Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:29 pm
If you love to learn about outdoor succulent types, it’s important to choose the right type of plant, as some succulents don’t do well with direct sunlight, heat, or cold.
As they often serve as decorative elements in the home or office, it’s important to choose the right succulent type when growing them indoors or outdoors.
They are some of the most versatile houseplants and can be grown indoors or outdoors in sunny areas that have adequate drainage and soil. If you choose to take them outside, it’s important to know which succulent types are best suited for outdoor growing environments.
There are several different outdoor succulent types, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits, these plants are attractive, easy to maintain, and low-maintenance, making them popular among gardeners who enjoy their unique appearance and varied color palette.
Outdoor succulents are typically hardier than indoor varieties and can better withstand fluctuations in temperature and light. If you’re looking to add some drought-tolerant plants to your garden, here are 12 of the best outdoor succulent types.
Best outdoor succulent types
Crassula ovata
A type of succulent that is native to South Africa, the Crassula ovata is also known as the jade plant, lucky plant, or money tree. This low-maintenance plant can grow up to three feet tall and produces small white or pink flowers.
While the Crassula ovata is typically grown indoors, it can also do well outdoors in bright, indirect sunlight. The only problem with this species is that it can be a little fussy when it comes to watering. When you water your Crassula ovata, make sure not to get any soil on the leaves as this will lead to a variety of issues like molding or rotting.
Haworthia reinwardtii
A type of succulent that is native to South Africa, Haworthia reinwardtii is a small, low-growing plant that forms rosettes of fleshy, dark green leaves. The leaves are often streaked with white or light green and have small, sharp teeth along the margins.
Flowers are white or pale pink and appear in summer. Haworthia reinwardtii is an easy plant to care for and makes an excellent choice for beginners. It can grow outside during winter if it’s sheltered from strong winds and frosts but will need protection during hot weather.
For best results, water this plant sparingly throughout the year; over-watering may cause rot.
Crassula perforata
A beautiful succulent that’s perfect for any garden, Crassula perforata is native to South Africa. It grows up to 12 inches tall and has lovely white flowers that bloom in the spring. This type of succulent is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it a great choice for beginners.
For this reason, many people grow it as a houseplant or as an indoor landscape plant. If you have a shady garden or need help with landscaping ideas, this type of succulent will fit right in!
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a type of succulent that is often used for its medicinal properties. The gel from the leaves can be used to soothe burns and cuts. Aloe vera can be grown both indoors and outdoors. When growing aloe vera outdoors, make sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight.
They are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate periods of drought. For best results, water the plant every few days when it is outside. Alternatively, you can place an indoor pot in direct sunlight and water it twice a week.
Keep in mind that aloe vera does not like frost or below-freezing temperatures. It will die if subjected to these conditions for more than four hours.
Pachypodium lamerei
A favorite of succulent enthusiasts, Pachypodium lamerei is a medium to large-sized plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer and fall and its leaves are a glossy green. This succulent is native to Madagascar and does best in full sun.
Pachypodium lamerei is a drought tolerant plant, so it’s perfect for those who don’t want to worry about watering their succulents too often. It also thrives in harsh climates.
The only downside to this succulent is that it needs protection from cold weather because it can’t handle temps below 50 degrees Fahrenheit without frostbite.
Agave parryi var victoriae
The Agave parryi var victoriae, more commonly known as the blue agave, is a type of succulent that is native to Mexico. It is a popular choice for landscaping and gardens due to its unique blue-green color and striking shape. The blue agave can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 6 feet in height and 10 feet in width.
When mature, the plant produces yellow flowers that bloom in the springtime. They are poisonous when consumed by humans or animals but are safe to touch. The blue agave thrives in hot climates with plenty of sunshine. They require little maintenance and will tolerate drought conditions once established.
They prefer well-drained soil with good fertility levels, which can make them an expensive purchase but they do not need any pruning unless desired because they only produce one set of leaves during their lifetime.
Echeveria pulidonis
A native of Mexico, the Echeveria pulidonis is a beautiful blue-green succulent that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. This type of succulent is perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their outdoor space.
The Echeveria pulidonis is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. When watering, be sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Also, avoid overwatering as this will cause roots to rot and eventually kill the plant.
Keep an eye on insects like mealybugs and aphids which could damage your plant’s leaves if left untreated. If you have small children or pets in your household, avoid planting this particular succulent as it can be toxic if ingested by them.
