Sedum aka Stonecrop

Taxonomy

Sedum is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae. They are commonly known as stonecrops and can include up to 600 species, although this has been reduced to 400-500. Sedum are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, but can also be found in Africa and South America. The plants vary from annual and creeping herbs to shrubs, and are characterised by succulent leaves and stems which help to store water. The flowers usually have five petals, and there are typically twice as many stamens as petals. Well-known European species of Sedum include Sedum acre, Sedum album, Sedum dasyphyllum, Sedum reflexum (also known as Sedum rupestre) and Sedum hispanicum. The extent of morphological diversity and homoplasy make it impossible to characterise Sedum phenotypicaly. Horticulturalists have bred Sedum to create even more varieties that come in all manner of shapes and colors. Sedum are incredibly easy to propagate - simply popping off one of the leaves and providing water and sunlight will grow a whole new plant.

Common names

Stonecrop, Firecracker, Spiral Staircase, Bronze Delight Sedum, Sedum 'Lime Drop'

How to care for Stonecrop

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Stonecrop due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

To ensure the health of your Stonecrop, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Stonecrop thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Spiral Staircase.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Stonecrop prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Stonecrop is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Stonecrop’s native range is Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia