Sedum caducum is an easy-to-grow plant with leaves that tend to fall off easily, starting new plants.
Scientific Name
Sedum caducum R.T.Clausen
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum caducum is a small succulent that forms basal rosettes that elongate into decumbent papillose stems with time. The rosettes are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter with dull green leaves with red spots when exposed to full sun. The leaves are rhombic, easily detached, up to 0.9 inches (2.2 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) wide.
At the end of the summer, the plant starts to develop terminal inflorescences with stalks densely covered with small, easily detached bracts. Flowers are white, star-shaped, usually with five petals, and open during the winter in few-flowered cymes. The plant is monocarpic, which means the stem dies after flowering.
Origin
Sedum caducum is native to Mexico. It occurs in a limestone area southwest of Ciudad Victoria in Tamaulipas at elevations of about 1,970 feet (600 m).
Etymology
The specific epithet "caducum (KAD-uh-kum)" means "that easily falls" and refers to the easily detached leaves and bracts of the plant.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum caducum
Light: Sufficient light is most important to growing a healthy plant. Sedum caducum grows best in locations where it will enjoy the full sun for at least six hours daily but will tolerate some shade. Place the plant near a sunny window or use artificial lights when growing indoors.
Soil: This plant does not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Use a commercially available mix for succulents, or create your own.
Temperature: Sedum caducum has a good tolerance to heat and low temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: From spring through fall, water thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. During the winter, water the plant just enough to keep it from shriveling. When watering, avoid wetting the leaves, stems, and flowers.
Fertilizing: Feed a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength during the growing season. However, feeding is unnecessary if you provide the plant with fresh soil annually.
Repotting: When Sedum caducum outgrows its current pot, repot it into a larger one during the spring. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.
Propagation: Once you have one Sedum caducum, it is easy to make more by taking leaves or stem cuttings and dividing the plant. It is also easy to start from seeds in spring or summer. Take cuttings in spring and divide the plant after it has finished flowering.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Toxicity of Sedum caducum
Sedum caducum 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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