Succulents for Hawaii, Florida, Tropics

Will succulents grow in tropical climates like Hawaii and Florida?

You might assume so, considering succulents like the same conditions you do when on vacation: Plenty of sunshine, not too hot, breezy and balmy.

However, what succulents don't like is high rainfall and humidity, especially in summer. One reason they do so well in Southern CA is that region's no-precipitation summers and year-round aridity. Makes sense: It's the same where many come from (South Africa, the Canary Islands and Madagascar).

Certain highly desirable succulents like aeoniums, echeverias and cacti can rot in tropical climates. It's hard to give them the sun they need to thrive while also protecting them from downpours and dampness.

Yet other succulents say "Bring it on!" to moisture and rain any time of year, so long as temps stay above freezing. You'll see the best of these bathing beauties in the 60-plant gallery.

Checklist for success

This isn't to say that you can treat moisture-tolerant succulents as you would tropical plants. These succulents will still need:

• to be kept as dry as possible
• minimal watering or not at all when conditions are damp
• to be on a covered patio or beneath eaves
• half a day's sun
• frost protection
• gritty soil to enhance drainage
• a sloping location if in the ground
• no pot saucers.