The Sedum adolphii, also known as Golden Sedum or Golden Glow Sedum, is a succulent with vibrant foliage. It forms miniature rosettes of golden-green, football-shaped leaves up to 1.4 inches. Bright sunlight brings out striking orange-red highlights on the leaf tips. This fast-growing succulent is suitable for hanging baskets, rock gardens, or as a houseplant.
Adolphii Succulent Care
Light
Adequate light is essential for Sedum adolphii to maintain its vivid colors and compact growth. This succulent thrives in bright, direct sunlight, ideally receiving at least six hours daily. Insufficient light causes leaves to become greener, losing their golden-orange hue. Indoors, a south-facing window is suitable; outdoors, a spot with good afternoon sun exposure is beneficial.
Watering
Water Sedum adolphii using the “soak and dry” method. Water thoroughly until drainage occurs, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. Overwatering leads to root rot, as the plant’s thick leaves and stems store water. Check soil moisture by feeling the top 1-2 inches for dryness, and reduce frequency during cooler months or winter dormancy.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential for Sedum adolphii to prevent waterlogging. Use a specialized succulent or cactus potting mix, or create a homemade blend with two parts potting soil, two parts coarse sand, and one part perlite or crushed charcoal. Gritty materials like pumice or perlite (50% to 70% of the mix) enhance drainage and aeration. Terracotta pots also help absorb excess soil moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Sedum adolphii prefers warm temperatures, ideally 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It tolerates brief cooler periods but is not cold-hardy; protect it from frost, especially below 20°F (-6.7°C). In cold winter regions, keep it in a container that can be moved indoors. This succulent prefers low humidity, consistent with its native Mexican habitat.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Sedum adolphii sparingly, as they are not heavy feeders. A light application of a balanced, diluted succulent-specific fertilizer is sufficient during its active growing season in spring and summer. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, potentially leading to weak or floppy growth.
Propagating Adolphii Succulents
Propagating Sedum adolphii is simple, allowing you to create new plants from existing ones. Both stem and leaf cuttings are effective. Spring and early summer, during the plant’s active growing season, are the most suitable times for propagation.
Leaf Cuttings
For leaf cuttings, select a firm, healthy leaf and gently twist it from the main stem, ensuring a clean detachment. Place detached leaves on a dry paper towel in a shaded area for several days to allow the cut end to callus. This callusing prevents rot when planted. Once callused, lay the leaves on well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix and water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Tiny roots and new plantlets, often called “pups,” emerge within a few weeks.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings offer a quicker way to establish a larger plant. Choose a healthy stem 3-4 inches long and make a clean cut below a leaf node using a sharp, sterile knife or scissors. Like leaf cuttings, allow the stem to callus for a few days in a dry, shaded spot. After callusing, plant the cutting about 3 inches deep into moist, well-draining soil. Place the newly planted cutting in a well-lit spot; roots develop within a few weeks, leading to new growth.
Common Issues and Solutions
Sedum adolphii is a robust succulent, but environmental factors can lead to common problems. Stretched or leggy growth occurs when the plant does not receive enough light. Move the plant to a brighter location with more direct sunlight to encourage compact growth and vibrant coloring.
Mushy or rotting leaves indicate overwatering. If leaves become soft and discolored, reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to dry completely. Check for root rot by inspecting roots for brown, mushy sections; repotting in fresh, well-draining soil may be necessary in severe cases. Conversely, shriveled or wrinkled leaves signal underwatering. A deep watering will rehydrate the plant and plump up the leaves.
Common pests affecting Sedum adolphii include mealybugs and aphids. These pests feed on plant sap; mealybugs leave a white, cotton-like substance. Treatment methods include using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs or spraying with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil. Good air circulation and regular inspection help prevent and manage infestations.