Pork and Beans Plant, Jelly Bean Plant
sedum rubrotinctum
Also known as: ["Jelly Bean Plant","Pork and Beans Plant"]
Overview
A succulent plant with fleshy, bean-shaped leaves that turn red at the tips when exposed to sunlight.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","pet-friendly"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Sedum |
| Botanical Name: | Sedum rubrotinctum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, indirect light or outdoor rock garden
- Suitable For:
- 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 coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only overgrown or unhealthy parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place indoors near a south-facing window with sheer curtains; move outdoors in spring/summer for optimal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even light; use grow lights if natural light is insufficient; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days in summer, every 3–4 weeks in winter
Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; water less in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; use a mix with large particles for aeration; avoid overwatering.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–90°F (10–32°C); prefers cooler temperatures in winter for dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for a day.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep lightly moist until rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light and good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use a humidity dome for faster rooting; keep soil lightly moist.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems just above a leaf node or junction; pinch back tips to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove leggy or damaged stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove damaged leaves; discard cuttings or propagate.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; reduce frequency in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 7–14 days in summer and every 3–4 weeks in winter. Adjust based on humidity and light exposure.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration (yellowing or browning) due to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and can cause leaf damage or death if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) for extended periods.
Solution: Move indoors during frost; protect from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
Hot Stress
Can lead to dehydration, sunburn, or leaf drop if exposed to prolonged high temperatures above 90°F (32°C) without adequate water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSedum rubrotinctum is slightly toxic to cats, with ingestion leading to mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's compounds can cause digestive upset but are not highly toxic.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSedum rubrotinctum is slightly toxic to dogs, causing mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed. The plant's irritant compounds can lead to digestive issues but are not life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSedum rubrotinctum is considered slightly toxic to humans, primarily causing mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can irritate the digestive tract but are not highly poisonous.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Sedum rubrotinctum?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Q: Does Sedum rubrotinctum need full sun?
A: It thrives in bright light but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Can I propagate Sedum rubrotinctum from leaves?
A: Yes, it can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days in summer, e |
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