Summer is here, and it’s time to take extra care of your most loved plants. Here are things to stop doing to your succulents this season.
While your succulents may love the summer and the incredible sunlight, they surely can’t handle anything and everything! Just like they need to be brought indoors during cold winter months to protect them from the cold, here are things to stop doing to your succulents this summer.
Things to Stop Doing to Your Succulents This Summer
1. Leaving Out in the Sun
Now, this might sound counterintuitive because sunlight is key to growing succulents. So not leaving them out in the sun—how does that make sense?
Well, even succulents have their limits. While they enjoy bright light from east or west-facing windows in the morning or evening—and even south-facing ones—they can’t tolerate blazing afternoon sun. Most varieties, except some cacti, can end up with scorched or sunburned leaves.
If you’re growing them outdoors, give them filtered light or move them to shade during the hottest hours.
Bonus tip: If your succulent gets sunburned, don’t panic. Just remove the damaged leaves and shift it to a cooler spot. If the roots are healthy, new growth will bounce back in no time.
2. Overwatering During Summer
Overwatering is already risky for succulents. But during summer, people often assume they need more water due to the heat.
Here’s the twist, many succulents slow down or go dormant in extreme heat to protect themselves. That means they need less water—not more.
You can stick your finger in the soil. If it feels dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water. And always use pots with drainage holes!
3. Watering at the Wrong Time
Now it is very important to avoid watering in the middle of a hot day. The sun will evaporate the moisture before the roots can absorb it.
Water in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler, so your plant gets the most out of every drop.
4. Using the Wrong Soil
Succulents don’t appreciate wet feet. If your soil holds water too long, especially in summer, you’re setting them up for root rot.
Regular potting mix is too dense. Switch to a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Or make your own by mixing potting soil with equal parts sand, pumice, or perlite.
Quick tip: If your soil stays soggy for more than two days, it’s time to switch the mix.
5. Ignoring Humidity Levels
In humid climates or during a sticky summer, moisture lingers—even if you’re not watering much. That means soil takes longer to dry, which can lead to rot or fungal issues.
To keep things in check: space your plants out and use fans if growing indoors. Also, choose terracotta pots, which dry out faster than plastic or ceramic ones.
Another trick is to avoid overcrowding succulents in one container. Too much coziness leads to trapped moisture—and that’s a recipe for rot.
6. Not Watching for Signs of Stress
During the summer, you might often see some of your succulents show signs of stress. These can be symptoms like changing color, dropping leaves, or looking dull or “shriveled.” Of course, these are signs that your plant needs help. These could be happening because of excess sunlight, under- or over-watering, or poor soil conditions.
Do not ignore these signs! Instead, stay calm and check your plant thoroughly— from the roots to the stems and leaves. Adjust the growing conditions, and you will see that being proactive and checking regularly can make a big difference.
Bonus tip: You can take weekly photos of your plants. Subtle changes over time can help you spot problems early—before things go downhill.
7. Feeding at the Wrong Time
Summer heat isn’t ideal for feeding succulents. If they’re dormant or stressed, giving fertilizer can backfire—causing root burn or leggy growth.
Save feeding for spring or early fall, when they’re actively growing. If you must fertilize in summer, use cactus food at half strength, and only if you’re sure the plant is growing.
So, these were the most common mistakes people make with succulents during summer. Have you unknowingly done one of these? Let us know in the comments below—we’re all learning together!
