Sun Exposure

One of the trickiest parts of growing succulents indoors is providing enough sunlight. Outdoors, succulents can get light all day. Indoors, windows filter out light and blinds or curtains have to be open to allow light in. Depending on the direction the windows face, you may not get enough sunlight for your succulents to thrive. Indoors, select plants that prefer less light and grow slowly. The brightest area in your home is likely the best place for your succulents.

Full Sun Or Partial Shade?

It’s important to know how much sunlight your succulent needs. Most Echeverias need full sun, while most Haworthias prefer full shade. On average, most succulents require about six hours of bright, indirect sunlight to maintain their color and shape.

If your indoor succulents need full sun, provide as much bright light as possible throughout the day. If your succulents prefer shade, you can get away with a room that gets sunlight part of the day. Generally, succulents with bright colors need more sunlight. They often turn green or lose intensity without enough light. Succulents that are naturally green in color tend to need less sunlight.

This succulent has stretched out as it reaches for light.

Stretching

An early sign that your succulents aren’t getting enough sun is if the plant begins turning toward the light. It will also start to stretch out or get “leggy.” You’ll notice more space between the leaves, and often the new leaves will be smaller than usual. Once a succulent has stretched out, it can’t go back to its original compact shape. The only way to get the arrangement back to its original shape is to cut off the top of the succulents and replant them. You can also cut down the long stems, which will start to put off new growth.

A grow light can make up for natural light deficiencies.

Artificial Lighting

If you notice that your plants are starting to stretch for more light, consider using artificial lighting. Grow lights are available in all shapes, sizes, and intensities. You may need to experiment to find the right style for you.

A small space will require less light. Generally a 60-watt bulb will be enough to enhance the natural light your plant is already getting. Both fluorescent and LED lights will generally provide the right color of light to help your plants grow. You’ll want to place the lights about 1 to 2 feet (0.3–0.6m) away from the plants.

Set your artificial lights on a timer or make sure they are on for 10 to 14 hours per day, during normal daylight hours. Succulents need a dark period, or night time, in order to grow properly.

Moving plants outdoors provides more airflow and better access to sunlight.

Moving Plants Outdoors

If your succulents need full sun, it is beneficial to move them outdoors when the weather allows. Place them in an area that gets bright indirect sunlight rather than full direct sunlight, to prevent sunburn. Direct morning sun is generally okay, as it is cooler than afternoon sun. If there is a significant difference in temperature between indoors and outdoors, you’ll want to have the succulents outside for only an hour or two at a time. You can increase the time each day so that they start to acclimate to the new temperature.