Alpine Stonecrop

sedum alpestre

Also known as: ["Alpine Sedum","Mountain Stonecrop"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sedum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A low-growing succulent with fleshy, needle-like leaves and star-shaped yellow flowers, native to alpine regions.

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 alpestre

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or raised beds with excellent drainage
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–20–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; must avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with excellent drainage; cactus or succulent mix.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in spring or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in brightest spot indoors.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 10–14 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

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

Soil

well-draining, sandy or rocky soil with low fertility

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

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; use gritty mix.

Temperature

Hardy to -30°F (-34°C); thrives in 60–75°F (15–24°C); prefers cool temperatures.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air flow.

Fertilizing

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

Fertilize only during active growth; dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting.
  2. Let callus form.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Water lightly.
  5. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F), bright indirect light, high humidity (e.g., propagation dome).

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 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, propagation tray.

Quick Tips

Let cuttings dry for a day before planting; use bottom heat for faster roots; keep soil lightly moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or cut just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth to encourage bushiness; maintain compact form.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too large.

Method

Remove gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot only when root-bound; every 2–3 years or as needed.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

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

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting in heat; leaf drop or discoloration in extreme cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn purple or red; growth slows but plant is generally cold-hardy.

Solution: Ensure good air circulation; avoid frost pockets; mulch in winter for insulation.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may stall.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering slightly; improve air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly in spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Sedum alpestre may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations. It can also be a sign of stress due to environmental factors such as excessive sunlight or poor soil conditions.

Wilting in Sedum alpestre is often a result of water stress, either from overwatering or underwatering. It can also be caused by root rot or other diseases affecting the plant's vascular system.

Leaf spots on Sedum alpestre may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to unsightly blemishes on the leaves and potentially weakening the plant if severe.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Sedum alpestre due to overwatering or poor drainage. This can lead to the decay of roots and stems, ultimately causing the plant to die.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sedum alpestre is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While non-toxic, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Monitor pets if they consume large amounts of any plant material.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sedum alpestre is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While non-toxic, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Monitor pets if they consume large amounts of any plant material.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sedum alpestre is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is a succulent plant with no known harmful effects when handled or ingested in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally not toxic

While non-toxic, excessive ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Handle with care as with any plant material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much sunlight does Sedum alpestre need?

A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Q: Is Sedum alpestre suitable for rock gardens?

A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for rock gardens due to its low-growing habit and drought tolerance.

Q: How often should Sedum alpestre be watered?

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

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 10–14 days during acti
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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