Succulents are eye-catching and distinctive plants that can be used as focal points in drought-tolerant landscaping.
They can retain water through thick, meaty leaves, allowing them to go longer between waterings than other plants.
Surprisingly, despite their ability to conserve water, most succulents love sunlight.
However, we’ve discovered ten shade succulents that can take full to partial shade and a brief video illustrating how to care for and plant any succulent in a container.
Snake Plant
Snake plants grow well in shaded areas; they may lose their beautiful color in deep shade but will still live. It’s also on our list of the Best Plants to Grow in Indirect Sunlight. The snake plant, also known as Mother-in-Tongue, requires little care and thrives on neglect. It is undoubtedly one of the greatest succulents for growing in the shade.
Growing Recommendations:
- Determine the size of the pot based on the size of the plant. It does not necessitate the use of a huge pot.
- Avoid overwatering! This plant requires little water, so keep it dry.
- Plant in a medium that drains properly and does not retain moisture.
Related: Different Types of Succulents With Flowers
Aloe Vera
Some dwarf and hybrid aloes, as well as types such as soap aloe, aloe vera, and krantz aloe, can thrive in shady circumstances. Aloe plants grow best in full light to part sun, but they can endure bright shade. Furthermore, they don’t mind living in deep shade in hot regions.
Growing Recommendations:
- Only water when the soil is completely dry.
- Find a location where the aloe plant will get at least a couple of hours of direct sunlight per day.
- It is critical to remove pups regularly to keep these plants from becoming pot-bound.
Zebra Cactus
The zebra cactus is a very showy houseplant. It has dramatic horizontal stripes on its lovely plump leaves. This low-maintenance plant thrives in the shade and may be cultivated both outdoors and inside. Because of its short stature (less than 6 inches), it may be grown in teacups, small pots, cans, and a variety of other unusual planters.
Growing Suggestions:
- The roots of the zebra cactus are shallow. It can be grown in pots no larger than 6 inches in diameter.
- The plant grows slowly and does not require repotting for an extended period of time.
- Although the plant develops in bright shade, allow light sunshine exposure if possible.
Burro’s Tail
Burro’s tail (Donkey’s Tail) is a trailing succulent that looks especially nice in hanging baskets. This succulent features rows of trailing fleshy leaves in the shape of a teardrop that are gray-green in hue. This plant grows best in partial shade in the early sun, but it also thrives well in full bright shade.
Growing Suggestions:
- Use cactus and succulent soil that has been properly made.
- Water on a weekly or biweekly basis. When the top layer of soil dries out, it, like all succulents, needs water.
- For best growth, fertilize the plant with a balanced 10:10:10 fertilizer.
- Because of its delicate leaves, this plant should not be moved from its current location.
String of Bananas
Its long tendrils of small banana-like leaves falling down from shelves and hanging planters are ideal for brightening up a dark spot in your home. Keep it in a bright shade if growing outside.
Growing Suggestions:
- Provide ample shade.
- Overwatering should be avoided.
- Water deeply just when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Plant in small decorative pots in well-draining porous soil.
Crown of Thorns
When grown in full light, Crown of Thorns never stops blooming. Surprisingly, it’s also one of the best shade succulents. The only disadvantage of growing it in the shadow is that it ceases to blossom. Nonetheless, the plant’s structure and foliage are appealing. It can be cultivated both inside and outside.
Growing Suggestions:
- Maintain the plant in partial shade. It can endure full shadow if it receives brilliant indirect sunshine all day.
- It’s low-maintenance and doesn’t need to be watered on a regular basis.
- Water the plant in a balanced manner and maintain it on the drier side.
- If you keep the plant in a bone-dry state for an extended period of time, the leaves will begin to fall off.
Related: What Succulents are Winter Dormant?
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palm, sometimes known as elephant’s foot palm, is a succulent rather than a palm. The water is kept in its inflated trunk, which looks like an elephant’s foot. It is one of the most spectacular and largest succulents to grow as a houseplant or in the garden. Ponytail palm grows best in full to medium sun but tolerates shade.
Growing Suggestions:
Plant it in a cool environment, semi-shade. In a hot region, it will continue to thrive in a full shadow area that is warm and receives all day long bright indirect sunshine.
Water seldom and allow the soil to dry between watering sessions.
Ponytail palm is a slow grower that requires repotting after a while.
Fox Tail Agave
Agave, also known as Lion’s Tail or Swan’s Neck, is a simple plant to grow. The Fox Tail agave is well-known for its tolerance to shade. It can grow to be around 5 feet tall and wide, and its rosette-shaped leaf structure attracts attention even when it is not blooming.
Growing Suggestions
- This plant can withstand both under and over water.
- Only water thoroughly when the topsoil is dry.
- It prefers warm weather but can endure temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 C).
Panda Plant
This succulent, sometimes known as pussy’s ear, is ideal for a child’s room. The soft and mushy feel of the foliage appeals to children. Keep in mind that if kept indoors, this plant will not flower.
Growing Suggestions:
- It thrives in the shade. Allow it a few hours of direct sunlight or all-day indirect light.
- Water only infrequently.
- Check out our indoor plant care recommendations.
- Fertilize it once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Keep it at a comfortable room temperature and away from drafts.
Related: Different Types of Succulents With Flowers
Jade Plant
Money plant is another name for a jade plant. In certain countries, the jade plant is said to bring good luck and riches. Like the snake plant, it is very easy to care for and manage inside, as you can see from the list of shade-tolerant succulents above.
Growing Suggestions
- Plant it in well-draining, pH-neutral soil.
- This strong, drought-tolerant succulent prefers to grow in dry conditions.
- It thrives in full sun, medium shade, and complete shade. However, in full shade, you will see diminished growth.
Additional Tip
If at all possible, cut a few branches of any tree that is casting shade to provide for some dappled light. Improve the drainage of the soil and mulch with rock or inorganic material. Organic mulches retain moisture and can promote decay. Water half as much as you would a full-sun plant. Test the soil with your fingertips several inches (5- 7.6 cm) deep. It is time to water if the soil seems dry. Also, keep an eye on the condition of the leaves. Any puckering signals that it is time to water. Water is just at the root zone and prevent obtaining moisture on the leaves, which may not dry quickly and stimulate the growth of fungal spores. Keep an eye out for common insects such as mealybugs and attack them using horticultural soap or oil.
