In 1905, Joseph Nelson Rose described this plant as Corynephyllum viride. The specific epithet "viride (VEER-ih-dee)" refers to its green leaves. However, when Ernst Friedrich Berger combined it into Sedum, he had to change the specific name as Sedum viride was already being used to describe a plant from Japan. As a result, the name Sedum corynephyllum was chosen.
Scientific Name
Sedum corynephyllum Fröd.
Synonym(s)
Corynephyllum viride
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "corynephyllum (kor-ry-nee-FIL-um)" means "club-shaped leaf" and refers to the shape of the leaves.
Origin
Sedum corynephyllum is native to Mexico. It occurs in Veracruz, Hidalgo, Querétaro, Guanajuato, and San Luis Potosi.
Description
Sedum corynephyllum is a succulent subshrub with club-shaped leaves densely clustered at the branch tips. The branches can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and are usually erect or sometimes decumbent. The light green leaves often have reddish tips and can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
The flowers of Sedum corynephyllum have greenish-yellow petals and very large, unequal sepals. They appear in loose, branching clusters in spring and summer.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum corynephyllum
Light: Sufficient light is most important to growing a healthy plant. Sedum corynephyllum 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 corynephyllum has a good tolerance to heat and low temperatures. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 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 corynephyllum outgrows its current pot, repot it into a larger one during the spring. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.
Propagation: It is easy to propagate Sedum corynephyllum by taking leaf or stem cuttings during the growing season or by sowing seeds in spring or summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Toxicity of Sedum corynephyllum
Sedum corynephyllum is not listed as toxic for people but can be mildly toxic to pets and children.
Forms of Sedum corynephyllum
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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