Corsican stonecrop

sedum dasyphyllum

Also known as: ["Corsican sedum","thick-leaved stonecrop"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Sedum Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A low-growing succulent with small, rounded, blue-green leaves and star-shaped pink 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 dasyphyllum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, ground cover, or containers
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy soil with some organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in spring or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day; adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; place in bright indirect light indoors if outdoors is not possible.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

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

Watering

every 7–10 days in summer, every 3–4 weeks in winter

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

Soil

well-draining, sandy or rocky soil

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

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

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

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; adjust watering for seasonal shifts.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during active growth

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings; leaf cuttings are also possible but slower.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus for a day.
  3. Plant in moist soil or water.
  4. Keep warm and humid.

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

Environment

Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining soil mix (e.g., cactus mix with perlite) or water propagation.

Hormone

Not necessary 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 soil.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil lightly moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or leggy stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; provides fresh soil and room for growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; 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 reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
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; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration; stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn purple or red; growth slows; may enter dormancy in winter.

Solution: Provide winter protection in colder zones; ensure good drainage to prevent frost damage; mulch around the base.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt or scorch; growth may slow; may require more frequent watering in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.

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 to summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Sedum dasyphyllum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

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

Leaf spots on Sedum dasyphyllum are typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which can compromise leaf integrity and reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Sedum dasyphyllum if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay of the root system and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Sedum dasyphyllum is not considered toxic to cats. It has no known adverse effects when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No special precautions are needed for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Sedum dasyphyllum is not considered toxic to dogs. It poses no known health risks when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No special precautions are needed for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Sedum dasyphyllum is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested or touched.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No special precautions are needed for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Sedum dasyphyllum?

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

Q: Does Sedum dasyphyllum need full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Q: Can Sedum dasyphyllum be grown indoors?

A: It is best suited for outdoor cultivation but can be grown indoors with bright light and good air circulation.

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