Hylotelephium cauticola

Taxonomy

Hylotelephium cauticola, also known as cliff stonecrop or Sedum cauticola, is a low-growing perennial native to Hokkaido, Japan. It belongs to the family Crassulaceae and is a carpet-forming succulent with trailing or slightly ascending stems. The plant features rounded, succulent leaves that are grey-green in color with a pinkish-purple tinge. In late summer and early autumn, the cliff stonecrop produces large flower heads, measuring up to 10cm across, composed of numerous small pinkish-red flowers. This unpretentious plant thrives in rock gardens and alpine gardens with alkaline to neutral soil. It is highly valued by gardeners and landscapers, often used in combination with other plants to create a visually stunning display. With its creeping rhizome and dense, bluish-tinted leaves, Sedum cauticola grows rapidly and can reach a height of 8-10 inches (20-25 centimeters) when mature. Its elongated stems bear yellow flowers. This versatile plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and is particularly suitable for beginners in gardening.

How to care for Hylotelephium cauticola

Difficulty

Caring for Hylotelephium cauticola is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Hylotelephium cauticola does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Hylotelephium cauticola, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Hylotelephium cauticola requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hylotelephium cauticola is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Hylotelephium cauticola to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Hylotelephium cauticola plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Hylotelephium cauticola grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Hylotelephium cauticola’s native range is Asia, Europe, and North America.


More info:
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