Agave Ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue)
A native of Mexico, the Agave ovatifolia is a stunning succulent that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The leaves are blue-green and have a wavy edge that resembles a whale’s tongue.
This plant is drought tolerant and does best in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil but will tolerate wetter conditions. Plant this outdoors in USDA zones 8 or higher with protection from frost. Use it as an accent plant on your patio or balcony, as a hedge along your fence line, or use it as an attractive focal point in your landscape design.
Pachycereus Marginatus (Mexican Fence Post Cactus)
The Pachycereus Marginatus, or Mexican Fence Post Cactus, is a type of cactus that is native to Mexico. It is a fast-growing cactus that can reach up to 20 feet in height.
The Pachycereus Marginatus has long, thin, green stems with white flowers that bloom in the summer. This cactus is drought-tolerant and does well in full sun. If it starts to get too dry, you will need to water it more often than if it were planted in an area where there was more rainfall.
Although this cactus is relatively cold-hardy, if you live in an area where temperatures drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius), then you will need to protect this plant from frost.
Echinocactus Grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)
The Echinocactus Grusonii, more commonly known as the Golden Barrel Cactus, is a type of cactus that is native to Mexico. It is one of the most popular types of cacti due to its round shape and beautiful golden color.
The Golden Barrel Cactus can grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide, making it a great choice for an outdoor succulent. If you live in a hot climate, this cactus will do best in full sun.
When planting your cactus, make sure there is enough space between each plant so they don’t suffocate each other with their roots. The Golden Barrel Cactus is a very slow-growing plant; be prepared to wait at least five years before any new growth occurs.
Senecio Mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Sticks)
A native of South Africa, the blue chalk sticks succulent are a beautiful addition to any garden. The plant gets its name from its blue-green leaves, which are shaped like sticks of chalk. This succulent is drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
To propagate, simply take a cutting from the main plant and allow it to dry for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. It’s not uncommon for Senecio Mandraliscae to lose some color when moved indoors so be sure to keep an eye on it.
It’s best to use these plants as accents rather than focal points because they have a tendency to dominate other flowers around them if they get too large.
Sempervivums (Hens and Chicks)
These perennial succulents are characterized by their rosette shape and thick, fleshy leaves. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of green, red, and purple. Sempervivums are easy to care for and make great additions to any succulent garden.
A type of indoor-outdoor plant, they prefer soil that is slightly moist but well-drained. If your plants are too wet, the leaves will start to rot; if they’re too dry, the plants will suffer from stunted growth or die altogether.
The best time to transplant sempervivums is in the springtime when you can break apart the clusters of plants and place them in new pots or garden beds.
Can succulents live outside all year?
Yes, succulents can live outside all year, but they will need some protection from the cold winter weather. If you live in an area with mild winters, you can leave your succulents outdoors year-round.
However, if you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s best to bring your plants indoors during the coldest months. Succulents also do not like wet roots so make sure that your soil drains well before putting them back outside.
Can succulents live outside in summer?
Yes, succulents can live outside in the summer as long as they are protected from the harsh afternoon sun. They will need to be watered more often than if they were indoors, so make sure to check the soil regularly.
If you live in a hot climate, it’s a good idea to bring your succulents inside during the hottest months to prevent them from getting too much sun. It is also recommended that they should not get water when temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some succulents require full sunlight and others thrive in partial shade. It is important to research which type of succulents would work best for your environment before purchasing any plants.
Outdoor succulents in winter
If you live in a climate with cold winters, you may be wondering if your outdoor succulents can survive the cold weather. The good news is that many types of succulents are actually quite tolerant of chilly temperatures. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that your plants stay healthy and happy all winter long.
First, it’s important to remember that different succulents prefer different amounts of sun and water. Second, make sure to provide adequate protection from frostbite by planting them in containers or raised beds at least 18 inches deep.
And finally, don’t forget about how your plants need food too! Feed them once a month during the winter months using either liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets.
How do you keep outdoor succulents alive in the winter?
One way to keep your outdoor succulents alive in the winter is to bring them inside. If you can’t bring them inside, make sure they are in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight.
You should also water them less often in the winter. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Also, make sure to fertilize your succulents in the spring and summer to help them survive the winter, give them some liquid fertilizer once a month during this time frame.
Remember to provide them with a new pot every year or two because their roots will get crowded.
