© Dryas / CC BY-SA 3.0Golden sedum
Golden sedum is a sedum native to Mexico, with thick, pointed leaves stacked at the tips of its stems. In bright sun the leaf edges blush red or orange, and in spring it produces white star-shaped flowers. It stays compact, growing up to about 20 cm tall, and is considered beginner-friendly. As a perennial succulent, it does well with a simple routine of good light and careful watering.
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Apply as a growerGolden sedum key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Perennial (little published data on lifespan)
- Size
- Up to about 20 cm tall
- Watering
- A little slow-release or liquid fertiliser in spring and autumn
- 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.
About Golden sedum
Golden sedum: a beginner-friendly succulent from Mexico with thick, pointed leaves that flush red or orange at the edges in bright sun. Grows up to about 20 cm tall, with white star-shaped flowers in spring.
7 things to know before growing Golden sedum
1Sun Brings Out Color
Plenty of sun makes the leaf edges turn red or orange. Keep it in a bright spot, because in dim light the color fades and the stems tend to stretch out and become leggy.
2Water Once Dry
Wait until the soil has dried out completely, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. The thick leaves store water, so avoid keeping the soil constantly damp. Wrinkling leaves are a sign the plant needs a drink.
3Use Fast-Draining Soil
A fast-draining mix, such as a commercial succulent and cactus soil, suits this plant well. Choose a pot with a drainage hole to help prevent root rot.
4When to Repot
Repot when the roots fill the pot or the stems begin to sprawl over the rim. Every year or two during the growing season is a good guide, and it causes the least stress to the plant. Hold off on watering for a few days after repotting.
5Beware Summer Stuffiness
Hot, humid weather can leave the plant stuffy and prone to rot, so give it good airflow and water more sparingly. If strong sun starts to scorch the leaves, move it to bright partial shade.
6Protect from Frost
Keep it away from frost and freezing conditions in winter. In colder regions, move it to a sunny indoor windowsill. As temperatures drop, water less often and let the soil stay on the dry side.
7Choosing a Healthy Plant
Look for plants with firm, glossy leaves and sturdy stems. Avoid any with blackened leaves or a soft, mushy base. It also helps to check the listing photos and the grower's description.
Frequently asked questions about Golden sedum
- Q.Can beginners grow golden sedum?
- A.Yes, it is considered beginner-friendly. Give it a bright spot and water only after the soil has dried, and it is an easy succulent to look after.
- Q.How do I get red or orange leaf edges?
- A.The key is plenty of sun. With too little light the color tends to be weaker, so try moving the plant to a brighter spot. Introduce it to strong sun gradually, since a sudden change can damage the leaves.
- Q.Does it flower?
- A.Yes, it produces white star-shaped flowers in spring. A healthy plant grown in good light with fresh airflow is more likely to bloom.
- Q.Can I grow it indoors?
- A.Yes, as long as it sits on a bright windowsill. It grows up to about 20 cm tall, so it is easy to handle in a pot. If the light is too weak the stems stretch and the color fades, so check its position from time to time.
- Q.How long can I keep it?
- A.It is a perennial succulent, but there is little reliable information on its lifespan. Keep its light, watering and airflow in good order, and enjoy watching it change from year to year.
Handy Growing Tools for Golden sedum
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