Intense sunlight can be brutal and harmful to most plants, causing them to wilt, shrink, and inevitably die off. Some plants, however, are built to withstand such extreme weather conditions. Succulents have heat-resistant, drought-tolerant, and water-retention properties and are highly recommended if you live in an area where the sun rarely takes a day off. Here are 6 succulent plants for moderate to hot climates.
6 Succulent Plants That Tolerate Hot, Dry Conditions
First on our list is the ubiquitous cacti. These plants are notable for their apparent enjoyment of blazing sunlight. Even better, they do not take well to being watered frequently with most gardeners watering their cactus plant once a month.
Cacti can be planted directly in your garden or grown in pots and placed on your windowsill. This famous prickly plant has several species, all in varying shapes and sizes. This provides you with a large variety of options to keep both your house and garden looking vibrant and colorful during the hot summers.
Any time terms like “succulents”, “heat-tolerant plants”, or “drought-tolerant plants” are mentioned, the first thing that usually springs to the minds of almost everyone is the cactus plant.
In fact, cacti have become synonymous with drought-tolerance, which while deserved, tends to put other succulents that thrive wonderfully well in scorching climes to the shade (no pun intended).
So, therefore, although an undeniable place of honor goes to the cactus plant, the rest of this list will focus on and fully explore other wonderful and viable succulents for your homes and gardens.
This is another fan-favorite succulent. With thick fleshy leaves designed to absorb and retain moisture for long periods of time, the aloe vera plant is a great choice for moderate to hot climates.
It flourishes with little to no attention and some of its species can survive in mild winters. Though not a flowering plant, aloe vera is pretty to look at.
This hardiness makes it one of the most highly sought-after plants for decorative purposes, especially as ornamentals for landscape gardens. Smaller species of the plant are great for indoor gardening and would brighten your kitchen during the hot summer.
The agave family comprises some of the toughest plants on the planet. Their high drought-tolerant capability makes them able to withstand both mild and extreme heat conditions.
Like the aloe vera, several agave species are cold-resistant and suitable for winter. The agave plant is also ornamental, with larger species planted outdoors on the ground or in containers and smaller ones used as houseplants.
Although the ponytail palm is a close relative of the agave, they look nothing alike. Where the agave has rosette-like leaves for storing water, the ponytail palm stores water in its trunk and its leaves are long and spindly, resembling those of a palm tree.
Native to Mexico, this highly ornamental plant blossoms under full and direct sunlight. Watering of the ponytail palm should be done only when virtually all the water in the soil has dried up.
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, one out of dozens of names, the Devil’s Vine basks in inattention. As with most succulents, it requires little care and even less watering.
It’s big, strikingly variegated leaves are the best parts of this hardy plant. They absorb pollutants and toxins in the atmosphere and in turn, release excess water to cool their surroundings.
Despite these amazing benefits, the Devil’s Vine can become highly invasive and a “devil” to get rid of. That fact is why it is best grown as a houseplant rather than in gardens. But do keep it out of the reach of pets and toddlers as it is highly toxic when ingested.
Last but definitely not least on our list is the Jade Plant. Native to tropical countries such as South Africa and Mozambique, this indoor-grown succulent is an excellent choice for gardeners living in moderate to hot climates.
Its thick stem and succulent red-tipped leaves are responsible for its ability to retain water and keep blooming in the face of neglect. Overwatering your jade plant could kill it; water only when the soil is completely dry.
The Takeaway: Create Your Own Succulent Garden
These are just a select few of the thousands of succulent plants you can choose from to grace your garden, porch, and windowsills. Living in a hot climate shouldn’t stop you from enjoying an array of colorful plants and flowers in your home and garden.