Short answer
Succulents can be either. Most are happiest outdoors in bright light with good airflow, but many species adapt to life indoors if they get enough light and are not overwatered. The right choice depends on the species, your local climate and the light you can offer at home.
What counts as a succulent
“Succulent” describes a plant that stores water in thick leaves, stems or roots. It is a growth habit, not a single plant family. Cacti are a group of succulents, and so are many members of the Crassula (jade plants), Aloe, Haworthia, Echeveria, Sedum and Sempervivum groups. Because they come from many regions, their needs are not identical, so a label on the pot is worth checking.
Why many succulents struggle indoors
Light is the most common problem. Many popular succulents come from bright, open habitats, and even a sunny windowsill can be much dimmer than outdoor light. Signs of too little light include:
- Stretching toward the window with wider gaps between leaves
- Pale or fading colour
- Rosettes that open flat or lean
If your home is dim, a grow light can help. Rotating the pot now and then keeps growth more even.
Succulents that usually do well indoors
Plants often grown indoors include:
- Jade plant (Crassula ovata). See our jade plant care guide and how to grow a jade plant from leaves.
- Haworthia (zebra plant)
- Snake plant (Sansevieria, now often classified as Dracaena)
- Aloe vera
- Echeveria, if you can provide strong light. See whether Echeveria works as an indoor plant.
- Silver squill or “leopard lily” (Ledebouria socialis). See our leopard lily care guide.
- String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii), a trailing plant with water-storing leaves. See our string of hearts guide.
- Kalanchoe, including the compact flowering types sold as gift plants. See our kalanchoe care guide, and remember that kalanchoe is toxic to pets and people if eaten.
Succulents suited to outdoor growing
Cold-hardy types such as many Sempervivum (hens and chicks) and some Sedum (stonecrop) can tolerate frost in suitable climates. Agave and Yucca are also common outdoor choices in the right regions. Hardiness varies by species and cultivar, so check the specific plant rather than assuming.
Soft succulents such as Echeveria and many Aloe are generally frost-tender. In cool climates they are often kept in pots outdoors in warm months and brought inside before cold weather arrives.
How to decide: indoor, outdoor, or both
Ask three questions:
- What is the plant? Identify the species. Hardy and tender succulents need different handling.
- What does your winter look like? If temperatures drop near freezing, tender plants need to come inside.
- How much light can you give? A south- or west-facing window (in the northern hemisphere) or a grow light suits most sun-loving succulents. Low-light rooms suit fewer of them.
Moving succulents between indoors and outdoors
Sudden changes can cause sunburn or shock. If a plant has spent time indoors, introduce it to outdoor sun gradually over a week or two, starting in shade or morning light. Before bringing plants in for the cold season, check for pests such as mealybugs. For seasonal tips, see our guide to succulent care in winter.
Basic care that applies to both
- Water: Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry before watering again. Overwatering is a leading cause of loss.
- Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix, often loosened with perlite or pumice.
- Pots: Choose containers with drainage holes.
- Airflow: Good air movement helps soil dry and reduces rot risk.
Do succulents like being indoors?
Plants do not have preferences in the way people do, but many succulents tolerate indoor conditions well when light and watering are right. Tolerant species such as jade plant, haworthia and aloe are better starting points than very sun-hungry ones.
Why do people put cinnamon on succulents?
Gardeners sometimes dust cinnamon on cut surfaces or soil because it is thought to have mild antifungal properties. Evidence for this in succulent care is limited, so treat it as an optional, unproven habit. Letting cuttings dry and callus, and avoiding wet soil, matter more.
Pets and children
Toxicity varies a lot. Jade plant, aloe and snake plant are generally listed as toxic to cats and dogs, and the sap of some succulents, such as Euphorbia species, can irritate skin and eyes. Some squills and bulbs are also considered toxic. If you have pets or small children, keep succulents out of reach, check each plant against a trusted source such as the ASPCA database, and contact a vet or poison helpline if anything is chewed or swallowed.
FAQ
How do I care for my cacti? (Our guide to popular cactus house plants covers the details.) Cacti follow the same basic principles: strong light, fast-draining soil, and watering only when the soil is dry. Many need less water in winter.
What are succulent plants? Plants that store water in their tissues, which lets them cope with dry periods.