, it's usually shriveled leaves that rapidly turn yellow and fall off, and a blackening stem. Also, the placement of the dried leaves isn't starting from the bottom of the stem and working upwards, it's in the leaves that are exposed to sunlight. So, I don't think you need to worry about rot. Looks like these guys are shocked and sunburned from the sudden change in environment. Succulents need time to adjust to bright, direct sunlight, especially when you buy them from a store that keeps them indoors where they're getting little to no sun. Gradually give them more and more sun each day for 2 weeks until they're properly acclimated to the amount of sun you'd like to give them everyday. The change in temperature from a cool air-conditioned house to a warm/hot outside could also have contributed to this blanched appearance. Overall I think your semps look pretty healthy, other than the dried bits! You can probably just pluck those leaves off, if they bother you.
...See More
Need help with my lawn, too much water or too much sun?
Q
Comments (18)
Since there are horses on the bags of alfalfa pellets, I suspect the size of the pellets is about the size of your thumb. Those are also called horse cubes. What you want are the rabbit feed sized. Here is a link to feed stores near Orlando. Call around and ask for rabbit chow or alfalfa pellets the same size as rabbit chow. Another place to find corn flour, not the same as meal, but equally effective, is at a grocery store catering to Hispanic shoppers. They carry corn flour for tortillas in 25 pound bags. You do not need both. I was giving you some alternatives. Since you have a Tractor Supply nearby, a couple other choices are DuMOR 16% Layer Crumbles and whatever floating catfish food they have. There is one called Trophy and another. Those have 35% conspicuously marked on the label.
...See More
Renee
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you both for your help.

Jayvee, I will add your tips to my journal to use as reference. It's exactly what I need.

Unfortunately, morning sun is non-existent on my balcony. We're on the "wrong" side of the building. So, here's a plan I hope will work.
1. Begin to slowly acclimate them to full afternoon sun.
2. Once acclimated, allow them to have 2-3 hours of afternoon sun while temps are in the high 90s. Then provide shade for rest of the day.
3. Check leaves daily for signs of sunburn or withering from lack of water. (I'm very paranoid about over-watering).
Sound good?
0
Renee
Original Author
7 years ago
Love that maxim. Going into my gardening journal immediately.
0
ewwmayo
7 years ago
You can put something totally opaque like wood or plastic board over the plants at first, giving them 'bright shade' in the afternoon but blocking direct light.

After some time, then swap it out for something semi-transparent like cloth or mesh. And then finally remove the cloth and your plants should be good to go. =)

Personally, I quickly realized that I didn't have time to shuffle pots in and out frequently on weekdays so the above was my alternative solution.
Renee thanked ewwmayo
Renee
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Ooh! That sounds like a very workable plan. Thank you!
0

Related Stories

ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: Sturdy Enough for a Tsunami

By Mary Jo Bowling

Storms don't scare this Washington state home; breakaway features and waterproof finishes let it weather high winds and waves

ENTRYWAYS Porte Cocheres Steer Driveway Style in the Right Direction

By Rachel Grace

More than a carport, these covered structures attached to a home provide protection beautifully

WINDOW TREATMENTS A Surefire Way to Prevent Sun Damage Indoors

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Why let light ruin your furniture, floors and artwork, when the solution could be as simple as applying high-quality window film?

Here Comes the Sun

By The Lettered Cottage

GARDENING GUIDES Shades of Vegetable Gardens: Growing Edibles in Less Sun

By Steve Asbell

See how one gardener produces a veritable feast of vegetables and herbs under a canopy of shade

GREEN BUILDING Look to the Sun for More of Your Home's Lighting

Manage sunlight with design-savvy windows, solar tubes and skylights to save energy and show your home's beauty

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: 5 High-Intensity Plants for High-Intensity Sun

Blend bold foliage and flowers to create a powerful combination that will hold its own even in the harsh light of midsummer

ARCHITECTURE What You Must Know About the Sun and Your Home

By Duo Dickinson, architect

Learn about the powerful effects of sunlight on house materials and more, and see 7 homes that address the sun's rays beautifully

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Drought-Tolerant Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun and Reflected Heat

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Got a hot spot in your garden where plants often die? Try these tough shrubs that add beauty while shrugging off the heat

VACATION HOMES Houzz Tour: Scottish Farm Cottage Looks to Sun and Stars

A sheep field is home to a small, energy-efficient house that pulls ideas from mobile home design and raises the style level

Sponsored

Whispering Pine Construction

Franklin County's Top Choice for Reliable Outdoor Construction

More Discussions

Free plants or cuttings

5

Can I trim this plant?

1

Moon Cactus help

4

ID this cactus please?

8

21 year old Jade Plant 4ft tall Pruning Repotting Questions Concerns

3