The Buttercup Succulent (Sedum adolphii ‘Lime Gold’) features vibrant yellow-green leaves that often turn orange-yellow in ample sunlight. It forms plump, upright rosettes and develops trailing stems, suitable for containers or rock gardens. This succulent is known for its low maintenance.
Buttercup Succulent Care
Light Needs
The Buttercup Succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, ideally around six hours daily. Intense, direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy. Place it near a south or east-facing window indoors or in a spot with morning sun outdoors.
Watering Practices
Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering. During the growing season (spring and summer), watering every 7-10 days may be appropriate. Wrinkled or wilted leaves indicate underwatering, plumping up after watering.
Soil Requirements
The Buttercup Succulent needs a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A specialized cactus and succulent blend is ideal, or amend regular potting mix with mineral grit like perlite or pumice. Containers must have drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
This succulent prefers moderate temperatures, tolerating 32 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 32 degrees Celsius). It is not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors if freezing temperatures are expected. Extreme heat can also impact growth. It prefers low humidity levels, mimicking its native arid environment.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is not always necessary but can encourage faster growth. If fertilizing, do so sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble succulent fertilizer, diluted to half-strength. Apply to the soil around the plant’s base.
Propagating Buttercup Succulents
Propagating Buttercup Succulents is straightforward using leaf or stem cuttings.
Leaf Propagation
To propagate from leaves, select healthy, plump leaves and gently twist them from the plant, ensuring a clean break. Allow the leaves to callus in a dry, shaded area for a few days. This callusing prevents rot when the leaf is placed on soil. Once callused, place them on well-draining succulent potting soil, ensuring contact with the surface. Keep the soil lightly moist by misting, and provide bright, indirect light. Roots typically emerge within a few weeks, followed by tiny “pup” plants.
Stem Propagation
For stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem and cut it cleanly with a sharp blade. Remove lower leaves so the stem can be inserted into the soil. Allow the cutting to callus for three to five days before planting to prevent rot. Plant the callused stem into well-draining succulent soil. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide bright, indirect light until new growth establishes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Buttercup Succulents can encounter a few common problems, often indicated by changes in their appearance.
Etiolation
Etiolation, characterized by a stretched, leggy appearance with widely spaced leaves, results from insufficient light. If your succulent begins to stretch, gradually move it to a location that provides more bright, indirect sunlight. Adjusting its position to receive morning sun can help restore compact growth.
Leaf Discoloration
Leaf discoloration can signal various issues. Yellow, mushy leaves often indicate overwatering and potential root rot. If leaves are yellow but shriveled and dry, it suggests underwatering. Brown spots or browning can be due to sunburn from excessive direct sunlight or, in some cases, underwatering. Adjusting watering frequency and ensuring proper soil drainage addresses most issues, and moving the plant to a spot with less intense sun exposure can help with sunburn.
Pest Infestations
Pest infestations are less common but can occur. Mealybugs and aphids are among the pests that might affect succulents. Mealybugs appear as white, cotton-like masses, while aphids are small, soft-bodied insects. Early detection is helpful; mealybugs can sometimes be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied. Good air circulation can help deter pests.