Sedum caeruleum aka Blue Stonecrop
Taxonomy
Sedum caeruleum, also known as the sky stone-crop, baby-blue stone-crop, or red-leaf, is an annual succulent herb from the family Crassulaceae. This bushy plant is native to northwest Africa, Sardinia, Corsica, and Sicily, and can grow to be 5-15(-20) cm tall. The leaves are narrowly oblong and typically have a red hue. The plant is highly distinctive due to its attractive star-shaped, blue flowers, which is a rare color for succulent plants. Although Sedum caeruleum is variable in terms of flower color and hairiness, it is still highly worthy of attention.
The Sedum genus is incredibly diverse and can be found in regions all over the world. Horticulturalists have even bred them to create even more varieties with a wide range of shapes and colors. These plants have succulent leaves that store water, making them easy to maintain. They are also incredibly easy to propagate - simply remove one of the leaves and with water and sunlight, it will grow into a whole new plant.
Common names
Blue Stonecrop, Azure StonecropHow to care for Blue Stonecrop
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Blue Stonecrop is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Blue Stonecrop does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Blue Stonecrop healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
Blue Stonecrop 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 Azure Stonecrop is always in the right place to thrive.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
Blue 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 Blue Stonecrop is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Blue Stonecrop’s native range is Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Sedum Genus
Sedum oaxacanum
Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop
Sedum griseum
Sedum hernandezii Jelly Bean
Sedum stahlii Coral Beads
Sedum lanceolatum Spearleaf Stonecrop
Sedum formosanum Formosa Stonecrop
Sedum smallii Elf Orpine
Sedum atratum Dunkler Mauerpfeffer
