Is Stonecrop Sedum Drought Tolerant?

What Are Stonecrop Sedum Pests?

Stonecrop sedum rarely has major insect issues, however, it may sometimes acquire a spider mite infestation. Spider mites seldom endanger the life of stonecrop, but their eating can cause slowed development and discolored blotches on the succulent leaves. Spider mites are hard to control and require a lot of work and patience.

The most common insect pest of stonecrop sedum is the thrips. They tend to be most active in early spring and fall when they tend to congregate on the underside of leaves, especially if humid weather is present. These tiny insects are also known as plant lice or plant hoppers.

Spider mites are another common problem with stonecrop sedum. It should be noted that spider mites are not harmful to humans, but they tend to aggravate the growth of stonecrop sedum. If a stonecrop sedum is infested with spider mites, it will present numerous small white spots on leaves. These spots may burn and scar the leaves as well.

While other insects are pests of stonecrop sedum, they are seldom a problem because they are generally repelled by the strong scent of its flowers. These flowers also attract various pollinators and butterflies, so it should be noted that the stonecrop sedum is not insect-free.

Stonecrop sedum is not susceptible to a huge number of diseases. One problem that can occur is Botrytis, a fungal infection that causes flowers to turn brown and die. Growth can also be inhibited by this fungal infection. It is also common in leaf spots, causing irregularly shaped brown spots to form on leaves and stems.

Is Stonecrop Sedum Drought Tolerant?

Yes, stonecrop sedum is very drought tolerant. Stonecrop sedum has a mixture of colors and species, though not all stonecrop is drought-tolerant. You should pick a variety that is labeled as such, such as Sedum acre or Sedum spathularis.

Stonecrop sedum requires only three-inch long periods of average watering per week to perform well. They will retain their rich green foliage in times of extreme drought and survive the acridest heat. When watering stonecrop sedum, it is important to do so in the early morning on an empty stomach.

Stonecrop sedum will wilt from over-watering. This seemingly odd characteristic is because they are aquatic plants. They not only require a lot of moisture, but they need very consistent moisture throughout the day to thrive.

Stonecrop sedum will also benefit from a mild fertilizer once every three weeks or so during their growing season. Do not fertilize in mid-summer as the extreme heat can burn the leaves.

Stonecrop sedum makes excellent bonsai subjects and they do not mind being outside during the winter. They will survive a freeze of 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

In extremely dry climates, stonecrop sedum is sometimes grown indoors under artificial lights. These plants are also hardy enough to grow in full sun and have very little cold tolerance.

What Is Stonecrop Sedum?

Stonecrop Sedum is a genus of about 400-500 species of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. Most are evergreen perennials native to dry areas with relatively low rainfall, although some are annual or biennial herbs native to more moisture-retentive habitats. Most stonecrop sedum is succulents, forming rosettes from a single corm.

Stonecrop sedum is hardy in zone 4 to 9. They have a reputation for being fairly easy to grow. They grow into large clumps with pure white flowers that stay on the plant all summer and have triangular cryptomerias look. They are interesting plants, with the corms being important in drought-tolerant landscaping.

Stonecrop sedum flowers are the most toxic when eaten raw. When eating stonecrop flowers, it is advised to first boil them and then you can eat them with no problems.

However, bleeding and kidney problems can result if you eat stonecrop plants raw. You should not use stonecrop sedums during pregnancy or if you have kidney problems.

Stonecrop Sedum will only take up to the full sun and thrive in areas with no frost. Stonecrop needs little water and is very drought-tolerant, with even the slightest amount of water keeping them green and healthy.

They are also considered an excellent air purifying plant due to their ability to clean the air in large open spaces as well as indoors. Because of this, it is recommended to plant them in a large pot. They receive their water from their leaves, which take up water and give off oxygen when the plant is cut.

Stonecrop Sedum needs to be watered once per week for the first 3 weeks after planting, and once every 2 weeks for the next 3 weeks. Water it deeply and allow it to seep into the soil until all of the excess water has been absorbed.

How Do You Care For Stonecrop Sedum?

Stonecrop sedum is relatively easy to care for and many varieties exist that are perfect for the beginner garden. It can be grown in containers, indoors or outdoors, but it is more commonly grown in loose soil or Rockwool. Pots should be kept moist but not too wet, and they should be planted in full sun or partial shade.

