We've all seen those plump, cute little plants called succulents, right? Some of us even have a few at home or on our office desks.

But here's something we might not fully understand—do they really need that much sunlight, or are we actually stressing them out with too much exposure?

Let's break it down together so we can care for our succulents the smart way!

Easy Indoor Succulents (& How to Keep Them Alive!)

Video by Mountain Crest Gardens

Why are they called “succulents” anyway?

Succulents get their name from their thick, juicy leaves and stems. These parts are specially designed to store water because most succulents naturally grow in dry places where rain is rare. So, when we see them looking plump and fresh, that's actually water storage at work. That's also why they don't need to be watered too often. Cool, right?

Some succulents love the sun

Here's where things start to differ. Not all succulents have the same needs, especially when it comes to sunlight. Some absolutely love soaking up those rays. For example:

• Sedum family (like Echeveria): These need plenty of sun, or else they'll grow tall and thin instead of staying cute and compact.

• Cactus family: Many of these round or spiky ones crave sunlight. Without enough of it, their spines might grow sparse, and their colors may fade.

• Aizoaceae: These colorful succulents can lose their bright shades without sunlight.

• Agave family: These ones prefer to grow outdoors with full sunlight.

• Euphorbia family: Another group that thrives in bright light.

So if we have any of these, we should make sure they get at least a few hours of sun every day.

But some prefer less light

Now, there are also types that like it a bit dimmer. For example:

• Certain cactus types like Astrophytum don't need intense sunlight. In fact, too much can even make them change color—not in a good way.

• Haworthia, part of the lily family, prefers soft light or even indirect sunlight. If we leave them under harsh light for too long, they might end up with sunburned leaves.

So we really need to know what kind of succulent we have before deciding where to put it.

Seasons matter too

It's not just the type that matters. The season plays a role too. For example, winter-growing succulents usually don't need as much light as the ones that grow in spring or fall. And some unique types—like those with white spots or dark skin—can't handle strong sun or deep shade. They need a perfect balance.

Also, if we've recently moved or repotted a succulent, or if it's just started growing, it's better to ease it into the sunlight rather than expose it all at once.

Watch out for summer sun!

In summer, the sun can be super strong—too strong for many succulents. If we leave them out in direct sunlight all day, especially around noon, they can get scorched. It's best to move them somewhere with partial shade or filtered light during those peak hours.

Watering tips to avoid sunburn

Here's something that might surprise us: watering at the wrong time can also hurt our plants. If we water the leaves during a hot, sunny day, the water can heat up and actually burn the plant's surface. It's like giving them a steam bath they didn't ask for!

That's why it's better to water early in the morning or in the evening when the sun isn't so harsh—and always try to water the soil, not the leaves.

What if our succulent gets sunburned?

No worries—plants are tougher than we think. If our succulent gets a little sun damage, we can move it to a shady spot and let it cool down naturally. Damaged leaves might fall off, but new ones will grow back soon. Just give it time and the right care.

Let's be sun-smart succulent owners

So Lykkers, here's the big takeaway: not all succulents are sun-lovers. While some absolutely thrive in bright light, others are more sensitive and need a bit of shade. Knowing the type we have—and paying attention to the weather and seasons—can make a big difference.

Have you ever accidentally sunburned your succulent or watched it stretch awkwardly from lack of light? Let us know—we'd love to hear your stories and tips!

Let's keep our little green friends happy and healthy, one sunny (or shady) day at a time. 🌿