What is the Best Shade Cloth for Succulents?
Many succulent growers have questions when buying shade cloth, what shade rate do I choose? What is the best shade rate for my succulents?
The answer is 30-60%.
The optimum temperature for succulent growth is between 40-80°F. They don’t like too much sun. If the shading rate is too low, the sun will scorch the succulent leaves. If the shading rate is too high, the succulent will etiolate and become leggy.
Daniel was determined to find a way to keep his succulents from burning up in the hot Florida sun. He tried every possible method he could think of, but nothing worked. Finally, he decided to try using a shade net. At first, he was skeptical that it would work, but it turned out to be the best decision he ever made. Thanks to the shade net, his succulents were able to thrive all summer long!
Alexis was very excited to show us her succulents. She had many of them on her plantation, and each summer she used 60% shade nets to help them stay cool. “The nets enable the plants to support themselves through the hot summer months,” Alexis explained. “Without them, the heat would be too much for them to handle.”
So all of these experiences tell us that 30-60% shade cloth is the best shade rate for succulents.

Now that we know the appropriate shade rate for succulents.
Next, let’s discuss some other issues regarding shade cloth for succulents.
Can succulents do well in shade?
It depends on the kind of succulent. Some kinds can tolerate more shade than others, and some kinds actually need full sun to thrive. So if you have an area where you’d like to grow succulents but aren’t sure whether they’ll be able to do so, here are some tips for determining what kind of light your succulents need:
First, identify which type of succulent you’re growing. There are over 2,000 different kinds of cacti and other succulents, so it’s important to know exactly what kind will grow best for your needs. For example, aloe vera is a type of succulent that does better in partial shade than full sun due to its thick leaves; it also prefers dryer conditions than many other types of cacti and succulents.
Next, look at the size and shape of your plant’s leaves: If they’re broad-leaved (like most varieties of echeveria), then it’s likely that your succulent prefers more shade. If the leaves are pointy and needle-like (like most cacti), then they’ll do better in direct sunlight.
Finally, if you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to grow your succulents in a place that receives partial shade.

What color shade cloth is best for plants?
We’ve all been there: you’re at the gardening store, and you’re trying to figure out which color of the cloth is best for your plants. You’ve heard that red is good, but you also know that yellow is great for attracting insects. So what do you do?
Well, first things first—we’re going to help you figure out what color shade cloth is best for your plants.
Red: The most popular choice for color shade cloth, red has been shown to increase plant growth by as much as 30%. It’s also known to have a negative effect on insects and other pests that don’t like the color red.
Dark shades are best for protecting plants from direct sunlight. They will also help regulate the temperature in the garden so that you can grow more varieties of plants.
If you have a succulent that needs lots of light, you’ll want a white cloth so that it gets as much light as possible.

Are succulents better in sun or shade?
It depends! You might think that succulents are always best in full, direct sunlight, but some varieties actually prefer partial shade.
The best way to determine whether your succulent prefers sun or shade is by looking at its leaves. If the leaves are thick and fleshy, it’s likely that your succulent will thrive in full sun. If the leaves are thin and more transparent, it’s probably better for your succulent to be kept in partial shade.
Another good way to tell is by looking at the color of the soil around your plant: if you notice that it’s turning darker than usual, then chances are that your plant needs more sun because it’s getting too much water from all of the rain.