The short answer
Yes, most succulents need lots of bright light, ideally ten or more hours a day, so give them the sunniest window you have.
Which window?
Window direction is the quickest guide to how much light a spot gets. This is for the Northern Hemisphere; south of the equator, swap north and south. A tree or building outside cuts the light, so trust your plant over your compass.
South
The brightest light for the longest part of the day, with some direct sun. The best spot for most succulents, and the one to move them to in winter.
East or west
Medium light, with a few hours of direct sun. Good for Haworthia and the other succulents below that cope with less.
North
The least light. Fine for low-light plants only, so most succulents will stretch here. Add a grow light.
Succulents that cope with less light
A few succulents manage with less. Less isn't none, though. They still want bright light to look their best.
Haworthia
More tolerant of modest light than most succulents. An east or west window with a few hours of sun suits it. A south window can be too bright for some kinds.
Gasteria
Unlike many succulents, it tolerates some shade. Indoors, give it bright light.
Snake plant
Famous for putting up with poor light, but it grows best in medium to bright light.
Too little or too much?
Too little light
Tall, spindly new growth that's pale in color, with longer gaps between leaves. Rosettes open up and flatten out to catch more light. See leggy succulents.
Too much, too fast
Brown or tan patches on leaves or stems, often on new growth or the inner leaves. That's sun scald. It doesn't heal, and burned leaves usually drop in the end.
Moving succulents outside without sunburn
Sunburn usually happens when a plant that's spent a while in low light goes straight into bright sun. The fix is to change its light slowly.
- Start in shade. Give it a bright spot out of direct sun for its first days outside.
- Add sun gradually. Move it into more direct light a little at a time, over a few weeks.
- Mind the afternoons. Even once it's settled, most succulents appreciate shade from the hot afternoon sun.
- Watch for patches. Brown or tan patches mean too much, too soon. Move it back toward shade and slow down.
No sunny window?
If no window is bright enough, add light. Grow lights make up the difference: a full-spectrum LED kept within about 12 inches of the plants, on a timer, does the job. It's also the fix for a plant that's stretching even in your brightest window.
FAQ
Do succulents need direct sunlight?
Most want lots of bright light, and indoors a south window with some direct sun is ideal. Outdoors, most appreciate shade from the hot afternoon sun. Haworthia, Gasteria and snake plant cope with less.
How many hours of light do succulents need?
Ideally ten or more hours of bright light a day. If your windows can't manage that, a grow light can.
Can succulents live in a room with no windows?
Only with a grow light. Succulents need high light levels, and a room with no window can't provide them.
Will a stretched succulent go back to normal?
Some recover over time once they get enough light. Others need cutting back so fresh, compact growth can form. Many barrel cacti stay misshapen for good.
Do sunburned succulent leaves recover?
No. The burned patches are permanent, and those leaves usually drop eventually. Move the plant to gentler light and change its light more slowly next time.