Sedum brevifolium aka Jelly Bean's

Taxonomy ID: 17933

Sedum brevifolium is a small plant called short-leaved stonecrop. It is a succulent, in the stonecrop family, Crassulaceae. It grows wild in the western and west-central Mediterranean. Kew calls it a succulent subshrub from regions with temperate climates. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In gardens, it forms a low mat, not an upright bush.

The plant grows about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres) tall. It spreads to 0.33–1.64 feet (0.1–0.5 metres) wide. Its spread is slow. It takes two to five years to reach full size. Its leaves are semi-evergreen: they do not always last year-round. Short, wiry stems bear small leaves shaped like eggs. These pale green leaves grow up to two millimetres long. They often have red tints. At times, they have a white bloom on them. Small white flowers bloom in summer. The leaves and low shape add interest beyond the bloom season.

Grow this plant in full sun, in a sheltered spot. The RHS lists sites that face east, south, or west. It calls for soil that drains well, with a moderate level of nutrients. Both loam and sand suit this plant. The RHS growing guide favours neutral to alkaline soil. Yet the same page lists acid soil as suitable, too. The plant can cope with drought. Even so, it needs soil that drains well. The RHS rates its hardiness as H7. This covers the coldest parts of continental Europe, below −20°C.

Its small size suits rock gardens, gravel beds, and pots. The RHS also lists it for planting on patios. The low mat can add leaves close to the ground. Leave space for its full width when planting small plants. With its slow spread, the mat takes time to fill out. The RHS lists it for gardens that need little care. It needs no pruning to keep its natural form.

Slugs and snails may harm this plant. Root rot may occur, too, so good drainage is key. Divide plants in spring to grow new ones. You can also take softwood cuttings in early summer. The sources give no food or medicinal uses for this species. They do not assess its safety for people or pets. They give no account of its fruit.

Common names

Jelly Bean's, Shortleaf Stonecrop, Short Leaved Stonecrop

More information about Jelly Bean's

How difficult is it to take care of Jelly Bean's

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

What is the region of origin of Jelly Bean's

Jelly Bean's’s native range is Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.

What are the water needs for Jelly Bean's

💧 Dry to moist
Jelly Bean's does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

What is the right soil for Jelly Bean's

pH: Adaptable Light to medium
When growing the Jelly Bean's, 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.

What is the sunlight requirement for Jelly Bean's

Jelly Bean's 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 Short Leaved Stonecrop.

What's the right humidity for Jelly Bean's

Jelly Bean's 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.

How to fertilize Jelly Bean's

The Jelly Bean's 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.

Is Jelly Bean's toxic to humans/pets?

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.

What seasonal care does Jelly Bean's need?

During the wintertime, it's common for Jelly Bean's to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

Sources

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