Ice Plant
sedum spectabile
Also known as: ["Showy Stonecrop","Orpine"]
Overview
A succulent perennial with fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers, native to East Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Sedum |
| Botanical Name: | Sedum spectabile |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or containers
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with added organic matter; cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering in late summer or early fall; light trimming can be done in spring if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or spent parts unless reshaping is required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid deep shade for best flowering.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with grit if soil is too dense.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9; tolerates temperatures from -30°F to 90°F; prefers cool nights (50–60°F) during flowering.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a low-nitrogen formula for succulents.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; division of clumps in spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 3–4 inch stem cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep lightly moist until rooted.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun until roots form.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus/succulent potting soil.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use bottom heat to speed rooting; avoid overwatering new cuttings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim stems just above a leaf node or bud; cut back leggy growth to encourage compactness.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower heads to encourage reblooming and maintain tidy appearance; trim leggy stems to promote bushiness.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune after flowering; remove only dead or overgrown parts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in extreme heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; blackened leaves in frost.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant in winter; prolonged cold can damage roots if soil is waterlogged.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot; apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch for insulation; protect in pots by moving to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch in intense heat; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply in the morning; increase humidity with misting if indoors.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble 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 spectabile is not considered toxic to cats. It is generally safe for ingestion in small quantities, though it is not typically consumed by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSedum spectabile is not considered toxic to dogs. It is generally safe for ingestion in small quantities, though it is not typically consumed by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSedum spectabile is not considered toxic to humans. It is generally safe for ingestion in small quantities, though it is not typically consumed as a food source.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Sedum spectabile be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It is drought-tolerant and overwatering can cause root rot.
Q: Does Sedum spectabile attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Sedum spectabile toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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