Sedum lineare aka Needle Stonecrop

Taxonomy

Sedum lineare, also known as carpet sedum, needle stonecrop, or sea urchin, is a mat-forming evergreen succulent plant with bushy and semi-trailing stems that can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Originating from East Asia, it is a popular choice for greening flat-roofed buildings in Shanghai due to its ability to tolerate cold and drought, little need for soil, and non-penetrating roots. The leaves of Sedum lineare are succulent, light green or pale greenish-yellow, and can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The plant is in flower from July to August, with star-shaped yellow flowers that can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. Sedum is a diverse genus of plants that are native to regions all over the world, with many varieties bred by horticulturalists to create different shapes and colors. Sedum plants are known for their succulent leaves that help store water, making them easy to propagate by simply popping off one of the leaves and providing water and sunlight.

Common names

Needle Stonecrop, Shore Stonecrop

How to care for Needle Stonecrop

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

The Needle Stonecrop is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Needle Stonecrop prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

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

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Needle Stonecrop prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Needle Stonecrop is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia