Sedum pulchellum aka Widow's Cross

Taxonomy

Sedum pulchellum, commonly known as widowscross or widow's cross, is a mat-forming, succulent perennial that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This flowering plant is native to calcareous areas in the South-Central and Southeastern regions of the United States, often found on flat rock outcrops such as cedar glades. It thrives in the Interior Low Plateau, Ozark, and Ouachita Mountains. With its fleshy, bright green, needle-like leaves, Sedum pulchellum grows up to 10cm tall. During late spring and early summer, it produces clusters of starry, pink flowers that branch horizontally. While individual plants may be short-lived, they self-seed freely. The Sedum genus, to which Sedum pulchellum belongs, exhibits remarkable diversity and can be found in various regions worldwide. Horticulturalists have further enhanced this diversity by breeding different varieties that display a wide range of shapes and colors. These plants are characterized by their succulent leaves, which store water, making them highly adaptable. Additionally, Sedum species are incredibly easy to propagate – simply removing a leaf and providing it with water and sunlight can result in the growth of a new plant.

Common names

Widow's Cross, Widowscross, Glade Stonecrop

How to care for Widow's Cross

Difficulty

Caring for Widow's Cross is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Widow's Cross does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Widow's Cross 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

Widow's Cross 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 Widowscross is always in the right place to thrive.

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

Widow's Cross 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 Widow's Cross 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.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Widow's Cross as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Widow's Cross’s native range is Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia