The “Golden Chin” plant is a popular succulent known for its vibrant foliage and relatively easy care.
About Golden Sedum
The plant commonly known as “Golden Chin” is Sedum adolphii, also called Golden Sedum, Golden Glow Sedum, or Coppertone Stonecrop. Native to Mexico, this perennial succulent thrives in rocky terrain and on cliff faces.
Sedum adolphii forms attractive rosettes of fleshy leaves. These leaves are typically golden-green, growing up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long. When exposed to sufficient sunlight, the tips develop striking golden-orange or reddish hues. This succulent exhibits a spreading or mounding growth habit, reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and spreading up to 24 inches (61 cm) wide, making it suitable for rock gardens, containers, or as groundcover. In late winter to spring, it produces small, lightly fragrant white, star-shaped flowers in flat-topped clusters.
Golden Sedum Care
Light Needs
Golden Sedum thrives in bright, direct sunlight for several hours each day. At least six hours of direct sun exposure daily helps maintain its characteristic golden color and encourages vibrant red tips on its leaves. Indoors, a south-facing window is ideal.
Insufficient light causes etiolation, leading to leggy growth and duller green coloration. While it prefers full sun, intense afternoon sun in very hot climates might necessitate partial shade to prevent leaf scorching. Acclimate the plant gradually when moving it to a brighter spot outdoors.
Watering
Golden Sedum stores water in its fleshy leaves, making it highly drought-tolerant. Water using the “soak and dry” method: thoroughly water until it drains, then allow the soil to dry completely before the next watering.
Ensuring the soil is fully dry between waterings is important to prevent root rot. During winter, when growth slows, reduce watering to about once a month. Watering in the morning is beneficial as it allows the plant to absorb moisture before the day’s heat and reduces the risk of fungal growth.
Soil Requirements
Golden Sedum requires excellent drainage. A well-draining succulent or cactus mix is ideal, mimicking its natural arid environment. Standard potting soil can be amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage and aeration.
The soil pH preference is typically between 6 and 7.5. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Temperature and Humidity
Golden Sedum thrives in warm temperatures, between 59°F to 100°F (15°C to 38°C). As a native of Mexico, it adapts well to warm climates. It is not cold-hardy and can be damaged by frost. While it tolerates temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.7°C) for short periods, move potted plants indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below this.
It has low humidity requirements; misting is not recommended as it can contribute to fungal issues.
How to Propagate Golden Sedum
Propagating Golden Sedum is straightforward, allowing gardeners to easily expand their collection. Both stem and leaf cuttings are highly effective methods, with spring and early summer being ideal during the plant’s active growing season. This plant has a high success rate for propagation.
Stem Cuttings
Select a healthy stem about 3-4 inches long and make a clean cut just below a leaf node using sharp, sterile tools. Allow the severed end to dry and form a callus for a few days in a shaded, dry area; this step helps prevent rot. Once callused, plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining succulent mix, burying the node where the leaves were attached. Place the pot in a bright, indirectly lit spot and water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Roots typically develop within a few weeks.
Leaf Cuttings
Gently twist off healthy leaves from the stem, ensuring the entire leaf detaches cleanly. Lay the detached leaves on a dry paper towel in a shaded area to callus for a couple of days. After callusing, place the leaves on top of well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix in a shallow tray or small pots; burying is not necessary.
Position the tray in a bright, indirectly lit location and water only when the soil is completely dry. Tiny roots and small plantlets, often called “pups,” will emerge within a few weeks. Once the pups have grown and the mother leaf has withered, they can be gently separated and potted individually.
Common Problems and Solutions
Golden Sedum is generally resilient, but issues often stem from improper care.
Overwatering and Root Rot
Overwatering frequently leads to root rot. Symptoms include mushy stems or leaves, and the plant may appear to be wilting despite being watered. The solution involves adjusting watering practices to the “soak and dry” method and ensuring the plant is in well-draining soil. If root rot is severe, remove affected parts and repot in fresh, dry soil or propagate healthy cuttings.
Etiolation (Stretching) and Color Loss
Etiolation occurs when the plant does not receive enough light, causing stems to become elongated and sparse, and leaves to turn a duller green. A lack of characteristic golden or reddish coloration also indicates insufficient light, as strong sunlight is needed for vibrant hues. To remedy this, move the plant to a brighter location where it receives ample direct sunlight, ideally 6 hours daily. Leggy growth can be pruned, and the cuttings used for propagation to create a more compact plant.
Pests
Golden Sedum can be affected by common succulent pests such as mealybugs and aphids. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cotton-like masses, while aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects. These pests feed on plant sap, potentially causing distorted growth or yellowing leaves. Treatment involves using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or dislodging them with a strong jet of water. For mealybugs, a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can also be effective for direct removal.