Scientific Name
Sedum brevifolium DC.
Common Name(s)
Short-leaved Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Oreosedum brevifolium, Sedum brevifolium var. cineritium, Sedum brevifolium var. induratum, Sedum brevifolium var. quinquefarium, Sedum cineritium, Sedum dasyphyllum subsp. brevifolium, Sedum nudum, Sedum quinquefarium, Sedum sphaericum, Sedum turgidum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "brevifolium (brev-ee-FOH-lee-um)" means "short-leaved, small-leaved" and refers to the small leaves of this species.
Origin
Sedum brevifolium is native to southwestern Europe (Andorra, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy) and North Africa (Morocco). It grows in dry places.
Description
Sedum brevifolium is a small succulent with greyish-green, blue-green, dark green, or often red leaves, usually densely packed on wiry branching, trailing, and apically ascending stems. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall, slowly spreading up to 20 inches (50 cm) wide. The leaves are glabrous or often covered with a white bloom. They are subglobose to egg-shaped and can measure 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long.
The flowers are small, white, or rarely pinkish and appear in clusters at the end of the branches in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum brevifolium
Light: This succulent grows best in locations where it will enjoy the full sun for at least six hours daily. It will tolerate partial shade but will not thrive in deep shade. Keep your indoor plant in a sunny window or under artificial lights.
Soil: S. brevifolium does not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a well-draining soil mix.
Hardiness: This plant is tolerant of heat and freezing temperatures. S. brevifolium can withstand temperatures as low as -40 to 30 °F (-40 to -1.1 °C), USDA hardiness zones 3a to 9b.
Watering: From spring through fall, water thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. In winter, water your plant just enough to keep it from shriveling. Avoid wetting the leaves, stems, and flowers when watering.
Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring. Feeding is unnecessary as long the plant is divided annually and provided with fresh soil.
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 S. brevifolium. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.
Propagation: Once you have one S. brevifolium, it is easy to make more by taking stems or leaf cuttings and dividing the plant. It is also easy to grow from seed. Take cuttings in spring when the plant is in active growth. Once it has finished flowering, it is the right time for division. Spring or summer is the best time to sow the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Toxicity of Sedum brevifolium
S. brevifolium is not listed as toxic for people but can be mildly toxic to pets and children.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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