Can Succulents Stay Outside In Rain: A Comprehensive Guide

Oleh Warren Orn June 19, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you a plant lover who loves to keep succulents? Or are you a beginner and planning to adopt one of these tiny plants? If yes, then you must have heard about how low maintenance they are. However, when it comes to weather conditions, you must be curious to know whether your succulent can survive the rain or not.

Succulents come in various shapes, sizes and colors and are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, stems and roots. This unique characteristic of theirs helps them to survive in arid and semi-arid regions where rainfall is scarce.

But what happens when these water-storing plants face heavy rainfall? Let's dive deep into the topic and find out if succulents can stay outside in the rain.

Understanding Succulents

Before getting into the details, let's understand succulents first. Succulents belong to a group of plants that have thick and fleshy leaves, stems and roots. These features help them to conserve water, which makes them drought-tolerant plants.

Succulents are native to hot and dry regions such as deserts, steppes and savannas. They are adapted to withstand high temperatures and low humidity levels. The leaves of succulents have pores called stomata, which allow them to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. However, these pores also lose water through transpiration.

Since succulents store water in their tissues, they don't require frequent watering. In fact, overwatering is harmful to succulents and can lead to root rot. But what about rain?

Can Succulents Stay Outside In Rain?

Yes, succulents can stay outside in the rain, but it depends on various factors. Let's discuss each factor in detail.

Type of Succulent

The type of succulent you have plays a crucial role in determining whether it can survive the rain or not. Some succulents are more tolerant to water than others. For example, cacti and agave can withstand heavy rainfall as they are adapted to desert climates where occasional rains occur.

On the other hand, some succulents such as lithops and euphorbia are susceptible to rot if exposed to prolonged rain. Therefore, it's essential to research your succulent's specific needs before exposing it to the rain.

Soil and Drainage

Succulents thrive in well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away quickly. If your succulent is planted in soil that retains water, it's more likely to suffer from root rot. In contrast, if your succulent is planted in soil that drains well, it's less likely to face any issues due to rain.

Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that your succulent's pot has drainage holes and that the soil is well-draining. You can also add sand or perlite to the soil to enhance drainage.

Rain Intensity and Duration

The intensity and duration of the rain also play a vital role in determining whether your succulent can stay outside or not. Light rain for a short duration won't harm your succulent, but heavy rainfall for an extended period can lead to root rot.

If you live in an area with frequent heavy rainfall, it's best to move your succulent indoors during the rainy season. Alternatively, you can cover your succulent with a plastic sheet or umbrella to protect it from the rain.

Temperature

Temperature also affects how succulents respond to rain. If the temperature drops after a heavy rain, your succulent may suffer from cold damage. Therefore, it's essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast and take necessary precautions if required.

Sunlight

Succulents require adequate sunlight to thrive. However, if they are exposed to prolonged rain, their leaves may become waterlogged and susceptible to sunburn. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your succulent is not exposed to direct sunlight after heavy rain.

Pests and Diseases

Succulents that are exposed to prolonged rain are more susceptible to pests and diseases such as fungal infections and root rot. Therefore, it's crucial to inspect your succulent regularly and take necessary steps to prevent any issues.

In conclusion, succulents can stay outside in the rain, but it depends on various factors such as the type of succulent, soil and drainage, rain intensity and duration, temperature, sunlight, pests and diseases. It's crucial to research your succulent's specific needs and take necessary precautions to protect it from rain-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can succulents survive in the rain?

Yes, succulents can survive in the rain, but it depends on various factors such as the type of succulent, soil and drainage, rain intensity and duration, temperature, sunlight, pests and diseases.

Q2. Do succulents need to be watered after rain?

No, succulents don't need to be watered after rain as they store water in their tissues. Overwatering is harmful to succulents and can lead to root rot.

Q3. Can succulents get root rot from rain?

Yes, succulents can get root rot from prolonged exposure to rain if they are planted in soil that retains water. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your succulent's pot has drainage holes and that the soil is well-draining.

Q4. Can succulents get sunburnt after rain?

Yes, succulents can get sunburnt after rain if their leaves become waterlogged. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your succulent is not exposed to direct sunlight after heavy rain.

Q5. Can I cover my succulent during the rain?

Yes, you can cover your succulent with a plastic sheet or umbrella to protect it from the rain. However, make sure that the cover doesn't block sunlight and air circulation.

Q6. Should I move my succulent indoors during the rainy season?

Q7. Can cacti survive heavy rain?

Yes, cacti can survive heavy rain as they are adapted to desert climates where occasional rains occur.

Q8. How often should I water my succulent if it rains frequently?

If your succulent is exposed to frequent rain, you don't need to water it frequently. You can wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.

Q9. How do I prevent pests and diseases in my succulent after rain?

Q10. What should I do if my succulent gets root rot from rain?

If your succulent gets root rot from rain, you need to take immediate action to save it. Remove the plant from the soil, remove the affected roots and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil. Reduce watering until the plant shows signs of recovery.