Orpine
sedum hybridum
Also known as: ["Live-forever","Thickleaf","Sedum spectabile"]
Overview
A hardy succulent with fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers, often used in rock gardens and borders.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Sedum |
| Botanical Name: | Sedum hybridum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, border edges, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may stretch in low light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to direct sun gradually; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sun; avoid shaded corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; topdress with gravel for aesthetics.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates temperatures down to 20°F (−7°C) when dormant.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop feeding in cooler months.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; leaf cuttings also possible but slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Remove leggy growth to encourage bushiness; trim after flowering to maintain shape.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in fresh soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and drainage.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; let excess water drain away completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting or leaf drop in extreme heat; blackened or mushy stems in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may develop dark spots or dieback in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid watering frozen soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth may stall in excessive heat above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
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
Non-toxicSedum hybridum is non-toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances harmful to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSedum hybridum is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines after ingestion of this plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSedum hybridum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sedum hybridum toxic to pets?
A: No, Sedum hybridum is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Sedum hybridum?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.
Q: Does Sedum hybridum 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 7–10 days, allowing so |
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