Tufted Stonecrop

sedum sexangulare

Also known as: ["Six-row Stonecrop","Turkish Sedum"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sedum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A low-growing succulent with fleshy, bright green leaves arranged in six rows and yellow star-shaped flowers in summer.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","deer resistant","low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown indoors in very dry conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with excellent drainage; cactus or succulent mix recommended.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; trim back up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; ideal for rock gardens or sunny borders.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil (root rot); yellowing leaves (overwatering); stunted growth (poor soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Full sun preferred; rotate pot for even growth; avoid deep shade.

Watering

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

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

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

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

Ensure soil dries quickly; avoid heavy clay mixes; topdress with gravel for aesthetics.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–9; tolerates temperatures from -30°F to 90°F; prefers cool summers.

Mulch in winter; water early morning in heat; avoid sudden temperature swings.

Fertilizing

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

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only when actively growing; skip winter feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; easily propagated from leaf cuttings as well.

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 plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light.

Medium

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

Hormone

Not necessary but can speed rooting.

Timeline

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

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy stems; keep soil lightly moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

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 leggy growth.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead growth; shape plant; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

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

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Allow excess water to drain freely from the pot.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 3–4 weeks.

Soil Improvement

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

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in unsuitable temperatures.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn purple or red; growth slows; may die back in severe cold if not mulched.

Solution: Apply a light layer of mulch; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation to prevent rot.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or wilt; growth may stall; soil may dry too quickly.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Sedum sexangulare may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Sedum sexangulare is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can lead to cellular damage and reduced turgidity.

Leaf spots on Sedum sexangulare may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and aesthetic damage to the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Sedum sexangulare due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sedum sexangulare is non-toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known toxic effects on feline physiology when consumed in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While safe, excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; consult a veterinarian if unusual symptoms occur.
Dogs
Non-toxic

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

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent excessive ingestion, though the plant poses no significant toxicity risk.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sedum sexangulare is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has no known significant toxic effects or physiological impacts when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is advisable to avoid ingesting any plant material unless specifically intended for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Sedum sexangulare toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: How much sunlight does Sedum sexangulare need?

A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Q: Does Sedum sexangulare require frequent watering?

A: No, it is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: very easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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