I'm living in Central Texas, right between zones 8b and 9a, and I'm planning to move my succulent collection outside for the summer. However, the sun here can be really harsh! I know that sunlight intensity can differ based on altitude and geography, but I didn't think there'd be such a difference within the same zone. I've seen beautiful outdoor gardens from other users, but last year, my aloes and cacti ended up turning purple from sun stress, even with just morning sun. My patio faces southeast and is covered, so it only gets direct sunlight until midday. Are there certain succulents that can handle this sun better? What tips do you have to keep them from frying?
2 Answers
Sunstress can actually be a normal thing for succulents! As long as they aren't burning or dying, a little color change isn't a big deal. From my experience living in the Dallas area, full sun all day can be too much, especially during the summer. I've had great success using a 40% shade cloth on my plants after midday or even bringing some indoors with grow lights. For morning sun, you should be good. Just keep an eye on them because all that heat, especially at night, can lead to them 'melting' even without overwatering. Just watch your watering routine, especially if it's super hot!
It's true, the USDA zones mostly focus on low temperatures and not the intense summer heat, which can vary quite a bit! It's a good idea to check out a heat zone map to get more specific guidance. I found Monrovia's website particularly helpful because they include heat zones for plant choices, so you can see what might work best for your area. That should help you pick the right succulents for your conditions!
Thanks for sharing this info; I had no idea this resource existed! It definitely helps clarify a lot.