VFR conditions mean that you are responsible for the flight and seperation from other aircraft. For flight under VFR condition will be VMC with you get at most from ATC a flight following service if they can provide it.
An IFR flight plan gives you an ATC service through out the flight with seperation from other aircraft the responsibility of ATC.
So you do need to get 5 hours solo ie no one else in the aircraft with the required landings.