Light and positioning

Light is life for your plants. It powers photosynthesis, helps them grow strong and compact, and brings out their best colors and shapes. For cacti and succulents, the right amount of light can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving.

Too little light, and your plant may stretch (etiolation), lose vibrancy, or stall. Too much, and it can scorch—especially delicate or newly potted plants.

Understanding the type and intensity of light your space offers is the first step to happy, healthy growth.

Not all cacti and succulents want to bake in full sun all day—some are desert warriors, while others are more light-sensitive by nature.

Sun lovers like Echinopsis, Trichocereus, and many columnar cacti thrive with full sun exposure, especially once established. They love basking in several hours of direct sunlight, resulting in stronger, more resilient growth and better flower volume and colour.

Shady characters prefer bright, indirect light. Harsh direct sun can cause bleaching or sunburn, especially during summer or heatwaves.

The trick is getting to know your plant’s individual needs. All cacti and succulents need softer conditions to settle in regardless of age or species.

Where you grow your cactus or succulent can make a big difference—especially when it comes to light quality and consistency.

Outdoors is always our top recommendation. Australia offers fantastic conditions for growing strong, healthy plants year-round. Morning sun and dappled afternoon light are ideal for most species. Protect your plants from harsh midday rays, especially in summer. Shade cloth, pergolas, or bright patios can help you fine-tune exposure and avoid sun stress.

Indoors can work, but it's trickier to get right. We don’t typically recommend it unless outdoor growing truly isn’t an option. Bright, north-facing windows (in Australia) are gold. East-facing spots give gentle morning sun, while west-facing ones bring hotter afternoon rays that can be too intense for some plants. If your space is dim, consider using a grow light to supplement.

No matter where you're growing, keep an eye on seasonal changes. As the sun shifts, so should your setup—just a small move can make a big difference.

Light changes with the seasons—and so should your plant setup.

In summer, the sun is intense and higher in the sky. This is when sunburn risk is highest, especially during heatwaves or sudden weather shifts. Provide afternoon shade if needed and watch for signs of stress like scorching, bleaching, or wrinkling.

In winter, sunlight weakens and days are shorter. You may need to move plants to sunnier spots, especially those in pots. Rotation isn’t a standard practice at Spine City, but may be required in lower light settings—if so, turn the plant very slowly over the course of several weeks, never abruptly.

Spring and autumn are prime times for repositioning, repotting, and slowly adjusting plants to changes in light. Always acclimate gradually when increasing exposure—this prevents shock and sun damage.

Your cactus or succulent will tell you if it's not happy—you just need to know what to look for.

Too little light? You might see stretching (etiolation), a paler appearance, slowed growth, or leaning toward the nearest light source.

Too much light? Look for signs like bleaching, crispy or scorched patches, sudden wrinkling, or a faded “washed-out” look—especially on newer growth.

Subtle changes often show up first in color and shape. Stay observant, especially after moving your plant or adjusting its setup. Most light issues are easy to correct with timely repositioning and gradual acclimation.