Cacti and Succulents in Summer: Essential Care to Prevent Sunburn

You keep your cacti and succulents in the sun because, after all, they are plants from warm climates. What could possibly go wrong?

Well, when summer arrives, dry leaves, brown spots or discoloured areas may start to appear.

Why?

Because not all cacti and succulents tolerate the same amount of sunlight.

That is why in this post we are going to give you some tips to help them get through the summer without getting scorched.

How to Prevent Cacti and Succulents from Getting Sunburnt in Summer

1. Choose the Species According to Where It Will Live

As we mentioned, every cactus and succulent has different light requirements.

Some species thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade.

Before choosing one, check how many hours of sunlight the place where you intend to put it receives.

If it is an area exposed to strong sunlight for much of the day, especially around midday, it is best to choose species that are naturally adapted to this level of exposure.

On the other hand, if the pot will be placed in a corner that only receives a few hours of gentler sunlight, for example late in the afternoon, you can choose succulents that prefer more moderate exposure.

2. Protect Them from the Sun During the Hottest Hours of the Day

This is probably the most important piece of advice.

The middle of the day is the most demanding time for any plant, particularly during summer.

Even species that normally tolerate direct sunlight can suffer when temperatures become extremely high and the sun is especially intense.

If you grow your plants in pots, the solution is simple: move them to an area where they receive shade during the hottest part of the day.

In the garden, you can take advantage of the shade provided by trees, pergolas or awnings, or install shade netting during particularly hot periods.

3. Water Early in the Morning or in the Evening

Another very common myth is that cacti and succulents hardly need any water.

It is true that some species, such as aloe vera, can cope perfectly well with watering every two weeks or even less frequently.

However, other succulents appreciate more regular watering, particularly during summer.

In these cases, avoid watering during the hottest hours and water either early in the morning or in the evening.

This is not only about using water more efficiently. If you water at midday, the water evaporates more quickly and your plants make less use of it.

It is also best to avoid leaving water sitting on leaves in intense sun.

4. If You Grow Them in Pots, Terracotta Is Better Than Plastic

The material of the pot can also influence how well the plant copes with very hot days.

Terracotta pots help maintain a more stable temperature around the roots and allow the substrate to breathe more effectively.

Plastic pots, on the other hand, retain more heat and can cause the temperature of the soil to rise more quickly when they remain in direct sunlight for many hours.

This is especially important on terraces, patios and balconies that receive strong sun for much of the day.

If you have particularly sensitive species, a terracotta pot can help reduce heat stress during the hottest months.

How to Tell if a Cactus or Succulent Has Been Sunburnt

Fortunately, sunburn is usually quite easy to recognise.

The first signs are often white, yellow or brown patches on the side of the plant that receives the most sunlight.

As the days pass, these areas may begin to dry out, become harder and, in some cases, develop a cork-like appearance.

Leaves may also lose colour, dry out or eventually fall off.

A simple way to distinguish sunburn from lack of water is to look at where the damage appears.

If the problem is caused by the sun, the patches are usually concentrated on the most exposed part of the plant.

If the plant is dehydrated, however, the whole plant is more likely to look wrinkled and dry.

If you are unsure, check the substrate as well. This can help you determine whether the problem is excessive sunlight or insufficient watering.

Can a Sunburnt Succulent Recover?

In many cases, yes.

The marks that have already appeared will normally remain, but that does not mean the plant is going to die.

The first thing to do is move it out of the sun if it is receiving more light than it can tolerate.

Then continue caring for it as usual and give it some time.

If the burn is not too severe, the plant should continue growing normally and begin producing healthy new leaves or shoots.

Gradually, this new growth will make the older damaged areas much less noticeable.

If You Are Unsure Which Cactus or Succulent to Choose, We Can Help

Now you know what your cacti and succulents need to get through summer without getting scorched.

As you have seen, the key is to understand the needs of each species and adapt its care to the place where it is going to grow.

And if you are unsure which variety to choose or how to care for the one you already have, at Viveros González we will be delighted to help.

Together, we can find the species that best suits your terrace, balcony or garden so you can enjoy it for many years.