Low-Light Succulents For Insufficient Light Environments

So, maybe the architect who designed your house or apartment never considered that you might want a house plant one day. You have windows, but the light is never enough to keep a sun-lover alive, with most plants screaming, “Heck no, we won’t grow!”

Can succulents live in low light? Yes. That’s why we don’t let you give up on the dream of being a plant parent.

There are a variety of succulents that you can maintain in low-light environments and thrive, and that will brighten up your home or office and have you feeling like a proud plant parent.

What Are Low-light Succulent Plants?

Most succulents come from hot parts of the world, like Mexico and South Africa. Most of these need plenty of sunlight every day, which can be a challenge if that’s not the case. They may tolerate sun-deprived areas, but you must move them to a sunnier place every few months.

Succulents only need a little water, especially during winter. They should not sit in water as their roots may start to rot, so it’s better to choose drainage pots.

Ensuring you provide succulents with the perfect soil is also vital for their optimum growth. If you’re unsure whether you have the right kind, call a garden maintenance pro to help and ensure you use the correct one.

Make sure to follow Succulent City on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram for more informative & interesting content about succulents & cacti 🙂 Happy planting, and live the moment, my friend!

The Popular Low-light Succulents (My Collection)

Here are some succulents that thrive in low-light environments so that you can also get the opportunity to chant: “Heck yeah! We can grow!”

#1. Sedum Morganianum (The Burro’s Tail Succulent)

Burro’s Tail, native to Southern Mexico and Honduras, is a low-light succulent known for its cascading, braided tail appearance. Its thick, fleshy leaves store moisture and are covered in a protective blue powder. The Burro’s Tail succulent requires minimal care despite its delicate nature, with leaves that easily fall off. It needs about 4 hours of indirect sunlight daily and water only when the soil is dry. Ideal as an indoor plant, use hanging planters to display its beauty while keeping it out of harm’s way.

#2. Aloe Plants

Aloe plants, native to the Middle East, are popular among gardeners. Aloes have thick, green leaves, often with spines. Some, like Aloe Africana, grow into trees, while others, like Aloe Ramosissima, are slow-growing and vulnerable. Smaller Aloes make excellent indoor plants, offering both aesthetic and skin benefits. However, be aware that many Aloe plants are toxic to pets.

Some of the species you can plant at home are:

• ‘Vera’ (Medicinal Aloe)
• ‘Aristata’ (Lace Aloe)
• ‘Juvenna’ (Tiger Tooth Aloe)
• ‘Pink Blush’
• ‘Rauhii’ (Snowflake Aloe)

#3. Haworthia Cuspidata (The Star Window Plant)

In South Africa, Haworthia cuspidata is a hybrid resulting from the cross between Haworthia retusa and Haworthia cymbiformis. Showcasing plump, boat-shaped leaves, this succulent forms a tight rosette that appears translucent under the right lighting conditions, thus earning the nickname “Star Window plant.” Typically reaching a height of 3-5 inches, it flourishes in well-draining soil and prefers indirect sunlight. Additionally, propagation can be done swiftly using offsets or leaf cuttings. Furthermore, the aloe found within its leaves provides therapeutic benefits while being safe for pets.

#4. Haworthia Fasciata (The Zebra Plant)

Haworthia fasciata, commonly known as Zebra Haworthia, is considered a low-light succulent because it can tolerate and thrive in less direct sunlight than many other succulents. Haworthia fasciata grows under the shade of rocks or other plants in its natural habitat, receiving only dappled sunlight. This means it has adapted to lower light conditions, making it an excellent choice for indoor environments with limited access to bright sunlight.

Additionally, excessive sunlight can cause the leaves of Haworthia fasciata to become sunburned or lose their vibrant green color, so keeping it in low-light conditions helps maintain its health and appearance.

Make sure to follow Succulent City on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram for more informative & interesting content about succulents & cacti 🙂 Happy planting, and live the moment, my friend!

#5. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (The ZZ Plant)

The Zamioculcas zamiifolia, native to East Africa, is known as ZZ, Zanzibar Gem, and other names. This low-maintenance plant has waxy green leaves and can grow up to 3 feet tall. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and requires careful watering. ZZ is rumored to be harmful if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets. As an air purifier, it removes toxins and restores oxygen levels, potentially improving health and reducing stress.

#6. Beaucarnea Recurvata (The Ponytail Palm)

Ponytail Palm, a succulent with a bulbous trunk and long, slender leaves, is native to Mexico and known as Elephant Foot or Beaucarnea recurvata. It can grow up to 30 feet tall but adapts well to low-light conditions. It requires well-draining soil to survive without water for up to 3 weeks. Avoid trimming the leaves, as they may turn brown and dry. The ASPCA deems Ponytail Palm non-toxic to cats, dogs, children, and horses.

