Orpine

sedum telephium

Also known as: ["Live-forever","Flanders Onion"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sedum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A hardy succulent perennial with fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers, native to Europe and Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, border fronts, or containers
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) or bright indirect light. Adjust for intense summer sun to prevent scorching.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; provide afternoon shade in hot climates; avoid direct midday sun in summer.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, blackened or mushy stems, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense light.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

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

Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F).

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air flow in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only during active growth; skip winter feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Let them callus for a day.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and peat moss.

Hormone

Optional, but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil lightly moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

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

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or damaged growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out roots; place in a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Potted plants may need repotting more often.

Checklist

Choose right pot size; use fresh soil; check for pests; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce winter watering.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water until water drains from the bottom, then allow soil to dry completely.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once a month or less.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, sand, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat; blackened leaves in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Leaves may become mushy or blacken due to frost damage; roots can rot in cold, wet soil.

Solution: Protect with mulch; move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold weather.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase air circulation; water deeply but infrequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize spring/summer only.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

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

Wilting in Sedum telephium can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death.

Leaf spots on Sedum telephium are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Sedum telephium due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and loss of structural integrity.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sedum telephium is not toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects on feline health when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for growing this plant around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sedum telephium is not toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects on canine health when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for growing this plant around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sedum telephium is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion of this plant.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sedum telephium edible?

A: While generally considered non-toxic, it is not commonly consumed for culinary purposes.

Q: How often should I water Sedum telephium?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as it is drought tolerant.

Q: Does Sedum telephium attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 2–3 weeks during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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