Sedum spathulifolium aka Colorado Stonecrop
Taxonomy
Sedum spathulifolium, also known as broadleaf stonecrop, yellow stonecrop, and spoon-leaved stonecrop, is an evergreen perennial plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to southern California, and can be found in many types of rocky habitats in coastal and inland hills and mountains. This low-maintenance plant adds beauty and texture to any garden with its thick, fleshy, silver-green leaves and small, yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and spread up to 18 inches (45 cm), and is a great choice for pollinator gardens as the flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects. Plants in the Sedum genus are known for their diversity, with a variety of shapes and colors, and are incredibly easy to propagate by gently popping off one of the succulent leaves and allowing it to grow into a whole new plant with water and sunlight.
Common names
Colorado Stonecrop, Broadleaf Stonecrop, Broad Leaved StonecropHow to care for Colorado Stonecrop
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Colorado Stonecrop due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Colorado Stonecrop does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To ensure the health of your Colorado 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
To ensure optimal growth, the Colorado 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 Colorado Stonecrop to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
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
Colorado 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 Colorado 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.
Growth-pattern
Colorado Stonecrop grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Region of origin
Colorado Stonecrop’s native range is Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
