The “Pork and Beans” succulent (Sedum rubrotinctum) is known for its distinctive appearance. Its common name describes its green, plump, jelly-bean-like leaves, which develop striking red or bronze tips with ample sunlight. This easy-to-care-for succulent is popular for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Pork and Beans Succulent Care
Providing the right environment ensures the health and characteristic coloration of your Pork and Beans succulent.
Light
For its iconic red-tipped leaves, the Pork and Beans succulent requires bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. Insufficient light causes etiolation, resulting in a leggy appearance and dull green coloration without red hues. In extremely hot climates, intense afternoon sun may necessitate partial shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Water
The “soak and dry” method is ideal for watering this succulent: thoroughly water the soil until it drains, then allow it to dry completely before the next watering. This drought-tolerant plant stores water in its leaves, making it more susceptible to root rot from overwatering. During its active growing season in spring and summer, water more frequently; in fall and winter, water sparingly.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential for the health of your Pork and Beans succulent. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is recommended. Incorporating perlite, pumice, or coarse sand into regular potting soil enhances drainage and aeration.
Temperature and Humidity
Pork and Beans succulents thrive in average to warm room temperatures, generally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). They are not cold hardy and should be protected from frost, especially below 20°F (-6.7°C). In colder climates, grow them in containers that can be moved indoors during winter. Average indoor humidity is sufficient.
Fertilizing
Pork and Beans succulents require minimal fertilization. If fertilizing, apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season in spring and summer. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth.
Propagating Pork and Beans Succulent
Propagating new Pork and Beans succulents is a straightforward process. Both leaf and stem cuttings are viable methods.
To propagate from a leaf, gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring a clean pull. For stem cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or scissors to remove a section of the stem, typically 3 to 6 inches long.
After taking a cutting, allow it to “callus” by letting it dry for a few days to a week. This forms a protective layer, preventing rot. Once callused, place the leaf or insert the stem cutting into well-draining succulent soil. Roots typically form in a few weeks; then, lightly water when the soil dries.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Pork and Beans succulents can sometimes face issues, but most common problems have straightforward solutions. Recognizing the signs allows for timely intervention.
Etiolation, characterized by a stretched, pale appearance with increased spacing between leaves, indicates insufficient light. To correct this, gradually move your succulent to a location that receives more bright, direct sunlight. While the stretched growth will not revert, new growth will be compact and colorful.
Mushy or rotting leaves and stems are typically a sign of overwatering and root rot. If you observe these symptoms, immediately stop watering and ensure the plant is in extremely well-draining soil with adequate drainage holes. In severe cases, you may need to unpot the plant, trim away any rotted sections, allow the healthy parts to dry, and then repot in fresh, dry succulent mix.
Shriveled or wrinkled leaves usually signal underwatering. While these succulents are drought-tolerant, prolonged dryness will cause their leaves to lose plumpness. Increase your watering frequency, ensuring you thoroughly soak the soil each time and then allow it to dry completely before the next watering.
A lack of the characteristic red coloration on the leaf tips indicates that the plant is not receiving enough sunlight. The red pigmentation develops as a natural protective response to sun exposure. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more direct sun will encourage the leaves to develop their vibrant red or bronze hues.