XSedeveria 'Jet Beads'
×Sedeveria 'Jet Beads is a compact, low-growing succulent hybrid whose small, rounded, bead-like leaves shift from fresh green in shade to a deep, glossy bronze-black when grown hard in full sun. It is valued for its dramatic dark colouring and tidy, low habit, making it a popular choice for dish gardens and mixed container plantings.
As an intergeneric hybrid between Sedum and Echeveria, 'Jet Beads' has no wild ancestor of its own; its care follows that of the parent genus ×Sedeveria and typical hardy-to-tender Crassulaceae succulents.
Description
'Jet Beads' produces short, branching stems set with tight rosettes of small, plump, oval leaves. Each leaf is rounded and slightly pointed, giving the clustered foliage a distinctly beaded look that suits its name. In low light or during cool, cloudy spells the leaves are a plain matte to glossy green; with strong light and a little stress they deepen through bronze and burgundy to an almost jet-black sheen, often with the leaf tips colouring first and most intensely.
The plant stays small and spreads rather than growing tall, forming low mounds that spill gently over the pot rim as the stems lengthen. Like many Sedum-influenced hybrids it can flower in the warmer months, sending up small clusters of pale, star-shaped blooms, though it is grown chiefly for its foliage colour.
Cultivation
Grow 'Jet Beads' as for the parent genus ×Sedeveria. It wants a free-draining, mostly mineral mix and a bright position; the darkest colour only develops with plenty of direct light, so a sunny windowsill, greenhouse bench or a spot outdoors in the growing season pays off. In too much shade the leaves revert to plain green and the stems stretch and space out (etiolation).
Water thoroughly once the soil has dried out, then let it dry again, easing right off in winter when growth slows. It is not frost-hardy and should be kept above freezing and on the dry side through the cold months. Feed sparingly, if at all, during the growing season. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
'Jet Beads' is very easy to increase, like most of its Sedum kin. Stem cuttings root readily — simply take a length of stem, let the cut end callus for a day or two, and set it on or just into barely moist mix. Individual leaves that drop or are gently twisted off will often strike as well, forming plantlets and roots at the base. Offsets and rooted side-stems can be separated when repotting. See Propagation — cuttings and Propagation — offsets for details.
See also
- ×Sedeveria — the parent hybrid genus overview
- Sedum · Echeveria — the parent genera
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — cuttings · Pests and diseases