Sedum divergens aka Pacific Stonecrop

Taxonomy

Sedum divergens, also known as spreading stonecrop, Cascade stonecrop, or Pacific stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent plant that belongs to the Sedum genus. It can be found in western North America, from Alaska to northern California, and is commonly seen in the lava beds of Northwest British Columbia, where it serves as a food plant for the Nisga'a first nation. This plant has glossy green or reddish-green leaves that are fleshy, rounded, and arranged neatly in opposite pairs. The stems are branched and can root at the nodes, allowing the plant to spread up to several feet across. Sedum divergens grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and is a popular choice for horticulturalists due to the diversity of the Sedum genus, which has been bred to create various shapes and colors. These plants are incredibly easy to propagate - just gently pop off one of the leaves and with water and sunlight, it will grow into a whole new plant!

Common names

Pacific Stonecrop, Spreading Stonecrop, Cascade Stonecrop

How to care for Pacific Stonecrop

Difficulty

Pacific Stonecrop presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

To ensure the health of your Pacific 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

Pacific 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 Cascade Stonecrop.

Dormancy

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

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

Pacific 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 Pacific 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.

Growth-pattern

Pacific Stonecrop grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia