There are a few reasons why live succulents may struggle to grow outside during summer. First, excessive heat can cause the soil to dry out too quickly, making it difficult for the plant to retain moisture. Also, high humidity levels can lead to fungal growth, harming succulents. Finally, overwatering can be a common problem during the summer, as people often think plants need more water in hot weather. However, providing adequate water and protection from heat and humidity can help succulents thrive even during summer.

Additionally, summer rain can create a humid environment conducive to fungal growth, which can also be detrimental to succulents. Therefore, protecting your succulents from excessive moisture during the summer months is important to ensure their health and longevity.

However, this article mainly introduces 10 succulent plants that can live outside and don't need extra attention in summer. If you are a succulent newbie or want to start building your succulent garden during the summer. This article may be helpful!

Image Credit: pinterest@Renée Wong

1. Graptopetalum 'Purple Delight'

Graptopetalum' Purple Delight' is a fast succulent grower, easy to branch to form the cliff pile. Famous for its beautiful pink-purple color and easy-to-care character, Graptopetalum' Purple Delight' comparatively can thrive in summer outdoors without sun shade as long as the planter pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

Additionally, Graptopetalum' Purple Delight' is one of the easiest to succeed in succulent propagation, which means it is much more potential for you to get the same succulent from propagation as long as there is still a leaf left. Succulent leaf propagation is an exciting technique that many plant enthusiasts find fascinating. Click here to learn how to propagate succulents from leaves.

2. Kalanchoe Thyrsifolia

Kalanchoe thyrsifolia stands out from other succulent plants as it remains vibrant during the summer. The plant is known for its slender and flat fan-shaped leaves, and unlike most succulents, it doesn't retain much water in its foliage. This makes it an excellent option for urban dwellers who experience regular summer rainfall or those who enjoy watering their plants. Also, a planter pot with drainage holes is essential for all live succulents, including this one.

Image Credit: infinitesucculent.com

3. x Graptosedum 'Bronze'

x Graptosedum 'Bronze' is a low-maintenance succulent plant that is effortless to propagate and branch out. It thrives in bright, direct sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade as long as it is not in an area with little to no light. In addition, this plant can withstand long periods without water, as it is drought-tolerant. To propagate the Graptosedum 'Bronze', trim a stem, let it dry for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining succulent soil.

Without enough sun exposure, it will stretch out and develop long branches. Getting one tall planter pot with drainage holes is ideal for leggy x Graptosedum 'Bronze' to form attractive trailing cliff piles, which is more visually appealing in your succulent garden. Click here to learn how to care for cliff succulents.

4. Aeonium Decorum f. Variegata

For a low-maintenance plant, Aeonium decorum f. variegata is an excellent option. It can withstand dry conditions and needs full light. Nevertheless, it is crucial to provide the necessary shade to shield it from direct sunlight in scorching summers. Moreover, watering can be reduced even stopped during the dormant period. Though providing sunshades sounds a little tricky, we should remember that most live houseplants, including succulents, need sunshades.

Aeonium decorum f. variegata easily forms clusters and branches, leading it an excellent choice for growing on the ground in a mild warm climate due to its stunning colors and short bush shape. As it thrives, Aeonium decorum f. variegata gradually changes to a lovely gradient of pale yellow, pink, red, and even purple, resulting in an attractive "variegated" appearance. Click here to learn how to care for variegated succulents.

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5. Crassula Campfire

Crassula Campfire is a summer succulent that prefers dry and full-light locations to thrive. Like many Crassula succulents, Crassula Campfire can quickly propagate from cuttings or beheading. With more sun exposure, the pale green leaves would turn to burn red, creating the impression of a burning bush. However, this succulent is resilient and can withstand rainy summers without melting or rotting. To ensure its optimum growth, it's essential to use planter pots with drainage holes and a professional succulent soil mix.

