Source: Wikimedia Commons
Golden sedum
BeginnerSedum adolphi
A Mexican Sedum with thick, pointed leaves crowded at the stem tips. In good sun the leaf edges turn red or orange, and white starry flowers appear in spring.
About
Sedum adolphi is a succulent in the Crassulaceae native to rocky ground and cliff faces in Mexico and naturalised in Sicily and the Canary Islands. It is often misspelled 'adolphii'. It is an evergreen shrublet up to about 20 cm tall, with thick leaves crowded in rosettes at the stem tips whose edges turn red or orange in good sun. Small white starry flowers appear in spring. In Japan it is sold as 'Ourei', 'Tsuki-no-ouji' or 'Golden Glow' and is mass-marketed as a staple Sedum for mixed plantings. 'Meigetsu' (Sedum nussbaumerianum), also sold in Japan, is treated by GBIF and LLIFLE as a synonym of this species, so taxonomically both belong to the same species; they are displayed under different names, but the difference lies only in trade names and is not recognised taxonomically. It is very tough and low-maintenance, thriving in sun with free-draining soil and little water, and is used in mixed plantings, rock gardens and hanging baskets.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Golden sedum
The Golden sedum grows to Up to about 20 cm tall.
Basic Info
Origin
Mexico
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
Up to about 20 cm tall
Temperature
5〜35℃
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering & Fertilizer
A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser in spring and autumn
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Grow it outdoors in full sun in spring and autumn. It dislikes heat and humidity, so from the rainy season through summer keep it in airy partial shade out of the rain. It likes sun, and good light brings out the coloured leaf edges.
Watering
It is a spring-autumn grower (March-June and September-November). Water thoroughly when the surface dries in these periods; from the end of the rainy season through the summer rest hold back and keep it out of the rain. It needs very little water during its November-March rest.
Temperature & Overwintering
It can grow outdoors in mild areas, but protect it from hard frost and prolonged winter rain.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix and repot every 1-2 years just before or early in a growing season, cutting back leggy stems at the same time.
Propagation
It can be propagated from leaves, cuttings or seed; cutting back leggy stems and rooting the pieces is easiest.
Pests & Cautions
Scale insects and aphids may attack stems and leaves, and root mealybugs the roots.
Golden sedum FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Golden sedum?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Golden sedum get?
The mature size of Golden sedum is Up to about 20 cm tall. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Golden sedum?
Golden sedum: watering & fertilizer — A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser in spring and autumn. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Golden sedum?
The price of Golden sedum varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Sedum adolphi Raym.-Hamet
Synonyms: Sedum nussbaumerianum Bitter
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Sedum adolphi · LLIFLE Encyclopedia: Sedum nussbaumerianum（accepted: Sedum adolphii）
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Sedum adolphi is not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Sedum adolphi
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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