If you’re planning on planting succulents in your garden or adding to your existing collection, finding the best heat tolerant succulents will ensure that they’ll survive your summer’s extreme heat.
In some parts of the country, summers can get brutally hot, sometimes reaching temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
In areas that get plenty of sunlight, succulents are an excellent addition to your garden or patio. They’re ideal for people who don’t have much time to care for their plants, as they can withstand heat and dry conditions easily, and they don’t need much water or fertilizer to stay healthy and vibrant.
If you live in a climate that experiences hot summers and you want to add some color to your garden, succulents are great options because they are heat tolerant.
Succulents come in many shapes and sizes, as well as various shades of green, yellow, red, purple, and white. Selecting the best types of succulents for your area will ensure your plant thrives and stays healthy all year long.
For the best-looking succulents in your garden, use these 13 heat tolerant succulents as your go-to picks!
Heat tolerant succulents
Agave Americana (Century Plant)
The Agave Americana, also known as the Century Plant, is one of the heat tolerant succulents that can reach up to 6 feet in height. This plant is native to Mexico and can tolerate temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Agave Americana is a low-maintenance plant that requires little watering and can be grown in any type of soil. This plant is also drought tolerant and can withstand long periods of dry weather. Another benefit of this succulent is that it produces beautiful flowers which attract pollinators to your garden.
Although these plants are beautiful, they can have sharp leaves which should be handled with care. As with all living things, you must take into consideration their environment when deciding if this is the right succulent for you.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera is a succulent that is often used for its medicinal properties. The gel inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns and cuts. Aloe vera plants are heat tolerant succulents that can tolerate temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a low maintenance plant that does not require much water. Aloe vera is best suited for zones 10-11.
If you live in a cooler climate, place your aloe vera outside during the summer months only. They are available in various colors such as green, yellow, or red. They grow well indoors as well as outdoors. The plants do not need any soil as they will root themselves directly into their pots of sandy material. Aloe vera plants like moist soil and should be watered every two weeks.
A good potting mix consists of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand with some extra fertilizer added to it. Keep this succulent out of direct sunlight to prevent scorching on hot days but make sure they receive at least 6 hours of sun daily when the weather is milder.
Euphorbia Tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)
A common name for this euphorbia is pencil cactus, which gives you a good idea of its overall shape. It’s a popular choice for gardens and xeriscaping because it’s low maintenance and can tolerate long periods of drought. The pencil cactus is a native of Africa, but it can be found in other parts of the world as well.
In its natural habitat, it can grow to be 30 feet tall, but when cultivated, it usually only reaches about 6 feet. These plants are not toxic to pets or humans, so they’re a great option if you have little ones that might get into your garden! They also make great indoor plants because they don’t need any special care outside of water once every week or two.
Pencil cacti look their best with full sun exposure, but they will still survive in partial shade (think under trees). Make sure you keep them away from frosty areas though, these guys don’t like cold weather at all!
Sedum (Stonecrops)
Sedum is a large genus of succulent plants that come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Most sedums are heat and drought tolerant, making them perfect for hot, dry climates.
Sedums are also great for covering large areas of ground or filling in gaps between other plants. There are many different types to choose from: from the green, prostrate varieties to the upright types. Some even have pink flowers!
Epiphyllum Oxypetalum (Night Blooming Cereus)
If you’re looking for heat tolerant succulents that are also incredibly beautiful, look no further than the Epiphyllum Oxypetalum, or night blooming cereus. This plant is native to Mexico and can tolerate temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
It blooms stunning white flowers at night, which makes it a favorite among gardeners. The flower has a sweet fragrance and lasts only one day. But don’t worry! The petals will drop off in the morning and new ones will be there waiting for you in the evening! Just water this plant when the soil becomes dry.
You can grow it outside as long as it’s not too cold in your area (below 45 degrees Fahrenheit). Just put some mulch around its base to protect it from frost and sunburns if you plan on keeping this beauty outside all year round.
Remember: Night blooming cereus like a lot of light so be sure to give them six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus)
Opuntia, also known as prickly pear cactus, is a type of succulent that is native to the Americas. The plant is heat tolerant and can thrive in hot, dry climates.
Opuntia is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance. The plant produces beautiful flowers that range in color from yellow to red.
