Sedum acre aka Goldmoss Stonecrop

Taxonomy

Sedum acre, also known as goldmoss stonecrop, mossy stonecrop, goldmoss sedum, biting stonecrop, and wallpepper, is a low-growing, evergreen succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is native to Europe and also found in North America, Japan, and New Zealand. The plant is adapted to grow in hostile environments such as pavement, seashores, and rocky faces, allowing it to avoid competing with other species. However, it contains a compound that can cause rashes, so it should be handled with care. The goldmoss stonecrop has a moderate growth rate and can spread over a wide area, reaching up to 24 inches in width but only 2 inches in height. Its light green, overlapping foliage has rounded leaves on short, semi-bent stems. The genus name sedum comes from the Latin word for sit 'sedeo,' which references the sprawling nature of the plant's growth, while the species name acre means bitter taste, referring to the bitter, acrid flavor of the leaves. This plant is commonly found in scrubby areas such as ravine edges and rock crevices.

Common names

Goldmoss Stonecrop, Common Stonecrop, Biting Stonecrop

How to care for Goldmoss Stonecrop

Difficulty

Goldmoss Stonecrop requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

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

Soil

The Goldmoss Stonecrop is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Goldmoss Stonecrop requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Goldmoss Stonecrop will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Goldmoss Stonecrop is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Goldmoss Stonecrop thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Goldmoss Stonecrop is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

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

Flower

If you provide your Goldmoss Stonecrop with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia