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 StonecropHow 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
Needle 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 Needle Stonecrop.
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
More Species in Sedum Genus
Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop
Sedum album White Stonecrop
Sedum annuum Annual Stonecrop
Sedum dasyphyllum Thick Leaf Stonecrop
Sedum multiceps Dwarf Joshua, Algerian Sedum
Sedum nussbaumerianum Orange Delight
Sedum stenopetalum Wormleaf Stonecrop
Sedum nevii Nevius' Stonecrop
Sedum Stonecrop