When fully grown, it has dark green leaves with pointed ends and long spines on the sides. Its fruit resembles a small greenish-yellow pear with edible flesh inside that tastes like pineapple or watermelon when ripe.
Echeveria Macdougallii (Echeveria Sedoides)
A beautiful succulent that’s perfect for hot, dry climates, Echeveria Macdougallii (Echeveria Sedoides) is a low-growing plant with rosettes of blue-green leaves. The leaves are edged with pink and have a powdery coating that helps protect them from the sun and heat.
These plants are great as ground cover or in containers with other succulents. They need very little water and will thrive even in full sun conditions. In general, this type of succulents should be watered once per month.
Too much watering can cause rot to form on the roots and lead to yellowing or browning leaf tips. In extreme heat they may need to be watered more often; however, make sure not to overwater these plants because they are sensitive to overwatering.
Euphorbia resinifera (Moroccan Mound)
Native to Morocco, Euphorbia resinifera plants are low-growing, heat tolerant succulents that form mounds up to 2 feet tall. The blue-green leaves are fleshy and have a slightly waxy coating that helps protect them from the hot sun.
In spring and summer, small yellow flowers appear on the tips of the stems. One can easily propagate this plant by separating clumps of it or using it as cuttings. It’s drought tolerant but thrives in moist soil when grown in shade.
It’s important to water sparingly during the winter months when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit because succulents need less water when they are dormant. It will not survive freezing temperatures so make sure it’s brought indoors during cold spells if possible.
Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Stick Succulent)
Native to South Africa, the Senecio mandraliscae is a heat-tolerant succulent that can handle temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a fast-growing plant that can reach up to four feet in height, and it has an upright, branching growth habit.
A beautiful blue-gray succulent, the Senecio mandraliscae is a must-have for any drought-tolerant garden. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginners and is also deer and rabbit resistant.
The blue senecio’s leaves are fleshy and blue-green in color, and they’re covered with a powdery coating that helps protect the plant from intense sunlight. It produces small, yellow flowers that grow in clusters on stalks at the top of the plant.
You’ll want to keep this guy out of strong winds or cold temperatures because it does not tolerate frost well.
Aeonium arboreum Schwarzkopf (Black Rose)
Aeonium arboreum Schwarzkopf plants are heat tolerant succulents that can reach up to 3 feet in height. It has dark purple or black leaves that are arranged in a rosette shape. The flowers are yellow and appear in the summer.
Aeonium arboreum is native to the Canary Islands and prefers full sun to partial shade. In order to protect it from frost, move it indoors when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can fertilize this plant monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer during its growing season, which is March through October.
Echinocactus Grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)
The Golden Barrel Cactus is a type of cactus that is native to Mexico. It is one of the most heat tolerant succulents and can tolerate temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Golden Barrel Cactus is a slow grower and can reach up to 6 feet in height. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The Golden Barrel Cactus requires full sun, well-drained soil, and little water once established.
It is also drought tolerant. A fun fact about this cactus is that it was used as emergency food during the Mexican Revolution because it could survive on very little water. It can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Echinocactus Grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus) make great additions to your garden or patio!
Agave ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue Agave)
A true blue beauty, the Whale’s Tongue Agave is a striking succulent that can add a dramatic pop of color to your garden. These heat tolerant succulents are native to Mexico and can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
The Whale’s Tongue Agave is a low maintenance plant that is drought tolerant and does not require much water. If you are looking for a statement plant for your garden, the Whale’s Tongue Agave is a great choice.
It will look fantastic against green foliage or in front of desert-like plants. You’ll want to make sure this succulent gets plenty of sun because it will thrive in full sun environments.
Pachyphytum fittkau
A native of Mexico, Pachyphytum fittkaui plants are heat tolerant succulents that can reach up to 12 inches in height. The leaves are a beautiful blue-green color and have a powdery coating that helps the plant retain water. Pachyphytum fittkaui is an easy plant to care for, and can tolerate extended periods of drought.
It’s also resistant to pests, making it an excellent choice for those with smaller gardens or who want something low maintenance.
When planting this succulent, it’s important to use potting soil mixed with sand or perlite to provide air pockets and drainage as well as avoid overwatering. If you’re looking for a variety of colors, this is one of your best bets!
