Sedum rubens aka Reddish Stonecrop
Taxonomy
Sedum rubens is a small, erect annual herb with glandular-hairy leaves that are greyish-green and eventually become reddish. They are succulent plants with simple, broad leaves that can grow to 5.4 cm. Sedum rubens is a species of the Crassulaceae family and is also known as Stonecrop. The flowering-stem is branched 2 to 4 times above and bears several star-shaped white or rarely pink flowers with 5 petals and a deep red keel in spring. The flowers are held in a 2-4 branched, leafy inflorescence. Fruits are hairy, pointed at tip, and star-shaped. Sedums are super diverse and are native to regions all over the world. Horticulturalists have bred them to create even more varieties that come in all manner of shapes and colors! Their succulent leaves help store water, and they are incredibly easy to propagate. However, Sedum rubens can be invasive if not controlled and may be poisonous. To get rid of them, use your hands and a garden trowel if needed to dig up and remove the plants by their roots. Pull them from the soil slowly to remove the root as well as the leaf and stem of the plant.
Common names
Reddish Stonecrop, Red StonecropHow to care for Reddish Stonecrop
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Reddish Stonecrop due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Reddish Stonecrop does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To ensure the health of your Reddish 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
Reddish 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 Reddish Stonecrop.
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
Reddish 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 Reddish 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
Reddish Stonecrop’s native range is Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
