Succulents are resilient, beautiful, and low-maintenance plants, but even these drought-loving beauties need a little extra attention when summer rolls in. As the temperatures rise and sunlight intensifies, your succulents—whether nestled in the garden or perched on a sunny windowsill—must be cared for thoughtfully to keep them thriving through the season.
This expert checklist covers everything you need to do to prepare your succulents for summer, from watering schedules to sun protection, pest management, and more. Let’s dive in!
1. Assess Sunlight Exposure
Move to Morning Sun
While succulents generally love sunlight, direct intense afternoon sun can scorch their leaves, especially if they’re newly planted or not yet acclimated to full sun. The solution? Shift your succulents to an area with morning sun and filtered afternoon light.
Signs of sunburn include:
• White or beige patches on the leaves
• Dry, crispy tips
• Leaf discoloration
If you notice any of these, move your plant to partial shade immediately. Use shade cloths (30–50% filter) or sheer curtains if indoors.
2. Update Your Watering Routine
Water Early, Water Deeply
In summer, the heat causes water to evaporate quickly. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and help roots absorb moisture before temperatures peak.
Tips:
• Water deeply until it drains out of the pot’s bottom.
• Let soil dry completely before watering again.
• Avoid watering in the evening—wet soil overnight can promote fungus and root rot.
Know Your Zone
Succulents in cooler coastal areas need less water than those in hot inland climates. If you’re in a desert zone like Zone 9 or 10, check your succulents more often.
3. Check Soil Quality and Drainage
Improve Drainage
Succulents hate “wet feet.” If your potting mix retains water, now is the time to amend it. A summer-ready soil mix should contain:
• 50% cactus mix or potting soil
• 25% pumice or perlite
• 25% coarse sand or small lava rock
Tip: Elevate pots on feet or slats to allow air circulation underneath.
4. Monitor Heat Stress
Avoid Extreme Heat
When temperatures hit over 95°F (35°C), succulents can get stressed. Some signs include:
• Droopy or soft leaves
• Wrinkled appearance
• Color fading
What to do:
• Relocate to a cooler area temporarily (especially containers)
• Mulch lightly around in-ground succulents with gravel or bark to retain moisture
5. Groom and Prune
Remove Dead Leaves
Summer is a great time to remove old, crispy, or dying leaves. This reduces the risk of:
• Pest infestations (like mealybugs hiding in debris)
• Mold and rot in damp corners
Use sterilized scissors or your hands (with gloves) and prune away the dead material. It helps improve airflow and promotes healthy new growth.
6. Watch for Pests
Keep an Eye on Invaders
Warm weather brings pests like:
• Mealybugs
• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Scale
Use a magnifying glass weekly to inspect under leaves and between stems.
If you spot any pests:
• Isolate the plant
• Spray with isopropyl alcohol (70%)
• Wipe off bugs gently with a cotton swab
• Follow up with a neem oil spray once a week
7. Fertilize (Sparingly!)
Give Them a Boost
Summer is a growing season for many succulents. You can feed them, but don’t overdo it—too much fertilizer can cause leggy growth or even burn.
Use:
• A diluted, balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10 or a cactus blend)
• Apply once a month during summer
Avoid fertilizing dormant species, such as:
• Aeoniums (go dormant in summer)
• Some Crassula species
8. Re-pot If Necessary
Summer isn’t ideal for repotting due to heat stress, but if roots are poking through or the plant is falling over, go ahead—just do it early morning or evening.
Re-potting tips:
• Choose a pot with a drainage hole
• Let the plant dry out a day before repotting
• Water lightly a few days after replanting
9. Maximize Air Circulation
Good airflow is crucial during summer to prevent mold and heat buildup. Here’s how:
• Space out your plants (don’t crowd them!)
• Use fans indoors or open windows
• Rotate pots weekly so all sides get air and light
10. Consider Location-Based Strategies
Depending on where you live, tailor your care plan:
Coastal or Foggy Areas:
• Watch for mold and mildew due to damp air
• Water less frequently
Desert or Inland Heat:
• Use shade cloth during midday
• Water early morning every few days
High-Humidity Zones:
• Increase airflow indoors
• Use pots made of terra cotta to wick away moisture
⸻Bonus: Summer Styling Ideas for Your Succulents
Now that your plants are healthy and heat-ready, why not make them summer showpieces?
• Add decorative pebbles or moss for color
• Use colorful pots or plant stands for seasonal flair
• Create DIY succulent centerpieces for summer parties
⸻Final Thoughts
With the right preparation, your succulents can not only survive summer—they can thrive in it. Keep an eye on the forecast, stay consistent with your care routine, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on what your plants are telling you.
Succulents are intuitive—they’ll show you signs when they’re happy, thirsty, or stressed. The more time you spend with them, the better you’ll get at reading those signs.