A List of Low Light Succulents to Grow

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Sometimes one of the biggest challenges of growing succulents is how to provide them with adequate lighting, particularly if you are living in a place where there is less natural light. This is because most succulents like to have bright light but not direct sunlight. Most people love to grow succulents because they are highly flexible. The fact is, they can even survive even when placed in the shady area. If you want to grow succulents but your area does not have sufficient lighting, then some succulent varieties can thrive in low light. Below is a list of the best low light succulents:

Beaucarnea Recurvata (Ponytail Palm Tree)

You might think that ponytail palm trees are palm trees, but they are not. Although they may look like one, yet they are essentially succulents from the Agave family. One of its obvious characteristics is the bulging trunk, where the water is stored. Also, its leaves are slim and long. They appear on the top of the trunk, making them look like a ponytail. Hence, this is the reason why it is named as a ponytail palm tree.

These plants are very easy to grow and can tolerate less watering. Most of all, they can thrive in low light conditions. Usually, they require bright light, however, they can still survive even in medium to low light. Hence, they are the best choice for houseplants. Just make sure to put them on a fast-draining soil. Avoid letting them sit in water and always keep them dry out in between watering.

Parodia Haselbergii

Also known as Scarlet Ball Cactus, this is a native plant of South America and Brazil. They can thrive with less light. It’s fine to put them under the shade, however, they would enjoy having bright sunlight. Be sure to keep them protected against extreme heat.

Parodia Haselbergii comes in different sizes and forms. They can be in clusters or in solitary. They have a grayish-green color and they can generate vibrant flowers that are either yellow or orange.

Rebutia

Among the cacti genus, this succulent is considered as one of the most prominent ones. You can find this in different places all over the world. Rebutia is a native plant in Argentina as well as Bolivia. Although they are usually small and circular, they can still create large clusters.

Rebutia can produce bright attractive flowers in different colors. Amazingly, its flowers are larger than its body. You can easily grow these plants. Most of all, they can thrive in low lights and limited shade.

Aloe

Aloe has a variety of species which includes small species as well as large species which can reach up to 10 meters. The tinier aloe varieties, as well as the hybrids, can survive under the shade, making them great for indoors. Simply place them in pots and boxes and you can have refreshing house plants. Aloe has dense, fleshy, green leaves. Although some stems include white streaks. They can be propagated through its bunches and offshoots.

If you are just starting to grow your succulent, then Aloe would be a great choice since they are very easy to grow. Regardless if you put them in a lesser light, they can still thrive and keep growing. They can produce several offshoots that can be repotted. They could also make a great gift for your friends and relatives.

Gasteria

This is a native plant of South Africa. These plants are known as Gasteria since its flowers look like the shape of a stomach and the Latin word for stomach is “Gaster.” They can tolerate shaded conditions with lots of rainfall. Its leaves are long, thick, and curved.

Several Gasteria species can be grown indoors since they can tolerate lesser light. However, they can also thrive in bright light but not direct light. Most species will require protection from the intense heat of the sun. Gasteria species are usually used as houseplants since they can grow well in pots and containers as well as in shaded areas.

Haworthia

Haworthia is a native plant of South Africa and south-west Africa. They are a large genus that consists of smaller succulents. Although there are a few Haworthia species that have a similar appearance of Aloe Vera and oftentimes they are mistaken as one. Most varieties of Haworthia can thrive in low light. Although they can look great when placed in bright light. Just make sure to protect them against the intense light of the sun.

Haworthia form rosettes that come in different sizes and shapes. The rosettes also vary from one species to another. Some are in clusters, while others are in singles. Most Haworthia species have dense roots. Its leaves also vary. Some are tough, thick and fleshy while others are softer and plump. They usually come in a dark green color. Some leaves have glassy appearance so sunlight can get inside which is effective for photosynthesis.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe originates from Madagascar and they have a wide range of varieties. The most prominent ones are the small shrubs with chunky leaves. Its leaves vary in shapes. Some leaves are smooth while others include fine furry hair. Kalanchoes are usually placed in pots, making them great for indoors. This plant is very easy to grow and extremely flexible. They can tolerate low light, however, it would be great when they are placed in bright, indirect light. Surprisingly, they can even endure severe heat. Kalanchoes can generate bunches of colorful flowers.

Some Kalanchoe species are also known as “Mother of Thousands” or “Mother of Millions” since they can easily multiply through their pups. These baby plants can easily root no matter where you place them.

Echeverias

forgiving since they can tolerate neglect, making them the best choice for starter plants. They are also suitable as indoor plants since they can thrive in low to medium indirect light. Although it is fine to put them in low light, yet if you want to see the real color of its leaves, you need to provide them with bright light. You do not have to protect them against extreme sunlight.

Snake plants are one of the most popular indoor plants since they can help in purifying the air. The fact is, they can eliminate formaldehyde and benzene toxins from the air in your surroundings. Just like other varieties of succulents, you should not overwater your snake plants and you should not sit them in water. If they are grown in a good environment, then most likely they can last for years. The fact is they can even reach up to five feet tall.

Schlumbergera

Hoya is a native plant of Australia, Southern India, and East Asia. They are highly recognized for their chunky leaves shaped in hearts. Hoyas have vine-like features, which is why they are also called as the Hindu Rope.

Keep in mind that not all hoyas are categorized as succulents, only a few of them are. Hoyas do not require direct sunlight since most of them can thrive in limited shade. You have to keep them protected against intense heat and extreme frost. Commonly, they are great indoors. Simply place them in hanging baskets.

Rhipsalis

Rhipsalis is a native plant of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Among the different succulents, Rhipsalis is a unique cacti genus since they are naturally epiphytes. Plants can be considered as epiphytes if they can grow on the other plants’ surfaces. They will obtain moisture and nutrients within their environment. Another thing that makes them unique is that their habitat is the rainforest.

Commonly, we always thought that cacti are desert plants that can tolerate dry conditions. But Rhipsalis is the opposite since they cannot endure direct sunlight and extremely dry soil. Rhipsalis can do great as houseplants. This plant is also best in places where there is low light. It is best to expose them in the morning sunlight and in the afternoon provide them with complete shade.

When Rhipsalis is living in its native habitat, they obtained a lot of protection from the sunlight due to the branches of the trees hanging on its surroundings. Keep in mind that this plant requires regular watering since they are not drought resistant. Nevertheless, overwatering must be avoided at all times since it can rot its roots.
Rhipsalis Baccifera or Mistletoe Cactus is one of the most well-known Rhipsalis species. They need partial shade or full shade and most of all they can grow best indoors.

Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

Schlumbergera

This plant is part of the cacti family. Schlumbergera originated from the tropical rainforests of Brazil. They cannot tolerate extreme heat and frost. You must provide them with some moisture. Although Schlumbergera species belong to the cacti genus, yet they vary in appearance as well as in its behaviors.

In humid regions, these plants can grow on trees, that is the reason why they are also known as epiphytes. Additionally, they can also grow on rocky grounds just like lithophytes. They have flat stems that look like bottles or leaves joined together. These stems will remain green throughout the year.

The Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus are one of the most popular varieties of Schlumbergera. They are usually used as houseplants because of their spectacular and beautiful flowers. You can simply grow them in pots. They cannot tolerate full sunlight and you must keep them protected against extreme sunlight in the afternoon. They can grow well when placed in partial shade.

If you are wondering how you can grow your succulents successfully, then you can get some ideas from Eden Succulents. If you want to grow one of these low light succulents, then you can get them online! What plants have you grown indoors in low light?

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