Sedum hispanicum aka Spanish Stonecrop

Taxonomy

Sedum hispanicum, known commonly as the Spanish stonecrop or Blue Carpet, is a low-growing, perennial, succulent plant up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. It is found in Syria, Lebanon, the Palestine region, western Asia, the Balkans, Italy, and Switzerland, and not in Spain despite its specific name. Sedum hispanicum has blue-green, succulent foliage with a soft feathery feel that turn to a blue-grey color as the weather warms. In late spring to summer it also produces clusters of small, whitish-pink blooms. As part of the Sedum genus, it is an incredibly versatile plant and is easy to propagate - just pop off one of the leaves and with water and sunlight it will grow into a whole new plant.

Common names

Spanish Stonecrop, Orpin D'espagne

How to care for Spanish Stonecrop

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

To ensure the health of your Spanish 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

Spanish 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 Spanish Stonecrop.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Spanish 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

Spanish 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 Spanish 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

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


More info:
Wikipedia