The Dragonfire Plant, with its vibrant red foliage, offers striking visual appeal in various garden settings. This resilient succulent is a popular ornamental choice, combining beauty with ease of care. Its spreading nature makes it an excellent groundcover or rock garden accent.
Understanding the Dragonfire Plant
The Dragonfire Plant is botanically identified as Phedimus spurius ‘Dragon’s Blood’, formerly Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’. This succulent cultivar forms a dense, mat-like groundcover, typically reaching 4 to 6 inches tall and spreading up to 18 inches wide.
Its small, fleshy leaves are apple-green with burgundy edges in spring, deepening to bronze-red or wine-red with ample sunlight. In mid to late summer, star-shaped pink to ruby-red flowers emerge. Native to the Caucasian region, this hardy plant thrives in USDA Zones 3 to 9.
Dragonfire Plant Care
Light
Dragonfire Plants thrive in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, to achieve their most intense red coloration. While they can tolerate partial shade (four to six hours of direct sun), less light results in greener foliage. For indoor cultivation, place the plant near a south-facing window or use grow lights.
Water
As a succulent, the Dragonfire Plant is highly drought-tolerant, storing water in its fleshy leaves. Use a “soak and dry” approach, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Water every one to two weeks, reducing to about once a month during winter dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so proper drainage is paramount.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial for Dragonfire Plants. An ideal mix is gritty and can range from poor to moderately fertile. Use a pre-made succulent/cactus potting mix, or create your own by combining standard potting soil with coarse sand, perlite, or pumice for enhanced drainage. For outdoor planting, amend heavy soil with sand and perlite.
Temperature and Humidity
Dragonfire Plants are hardy and tolerate a broad range of temperatures. They prefer 60°F to 75°F but can tolerate cooler conditions down to 40°F; freezing temperatures are harmful. These succulents prefer dry air, so good air circulation is beneficial, especially indoors.
Fertilizer
Dragonfire Plants require minimal fertilization. If growth appears sluggish, apply a diluted, balanced water-soluble fertilizer once a year in spring during the active growing season. Dilute to half strength to prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to weak, stretched growth or harm the plant. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Propagating Dragonfire Plants
Propagating Dragonfire Plants is straightforward, commonly achieved through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, select healthy stems about 3 to 4 inches long. Allow them to “callous” or dry for a few days before planting in well-draining soil, then water sparingly until new roots develop. This callousing prevents rot.
For division, carefully remove the entire plant clump. Gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each has roots and stems. Replant divisions in appropriate well-draining soil, watering lightly and keeping them in a slightly shaded area until established. The plant’s ability to root at its nodes also facilitates natural propagation.
Common Dragonfire Plant Issues
A lack of vibrant red color indicates insufficient light, as intense sunlight is necessary for deep red hues. Move the plant to a brighter location, such as a south-facing window or an area with more direct sun.
Mushy or rotting stems and leaves signal overwatering or poor drainage. Reduce watering frequency and ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, often points to inadequate light. Provide more intense sunlight for compact growth.
While generally pest-resistant, Dragonfire Plants can occasionally attract aphids or mealybugs. These can be managed with organic methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil if an infestation occurs.