Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora'
BeginnerSedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora'
A variegated form of the jelly-bean plant, with bean-like leaves lining the stems. It rarely grows from leaves, so it is propagated from stem cuttings.
About
'Aurora' is a variegated cultivar of the jelly-bean plant (Sedum × rubrotinctum) in the Crassulaceae, also called 'Niji-no-tama-nishiki' in Japan. The parent is an evergreen perennial said to come from Mexico; it is not a wild species but is thought to have arisen from a cross between S. pachyphyllum and S. stahlii, and was described in 1948. It reportedly reached Japan around 1963. The jelly-bean plant has short, rounded, bean-like leaves packed along the stems, glossy green in summer and turning wholly red as temperatures fall in autumn and winter, with yellow flowers on large plants in spring. 'Aurora' has variegated leaves, which separate it from the plain green parent. The main practical difference is propagation: the parent sprouts readily from leaves simply laid on soil, whereas 'Aurora' roots without trouble from stem cuttings but almost never from leaves, probably because of its lower chlorophyll content. No records of who raised it or how it was introduced are available. The parent is said to cause irritation if eaten or touched. The parent species also has an entry in this encyclopedia. In Japan it is sold by specialists and garden centres as a filler for mixed plantings.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (the parent S. × rubrotinctum is a hybrid said to come from Mexico)
Lifespan
Evergreen perennial (little published data on lifespan)
Size
Little published data on size
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.
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.
Temperature & Overwintering
The parent is fairly cold-tolerant if kept from frost; overwinter it where frost cannot reach.
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
Propagate from stem cuttings, which root readily; leaf cuttings almost never succeed. Keep new cuttings on the dry side rather than watering freely. Best in March-May or September-October.
Pests & Cautions
Scale insects and aphids may attack stems and leaves, and root mealybugs the roots. The parent is said to cause irritation if eaten or touched, so keep it away from children and pets and wash your hands after handling.
Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora'?
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 should I water and fertilize Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora'?
Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora': 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 Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora'?
The price of Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora' 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 rubrotinctum 'Aurora'
Synonyms: Sedum × rubrotinctum 'Aurora'
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF: Sedum × rubrotinctum
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Sedum rubrotinctum is not listed in CITES (checked on Species+). 'Aurora' is not a registered variety under Japan's Plant Variety Protection Act, and no special procedure is needed for transfers within Japan. The similarly named 'Aurora Berry', which has a plant variety application, is a different cultivar.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Sedum rubrotinctum / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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