Sedum mexicanum aka Mexican Stonecrop
Taxonomy
Sedum mexicanum, also known as Mexican stonecrop, is a lime green, upright variety in the Crassulaceae family that produces bright yellow flowers. It is an evergreen, mat-forming, perennial plant that can grow 10-20cm tall and is native to Mexico, although it has spread to other areas. Sedum is a flowering perennial succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae family, with over 400 different varieties. It is often used for ground cover, retaining walls, and rock gardens, as well as in "green roof" systems designed to insulate buildings and improve the environment. Sedum plants are incredibly diverse and are found in regions all over the world. They are easy to propagate and have succulent leaves that help store water. Sedum mexicanum is often used as an ornamental and is considered a weed in disturbed areas.
Common names
Mexican Stonecrop, Lemon Sedum, Mexican SedumHow to care for Mexican Stonecrop
Difficulty
Caring for Mexican Stonecrop is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Mexican Stonecrop does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Mexican 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
Mexican 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 Lemon Sedum is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Mexican Stonecrop to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
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
Mexican 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 Mexican 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
Mexican Stonecrop’s native range is Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Sedum Genus
Sedum palmeri Stonecrop
Sedum lineare Needle Stonecrop
Sedum dasyphyllum Thick Leaf Stonecrop
Sedum confusum Sedum Confusum
Sedum oreganum Oregon Stonecrop
Sedum ochroleucum European Stonecrop
Sedum obtusatum Sierra Stonecrop
