Golden Sedum

sedum adolphii

Also known as: ["Golden Glow","Golden Sedum"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sedum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A low-growing succulent with fleshy, golden-green leaves that turn reddish under bright light.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","fast growing","drought tolerant","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor or outdoor container, or rock garden
  • 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 root rot.
  • 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 heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; can tolerate direct sun but may scorch in intense midday sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; provide shade during peak hours; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, or root rot indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct midday sun; adjust light as seasons change.

Watering

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

Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or gritty soil mix

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

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; use a mix with sand/perlite.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–90°F (10–32°C); prefers cooler temperatures in winter.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; adjust watering for heat/cold.

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 winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; leaf cuttings also possible but slower.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a cutting, let it callus for a day, plant in medium, keep moist but not wet, wait for roots.

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

Environment

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

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; new growth in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

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

Quick Tips

Let cuttings callus before planting; use warm, humid conditions; don’t overwater.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node; pinch back tips for bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy stems to encourage bushier growth; prune to maintain shape and remove dead/damaged parts.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Clean tools, prune dead/damaged parts, shape as desired, dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; needed if growth slows or soil degrades.

Checklist

Choose right pot, prepare soil, handle roots carefully, water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the soil, avoiding leaves.
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; mix in organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or discoloration (yellowing or browning).

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or discoloration; susceptible to frost damage below 40°F (4°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; avoid watering during cold spells.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or dehydration; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

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; fertilize monthly during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Sedum adolphii can indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations, often resulting in reduced photosynthesis and overall plant health decline.

Wilting in Sedum adolphii is typically caused by either underwatering or root rot from overwatering, leading to dehydration and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Sedum adolphii are usually caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to unsightly discoloration and potential leaf drop, which can weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Sedum adolphii is often a result of overwatering or poor drainage, causing the roots to decay and impairing water and nutrient uptake.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sedum adolphii is not toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines upon ingestion.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal issues in cats. Supervise pets to prevent excessive consumption.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sedum adolphii is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to canines when ingested.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some dogs. Monitor your pet if they consume the plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sedum adolphii is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause significant physiological harm upon ingestion.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Keep out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Sedum adolphii?

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

Q: Does Sedum adolphii need full sun?

A: It thrives in bright light but can tolerate partial shade; too much shade may reduce its vibrant color.

Q: Is Sedum adolphii toxic to pets?

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

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)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Unknown
View
Rose's Kalanchoe
View
Sageleaf Kalanchoe
View
Prittwitz's Kalanchoe
View