Succulents have become well-known due to their drought tolerant and water storing capabilities, allowing them to withstand intense heat and very bright sun exposure. This is true to most succulents, but there are some species that cannot tolerate being under full sun without protection and might suffer from being sun damaged when exposed to too much heat.
So here we give you our top 10 cacti and succulents that can handle full sun exposure better than others and will still flourish under these conditions.
Opuntia Cactus
Opuntia or commonly called Prickly Pear is a slow-growing plant, which belongs to the largest species in the cactus family. They are very easy to grow and often recognized due to their classic appearance, where it gives numerous textures, forms, and unique desert appeal to any dish garden or even as a standalone specimen.
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 11
Light Needs: Full sun to Partial shade
Toxicity:Non-toxic to pets
Sempervivum
This charming group of succulents, which produces rosettes of juicy leaves that are usually covered in white hair. Plus, they are exceptionally hardy and can brighten up any arrangements, especially in mixed dish gardens, making them one of the most popular succulents to grow.
Light Needs:Bright light to full sun
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Toxicity: Non-toxic to both animals and humans
Old man cactus
If you are in search of a succulent that will bring both beauty and character to your garden, then consider getting an Old Man Cactus. They have grayish-white, distinctive, long, wooly hairs that will definitely make them stand out in any setting. Additionally, they are very easy to grow and are fairly hardy.
Hardiness Zones: 9 and 10
Light Needs:Bright light to full sun
Toxicity: Non-toxic to both animals and humans
Senecio blue chalkstick
This lovely succulent is not only visually appealing, but also super easy to grow. It possesses an amazing powdery blue coloring that will look splendidly beautiful in any arrangements, especially when mixed with other silver, purple, or blue plants.
Hardiness: Zones 9-11
Light Needs:Full or partial light for at least 6 hours a day.
Toxicity:This plant is toxic to both animals and humans.
Aeonium
A unique, tender group of succulents that without a doubt are some of the most stunning and sought for houseplants. They have some thin and fetching spoon or spear-shaped leaves that are usually in burgundy and green colors, which offers additional flamboyance to any living space. Plus, they are remarkably easy to grow, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor garden displays.
Light Needs:Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness Zones:9 to 11
Toxicity: Non-toxic to both animals and humans
Agave
Agave is slow-growing succulents that have large leaves with spiky margins and blooms some bell-shaped and long-lasting flowers in white, yellow, and green color. They are also low maintenance and are very adaptable, making them suitable to be grown on both the ground or a container.
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 11
Light Needs:Full sun to light shade
Toxicity:This plant is toxic to both animals and humans.
Echeveria
With its unique appearance and low maintenance needs, making these amazing succulents to become one of the most popular houseplants. Their striking rosette shape, plump leaves, and dozens of different colors make them very easy to decorate with.
Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
Light Needs: Full sun to light shade
Toxicity: Most Echeveria are nontoxic to cats and dogs
Golden barrel
This award-winning cactus is an attractive and cheerful specimen, which forms a pale green, barrel-shaped stem with sprouting bright golden spines. Over time, the cylindrical shaped cactus will transform into an oblong shape and often leans so that the spines can give better protection to its body. This dazzling and superb succulent looks great when displayed next to blue plants to add texture, color, and shape.
Hardiness Zones: 9
Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
Toxicity: Non-toxic to both animals and humans
Paddle plant
Paddle Plant is the most dramatic and modern succulent due to its whimsical form and intense winter color. It has flat, jade green color leaves with vibrant red-wine margins, and layered into an odd rosette, resembling clamshells. A very impressive evergreen succulent to grow in coastal, succulent, or even in Mediterranean gardens. Also looks great in containers where beautiful floral arrangements can be made.
Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
Light Needs:Full sun to Light shade
Toxicity: Leaves and roots are poisonous; The flowers are the most toxic part.
Donkey's tail
With its long luxurious stems, Donkey’s Tail is commonly grown in a hanging basket where it can drape and dangle freely. This handsome succulent grows up to 4-inches long and gets very thick over time with those trailing stems in overlapping plump leaves, which forms a braided pattern, making it a terrific choice to display on a wall or balcony to add character.
Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
Light Needs: Bright to indirect sunlight
Toxicity: Non-toxic to both animals and humans
See more about How to take care of Christmas Cactus
Click here to get all the details.
For Types of Succulents Careguide. Read more information here.
And get a free plant when your friends make an order. Sign up here!
Learn more about how to nurture and enjoy many gorgeous succulents and clever decoration tips with our newsletter. Sign up now!
