Coastal Stonecrop
sedum litoreum
Also known as: ["Coastal Sedum","Beach Stonecrop"]
Overview
A low-growing succulent native to coastal regions, characterized by fleshy, succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers.
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 litoreum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with excellent drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy soil with some organic matter. A cactus or succulent mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once or twice a year, or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate pruning. Remove only dead or overgrown stems unless reshaping is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, direct sunlight for 6–8 hours per day. Can tolerate partial shade but may become leggy or lose color.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching. Place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade if in a very hot climate. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom; allow soil to dry out between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy, clay-based soils.
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). Can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C) but avoid frost.
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burning roots; stop feeding in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Stem cuttings are the most reliable method for Sedum litoreum.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Let it callus for a day or two.
- Plant in well-draining soil.
- Keep moist and warm until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix, such as cactus mix or perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Not necessary, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots typically form within 2–4 weeks. Plants can be established in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use well-draining soil to prevent rot; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim stems just above a leaf node or junction. Cut back leggy growth to promote fuller plants.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; cut just above a node; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot, trim any dead roots, and repot in a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure good drainage with a layer of gravel at the bottom.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Sedum litoreum prefers slightly crowded roots but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose a slightly larger pot; use fresh soil mix; trim dead roots; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce frequency in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Incorporate compost or peat moss to enhance fertility and moisture retention.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration (yellowing or browning) indicate temperature stress. Stunted growth may also occur.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or death if exposed to frost or prolonged cold.
Solution: Move plants indoors or to a protected location before temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C). Provide a layer of mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaves to scorch, wilt, or drop. May enter dormancy if conditions are too harsh.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat, increase air circulation, and water more frequently if soil dries out quickly.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply once in spring and once in summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSedum litoreum is not considered toxic to cats. It lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSedum litoreum is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful compounds that would cause adverse effects in canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSedum litoreum is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sedum litoreum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much sunlight does Sedum litoreum require?
A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Does Sedum litoreum require frequent watering?
A: No, it is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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