How to Look After Succulents in a Heatwave

Now, us Brits aren't especially used to extreme temperatures but with climate change only getting worse and the weather becoming more erratic; being prepared for all kinds of weather is more important now than ever before. With this in mind, we are now entering another summer which is no doubt going to be another scorcher after last years record smashing year!

But fear not! I'm here to help provide some tips and tricks to help keep your prized succulents and cacti thriving in soaring temperatures that they might not be acclimatised to.

Sunlight might be more harmful than good

In cases of extreme heats, the sun can often become a little too much for our succulents friends, often resulting in sunburn which can lead to their downfall. You should also remember that when the weather person says that it is going to be a scorching 35'c, this temperature is in the shade and not in direct sunlight!

The temperature in sunlight believe it or not, is quite a lot higher (maybe try placing a temperature probe or thermometer in sunlight to see for yourself). In fact, the temperature in full sunlight is usually an extra 10'c, so if you think it's hot at 30'c; imagine how your succulent is feeling sat on the windowsill with the sun beaming down on it.

Plants that are in ceramic pots

One thing a lot of people overlook is that ceramic pots and other pots in general not only retain water they also do a good job at retaining heat, this is applicable for all plants. Ceramic especially soaks up the suns rays and retains the warmth for lengthy periods of time much like a road and pavement.

On really hot days these pots can become so hot that you can't even touch them and it is at this point that these pots become something of a sweltering prison for your succulents. To protect your succulents from overheating and potentially drying out to the point of collapsing, simply move your plant pots either into a more shaded area or indoors to avoid the sunlight. More unique ways I've seen people protect their plants is to put up umbrellas, gazebos, place pots in cool boxes and even placing ice cubes in the soil every few hours (but I would not recommend this one!).

It will also help immensely if the pots are not black or dark colour as they heat up much more than light coloured pots. Having said that, even light coloured pots heat up if in direct sun on a very hot day. When putting up a shade shelter for succulents the movement of the sun should be anticipated. As the sun moves throughout the day it can shine into the shelter, especially later in the day.

Did you know that a plant can completely burn in 30 minutes of the sunlight in 40+ degrees?

How about succulents you've planted in the ground

Succulents in the garden will need to be protected by pitching a shelter above because they are more difficult to relocate than other plants. Plants can survive the worst of the heat wave with the help of an umbrella or even a sheet or piece of cloth. Anything is used must not come in contact with the plants.

I've seen people use anything from bamboo sticks to star posts to quickly pitch a small protective shade-cloth tent over garden plants and it works a treat. Only when it's windy will you need to take further precautions, such as using string, cable ties, or tent pegs to secure the fabric to sticks, posts, or anything else you decide to use. But if you're dealing with bigger storms and potentially hurricanes or tornadoes then more measures will need to be taken...

Which succulents are more likely to be damaged by the sun?

Young and little succulents, cuttings, succulents with short and thin leaves, succulents that prefer shade to sun, and "touchy succulents" are the most vulnerable succulents that can burn very quickly in intense sunlight.

Succulents that are young and small, or a small portion of their full size, typically fare worse than established, mature plants. They don't hold as much water in their stems and leaves, and their roots are still quite small. When combined, it makes young succulents vulnerable to sunburn or death. The same is true for succulents, which by nature have tiny leaves on thin stems (Sedum Little Missy, Sedum Green Mound, Miniature Delosperma, thin leaf Echeveria such as Orion etc.). These plants just shouldn't be exposed to the sun directly during intense heat waves and are extremely likely to perish completely in sun exceeding 35'c.

Different succulents have different preferences; some prefer bright shade to exposure to the sun. They include the 'String of' Senecio succulents, including String of Pearls or Bananas (Senecio Rowleyanus & Radicans), as well as Haworthia, Gasteria, numerous variegated succulents, and a few more. When exposed to the sun, shade lovers will burn and perish at considerably lower temperatures than sun seekers. They will endure a heatwave as long as they are in the shade, though.

Final thoughts

As we approach Summer 2023 I hope that all of you have a fantastic season full of fun and laughter but please look after yourself, your loved ones and also your plants and animals who depend on you; because you're their support network!

Now let's go enjoy a Piña colada!!!