10 Best Succulents and Cactus for Full Sun

Succulents and cacti are popular choices for home gardeners due to their low-maintenance requirements. They are perfect for busy people or those who forget to water their plants regularly. But not all succulents and cacti are created equal. Some varieties need more sun than others. If you have a spot in your garden that gets full sun all day long, then you'll need to choose plants that can handle the heat. Here are 10 of the best succulents and cacti for full sun:

1. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)

This cactus is a popular choice for beginner cactus growers. It is a slow-growing cactus that can eventually reach up to 3 feet in diameter. The Golden Barrel Cactus has golden spines and yellow flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. It is a low-maintenance cactus that does not need to be watered very often.

2. Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)

The Saguaro Cactus is the iconic cactus of the American Southwest. It is a slow-growing cactus that can live for hundreds of years. The Saguaro Cactus has arms that grow out from its main stem, and it can eventually reach up to 50 feet tall. The Saguaro Cactus produces white flowers in the spring, which are followed by red fruits.

3. Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia series)

The Prickly Pear Cactus is a group of cacti that are native to North and South America. There are many different varieties of Prickly Pear Cactus, but they all have flat, pad-like stems. The Prickly Pear Cactus produces edible fruits, which are called pads or nopales. The pads can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a succulent that is not only beautiful but also has many medicinal properties. The gel from the Aloe Vera plant can be used to soothe sunburns, heal wounds, and reduce inflammation. Aloe Vera is a low-maintenance succulent that does not need to be watered very often.

5. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

The Jade Plant is a popular succulent that is easy to care for. It has thick, glossy leaves that are said to bring good luck and prosperity. The Jade Plant can grow to be several feet tall and wide. It produces small, white flowers in the winter.

6. Burro's Tail (Sedum Morganianum)

Burro's Tail is a succulent that has long, trailing stems that are covered in plump, green leaves. It is a fast-growing succulent that can quickly fill a hanging basket or pot. Burro's Tail produces small, yellow flowers in the spring.

7. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

Hens and Chicks is a succulent that forms clumps of rosettes. The rosettes are made up of thick, fleshy leaves that are green, red, or purple. Hens and Chicks are cold-hardy succulents that can tolerate freezing temperatures. They produce small, star-shaped flowers in the summer.

8. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata)

The Zebra Cactus is a succulent that has thick, fleshy leaves that are striped with green and white. It is a slow-growing succulent that does not need to be watered very often. The Zebra Cactus produces small, white flowers in the spring.

9. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

The Crown of Thorns is a succulent that has spiny stems and red flowers. It is a popular choice for Easter decorations. The Crown of Thorns is a low-maintenance succulent that does not need to be watered very often.

10. Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuata)

The Foxtail Agave is a succulent that has sword-shaped leaves that are tipped with a sharp spine. It is a slow-growing succulent that can eventually reach up to 6 feet tall. The Foxtail Agave produces a tall stalk of yellow flowers in the summer.