Coppertone stonecrop

Coppertone stonecrop key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial (little published data on lifespan)

Size

About 20 cm tall and 50-60 cm wide; leaves 22-39 mm long

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. Without enough sun the yellow-orange colour does not develop.

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. Colour is best with plenty of sun and little water.

Temperature & Overwintering

In dry conditions it reportedly survives to about -2°C, but protect it from winter wet and hard frost.

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 roots easily from cuttings, and even a single leaf can start a new plant. Cut back leggy stems and re-root the pieces.

Pests & Cautions

Scale insects and aphids may attack stems and leaves, and root mealybugs the roots.

About Coppertone stonecrop

Coppertone stonecrop (Meigetsu) is a beginner-friendly sedum whose pointed, fleshy leaves turn yellow-orange to copper in bright light. It reaches about 20 cm tall and 50 to 60 cm wide. Care tips and buying advice included.

7 things to know before growing Coppertone stonecrop

1. 1Sun brings out the color

   In good light the leaves turn yellow-orange to copper, while in dim conditions they stay greenish and the stems tend to stretch. A bright spot outdoors, or a sunny window indoors, suits it well. If strong midsummer sun scorches the leaves, move the pot to bright shade for the afternoon.

2. 2Water only when dry

   Wait until the soil is completely dry, then water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage hole. The thick leaves store water, so frequent watering or leaving water in the saucer can lead to root rot. In winter, cut back the frequency and keep the plant on the dry side.

3. 3Fast-draining soil

   A succulent and cactus mix, or a free-draining blend with akadama or pumice, works well. Choose a pot with a drainage hole. Unglazed terracotta dries out quickly, which helps guard against overwatering.

4. 4Plan for its spread

   It stays around 20 cm tall but spreads 50 to 60 cm wide. Give it room to grow, and consider a pot with a wider mouth. Crowded growth traps moisture, so keep air moving around the plant.

5. 5Repot in the growing season

   When the roots fill the pot, repot into a slightly larger one during the spring or autumn growing season. Gently shake off the old soil and handle the roots with care. Wait a few days after repotting before watering so any damaged roots can settle.

6. 6Seasonal care

   In spring and autumn, give it plenty of sun and water at your normal pace. In summer, keep the air moving to avoid stuffiness and shield it from harsh afternoon sun. In winter, bring it under eaves or indoors to a bright spot so it is protected from frost and freezing.

7. 7Choosing a healthy plant

   Look for plants with firm, plump leaves and stems that are not stretched out. It is safer to avoid plants with wrinkled or discolored leaves, stickiness, or blackening at the base. Check the photos and description on the listing, and ask the seller about anything you are unsure of.

Frequently asked questions about Coppertone stonecrop

Q.Can beginners grow Coppertone stonecrop?

A.Its cultivation difficulty is rated beginner-friendly. If you provide bright light, fast-draining soil, and water only after the soil dries, it is an easy plant to manage.

Q.Why are the leaves staying green?

A.Insufficient light is the most common cause. Move the plant to a brighter spot gradually, and it becomes more likely to show yellow-orange to copper tones. The color also varies with light levels, temperature, and the condition of the plant.

Q.How is it different from 黄麗 (Ōrei)?

A.Taxonomically, it is treated as the same species as 黄麗 (Ōrei). Because the names differ, it helps to check the photos and description on the listing to see the plant's actual appearance.

Q.Does it flower, and is it fragrant?

A.Yes, it produces white star-shaped flowers from late winter into spring. The fragrance is faint, noticeable only up close. How well it flowers depends on the plant's condition and growing environment.

Q.How large does it grow, and how long does it live?

A.It reaches about 20 cm in height and 50 to 60 cm in width, with leaves roughly 22 to 39 mm long. It is a perennial, but there is little documentation on its lifespan, so a specific number of years cannot be given.

Handy Growing Tools for Coppertone stonecrop

Learn more about Coppertone stonecrop in the encyclopedia

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