Scientific Name
Phedimus litoralis (Kom.) 't Hart
Common Name(s)
Popov Island Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Aizopsis litoralis, Sedum litorale
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Umbiliceae
Genus: Phedimus
Etymology
The specific epithet "litoralis (lit-or-AY-liss)" means "of the seashore; littoral" and refers to the natural habitat of this species.
Origin
Phedimus litoralis is endemic to Popov Island, located in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East. It occurs on sandy shores.
Description
Phedimus litoralis, formerly known as Sedum litorale, is a succulent plant with a simple, elongated, creeping rhizome and strong stems that bear green leaves with tiny, white dots. The leaves are egg-shaped or lance-shaped with a thin end at the base and toothed margins. They are arranged in whorls of three or opposite and can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are star-shaped, golden yellow, and appear in dense clusters at the top of the stems in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Phedimus litoralis
Light: This light-loving plant tolerates partial shade but prefers full sun and grows best in warmer environments. Plant P. litoralis in an area of your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Soil: This succulent thrives in any well-drained soil. Good drainage is critical for preventing root rot or fungal diseases.
Hardiness: P. litoralis tolerates frost and can stay outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30 to 30 °F (-34.4 to -1.1 °C), USDA hardiness zones 4a to 9b.
Watering: The best way to water your P. litoralis is to use the "soak and dry" method. Get the soil completely wet, and then wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
Fertilizing: Feed with low-balanced fertilizer to keep your plant happy and healthy. Use a diluted dose of half the strength recommended on the package.
Repotting: Repot your plant when it outgrows its current pot by moving it out to a larger container to hold the plant better. Spring is the best time to repot P. litoralis. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin the repotting process.
Propagation: Like all members of the genus Phedimus, this succulent can be grown from seeds, division, or stem cuttings. Dividing your P. litoralis is the best method to propagate because it is easy and usually very successful. Divide in spring when new shoots are seen. P. litoralis is also easily propagated from cuttings. Sow seeds in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Phedimus.
Toxicity of Phedimus litoralis
P. litoralis can be mildly toxic to humans and animals.
Links
- Back to genus Phedimus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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