Jelly bean plant

Jelly bean plant key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial (little published data on lifespan)

Size

10-30 cm tall; leaves 1-4 cm long and 6-10 mm thick

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. 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.

About Jelly bean plant

Otomegokoro (jelly bean plant) is a Sedum with powdery, pale green, bean-like leaves whose tips blush red in strong sun and winter cold. A beginner-friendly perennial 10 to 30 cm tall, with the basics of light, watering and seasonal care.

7 things to know before growing Jelly bean plant

1. 1Bright light, good airflow

   Outdoors, choose a sunny spot; indoors, a bright window. With too little light the stems stretch, the leaves spread apart and the red tips fade. Strong sun brings out the red color, but move the plant into it gradually rather than all at once.

2. 2Water only when dry

   Let the soil dry out completely, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. The leaves store water, so overwatering invites root rot and leggy growth. The white powder rubs off easily, so pour water gently at the base rather than over the leaves.

3. 3Fast-draining soil

   A cactus and succulent mix, or a blend of akadama and pumice, drains well and suits this plant. Use a pot with drainage holes and never let water pool in the saucer. Soil that stays wet leaves the roots stuffy and prone to rot.

4. 4Repot when roots fill

   Repot when roots crowd the pot or water starts draining slowly. Shake off some of the old soil and move the plant to a pot one size larger. Choose mild spring or autumn weather, and hold off watering for a few days afterward.

5. 5Summer humidity, winter cold

   In hot, humid weather, move the plant to bright shade with good airflow and water sparingly to prevent stuffiness. Winter cold turns the tips red, but where frost or freezing is expected, bring it under eaves or indoors. Reviewing its position each season is the key to keeping it for years.

6. 6Choosing a healthy plant

   Look for plump, firm leaves with the white powder still evenly in place. Avoid plants with very stretched stems or shriveled leaves. Red tips come from sun or cold and are part of this plant's charm.

7. 7Handle leaves gently

   The leaves can pop off at a touch, so hold the stem or pot rather than the leaves when moving the plant. Fallen leaves sometimes root, but leaf cuttings are said to succeed only rarely, so for reliable propagation take stem cuttings instead. The best times are March to May and September to October.

Frequently asked questions about Jelly bean plant

Q.Can a beginner grow Otomegokoro?

A.Yes, it is rated beginner-friendly. Give it bright light and good airflow, and water only after the soil has dried. Overwatering is the main thing to watch at first.

Q.Are the red leaf tips a sign of disease?

A.No. Sun, dryness and winter cold naturally turn the tips red, and it is one of the plant's highlights. In low light the color fades and the stems tend to stretch.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.It grows about 10 to 30 cm tall, with leaves 1 to 4 cm long and 6 to 10 mm thick. If the stems get untidy, you can cut them back to tidy the shape.

Q.Why do the leaves keep falling off?

A.The leaves come off easily, sometimes at a light touch. Overwatering or stuffy conditions can also cause leaf drop, so review your watering interval and airflow.

Q.How long does it live?

A.It is a perennial that can be enjoyed year after year. Few sources give a clear lifespan, so we can't state a figure. Cutting back and rooting cuttings when the plant gets untidy helps keep it going.

Handy Growing Tools for Jelly bean plant

Learn more about Jelly bean plant in the encyclopedia

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