Succulents and cacti are some of the most adaptable houseplants, but their success indoors depends largely on light. While many of these plants thrive in bright, sunny conditions, others can tolerate lower light levels. Choosing the right varieties based on your home's lighting conditions can mean the difference between a thriving plant and a struggling one. This guide will help you select the best succulents and cacti based on the natural light available in your indoor space.

Understanding Indoor Light Levels

Before choosing your plants, it’s important to assess the light conditions in your home:

  • Bright, Direct Light: South- or west-facing windows with at least 6+ hours of intense sunlight.

  • Bright, Indirect Light: Near east-facing windows or slightly away from a bright window where sunlight is diffused.

  • Low Light: Rooms with small or north-facing windows, or spaces with mostly artificial lighting.

Best Succulents and Cacti for High-Light Environments

If you have a bright, sun-drenched space, you're in luck—most succulents and cacti love these conditions. Here are some top choices:

Succulents for High Light:

🌿 Echeveria – A classic rosette succulent that thrives in full sun.
🌿 Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – A resilient, easy-care succulent that loves bright, sunny spots.
🌿 String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) – Prefers bright light and some direct sun to maintain its trailing, bead-like leaves.
🌿 Aloe Vera – Needs plenty of sunlight to stay healthy and produce its beneficial gel.

Cacti for High Light:

🌵 Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) – A round, spiky cactus that loves direct sunlight.
🌵 Prickly Pear (Opuntia spp.) – A fast-growing, sun-loving cactus with flat, paddle-like stems.
🌵 Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) – If you have enough space and lots of sun, this iconic desert cactus can grow (slowly) indoors.
🌵 Bunny Ear Cactus (Opuntia microdasys) – Prefers full sun and minimal watering.

Care Tip: Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth and prevent leaning.

Best Succulents and Cacti for Medium to Bright, Indirect Light

If your home has good light but not intense direct sun, these plants will thrive:

Succulents for Medium to Bright Indirect Light:

🌿 Zebra Plant (Haworthia fasciata) – A small, low-light-tolerant succulent with striking white stripes.
🌿 Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) – Fuzzy leaves with brown tips, perfect for moderate light conditions.
🌿 Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) – A trailing succulent that prefers indirect bright light.
🌿 Gasteria – Similar to Aloe, but more tolerant of lower light.

Cacti for Medium to Bright Indirect Light:

🌵 Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) – Unlike most cacti, this one prefers indirect light and blooms in winter.
🌵 Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) – Similar to the Christmas Cactus but blooms in spring.
🌵 Rhipsalis (Mistletoe Cactus) – A rainforest cactus that thrives in indirect light and higher humidity.
🌵 Fairy Castle Cactus (Acanthocereus tetragonus) – A columnar cactus that does well in bright but indirect light.

Care Tip: These plants do best with bright light but can tolerate short periods of lower light conditions.

Best Succulents and Cacti for Low-Light Environments

While most succulents and cacti prefer brighter conditions, a few varieties can adapt to lower light. If you have a dimly lit room, try these hardy options:

Succulents for Low Light:

🌿 Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Technically a succulent, this hardy plant tolerates extremely low light and infrequent watering.
🌿 Haworthia – Similar to Aloe but thrives in lower light.
🌿 Gasteria – One of the best succulents for shade; grows well in offices with artificial lighting.
🌿 Jade Plant (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’) – While it prefers bright light, it can survive in lower-light conditions.

Cacti for Low Light:

🌵 Rhipsalis (Mistletoe Cactus) – A shade-loving cactus that thrives in humid, low-light conditions.
🌵 Schlumbergera (Christmas/Easter Cactus) – Adapted to growing under tree canopies, making it a great low-light cactus.
🌵 Hatiora (Moonlight Cactus) – Prefers indirect or low light and higher humidity.
🌵 Epiphyllum (Orchid Cactus) – A jungle cactus that grows well in shaded areas.

Care Tip: Low-light succulents and cacti still need some natural light—placing them near a window or supplementing with a grow light will keep them healthy.

Final Thoughts

The key to successfully growing succulents and cacti indoors is matching the right plant to your available light. High-light environments support a vast array of succulents and desert cacti, while medium-light conditions accommodate shade-tolerant succulents and rainforest cacti. Even in low-light settings, a few hardy varieties can thrive.

No matter your lighting situation, there’s a perfect succulent or cactus for your space. Take the time to assess your indoor light, choose accordingly, and enjoy the beauty of these fascinating, low-maintenance plants!

What’s your indoor light level like? Have a favorite succulent or cactus that thrives in your space? Share in the comments!