#7. Gasterias (Little Warty)

Gasterias, a perennial succulent native to South Africa, has tongue-shaped, warty leaves with a sandpaper-like texture, earning names like Little Warty and Ox Tongue. Unlike most aloes, Gasterias’ leaves grow oppositely along a central axis, spiraling as the plant matures. Blooming between spring and summer, its flowers are pinkish-red with a stomach-like shape. This succulent thrives in cool rooms with limited sunlight and prefers well-draining, sandy soil.

Gasteria plants to have indoors:

• ‘Little Warty’
• ‘Batesiana’
• ‘Carinata’
• ‘Glomerata’
• ‘Pillansii’

#8. Schlumbergera (The Holiday Cacti)

Schlumbergera is comprised of three distinct species, each with unique characteristics. Firstly, there is the Thanksgiving cactus (S. truncata), which features pointed leaf margins. Secondly, the Christmas cactus (S. bridgesii) boasts smooth segmented edges. Lastly, the Easter cactus (S. gaertneri) is adorned with bristles at the ends of its leaves.

Intriguingly, their names correspond to their respective blooming seasons. Furthermore, these spineless cacti possess leaf-like pods and stems that are photosynthesis organs. In addition, their vibrant flowers, available in various colors, can face either upwards or downwards, depending on the particular species.

Read more: Are Cactus Thorns Poisonous If They Prick Your Skin?

#9. Kalanchoe Plants

Kalanchoe is a succulent plant with tiny, colorful flowers originating from the beautiful island of Madagascar. As in their native habitat, they grow in arid areas, meaning these succulents do not need much watering. Once the flowers fade away, you must remove them so the plant won’t stop flowering again next summer.

Some of the species you can plant at home are:

• ‘Blossfeldiana’ (Flaming Katy)
• ‘Tomentosa’ (Panda Plant)
• ‘Pumila’ (Flower Dust Plant)
• ‘Marnieriana’ (Marnier’s Kalanchoe)
• ‘Orgyalis’ (Copper Spoons)
• ‘Beharensis’ (Felt Plant)
• ‘Daigremontiana’ (Mother of Thousands)
• ‘Fedtschenkoi’ (Lavender Scallops)
• ‘Thyrsiflora’ (Paddle Plant)
• Longiflora ‘coccinea’ (Tugela Cliff-Kalanchoe)

Read more: 6 Different Mother Of Thousands Varieties.

Make sure to follow Succulent City on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram for more informative & interesting content about succulents & cacti 🙂 Happy planting, and live the moment, my friend!

#10. Crassula Plants

Native to South Africa, Crassula species are hardy, small, evergreen, and visually appealing. Unlike many low-light succulents, they can survive in more challenging conditions. Fallen leaves can root in potting mix or water. Be aware that many Crassula types are toxic to pets and some to humans.

Some of the species you can plant at home are:

• ‘Ovata’ (Jade Plant)
• ‘Arborescens’ (Silver Dollar Plant)
• ‘Perforata’ (String of Buttons)
• ‘Capitella’ (Campfire Crassula)
• ‘Tetragona’ (Miniature Pine Tree)
• ‘Rupestris’ (Baby’s Necklace)
• ‘Muscosa’ (Watch Chain)
• ‘Marginalis’ (Calico Kitten)
• ‘Pellucida’ (Variegated Baby Necklace)
• ‘Falcata’ (Propeller Plant)

#11. Echeverias

These little rosette-shaped plants are widely popular. Originally, Echeveria comes from Mexico and the northwest parts of South Africa. This plant has various colors and leaf shapes but is primarily compact and short-stemmed. Yet again, as many succulents are, these species are toxic to pets, with some to people.

Some Echeverias you can plant at home are:

• ‘Perle von Nürnberg’
• ‘Lola’
• ‘Black Prince’
• ‘Topsy Turvy’
• ‘Elegans’

#12. Dracaenas (The Snake Plants)

The African native Dracaena trifasciata, or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a hardy succulent with long, sword-like leaves reaching up to 4 feet. While mildly toxic to humans and pets, it requires minimal water and can thrive in low-light areas. Perfect as an easy-care plant or a joke gift, but keep the joke to yourself to avoid conflict.

Some of the unique snake plant varieties include:

• ‘Black Coral’;
• ‘Canaliculata’;
• ‘Fernwood Mikado’;
• ‘Francisii’;
• ‘Gold Hahnii’;
• ‘Jaboa’;
• ‘Laurentii’.

Did I miss out on any low-light succulents?

Let me know in the comment section below! I hope this article has been helpful from the beginning. Help me share the article with other readers if you love the post. I appreciate it, and your shares have always been my motivation.

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