Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jelly bean plant
BeginnerSedum pachyphyllum
A Sedum with pale green, powdery, cylindrical leaves clustered like beans around the stems. The leaf tips blush red with dryness, sun and winter cold.
About
Sedum pachyphyllum is a succulent in the Crassulaceae endemic to south-central Mexico, including the Sierra Mixteca in Oaxaca. It is widely cultivated, and naturalised populations have been recorded in Spain and elsewhere. It forms a small shrub 10-30 cm tall from a woody base, with branching stems that stand upright at first and later curve and sprawl. The club-shaped leaves, 1-4 cm long and 6-10 mm thick in round section, stand almost at right angles to the stem with upturned tips and are greyish pale green with a powdery bloom; the tips turn red with dryness, sun and winter cold. It bears yellow starry flowers. The similar jelly-bean plant (Sedum × rubrotinctum) is thought to derive from this species crossed with S. stahlii; it has glossy dark green leaves that turn wholly red in the cold season, whereas S. pachyphyllum is light pale green and only its tips blush pale pink. It is also a parent of ×Graptosedum 'Francesco Baldi'. In Japan it is a staple for mixed plantings at garden centres and online.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Jelly bean plant
The Jelly bean plant grows to 10-30 cm tall; leaves 1-4 cm long and 6-10 mm thick.
Basic Info
Origin
South-central Mexico (including the Sierra Mixteca, Oaxaca)
Lifespan
Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
10-30 cm tall; leaves 1-4 cm long and 6-10 mm thick
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. Colour develops as autumn cools and lasts until spring.
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. Keeping it on the dry side brings out the red tips.
Temperature & Overwintering
Overwinter it free from frost. Cold deepens the tip colour, but do not let it freeze.
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
Stem cuttings root without trouble. Fallen leaves sometimes root, but Japanese sources say leaf cuttings rarely succeed, so use stem cuttings for reliable results, in March-May or September-October.
Pests & Cautions
Scale insects and aphids may attack stems and leaves, and root mealybugs the roots. Older plants become straggly; cut them back to renew them.
Jelly bean plant FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Jelly bean plant?
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 Jelly bean plant get?
The mature size of Jelly bean plant is 10-30 cm tall; leaves 1-4 cm long and 6-10 mm thick. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Jelly bean plant?
Jelly bean plant: 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 Jelly bean plant?
The price of Jelly bean plant 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 pachyphyllum Rose
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Sedum pachyphyllum · Wikipedia: Sedum pachyphyllum
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Sedum pachyphyllum is not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). No special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Sedum pachyphyllum
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Autumn Preparation Management for Summer-Type Succulents
A guide to autumn care for summer-type succulents, covering plant changes from September to November, timing for gradual watering reduction, placement and temperature management for transitioning plants indoors, autumn fertilizing and pest control, variety-specific care checkpoints, and preparation for winter dormancy.
Mealybug Control on Succulents | Complete Guide to Early Detection, Removal, and Prevention
Mealybugs hide easily at the base of succulent leaves and on new growth. This guide covers their characteristics, the environments where they thrive, tips for early detection, removal methods using cotton swabs and alcohol, and daily care practices to prevent recurrence.
Summer and Winter Type Succulents: Growth Cycles and Watering Management Strategy
This article explains the differences in growth types of succulent plants, their annual growth cycles, seasonal watering management strategies, common failures, and countermeasures.
Selecting Pots for Succulents: The Relationship Between Root Development and Pot Choice | A Complete Guide to Pot Size, Material, and Drainage
Essential guide to pot selection for succulent growth. From choosing the right size to comparing terracotta vs. plastic, and optimizing drainage—practical tips for developing healthy root systems.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.