Jelly Beans

sedum pachyphyllum

Also known as: ["Jelly Bean Plant","Pork and Beans"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sedum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent with fleshy, bean-like leaves that turn reddish in bright light.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","deer resistant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Sedum
Botanical Name: Sedum pachyphyllum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: rock garden, succulent container, or sunny indoor windowsill
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only)
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only overgrown or damaged stems.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun for 6–8 hours daily; adjust for intense summer sun to prevent scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours; rotate plants for even growth.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or soil issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Avoid direct midday sun in summer; provide bright light year-round; protect from harsh winter sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Allow soil to dry between waterings; water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy potting mixes; use pots with drainage holes.

Temperature

Ideal range 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerate mild frost but prefer moderate temperatures year-round.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain moderate warmth year-round.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; leaf cuttings also possible but slower.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for a day.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Water sparingly until roots form.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and sand.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pot, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use bright indirect light; keep soil lightly moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth to encourage bushier form; prune after flowering to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune selectively; remove dead/damaged growth; shape as desired.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water sparingly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture without saturating the leaves; allow excess water to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil and avoid wetting the foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration; stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, dehydration, and wilting due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Sedum pachyphyllum may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Sedum pachyphyllum can result from underwatering, overwatering, or root damage, leading to reduced water uptake and potential plant stress or death.

Leaf spots on Sedum pachyphyllum are often caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Sedum pachyphyllum due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, causing decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sedum pachyphyllum is non-toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats do not ingest large quantities, as this may cause mild digestive upset. The plant is otherwise safe for feline environments.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sedum pachyphyllum is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion does not typically cause adverse effects or physiological harm.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent excessive chewing, which could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. Otherwise, the plant is safe for canine companions.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sedum pachyphyllum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Handle with care to avoid potential skin irritation from sap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Sedum pachyphyllum?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Q: Does Sedum pachyphyllum need full sun?

A: It thrives in bright light but can tolerate partial shade.

Q: Can I propagate Sedum pachyphyllum from leaves?

A: Yes, it can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)"]
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