Sedum rubrotinctum
| Light | Bright light to full sun; more sun brings out the red colour |
|---|---|
| Water | Deep soak, then let dry completely; very drought-tolerant |
| Soil | Fast-draining gritty mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; USDA zones 9–11 |
| Propagation | Leaf and stem cuttings — extremely easy |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic if eaten; can irritate skin and pets |
Sedum rubrotinctum is a small, spreading succulent grown for its plump, bean-shaped leaves that flush from fresh green to a vivid red when the plant is given strong light. Easy-going, fast to root and forgiving of neglect, it is one of the most popular starter succulents and is widely known as the jelly bean plant or pork and beans. It is thought to be of hybrid origin within the genus Sedum and is a favourite for windowsills, dish gardens and outdoor rockeries in mild climates.
Description
Sedum rubrotinctum is a low, sprawling subshrub that reaches only 15–20 cm tall before its stems flop and trail. The stems are short and branching, clothed in glossy, cylindrical leaves shaped like little jelly beans, each roughly 1–2 cm long. In shade or under gentle light the leaves stay a clear, healthy green; as light intensity, cold and drought increase they blush at the tips and can turn a deep coppery red all over — the colour change that gives the plant its charm and its common names.
Small, star-shaped yellow flowers appear on short stalks in late winter and spring, though many growers keep the plant chiefly for the foliage. The leaves detach very readily at the slightest bump, which is a nuisance on the shelf but a gift for propagation, since almost every dropped leaf will root where it falls.
Distribution and habitat
Sedum rubrotinctum is not clearly known from the wild and is generally regarded as a garden hybrid of Mexican parentage, long established in cultivation. Like other members of the genus it favours warm, dry, sunny sites with sharp drainage, and it thrives on rocky slopes, walls and gritty soils where excess water runs away quickly. In mild-winter regions it naturalises readily in gardens, spreading from stray leaves and stem pieces.
Cultivation
This is about as beginner-friendly as succulents get. Grow S. rubrotinctum in a very free-draining, gritty mix and give it as much light as you can — a bright windowsill indoors, or full sun outdoors in temperate climates. Strong light is what produces the signature red colour; in too much shade the plant stays green and the stems stretch and grow leggy (etiolation).
Water by the "soak and dry" method: give the soil a thorough drink, then let it dry out completely before watering again. The fleshy leaves store plenty of moisture, so the plant tolerates missed waterings far better than a soggy pot. Ease off in winter, when growth slows. It is not frost-hardy — keep it above freezing, moving containers under cover or indoors where winters are cold. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
A mild caution: the sap can irritate sensitive skin, and the leaves are mildly toxic if eaten, so site it away from nibbling pets and small children. See Pests and diseases for more.
Propagation
Few plants are easier to multiply. Individual leaves that drop or are gently twisted off will callus and then root on the surface of a dry, gritty mix, each producing a tiny new plantlet at the base. Stem cuttings root just as readily: take a short length, let the cut end dry for a day or two, then lay or insert it on barely-moist soil. Keep the leaves or cuttings in bright, indirect light and water sparingly until roots establish. See Propagation — cuttings and Propagation — offsets for fuller walkthroughs.
Cultivars
The best-known selection is Sedum rubrotinctum 'Aurora', a paler sport whose leaves are pinkish-cream to soft rose rather than deep red. 'Aurora' carries less pigment, so it colours to gentle pastel shades and is a little more prone to sun-scorch than the type — give it bright light but some shelter from the harshest afternoon sun.
Common problems
- Etiolation — too little light makes the stems stretch, space out their leaves and stay green instead of colouring up. Move the plant somewhere brighter.
- Leaf drop — the leaves detach at the lightest knock; this is normal, though sudden heavy drop can also signal overwatering or rot.
- Rot — soft, translucent, mushy stems or leaves point to too much water or a poorly-draining mix. Let the plant dry out and cut back on watering.
- Sun-scorch — a sudden move into intense sun can bleach or scar the leaves; acclimatise plants gradually, and take extra care with the paler 'Aurora'.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked among the leaves) and the occasional aphid are the usual visitors.
See also
- Sedum — the genus overview
- Propagation — leaf · Propagation — cuttings · Soil and potting mix · Watering