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6. Corpuscularia lehmannii

If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant resembling a houseplant, Corpuscularia lehmannii may be a good choice. This summer succulent doesn't require extra care as long as it's grown in an area with good air circulation. You'll notice the leaves of this plant would wilt 3 to 4 days after a good watering in summer. They look like they are yelling to let you know they need water. So this succulent is also an excellent option for city-dwellers who experience rainy summers.

Additionally, pests or leave rot nearly happen on Corpuscularia lehmannii, whether in summer or other seasons. And cutting propagation is the fast method for this succulent variety. Click here to learn how to propagate succulents from cuttings.

7. Sedum Burrito (Sedum Morganianum var. Burrito)

Have you heard of Sedum burrito, also known as "Donkey's tails" succulent? It's a popular trailing succulent similar to the String of pearls. You must have stopped by some pictures of the vast branches of trailing Burros tail or the wall of Burros tail when browsing succulents on Instagram.

This succulent variety is quite hardy and can easily survive outside in the summer months with its unbelievable propagation speed. While the leaves of the Donkey's tail and String of pearls are small and may appear difficult to propagate, they are actually quite easy to grow from bean leaves. Finally, Sedum burrito reminds me of another succulent variety, Kalanchoe daigremontiana. If you're familiar with this plant, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

8. x Graptoveria 'Douglas Huth'

The rosette-shaped leaves are a lovely blue-green shade with a farina coating that gives this plant a soft, matte finish. Thriving in pink-purple blush, x Graptoveria 'Douglas Huth' is also famous for tolerating a wide range of growing conditions, making it a good option for beginners or anyone who wants a low-maintenance plant. The 'Douglas Huth' is also a popular choice for DIY projects, as the leaves are easy to propagate to create new plants. I have personally grown a mature x Graptoveria' Douglas Huth' outdoors for three years. One important factor we need to remember is removing dead bottom leaves while the succulent gets branching. This job is a pleasant task during my summer mornings. With minimal rainfall, the farina on the leaves becomes more lovely and complete.

Image Credit: succulentshop.co.za

9. Crassula Ovata Gollum

Crassula Ovata Gollum is another fast grower among the Crassula family, famous for its unique horn shape of leaves. This succulent prefers full sunlight and more water than other succulent plants. Without enough watering, the leaves easily get sunburned and wilted to die.

Additionally, Crassula Ovata Gollum is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the home. Its thick, lush leaves are also very visually appealing, adding a touch of greenery to any space. Plus, jade plants are known to purify the air, making them a great choice for improving indoor air quality.

Image Credit: houseplantcentral.com

10. Crassula Perforata subsp. Perforata

Crassula perforata subsp. perforata is a small shrubby, sprawling succulent, featuring short, broadly ovate, opposite, gray-green leaves. With enough sun exposure, the leaf's edges would turn red, which makes it beautiful succulent bush. Crassula perforata subsp. perforata can be planted outdoors, even in summer. Similar to Corpuscularia lehmannii, Crassula perforata subsp. perforata needs much water to survive, or the leaves will dry to dead with the stems. Stems are easily woody from the bottom usually happening to Crassula perforata subsp. perforata. Chop the healthy stem and insert it in a new planter, then you can get a new succulent effortlessly.

Conclusion

If you want to grow live succulents during summer, it can be made easier by selecting mature succulents or dry-tolerant varieties. There are many other succulent types to choose from, such as Sedum Palmeri, Crassula Baby Necklace, Sedeveria Markus, Echeveria Blue Elf, Aeonium Lily Pad, Anacampseros rufescens'Sunrise', Senecio serpens, Portulacaria afra f. variegata, and more. It's essential to research before summer and learns more about your preferred succulent variety.

You can also select from genera known to be easy to maintain during summer, including Aeonium, Kalanchoe, Sedum, Sempervivum, Aloe, and Agave. Adequate air circulation, proper drainage, and partial shade are crucial for succulent plants to survive in summer. And trust me; they will be a surprise with a fresh and stunning look in the fall.