Succulents and Cacti in Full Sun: Care & Tips

Discover all about caring for succulents and cacti in full sun. Learn how to keep these hardy houseplants healthy with the right light, water, and soil tips. Whether you're a novice or a true expert, with the advice from The Green Bottle Garden, you'll enjoy beautiful, low-maintenance plants all year round.

The difference between cacti and succulents

The difference between cacti and succulents is a hotly debated topic among plant enthusiasts. While they're often confused because of their similar appearance and drought-resistant qualities, there are important differences in care, growth habits, and appearance.

At The Green Bottle Garden, we offer a beautiful collection of houseplant arrangements featuring cacti and succulents, specially designed for indoors. Here you'll learn all about succulent care in full sun, cacti care in full sun, and how to best care for these unique plants indoors.

What makes a cactus a cactus?

Cacti belong to the Cactaceae family and are native to dry regions of North and South America. Their unique characteristic is their areoles – small, circular areas from which spines, flowers, or new branches emerge. These spines protect the cactus from predation and help limit water loss, even in bright sunlight.

Many cacti bloom spectacularly with large, colorful flowers, even as houseplants. Their ease of care and unique appearance make them perfect indoor cacti.

Succulents: masters of water storage

Succulents store water in their thick leaves, stems, or roots. This makes them highly resistant to dry indoor conditions. Popular varieties like Echeveria, Aloe Vera, and Sedum have smooth or pointed leaves in a variety of shapes and colors.

Their versatility and graceful appearance make succulents ideal for indoor use, for example, as part of a houseplant arrangement or as a decorative accent on a table or windowsill. Whether you call them a succulent or a succulent, they always bring peace, color, and natural harmony to your home.

Succulents and Cacti in Full Sun: Care & Tips

Although both cacti and succulents are drought-tolerant plants, they each have their own unique care needs. With the right location and attention, they thrive – even in full sun.

Light:

•             Cacti in full sun indoors: Place them in a bright spot, such as a south-facing windowsill. They prefer bright sunlight, but indirect light can also keep them healthy.

•             Succulents Full Sun Care Indoors: Succulents do well in bright light, but direct midday sun can sometimes burn the delicate leaves.

Water:

•             Cacti: Water only when the potting soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot.

•             Succulents: Occasional watering is sufficient, as long as excess water can drain well.

Ground:

Always use well-draining potting soil specifically formulated for succulents and cacti. This prevents root rot and keeps your houseplant arrangements healthy.

Cacti and succulents in summer

In summer, cacti and succulents can happily be kept outdoors, for example on a balcony or patio. It's important to bring them back indoors in autumn and winter to keep them stable and healthy.

Many cacti and succulents are grown in greenhouses in the Netherlands, so they're not immediately accustomed to bright sunlight. Therefore, gradually acclimate your plant to sunlight – start with morning sun, then a few hours of evening sun. This way, they can gradually adjust to full sun without leaf burn.

A tip from the botanists at The Green Bottle Garden: not every species can handle full sun. Feel free to send us a photo of your plant, and our botanists will be happy to advise you on its suitability.

Inside or outside?

Remember: a cactus or succulent is a real plant and can thrive outdoors, but at The Green Bottle Garden, we primarily view them as houseplants. They require little water, are virtually maintenance-free, and thrive indoors.

Which one is right for you?

Indoor cacti: tough and robust – perfect for bright, sunny spots.

Indoor succulents: versatile in colours and shapes – suitable for almost any bright spot in the home.

Discover our collection of indoor plants

At The Green Bottle Garden, you'll find an exclusive selection of houseplant arrangements featuring cacti and succulents, specially designed for indoors. Each arrangement is handcrafted and curated to bring ambiance, color, and simplicity to your interior. Perfect as a green accent in your home or as a unique gift.

Tip: Want to care for your own cacti or succulents at home? Browse our collection and find the perfect plant for your space – sustainable, stylish, and easy to care for.

click here for the cactus collection

Click here for the Succulent Collection