Succulent plants are those that have fleshy leaves, since it is in them that water accumulates, which will be useful in periods of drought. In addition, there are many that, when the weather improves, produce flowers of great ornamental value, such as the sedum spectabile.
This is a very interesting species, since although it is not one of the largest, it is a plant that can be seen from a certain distance. That's why, It looks splendid wherever you put it.
What is the sedum spectabile?
It is a succulent plant native to China and Korea whose most accepted scientific name today is Hytotelephium spectabile, so that of sedum spectabile has become a synonym. If we talk about the common names by which this species is known, we have to say that the following are widely used: shiny sedum, shiny silk, rabbit's foot, telephone, or autumn sedum.
It reaches about 45-50 centimeters in height by more or less the same width.. Its stems are thin and green, and leaves of that color also sprout from them, which are about two centimeters long. Both stems and leaves are fleshy.
Its flowers are pink or red and have a star shape. They measure less than 1 centimeter in diameter, but as they are grouped in corymbs and these have a diameter of about 10-15cm, they are quite showy. They sprout in summer, generally at the end of the season.
How do you care for shiny sedum?
The care that this beautiful plant needs is simple. In fact, it is very easy to make it look healthy for many years, since we are talking about a resistant species, which does not usually have problems of any kind. Although, of course, it is important to know how to take care of it so that it is.
Where should it be?
When we buy a plant, we have to decide where we are going to put it; that is, if we are going to have it inside the house or if, on the contrary, we will leave it outside. To get it right, it is crucial to find out if it can withstand the temperatures outside the house, since then we can think about planting it in the ground, or keeping it in a pot.
For this reason, you have to know about our protagonist that she can withstand temperatures of up to -20ºC very well. This means that, at least in Spain, it can be had abroad throughout the year in much of the country. Besides that, we have to think that it cannot grow well in the shade, it will only do so if it is in full sun.
What type of soil do you need?
El sedum spectabile It is a crass that grows in well-drained soils. It is very sensitive to excess water, so it is important for it that the soil in which we put it absorbs and filters the water it receives fairly quickly.
- If you're gonna have it on flower pot, you will achieve this by choosing a container with holes in its base, and filling it with substrate for cacti and succulents, such as this.
- And if you want to have it in the soil, first make a hole of about 30 centimeters, then fill it with water and finally calculate how long it takes to absorb it: if you see that it is absorbed as soon as you pour it, and it does so at a visible rate, then perfect; but if you see that it takes a long time, then you will have to fill it -as soon as all the water is absorbed- with a mixture of peat and perlite in equal parts.
When to water it?
Irrigation of the sedum autumn must be relatively rare. Being a succulent that can withstand drought, and also will not be able to live much longer if it receives more water than it needs, it is important that it is watered little. In fact, we will do it only when the soil, or the substrate if it is in a pot, has dried.
If you don't know very well how often to water, don't hesitate: insert a thin wooden stick into the soil, and if when you extract it it comes out clean and dry, then you have to water.
Does it have to be paid?
The subscriber is something is not more. The brilliant sedum not only needs light and water, but also appreciates being fed. With this, we achieve better growth, and that it is healthier if possible. But what products to use?
Any of these will work:
- Ecological fertilizer for succulents (on sale here)
- Fertilizer for cacti and succulents (which you can buy by clicking on this link)
How do you multiply sedum spectabile?
It is very easy to do it by stem cuttings in spring or summer. You just have to cut one, let the wound dry for about 5 days, and then plant it in a pot with succulent substrate. It is important that from the time the stem is cut until new leaves sprout, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as it could burn.
What is its rusticity?
It resists temperatures up to 20 degrees below zero, as well as heat (35-40ºC).
Do you already know where you are going to put your autumn sedum?