If you have a table outside and you don't like it being so empty and sad, you might think about decorating it with a small flower plant like a geranium or a pitimini rose bush. But the truth is that those need much more care than the one that I am going to present to you below: the sedum spurium.
This non-cacti succulent or succulent loves the sun, adapts to living well in semi-shade and, to top it all, withstands drought much better than common flowering plants. And if I have not convinced you yet, you have to know that its flowering is very interesting. Do you dare to meet him?
Origin and characteristics of sedum spurium
El sedum spurium It is a crass or non-cactus succulent plant native to the Caucasus popularly known as bastard silk. Reaches 50 centimeters in height, growing horizontally as upholstery. It has oval leaves that measure between 2 and 3cm in length, which are grouped in rosettes. The flowers have 5 petals and 5 stamens. It blooms in summer (June to August in the northern hemisphere).
Different varieties are known:
- Album: white flowers.
- Coccineum: of scarlet flowers.
- Schorbuser blue: of crimson flowers.
- Splendens: of crimson flowers.
- purpurtepich: of purple leaves and flowers.
- Roseum superbum: pink flowers.
What are their cares?
El sedum spurium It is one of the species of Sedum (and of succulents in general) that best lives in temperate regions of the world. Unlike most, in addition to withstanding high temperatures, it is also not afraid of moderate frosts. As if that were not enough, due to its small size and how easy it is to control its growth through pruning, it is very interesting to grow on patios, balconies, ... in short, in small spaces.
So, if you dare to buy a copy, the care we recommend you provide are:
Location
As it supports the cold well, it is a plant that can be had outside, in full sun all year round. If you do not have any corner exposed to the star king, do not worry, since it can be in semi-shadow as long as it has more light (even if it is not direct) than shadow.
Do you live well indoors?
If you have a very, very bright roomfor example, one with large windows facing east (which is where the sun rises), or a patio with a glass roof, then yes that may be reasonably fine your sedum.
But it will grow better outdoors.
Earth
- Flower pot: universal culture substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts. Another option is to mix 50% fine gravel (with a grain size of 1-3mm) with peat.
- Garden: it is indifferent as long as it has good drainage. If your soil tends to compact, do not hesitate to make a hole of about 50 x 50cm, and fill it with some mixture of substrates mentioned before.
Irrigation
Irrigation of the sedum spurium it must be rather scarce. It is a plant that resists drought, but on the contrary, excess water damages its roots. Ideally, then, the substrate or soil should dry completely before wetting it again. This means that it has to be watered an average of 2 times a week in summer and an average of 10-15 days the rest of the year.
But beware, this frequency will vary depending above all on rainfall and temperatures: the more humid a place is, the less it will have to be watered; and the warmer, the higher the frequency of watering.
Subscriber
From spring to summer with a specific fertilizer for cacti and other succulents following the indications specified on the product packaging. This can be liquid or granular. The first is more suitable for potted plants; and the last for those on the ground.
Now, if you have pets in the garden, it is much more advisable to use organic fertilizers such as guano or mulch to avoid causing problems.
Multiplication
El sedum spurium multiplies by seeds sowing them directly in a seedbed with substrate for cacti and succulents, but more frequently by stem cuttings in spring or summer. It's very simple, you just have to follow this step by step:
- First, cut a stem that is at least four inches long with sanitized scissors.
- Then, fill a pot of at least 6,5cm in diameter with vermiculite previously moistened with water.
- Then, impregnate the base of the cutting with homemade rooters, and plant it (do not nail it) in the center of the pot so that it is about 3-4cm buried.
- Finally, place the pot outside, in semi-shade.
Keeping the substrate moist, it will begin to root in approximately 10-15 days. Leave it in that pot until you see the roots come out of the drainage holes.
Planting or transplanting time
In spring. In case of being potted, transplant every 2-3 years.
Plagues and diseases
It is quite resistant, but you have to be careful with snails y slugs. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth (for sale No products found.) around the sedum spurium to keep them away.
Rusticity
Withstands cold and frost up to -4ºC.
Where to buy?
You can buy seeds from here.
What do you think?