Scientific Name
Sedum mexicanum Britton
Common Name(s)
Mexican Stonecrop
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "mexicanum (meks-sih-KAY-num)" means "of or from Mexico" and refers to the country in which the plant was first discovered.
Origin
The precise origin of Sedum mexicanum is unknown. However, it is found and commonly grown in Mexico, the United States, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Europe.
Description
Sedum mexicanum is a semi-hardy succulent with bright green leaves arranged in whorls around the branched decumbent stems, usually four leaves per whorl. The leaves are nearly cylindrical, measuring up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and about 0.1 inches (0.3 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are star-shaped, golden yellow, and appear in clusters on leafy stalks that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall in early summer.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum mexicanum
Light: These succulents grow best in locations where they will enjoy the full sun for at least six hours daily. Most species will tolerate partial shade but will not thrive in deep shade.
Soil: Sedums do not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a gritty, well-draining soil.
Hardiness: Sedum mexicanum can withstand temperatures as low as 0 to 40 °F (-17.8 to 4.4 °C), USDA hardiness zones 7a to 10b.
Watering: Sedum plants are drought-tolerant but do need some water. They do their best with regular watering from spring through fall. Water thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizing: A balanced organic fertilizer each spring is generally all Sedums require. Feeding is unnecessary as long as the plants are divided annually and provided with fresh soil.
Repotting: Sedums in containers require little more care than those in gardens. Repot your plants when they outgrow their current pot by moving them to a larger container to hold the plant better.
Propagation: Once you have one Sedum, it is easy to make more by taking stems or leaf cuttings and dividing the plant. Sedums are also easy to grow from seed.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Toxicity of Sedum mexicanum
Sedums are 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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