Stonecrop Sedum prefers well-drained soil, so a large raised bed with good drainage is ideal. They also need a sunny location. They do not require the same amount of light as other sedums, but they still prefer full sun.

They can be grown indoors, but they have a heavy growth schedule during the summer months and may require more frequent watering.

Young plants should be irrigated every few days when establishing, but irrigation can be reduced after that, and no more water is required in the fall and winter. The following are the factors to consider when caring for Stonecrop Sedum;

Sunlight:

Stonecrop Sedum prefers partial or full sun. When grown indoors, it is recommended that the plant be given bright indirect sunlight. Stonecrop Sedum needs full sun to grow well and bloom. They can be grown indoors in a sunny window, or outside in a position that gets at least 4-6 hours of morning sun every day.

Perfect locations may include a garage, workshops, barns, and greenhouses. Stonecrop Sedum prefers full sun and is much happier if it receives this amount of sunlight.

Soil:

Stonecrop Sedum grows well in a wide range of soils, but it does best in those that are well-drained and contain plenty of organic material. Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage or soils that remain excessively wet or dry. When planting in a container, it is a good idea to add a layer of pebbles or stones at the bottom. This will increase drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in water.

Watering:

Stonecrop Sedum requires very little water. However, it must be watered whenever the top layer of soil becomes dry. Water the plant until the water flows through the drainage holes of the pot or until it begins to seep out on its own. Do not water again unless the soil is completely dry and needs watering again. It is important to note that this plant will become dormant during cold weather and may need a period of rest until spring arrives.

Temperature:

Stonecrop Sedum can be grown outdoors in the warmer months, and indoors or outdoors during the winter. When grown indoors, it is a good idea to keep it in an area where temperatures will remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as it may not survive if temperatures drop below this. It does well during the summer and winter months outside, but like other succulents prefers cool nights and warm days.

Stonecrop Sedum, unlike other succulents, is exceptionally cold resistant and looks excellent from spring to fall and into winter. Some may withstand temperatures as low as minus-45 degrees Fahrenheit when grown in containers throughout the winter. Stonecrop Sedum can look great in a mixed container as a single plant.

Humidity:

Stonecrop Sedum prefers arid conditions. When grown indoors, it is a good idea to keep it in an area where the relative humidity remains below 50 percent. If the relative humidity remains above this, the leaves will become soft and limp due to high moisture levels in the air. This can be prevented by placing a humidity tray beneath your plant or by adding a pebble tray beneath your pot.

Fertilizers:

Stonecrop Sedum requires very little fertilization. It will do well even with no fertilizer at all. If this is not possible, it is suggested to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer every few months during the spring and summer months. Fertilize lightly with a fertilizer that is specifically for succulent plants.

Propagation:

Stonecrop Sedum can be grown from seed, cuttings, or propagated by division during spring and summer. It is highly recommended to propagate this plant by division as it is much easier than growing from seed. Division can be done by separating mature clumps of the sedum and replanting them in new areas. It can also be done by separating off an older, more mature stonecrop sedum plant and planting it in a new area that requires more sunlight or a larger pot.

Repotting:

Stonecrop Sedum, like other succulents, does not need to be repotted very often.  You should repot Stonecrop Sedum every two to three years in the spring. If the plant is root bound or has a lot of roots around the soil when you take it out of its container, it will need to be repotted. When selecting a new pot, only go up one inch in diameter. Extra soil will store more moisture, which is bad for sedum, which is prone to root rot.

Pruning:

Stonecrop Sedum can be pruned in the spring and summer without taking too many leaves away. Cut off any dead or damaged leaves, but leave most of the top growth on your plant as this will help them remain fuller and bushy. Avoid cutting or trimming stems by hand as they can break easily.

Pests and Diseases:

Stonecrop Sedum is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including scale insects, mealy bugs, aphids, and spider mites. To prevent these pests from attacking your plant, make sure it receives the proper care. Watering in the morning can help prevent aphids while watering in the evening results in fewer spider mites and mealy bugs.

For more information about preventing and treating these pests, see the Pest Control Guide for Stonecrop Sedum. Stonecrop Sedum is a slow-growing plant that has thick trunk-like stems with small round leaves.